We Are Hiring: China's Luxury Market Generates Yacht Careers

China is the one of the world's largest consumers of luxury brands and products.

The top 2% of China's population account for approximately 33% of the world's luxury consumption. Although China has been producing a growing list of new millionaires, the trend has slowed somewhat.

A.T. Kearney, a global management consulting firm, says that the country’s importance to luxury is likely to grow in the next three to five years as China creates more wealthy consumers.

The company said that brands such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci are leading the charge into China and now earn about a third of their global sales from Chinese customers. Add to that all of the Chinese who purchase luxury products overseas from Gucci bags in Paris and Bulgari bracelets in Manhattan—and the importance of China grows even more.

The report said that many luxury retailers are now accepting China UnionPay credit cards and are training their sales staff to speak Mandarin.

What does this mean for jobs in the yacht services industry?

Yachts are considered as floating hotels, adding to the fact, more wealthy Chinese citizens acquire personal and corporate yachts.

Captains and crew members are not only wanted, they are a requirement by law. A boat that is longer than 55 feet requires a captain, and boats longer than 100 feet need crews.

 Vincenzo Poerio, chief executive of Italian yacht maker Azimut Benetti Group, said in a recent interview, “Think of it like a floating hotel, you need staff that can create the lifestyle and the luxury.”

Considering these requirements, and the hope that Azimut Benetti Group will sell four to five new yachts to the Chinese this year, the company is inaugurating  master classes, as is Sunseeker International, LTD.

Both companies are binging in captains from Asia and other parts of the world for special training when they service Chinese yacht owners. Primarily, classes center lessons in regards to concierge services, navigating in Chinese marinas and planning special events.

With yacht purchases increasing in the Chinese wealth toys market, job seekers in these fields are in demand.

Chinese yacht buyers will seek persons from Australia, France, and Italy when Chinese service crews cannot fill the demand for workers aboard their boats.

Evidently the Chinese believe, hiring workers from these areas adds distinction and prestige when owning a yacht

Benetti’s Mr. Poerio said. “Chinese want workers who will stick around.” Loyalty is an important aspect of recruiting yacht industry personnel.

 Simpson Marine, an Asia-based yacht dealer, Sunseeker International, LTD, a United Kingdom firm, Azimut Benetti Group, Italian yacht builder, and China’s Hainan Airlines Co. offer either training, recruitment or employment for the Chinese Market.

Website Links:

Azimut Benetti Group: http://www.azimutyachts.com/azimut-benetti-group.html

Sunseeker International, LTD: http://www.sunseeker.com/en/recruitment

Simpson Marine:  http://www.simpsonmarine.com/en/misc/recruitment.aspx

Hainan Airlines Co.: 工作机会 : http://global.hnair.com/cn/classlist.php?bo=bottom/career.html

AeroNautica Logistics, LLC - Job Placement for Qualified Personnel: www.AeroNauticaLLC.com

Joshua James: "I said, God if you can hear me, crash this train."

Joshua James was raised in Nebraska, later he made Utah his home, in a place his named Williamette Mountain, after coming to him in a dream. Ironically, he made his way some time later to Williamette Valley (Mountain Williamette), located about 70 miles east of Eugene, Oregon and home base of producer Richard Swift.

He sought the quiet life, however do not confuse him as being reclusive. He has toured across America, the UK, Romania and Japan performing before audiences with a mix of Americana, folk, and rock.

In Utah, he raises chickens, goats and his own vegetables, a fairly self-sufficient individual and song-writer. It is possible his surroundings and solitude influence his song-writing, not to mention his take on world events. Crash This Train is politically charged.

In his bio posted on his website, these words, in short sums up Joshua James and his message,  "He doesn’t so much perform these songs, as he does let them possess him, allowing his voice to be throttled from a husky whisper to a full-bodied roar."

Song Title: Crash This Train
Artist: Joshua James
Album: Crash This Train / The Garden EP


[I] hope you find what you're lookin' for
when it all comes runnin' down.
[I] hope you find it painted black on your window,
or the lips of your lover's frown.
'Cause if it dies in cold, when the clouds start to roll,
is it then that your soul, starts to bleed?

Have you ever seen the President
who killed your wounded child?
Or the man that crashed your sister's plane
claimin' he was sent of God?
And when she died in your arms,
late that night in the dark,
did you pray to your God to come home?
'Cause it ain't fair to say, that these tracks are the same.

So God if you can hear me, crash this train.
I said, God if you can hear me, crash this train.

Now a note to the President, and the Government,
and the judges of this place.
We're still waitin' for you to bring our troops home,
[and] clean up that mess you made.
'Cause it smells of blood, money and oil across the Iraqi land.
But it seems so easy here to blind us with your "United We Stand".

And it ain't hard to see that this Country ain't free.

So God if you can hear me, crash this train.
I said, God if you can hear me, crash this train.

To the mothers and to the fathers who done the best they could.
'Cause raisin' youngins in a messed up world, it ain't so understood.
So I'll cover my ears, and my eyes, pretend [that] love's the same.
'Cause with one court's signature, it all becomes erased.

It ain't hard to tell,
when it's love that we sell.

So God if you can hear me, crash this train.
I said, God if you can hear me, crash this train.
I said, God if you can hear me, crash this train.
I said, my God, if you can hear me, crash this train.

 

Article by S. Rothe' du Bois

Pepsi or Coke Sexy? The Sweet, Sassy and the Staunch - Are You Sold?

One of the most popular sexy soda commercials appears to be Beyonce' "Mirrors" and Pepsi released April 4, 2013 already has over 12.3 Million video views, does sexy truly sell? Although comments from viewers state that because of these commercials, they have switched from one brand to the other.

Does this mean taste of product is not the sale, and its about the sex or the person performing in these sultry, sweat dripping ads?


