Home Care in Pembroke, MA Makes Daily Tasks Easier for Seniors

Home care is a great solution for seniors who need a bit of extra help but who can still function fairly well in their own homes. This concept allows seniors to remain within comfortable and familiar surroundings instead of living in an institutionalized setting. Home care makes daily tasks easier because home care companions are expertly trained to help with numerous activities of daily living.

First, home care companions can help seniors to move around their home. They will assist with walking and can help seniors to arise from bed or from a chair. Sometimes, it is difficult for an older individual to arise in the morning after lying in one place for so long.

Second, home care companions can help seniors with dressing. This could include getting clean laundry or simply putting on fresh clothes for the day. This is an important activity since it may be difficult for the senior to bend over to put on socks or shoes.

Third, home care companions help with bathing and other personal care activities. These can include brushing the teeth or dentures, cleaning eyeglasses, shaving or hair styling. The senior may need help getting to the bathroom, getting into the shower or rising from the toilet.

Fourth, home care companions can help seniors with their nutritional and eating needs. The senior may need help cooking his meals or may need someone to pick up pre-packaged meals for him. Other seniors with different needs may need assistance with holding utensils and feeding themselves. Since nutrition is such a vital part of life, home care companions can greatly ease this area of concern.

Having a home care companion to assist with some of these tasks can greatly aid the senior as well as his family. Family may be concerned that their loved one receives the amount of care and attention that he needs and deserves. However, with today?s busy work and leisure schedules, family members may have difficulty helping with many of these daily tasks.

Home care can greatly ease the burden of everyday tasks as a specially trained individual can come to help. Seniors may need this type of care seven days each week or only a few days. In addition, they may need help with only one or two things, such as dressing and bathing. Professional home care companions can help seniors maintain their usual lifestyle within their own homes.

When researching options for?home care agencies?in Pembroke, MA?call us at?(339) 707-0012. Home care counselors at?Hahn Home Health Care?are available to talk with you about your home care?needs including how to reduce?caregiver?stress while providing better, affordable care. We are an?elder care?agency providing home care?in Pembroke, MA.

Source: http://www.hahnhomehealthcare.com/home-care-in-pembroke-ma-2/

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Elderly Couple In Fight With Lawyers Over Tens of Thousands of ...

Elder Law

The battle between a court-appointed law firm and the family of an elderly couple in its care over legal fees is raising questions of the treatment of aging Americans by paid guardians and the lack of state processes to protect them.

A judge appointed Virginia-based law firm Needham, Mitnick & Pollack third-party guardians of decorated WWII veteran Samuel Drakulich and his wife Jeanne, and a $700,000 nest egg, after a dispute among the incapacitated couple?s children about their future care, the Washington Post reports.

However, charges of tens of thousands of dollars in legal expenses, including $6,300 to prepare $1,800 worth of household items for auction and up to $125 an hour for renewing dog licenses and preparing instructions on emptying a dryer?s lint trap, have come under fire by the Drakulich family and have led to a court battle over the firm?s actions. While the firm maintains it charged the couple its normal professional rates, the suit has raised concern among elder-care advocates and legislators at a time when a surge of baby boomer retirees is expected to make these types of arrangements more common, the Post reports. Although Virginia does not require special training or certification for lawyer or non-lawyer professional appointed guardians, the firm maintains that it and other lawyers cannot afford to become guardians unless they are allowed to charge their regular rates, according to the report.

?We need to look at ways to strengthen the oversight system for guardians,? Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn) told the Washington Post. ?While most court-appointed guardians are undoubtedly professional, caring and law-abiding, we have seen mounting evidence that some guardians use their position of power for their own gain.?

Source: http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/elderly_couple_in_fight_with_lawyers_over_tens_of_thousands_of_dollars_in_q/

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Lensbaby Spark

By Jim Fisher

The Lensbaby Spark ($80 direct) is a manual focus lens for Canon and Nikon SLR cameras that allows you to tilt its neck, which is a flexible bellows, in order to change the angle at which light hits your camera's image sensor. This allows you to focus on one spot and blur the area around it, creating an interesting effect that a standard camera lens can't reproduce.