With over 19.5 Million video views and still counting after its release, November 2011, did the Britney Spears, Beyonce' and Pink rendition of "We Will Rock You" sexy Roman Gladiator style Pepsi advertisement incite a rush of new and old Pepsi buyers upon its release?

Let us examine Coca Cola's 2013 Diet Coke video advertisement featuring a man rather than women. The man being British model Andrew Cooper. This is not the first male sexy advertisement for Diet Coke. In 1994 Coca Cola placed Marc Jacobs in a shirtless advertisement. Although remembered as the 11:30 A.M. view for women working in an office.

This time, the subject is gardener, soaked by an upward spray of diet soda from waist level.  Andrews reveals his washboard abs. With 1.7 Million views since its January 27, 2013, will this entice more buyers of the brand? Not only is the advertisement celebrating the 30th anniversary of Diet Coke, it is aimed at women, conveying dieting is sexy, a hot body can be obtained by drinking the brand.

To make it easier for you decide whether people, especially younger males and females, will buy either of these brands for their taste or the sex, in a study of Sex in Advertising, University of Georgia researcher Tom Reichert concluded, "Sex sells because it attracts attention.

People are hard wired to notice sexually relevant information so ads with sexual content get noticed." Ads are becoming more erotic, a reflection of the changing sexual attitudes in our society. "It takes more explicitness to grab our attention and arouse us than before," Reichert says.

"Sex. Sex. Sex. It’s everywhere. It’s on the TV, in ads, on the internet and even on smart phones," declares writer Michelle Adams referring to the increase in sexually provocative ads pervading the airwaves today. 

Advertisers like Coke and others are hoping to capture the attention of Millennials (Generation Y) who appear to have fewer inhibitions and hangups about sexual content than previous generations.

Be honest with yourself, did either of ads work for you?

Contributing editor S. Rothe' du Bois

Tricycle Motor Manufacturing Shutdown Will Cause Adverse Economic Effect

The loss of manufacturing plants in America continues to threaten the U.S. economy, as a result of  unfavorable government regulations, restrictions and tax law. An interminable crisis affecting workers, tax revenue and our economy confluence looms. 

In addition to the loss of manufacturing is another "manufacturing" crisis.

The future of the United States economy is further threatened by reduced birth rates. Upon the onset of the recession of 2008 birth rates slumped to their lowest level since the 1920s. Naturally, this is a double whammy, so to speak.

The general populous may believe low birth rates, especially births among those citizens in lower income levels, would benefit the strain on the U.S. economy. Considering more government assistance and social programs would be required to sustain new births, the myth builds steam. However, the opposite is true as Baby Boomers age, nearing retirement. A confluence of low births and loss of jobs will adversely harm future America.

Over 78 million Baby Boomers are beginning to retire, the oldest of the Boomers have reached 67 this year. USA Today reports, "The recent decline, fueled largely by a deep recession and slower immigration, has pushed the U.S. fertility rate below the 2.1 "replacement level'' — the number of children women are expected to have in their lifetime if current rates continue and the number needed to keep the population stable
.
The slowdown is worrisome to many because of the growing gap between working-age populations that fund social programs and the elderly who rely on them.

In a study conducted by the University of Southern California, in 2010, a total of 9,295,040 children under the age of 18 resided in California.

The percentage of the state's population that comprises children has been declining markedly since at least 1970 and is projected to continue falling in coming decades.

Between 2010 and 2040 the senior ratio will rise dramatically, according to every forecast. After remaining constant since 1970 at 20 or 21 seniors per 100 working age adults, the ratio rises in California to 28 in 2020, and then to 36 a decade later.

California's most valuable asset for a flourishing future is its children. After decades of burgeoning population and economic growth, however, the state now faces a very different prospect. 

This report provides a summary of California's demographics based on the most recent census data, and finds that dramatic changes are under way among California's children. 

Growth trends have shifted and children's life circumstances have been altered in significant ways. The most salient finding is that children have been declining in number, concentrating initially under age 10 but now spreading to all those under age 18.

The study concludes this is affecting the United States as a whole, not only the State of California. "Racial and ethnic diversity is well established among California’s children, foreshadowing what is

expected for the nation as a whole in coming decades.

Read the full report here:  http://www.kidsdata.org/childpop/childpop-report_01-03-13.pdf

The imbalance between children and retirees is growing. The economic burden on a child born in 2015 will be nearly twice that of a child born in 1985, according to the USC study.

Dowell Myers, a demographer for the University of Southern California predicts, "a drop off in taxpayers, more people selling homes, fewer people buying homes. One of the most important strategies is invest in the younger generation, the human capital," Myers says. "We can actually survive with fewer kids but we need to bring them along ... At the end of the decade, when Baby Boomer retirement hits us really hard, at that point we'll be begging for workers."

Although Myers says we will be begging for workers, where will those workers hold jobs if our decline of manufacturing and exporting of goods continues a downward spiral? If an increased population creates a greater ratio of individuals with innovative ideas and creativity, then using that reasoning, an increase of children born in this Country is one of our best investments.

Therefore, other events must occur, bring manufacturing back to the United States, narrow the trade deficit with other countries, largely China and encourage tricycle motor manufacturing among families.

Contributing Editor: S. Rothe' du Bois

The Jetsons Have Finally Arrived! First Flying Cars Available 2015 - Terrafugia Announces Transition Design

Yes, the day has arrived! The infamous cartoon show, The Jetsons is now reality. You, the consumer can reserve yours now.

The first flying cars are set to go on sale to the public as early as 2015. Terrafugia has announced its Transition design, which is part sedan, part private jet with two seats, four wheels and wings that fold up so it can be driven like a car, will be on sale in less than two years. 

The Massachusetts-based firm has also unveiled plans for a TF-X model that will be small enough to fit in a garage, and won’t need a runway to take off. 

Terrafugia Shares TF-X™ Vision
 
Terrafugia Inc., the developer of the Transition® street-legal airplane, announced its vision for the future of personal transportation. Building on its experience with the Transition® program, Terrafugia has begun feasibility studies of a four-seat, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) plug-in hybrid-electric flying car, the TF-X™. Incorporating the state-of-the-art in intelligent systems, fly by wire controls, and currently available technology, the TF-X™ will further increase the level of safety, simplicity, and convenience of personal aviation.

“This is the right time for us to begin thinking about the future of the company beyond Transition® development,” says Terrafugia CEO/CTO Carl Dietrich, “We are passionate about continuing to lead the creation of a flying car industry and are dedicating resources to lay the foundations for our vision of personal transportation.”

Terrafugia’s design team is excited to be looking ahead to TF-X™ development activities as the Transition® program shifts from research and development to certification, production, and customer support activities. The Transition® serves as a Proof of Process for TF-X™ development and commercialization through the many technical, regulatory, and usage challenges it has overcome.

By directly addressing congestion and other transportation challenges currently being faced internationally, widespread adoption of vehicles like the Transition® and TF-X™ could result in significant economic benefits and personal time savings. Preliminary conversations with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about the TF-X™ concept have demonstrated their willingness to consider innovative technologies and regulatory solutions that are in the public interest and enhance the level of safety of personal aviation. Terrafugia is excited to be nearing production of the Transition® and continuing to push the envelope of personal transportation. 

 

Dietrich adds, “Terrafugia is about increasing the level of safety, simplicity, and convenience of aviation. TF-X™ is an opportunity to provide the world with a new dimension of personal freedom!” Terrafugia (terra-FOO-gee-ah), based in Woburn, MA, is a growing aerospace company founded by pilot-engineers from MIT and supported by a world-class network of advisors and investors. The company name is Latin for “escape the earth.” Terrafugia’s mission is to build practical flying cars. More information is available at www.DrivenToFly.com

AOL Autos TRANSLOGIC joined the Terrafugia team to cover the first public demonstration flight of the Transition® at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI on July 31, 2013. Their piece really shows what it was like to be there and includes interviews with both Carl Dietrich (Terrafugia's CEO/CTO and co-founder) and Sam Schweighart (Technical Fellow and co-founder).

Will you be the first in your community to purchase one? To learn more or even reserve yours visit: http://www.terrafugia.com

Mind Over Matter: Princeton & Russian Scientist Reveal The Secrets of Human Aura & Intentions

September 5, 2013
 by Joe Martino

A Russian scientist has been studying the human energy field and is claiming that people can change the world simply by using their own energy. While this idea is not new, not too many have taken the time to scientifically go about proving such ideas -although the field of quantum physics has shed some powerful light on the topic over the years.

Dr. Konstantin Korotkov, professor of physics at St. Petersburg State Technical University, states that when we think positive and negative thoughts, each have a different impact on our surrounding environment.

“We are developing the idea that our consciousness is part of the material world and that with our consciousness we can directly influence our world,” said Dr. Konstantin Korotkov.

We cannot see energy very easily with the human eye and thus the world of unseen energy can be difficult for the mind to grasp without scientific measurements to verify what is taking place. Perhaps this is why the study of consciousness affecting our reality has been virtually untouched for so long.

To help create a bridge between our physical and unseen world, scientific experiments using a technique called bioelectrophotography are being carried out. In these experiments, an assumption must be made that states the human body and consciousness is constantly emitting energy. Following this assumption, Bioelectrophotography aims to capture these energy fields seen as a light around the body. In the metaphysical world this energy emission is known as a person’s aura, while in the scientific field, it is often refereed to as our energy field.



Princeton Research 

Dr. Korotkov is not the only one studying the affects of the human mind, thoughts and energy on our surrounding environment. The Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research (PEAR) Laboratory has also been trying to wrap their heads around the subject and have concluded that the mind does in fact have a subtle capacity to influence the output of devices known as Random Event Generators (REGs).

A project that initially started when a student was curious to study the effects of the human mind and intention on the surrounding environment, turned into a rigorous testing lab where Dr. Robert Jahn and his lab assistant spent many hours experimenting to determine whether or not the mind has an affect on our physical world. See more at: Collective Evolution

16 Year Old Activist, Malala Yousafzai was Shot by Taliban for Speaking Out about Girls’ Education Rights

Malala Yousafzai, a 16 year old girl's education activist appeared on the Jon Stewart show to tell her story of courage and determination.

Malala was shot by a Taliban member for speaking out about education rights for girls around the world, not only in her Country. The usual sardonic Jon Stewart was so astounded by Malala's story, his jaw dropped.

According to a report by the Huffington Post, the Nobel Peace Prize nominee said that when she learned she was a target while living in Pakistan, she often thought about how she would react if she found herself face-to-face with a terrorist.

At first, she thought she would fight back. But then she realized, she could not stoop to his level.

Malala spoke these words, “If you hit a Talib, then there would be no difference between you and the Talib,” she said. “You must not treat others with cruelty…You must fight others through peace and through dialogue and through education.”

Jon Stewart offered her this by saying, “I know your father is backstage and he’s very proud of you,” Stewart said. “But would he be mad if I adopted you?”

You have an opportunity to support Malala and her pursuit of education rights by contributing to the Malala Fund.

Watch the brief segment from The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

Free Money Minimum $50 and Up to $500

By Stefan du Bois
Emerging Magazine

You may or may not know that last year Capital One took over ING Direct. They offer free online checking accounts. I started with ING Direct in 2010 as an Orange Saver, then opened a free checking account at the same time I opened a Sharebuilder (Investment Account).

At the time ING Direct gave $25 for each account I opened then. I even opened a Custodial Account for my granddaughter and two IRAs. Then, last year Capital One took over ING Direct and since then, give $50 to open an account.

My daughter opened an account and has received her $50. I am grateful for the additional $25 deposits I received, however doubling for myself would have been an added treat. Fortunately, you have the opportunity for the $50 cash bonus!

It is simple to open your account. Here is the link to see for yourself: Capital One Free $50 Offer

If you are an investor, $6.95 trade commissions aren't bad either. $4.95 a trade if you make automatic investments.

Anyway, open a checking account and receive your $50!

Click here to check into Free Checking and receive $50: Capital One 360 Free Checking

The American Failure wins Best Director for Ameenah Kaplan and Said Faraj

The recent win is one of many awards for the dramatic thriller starring Said Faraj

Hot on the heels of its recent wins at the Movieville International Film Festival in Sarasota, FL, and the Action On Film International Film Festival in Pasadena, CA, the film The American Failure takes home the coveted Best Director Short Film prize at the recent New York International Film Festival—L.A. Edition for director Ameenah Kaplan and co-director Said Faraj.

The American Failure follows L.A. attorney Carlos Elias, portrayed by Faraj, as a tormented man who is on the run from both a ruthless drug cartel and the law after extorting millions of dollars. It also stars Hakeen Kae-Kazim, Dan Thiel, Adrienne Wilkinson and Chriss Anglin.

Director and actress Ameenah Kaplan is widely known for her recurring role in NBC’s The Office where she portrayed Val, the love interest of Darryl (played by Craig Robinson). Other credits include Grey’s Anatomy; Law & Order: LA; Harry’s Law; Heroes; and more.

Co-director and actor Said Faraj has appeared alongside Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear in Green Zone; with Annette Bening, Denzel Washington, and Bruce Willis in  The Siege; Rob Lowe and James Spader in Bad Influence; and in many other notable films. He has also been featured on popular TV series such as NCIS: Los Angeles; 24; The Unit; Bones; etc.


     

ONE Members Will Not Be Bullied By Big Oil

ONE.org

Right now, some very big oil companies are fighting to hold onto some very rich secrets.


But ONE members won't be bullied by Big Oil. Add your name with just one click.

Big companies pay big money to governments in Africa to extract its vast reserves of natural resources - and yet so many Africans live in extreme poverty because the money often goes missing. In 2010, Congress passed a very excellent bill that said if you're an oil and gas company and you make a deal, you have to publish what you pay. Then the Securities and Exchange Commission officially approved the rule. (In fact, when they finally did release the rule - they even cited actions taken by ONE members as a factor in their decision.) It was an extraordinary moment in the fight against corruption.

But the oil companies sued the SEC to block this law - and they've stopped it in its tracks.

Now, I'm not a cranky anti-corporate critic here. Some of these companies are doing amazing work in the fight against AIDS and malaria. But you can't give alms to the poor on one level and have your hands on their throats on another.

Activists in Africa are being thrown in jail, having their lives threatened for fighting against this corruption. In the US, the oil lobby should be standing up with these brave activists, not fighting against laws that would empower them.

28 European countries have now passed similar laws. Canada is doing it. It's a transparency revolution. Citizens in resource-rich countries around the world want to know - deserve to know - where their money is going and how it's being spent.

Tell the SEC to reissue their rule and not be bullied by Big Oil.

Bono

Halloween Cupcake Ideas - Brain Cakes

This is certainly an intriguing idea for keeping with the Halloween ideal. Cupcakes that look like brains. great idea, especially for those Zombie fans you have in your home or neighborhood.

They are really simple to make. 

Makes approximately 14-18 cupcakes

Photo Credit: Eric Staudenmaier

Ingredients

• Pink or white paper cupcake liners
• 1 recipe batter for Red Velvet Cupcakes
• 1 recipe Vanilla Butter Cream Frosting
• Red and black food coloring
• Pastry bag and large round tip

Preparation

1. Line cupcake tins with the liners. Fill the cupcake liners two-thirds full with the batter and bake the cupcakes as directed in the recipe .

2. Mix a drop of red and black food coloring into the frosting to make it a pinkish gray brain color.

3. Using the pastry bag, pipe the frosting in a squiggly pile on half of each cupcake top (brains have two hemispheres, you know). Now pipe the frosting in a squiggly pile on the other half of the cupcake top.

Read More http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/holidays/halloween/partiesforkids/recipes/food/views/Brain-Cupcakes-232941#ixzz2hLxLv3Ja

Halloween Finger Treats for Everyone

Here is a special Halloween Treat that is certain to thrill little holiday ghouls and goblins.

Makes about 50 fingers. 

Finger cookies are usually found in sets of five. If you think they look weird, you should see the cookie person to whom these fingers belonged.

Photo Credit: Eric Staudenmaier

Ingredients

Cookie Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tablepoons Icing Glue (see below)

Icing Glue Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon water

Preparation

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.

2. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract and mix well.

3. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt and beat until completely mixed.

4. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

5. Preheat the oven to 325°F.

6. With your hands, roll a heaping tablespoon of dough into a finger shape for each cookie. If the dough gets sticky and hard to work with, put it back in the refrigerator for a little while. Place fingers on an ungreased cookie sheet about 3 inches apart.

7. Use a butter knife to make knuckle marks on the finger cookies. Slightly flatten the front of the finger to create a nail.

8. Bake 20-25 minutes, until fingers are slightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool. Meanwhile, prepare the Icing Glue. Mix together powdered sugar and water in a small bowl until the consistency is similar to that of a paste.

9. Attach almond slice fingernails to the tips of the fingers with Icing Glue. Let glue dry for about 30 minutes.

Read More http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/holidays/halloween/partiesforkids/recipes/food/views/Finger-Cookies-232939#ixzz2hLrV9qPU

Berlusconi's girlfriend says she saved him from hangers-on

(Reuters)

Silvio Berlusconi lived in chaos, taken advantage of by hangers-on and vastly overpaid for groceries, his girlfriend said in the latest interview about her relationship with the politician 49 years her senior.

As the political fortunes of the four-times Italian prime minister appear to be waning, his relationship with Francesca Pascale, 28, is gaining ever more publicity in the Italian media where the 77-year-old made his fortune.

Pascale, who caught Berlusconi's eye when she founded a fan club called "We Miss You Silvio", appeared with him on the cover of Italian Vanity Fair last month and divulged fresh details of their life together to another magazine this week.

She said she discovered an "unacceptable" mess when she moved into his mansion with her poodle Dudu earlier this year.

"Many people were taking advantage of him," Pascale told Italian weekly Oggi.

"I had to intervene. They were paying 80 euros ($110) a kilo for string beans, can you believe it? Huge crates of fish were being delivered to the house when everyone knows the president doesn't eat fish, he even hates the smell."

The Berlusconi family has an estimated wealth of $6.2 billion, according to Forbes, including television empire Mediaset, a publishing house and football club AC Milan.

But the center-right leader's political future is in doubt due to a tax fraud conviction that could see him evicted from parliament.

Press reports have told of how Pascale ruled Berlusconi's Rome residence with an iron fist as it became the focus of political turbulence last week, when he threatened to bring down the government.

"The truth is that I have my head screwed on, I say what I think, I sort things out and he likes it," said Pascale, who hopes to marry the media mogul once his divorce from second wife Veronica Lario is finalized.

The interviews appear to be in part aimed at changing Berlusconi's public image, damaged by reports of "bunga bunga" sex parties at his villas and giving expensive gifts to a series of glamorous young women.

Berlusconi's lawyers are expected to ask this week that he serve his one-year tax fraud sentence doing community service. He is appealing other convictions including paying for sex with a minor.

(Reporting by Naomi O'Leary; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)

Scientific Freedom and Cross-Border Cooperation Underlie Core Human Right

AAAS
Ginger Pinholster

30 July 2013

A poor, rural village seeking a safe source of drinking water might first need the Internet in order to promote the free exchange of scientific information, one human-rights expert contended 11 July during a meeting of the AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition.

Researchers must be able to freely exchange information, often across borders, to help uphold everyone's right to enjoy the benefits of science, said Frank William La Rue, United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. All human rights are interrelated, said La Rue, founder of the Center for Legal Action for Human Rights: After all, he noted, people cannot enjoy the benefits of potable water unless scientists can study how best to purify it. Such efforts require unencumbered scientific freedom of expression.

La Rue's comments were offered as part of a panel discussion on the relationship between international research cooperation and Article 15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which guarantees everyone the right to enjoy "the benefits of scientific progress and its applications."

His remarks echoed comments offered by Michael H. Posner, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, during an October 2012 event at AAAS. The right to share in scientific advancement and its benefits "simply cannot be realized without the climate of free expression that is essential to the unfettered thinking that produces scientific advancement in the first place," Posner's written remarks for that event stated.

Posner was addressing Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which preceded Article 15 and has been fully embraced by the United States. Article 27 ensures everyone's right "to share in scientific advancement and its benefits."

In contrast, the international covenant that includes Article 15, adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 1966 and ratified by 160 governments, has been signed but not yet ratified by the United States. However, La Rue's co-panelist E. William Colglazier, science and technology advisor to the U.S. Secretary of State, said that the United States, "as a policy matter," does uphold the "values and principles" of Article 15 — "envisioning a world that promotes the ability of everyone to share in scientific advancement and its benefits."

Colglazier, a former AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow, expressed strong support for advancing scientific benefits worldwide. "I drank the Kool-Aid on the benefits of science and technology a long time ago," Colglazier joked, while also reviewing the serious role that science can play in advancing diplomacy and economic progress. At the State Department, Colglazier said, his office has worked to ease regulatory hurdles, such as lengthy visa application procedures for foreign scientists, which can inhibit international research cooperation. Finding solutions to global challenges such as disease threats, insufficient food supplies and climate change will require international research cooperation, he noted.

He cited a number of U.S.-supported programs that help promote productive international scientific cooperation. Those efforts include, as only a few examples, the Science Technology Innovation Expert Partnership, which links U.S. researchers with foreign audiences; the NeXXt Scholars Program, an effort to help young women from Muslim-majority countries as well as the United States to pursue undergraduate science-related degrees from U.S. women's colleges; and LAUNCH, which supports innovative approaches to global sustainability challenges.

Another panelist, Herman Winick, a retired physicist with the Stanford University Department of Applied Physics, now focuses on supporting the Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME), a joint effort involving nine countries. The particle accelerator, under construction in Jordan, illustrates how national security concerns can be appropriately managed to promote multi-national research goals, he said.

Colglazier noted that the United States must remain alert to the risk of new threats and security challenges. But, he added: "The United States has much to gain from global scientific engagement and from helping to develop more knowledge- and innovation-based societies around the world. Since knowledge is not a zero-sum game, all boats rise with the tide."

The AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition has been working since 2009 to engage scientists and engineers in defining and advancing Article 15. In a 14 June 2013 article in Science, AAAS Associate Program Director Jessica Wyndham and co-author Audrey Chapman noted that key conceptual questions must be answered before Article 15 can be fully realized. For example, they asked, "What kind of infrastructure and policies are required to implement the right?" Wyndham said, after the 11 July event, that the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognizes an array of human rights, and while U.S. ratification seems unlikely for now, many of the principles contained in the treaty do currently and may increasingly inform U.S. policy and programs.

The AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition is a network of scientific and engineering organizations that recognize a role for scientists and engineers in human rights. The Coalition is an activity of the association's Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law program.

Researchers Link Ear Defect to Some Hyperactive Behavior

AAAS
Nadia Ramlagan

6 September 2013

New research in the 6 September issue of the journal Science hints that a genetic defect in the ear may be responsible for the hyperactive behavior seen in children with severe hearing loss.

The prevalence of hyperactivity and other behavioral problems specifically among deaf children is reported to be somewhere between 15 and 77 percent, depending on how behavior was measured and what the inclusion criteria were for different studies.

Until now, much research has focused on the socio-environmental factors behind hyperactive behaviors among children with hearing loss. But in experiments with young mice, Jean Hébert at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and colleagues found a gene in the ear linked to hyperactivity.
"We expected that the primary defect in these mice would be in the brain, so we were quite surprised to find that instead the primary defect was the ear," Hébert said in a recent podcast interview.

Hébert and colleagues created cochlear defects in the animals by knocking out a gene called Slc12a2 that is expressed in the ear. In addition to being completely deaf, the engineered animals also had a damaged vestibular system, which impaired their balance.

The deaf, wobbly mice were extremely hyperactive. The researchers found that loss of expression of Slc12a2 leads to increased levels of two proteins, pERK and pCREB, in a central part of the brain called the striatum.

When levels of pERK and pCREB become abnormally high, the striatum instructs the body to move more than it normally would, leading to hyperactivity. This scenario is like faulty electrical wiring in a house — a switch in one room accidentally turns on lights in another.

While the results offer evidence that a gene expressed in the inner ear can affect the brain in a way that causes hyperactivity, the study does not address how severe an inner ear defect must be to trigger hyperactivity. It's also unclear, the researchers said, whether the loss of hearing or the loss of the sense of balance, or both, primarily predisposes deaf animals to hyperactivity.

These findings open the door to thinking about new drug therapies that target these overactive proteins in deaf children with hyperactive behaviors.

Recommended Website and Radio Show: John Tesh's "Intelligence For Your Life"

If you already listen to Intelligence for Your Life on your radio, then you will definitely want to keep up with expert advice from the website. See the links below this article by Ben Harris. Discover ways for a happier, healthy life. Expert advice regarding relationships, love and more are available.

Written by: Ben Harris

The experts agree: It’s easy to be happy. Here’s a list of things we need to give up in order to gain happiness:

• First, let go of your need for CONTROL. Trying to control people, situations and events in our lives is exhausting, and adds stress. You can’t control anything but your own actions. So accept people and situations for who and what they are. And if you don’t like something, change yourself, your reactions or expectations.
• Also, give up COMPLAINING and BLAMING. When you blame someone else, you're saying you have no power over your own life. Stop blaming and complaining, and start taking responsibility. Nothing can make us unhappy unless we allow it to.
• Another thing we need to give up to be happy:The need to ALWAYS BE RIGHT. Educator and author Wayne Dyer put it this way: “Would you rather be right, or would you rather be kind?” Because people who always feel the need to prove they’re right and others are wrong usually bring stress and pain to their relationships.
• We also need to stop CRITICIZING. Because criticism is just another way of saying other people don’t think, act, or look the same as you do. And experts say the reality is that we’re all different. So, get over it. The sooner you accept that fact, the sooner you’ll be happy.
• The next thing we need to give up to be happy:The need to impress other people. Because trying to be something you’re not is a lot of work. Actors get paid big bucks to do that, but when we do it, it generally just stresses us out. Instead, embrace the real you, and others will be drawn to you.
• Finally: Give up your FEAR. When Franklin D. Roosevelt said: “The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself”, he was referring to the fact that fear doesn’t really exist. It’s actually something we create in our minds that holds us back from taking action. But the sooner you find what makes you happy and do it, regardless of what other people think or that you might fail, the sooner you’ll be happy.

John Tesh Website:  http://www.tesh.com
John Tesh Radio Show:  http://www.tesh.com/radio

Another Interesting Article:
Click to Watch the Video: Watch Video

How Our Pets Can Make Us Happy And Healthy

  DID YOU KNOW THAT MORE OF US ARE ADOPTING PETS THESE DAYS THAN EVER BEFORE?  IN FACT, PET OWNERSHIP IS RISING FASTEST AMONG SINGLE PEOPLE, THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER BEEN MARRIED, OR WHO ARE WIDOWED, SEPARATED AND DIVORCED. 

AND WITH PEOPLE LIVING FURTHER AWAY FROM FAMILY AND INTERACTING MOSTLY ELECTRONICALLY WITH FRIENDS, OUR PETS MAY END UP BEING THE CLOSEST RELATIONSHIPS WE HAVE, AND THAT MAY NOT BE A BAD THING ACCORDING TO VETERINARIAN DR. PATTY COOLEY, WHO SAYS PETS MAKE GREAT PARTNERS.  

FIRST, SHE SAYS OUR PETS LOVE US JUST THE WAY WE ARE, EVEN IF WE’RE OVERWEIGHT, WEAR SWEATS ALL DAY, AND NEVER DO THE DISHES. ALSO, OUR DOGS AND CATS DON’T CARE IF WE’VE BEEN LAID OFF OR JUST GOT DUMPED.  IN FACT, IF YOU WALLOW ON THE COUCH IN MISERY FOR DAYS, THEY’LL BE THRILLED TO GET MORE ONE ON ONE TIME WITH YOU.  

ANOTHER REASON PETS ARE GREAT PARTNERS, THEY’RE THE BEST LISTENERS IN THE WORLD, WHETHER YOU’RE DEALING WITH A BAD DAY AT WORK, A JEALOUS FRIEND, OR A FENDER BENDER.  AND JUST TALKING TO THEM LOWERS OUR HEART RATE AND STRESS HORMONES. PETS DON’T EVEN MIND IF YOU TALK WITH YOUR MOUTH FULL.  IN FACT, THEY’RE ESPECIALLY GOOD LISTENERS IF WE HAPPEN TO BE EATING SOMETHING.  

ANOTHER REASON PETS ARE GREAT FOR US.  IF YOU NEED EXERCISE, DOGS ARE EAGER TO COME ALONG, AND THEY’LL NEVER CRITIQUE YOUR FORM OR TELL YOU TO RUN FASTER.  

AND THE FINAL REASON PETS ARE TERRIFIC PARTNERS, THEY’LL NEVER LEAVE AN EMPTY MILK CARTON IN THE FRIDGE, LOCK US OUT OF THE BATHROOM, BORROW THE CAR WITHOUT ASKING, OR COMMANDEER THE TV REMOTE. 

IT’S INTELLIGENCE FOR YOUR LIFE!

Sinead O' Connor Letter to Miley Cyrus in Regards to Wrecking Ball Video

Emerging Magazine

Sinead O’Connor’s Remarkable Open Letter To Miley Miley Billy Ray Cyruspon hearing that Miley Cyrus had cited her as an influence, Sinead O’Connor was compelled to reach out to the younger pop star in an open letter. O’Connor, no stranger to controversy, the pitfalls of stardom, or the dark and manipulative side of the music industry, has taken the opportunity to warn Cyrus not to let herself be exploited. O’Connor slams in particular the “Wrecking Ball” video, in which Cyrus appears nude, licking a sledgehammer and riding an actual wrecking ball. We can’t pretend to be impartial here, it is a disturbing and debasing clip. We’ll let O’Connor take it from here (h/t to our friends at Vanyaland):

OPEN LETTER TO MILEY CYRUS (Language)

"Dear Miley,

I wasn’t going to write this letter, but today i’ve been dodging phone calls from various newspapers who wished me to remark upon your having said in Rolling Stone your Wrecking Ball video was designed to be similar to the one for Nothing Compares… So this is what I need to say… And it is said in the spirit of motherliness and with love.

I am extremely concerned for you that those around you have led you to believe, or encouraged you in your own belief, that it is in any way ‘cool’ to be naked and licking sledgehammers in your videos. It is in fact the case that you will obscure your talent by allowing yourself to be pimped, whether its the music business or yourself doing the pimping.

Nothing but harm will come in the long run, from allowing yourself to be exploited, and it is absolutely NOT in ANY way an empowerment of yourself or any other young women, for you to send across the message that you are to be valued (even by you) more for your sexual appeal than your obvious talent.

I am happy to hear I am somewhat of a role model for you and I hope that because of that you will pay close attention to what I am telling you.

The music business doesn’t give a shit about you, or any of us. They will prostitute you for all you are worth, and cleverly make you think its what YOU wanted.. and when you end up in rehab as a result of being prostituted, ‘they’ will be sunning themselves on their yachts in Antigua, which they bought by selling your body and you will find yourself very alone.

None of the men oggling you give a shit about you either, do not be fooled. Many’s the woman mistook lust for love. If they want you sexually that doesn’t mean they give a fuck about you. All the more true when you unwittingly give the impression you don’t give much of a fuck about yourself. And when you employ people who give the impression they don’t give much of a fuck about you either. No one who cares about you could support your being pimped.. and that includes you yourself.

Yes, I’m suggesting you don’t care for yourself. That has to change. You ought be protected as a precious young lady by anyone in your employ and anyone around you, including you. This is a dangerous world. We don’t encourage our daughters to walk around naked in it because it makes them pray [sic] for animals and less than animals (a distressing majority of whom work in the music industry and the associated media).

You are worth more than your body or your sexual appeal. The world of showbiz doesn’t see things that way, they like things to be seen the other way, whether they are magazines who want you on their cover, or whatever.. Don’t be under any illusions.. ALL of them want you because they’re making money off your youth and your beauty.. which they could not do except for the fact your youth makes you blind to the evils of show business. If you have an innocent heart you can’t recognise those who do not.



I repeat, you have enough talent that you don’t need to let the music business make a prostitute of you. You shouldn’t let them make a fool of you either. Don’t think for a moment that any of them give a flying fuck about you. They’re there for the money.. we’re there for the music. It has always been that way and it will always be that way. The sooner a young lady gets to know that, the sooner she can be REALLY in control.

You also said in Rolling Stone that your look is based on mine. The look I chose, I chose on purpose at a time when my record company were encouraging me to do what you have done. I felt I would rather be judged on my talent and not my looks. I am happy that I made that choice, not least because I do not find myself on the proverbial rag heap now that I am almost 47 yrs of age.. which unfortunately many female artists who have based their image around their sexuality, end up on when they reach middle age.

Real empowerment of yourself as a woman would be to in future refuse to exploit your body or your sexuality in order for men to make money from you. I needn’t even ask the question.. I’ve been in the business long enough to know that men are making more money than you are from you getting naked. Its really not at all cool. And its sending dangerous signals to other young women. Please in future say no when you are asked to prostitute yourself. Your body is for you and your boyfriend. It isn’t for every spunk-spewing dirtbag on the net, or every greedy record company executive to buy his mistresses diamonds with.

As for the shedding of the Hannah Montana image.. whoever is telling you getting naked is the way to do that does absolutely NOT respect your talent, or you as a young lady. Your records are good enough for you not to need any shedding of Hannah Montana. She’s waaaaaaay gone by now.. Not because you got naked but because you make great records.

Whether we like it or not, us females in the industry are role models and as such we have to be extremely careful what messages we send to other women. The message you keep sending is that its somehow cool to be prostituted.. its so not cool Miley.. its dangerous. Women are to be valued for so much more than their sexuality. we aren’t merely objects of desire. I would be encouraging you to send healthier messages to your peers.. that they and you are worth more than what is currently going on in your career. Kindly fire any motherfucker who hasn’t expressed alarm, because they don’t care about you."

by Scott Janovitz

The Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) Has Facebook Users In An Uproar

Links to Facebook Users and their last names have been removed for privacy. Links to websites remain intact. Profile photos have been removed as well. Due to privacy settings, some comments can not be seen, nor their "Likes" to comments made.

However, you get the point.

Heidi

Yesterday at 11:34am near Bertha, MN · Edited ·

• I was listening to the news last night regarding Nation Wide Health Care.... I don't get it - why would anyone fight this?
  Wouldn't it be the most wonderful thing if every woman - man - child had an opportunity to have medical care?
  I have friends in Canada and I have never heard them complain about their Nation Wide Health Care once.... We have state wide health care in Minnesota called MN Care - I used it before, no complaints.....
  So why can't this group of adult politicians sit down and make this happen for us? Seems there's only one party not in agreement.... and that's the party getting the reimbursement/support from the pharmaceutical & such companies....
  It really makes you wonder who we should believe.... the ones that are standing up for "We the People" or the ones representing one of the wealthiest corporation scams in America....
  Just saying.....

  12Unlike · · Unfollow Post · Share

  • Wraith and 4 others like this.
    
    
  • Tracy: Way too true

    Yesterday at 2:16pm · Like
  • Wraith  The important item to note, those not meeting income requirements and other criteria will remain on Medicare. Using the Obama Care calculator, here is an example: Two adults, non-smokers. ages 42 & 52 in Texas with annual income of say $35,000 (262% of...See More

    Yesterday at 2:26pm · Like
  • Wraith  Using the same scenario above, only changing the annual income to $50,000 per year, that family of two will pay $8349 annual premium. Or $695.75 per month.

    Yesterday at 2:39pm · Like · 3
    
    
  • Tina  thats crazy how are we suppose to live after insurance?

    23 hours ago Edited · Like · 2
    
    
  • Wraith  Live as best you can, do you think when the politicians say they are in touch with Americans, they are talking about the hard-working person? Many of those preaching that message, make per day what those workers make a year.
    
    I asked a friend of mine ...See More

    22 Hours ago · Edited · Like · 1
    
    
  • Tina  Well if they want to see the everyday american cut loose on the government, they should just keep trying to push this down our throats!!Its just sad

    23 hours ago · Like · 1
  • Wraith  It is sad.
    
    

    22 hours ago · Like · 1
    
    
  • Cathie  You need to read more about it. MANY people were moved to part-time jobs with 24 hours or less of work because more than 24 hours requires the employer to pay for healthcare. Also, it is not free. If you do not sign up for healthcare, you will be pe...See More

    21 hours ago · Like · 1
    
    
  • Tina  I know my company did this. I was one of the lucky 3 that got to stay full time

    21 hours ago · Like
    
    
  • Tina  And also the job Im at isnt the best job, but will I leave and try to do better? Hell no because I would be luck to find anyone whos willing to hire me full-time. So I'm kinda stuck where I am..Better off then alot of pepole I work with though. Gotta Give Thanks for that

    21 hours ago · Like
    
    
  • Tara  Doesn't Canada (and England?) pay higher taxes in order to their system of health care? I wish I had and extra 1000$/mo for my family to have health care! I have a separate medical savings account and even the year Dude was hospitalized, I didn't put...See More

    8 hours ago · Like · 1
    
    
  • Tara  ^^^ Uggg, did the calculator, based on a low income year, not what I consider affordable Makes me want to cry Wondering where exactly I am going to come up with the extra $600+/mo

    8 hours ago · Edited · Unlike · 2
    
    
  • Wraith  @ Tara, it is a shame, even more shameful is the fact you will have to obtain health care insurance or be penalized. I have been explaining the role of corporations running this Country for years, but everyone thinks... not here in America, the P...See More

    6 hours ago · Unlike · 2
    
    
  • Tara  It Is a shame! Corporate America at work again...
    

    6 hours ago· Unlike · 2
    
    
  • Wraith  @ Tara, I think you may like this documentary... go to https://www.facebook.com/EmergingMagazine and watch the video, Park Avenue: money, power and the American Dream. Why poverty? The other video below the one I just listed is another good one....See More
    

    
    

    Emerging Magazine

    
    

    To enable journalist and writers an opportunity to engage the global community, ...See More

    Page: 824 like this

    5 hours ago · Unlike · 1
    
    
  • S.  This is a good thing, be upset and frustrated with what is going, turen it into action. Contact your congressmen and other leaders. Unite and make them work for you. Join lobbyist groups that are against large corporations running our government.

    5 hours ago · Like
    
    
  • Ophilia A comment posted on the Affordable Care Act/Obamacare FB page:
    
    "I actually made it through this morning at 8:00 A.M. I have a pre-existing condition (Type 1 Diabetes) and my income base was 45K-55K annually I chose tier 2 "Silver Plan" and my monthly ...See More

    31 minutes ago · Like · 1
    
    
  • Tara  Evidently, affordable is a matter of opinion.

    17 minutes ago · Unlike · 1
    
    
  • Ophilia  http://www.heritage.org/...
    

    
    

    The New Federal Wedding Tax: How Obamacare Would Dramatically Penalize Marriage

    www.heritage.org
    

    Under the Senate bill, married couples would be taxed to provide discriminatory benefits to couples who cohabit, divorce, or never marry.

    13 minutes ago · Unlike · 1
    
    
  • S.  Check how much the Affordable Care Act will cost you and your family. The Henry J. Kaiser Foundation has provided the calculator for you to see the cost before you sign up: http://kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator/
    

    
    

    Subsidy Calculator

    kff.org
    

    The Kaiser Family Foundation website provides in-depth information on key health...See More

    9 minutes ago · Like · Remove Preview
    
    
  • Ophilia  http://www.facebook.com/Healthcare.gov
    

    9 minutes ago · Like