The Spark is the least expensive Lensbaby available?the next model up, the Muse, is $150, and the more advanced Composer is $200. As such, its build quality is not as spectacular. Its lens mount is plastic and you'll want to be careful to mount and unmount the lens via its base, as you can twist the front section of the lens if you twist it with any amount of force. The included optic has a 50mm focal length and a fixed f/5.6 aperture, which should make it easier to get a decent amount of the image in focus, but limits your options for creating a really shallow depth of field.

The included lens is a multi-coated glass doublet design, similar to the $90 Double Glass Optic that Lensbaby sells, but that lens has a much faster maximum f/2 aperture. You can remove the included lens and use any Lensbaby Optic Swap module, but the company doesn't recommend using the Sweet 35, Fisheye, or Edge 80 lenses as they are a bit too heavy for the Spark to properly support?you'll want to move up to a Muse or Composer if you want to use one of these higher-end lenses. It is also compatible with all of Lensbaby's 37mm threaded accessory filters, which include macro, wide-angle, and telephoto converters.

The images you get from the Spark are sharp in one spot, with the rest of the image giving way to blur. Portrait photographers can really make their subjects pop out from the background using this technique, and it's also useful for drawing attention to a specific object or texture in a photo. If you've long been curious about the Lensbaby system, but hesitant to pay the high cost of entry, the Spark is a great product with which to start. If you find yourself using it regularly you can swap the optic out for one that better suits your vision?the Double Glass Optic will give you a similar look, but a shallower depth of field, and there are also Pinhole, Single Glass, Soft Focus, and Plastic lenses available?and if you don't like it, your out of pocket costs aren't that extreme.

More Digital Camera Reviews:
??? Lensbaby Spark
??? Lomography Diana F+
??? Samsung Galaxy Camera EK-GC100 (AT&T)
??? Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
??? Sony Alpha NEX-5R
?? more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ziffdavis/pcmag/~3/rALz7mdDI-0/0,2817,2412585,00.asp

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Canada Health Dept.: Don't buy a Video Game console this ...

Not even with 'exergames'.

Active Healthy Kids Canada has issued an statement advising that active video games aren?t an adequate substitute for good old-fashioned play.

Active Healthy Kids Canada has issued an statement advising that you shouldn't put a video game console under your Christmas tree this year.

According to them, even the 'active' video games aren?t an adequate substitute for good old-fashioned play.

The non-profit organization commissioned an international team of researchers to review over 1300 studies featuring ?exergames? ? video games that encourage getting off the couch to play. And while they found that exergames did a good job of interrupting long periods of sedentary behaviour, they did little to boost the physical activity of children. In fact, there is some inference that active video gaming may be pulling kids away from playing real sports in favor of using a game console as a piece of sports equipment and an avatar as an opponent. They also came up with some suggestions on how to establish a healthier balance between exercise and gaming:

• Active video games are a good way to break up sedentary time, like sitting on the couch, but not as good as playing real active games or sports.
• Enjoy playing active video games with your kids, and let them enjoy playing them with their friends, but don?t misunderstand this as a replacement of real physical activity.
• If money is spent on active video games as a means of exercise, it might be better spent on skipping ropes, balls, ice skates or other sporting equipment.
• In kids with developmental delays, movement challenges or injuries, active video games can be used to help teach motor skills, improve movement and rehabilitate

So, there you have it. If you have kids, it's up to you to follow those recommendations

NEWS SOURCE #1: What not to put under the tree this christmas (via) Montreal Gazette
NEWS SOURCE #2: Active video games position (via) ActiveHealthyKids

Our thanks to 'Gauss' for this news item!

Source: http://www.maxconsole.com/maxcon_forums/showthread.php?193338-Canada-Health-Dept.-Don-t-buy-a-Video-Game-console-this-Christmas-for-your-kids

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How Small Businesses Can Be Successful On the Web : Brain Share

This ?post comes from guest author, Megan Totka,?the Chief Editor for?ChamberofCommerce.com.

?

While browsing Mashable recently, I came across a great infographic created by?ReachLocal?(see below) that talked about successful marketing strategies for small businesses. The graphic was created with Small Business Saturday in mind. Small Business Saturday is another shopping ?holiday? that was established in 2010. We all know that it is tough for small businesses to compete with larger retailers, especially during the holiday season. Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to shop at small and/or local businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

However, information about Small Business Saturday is not the only take away lesson from this infographic. The graphic shows that many types of internet marketing can be influential to consumers as it breaks down how most people spend their time online. The number one thing that people do with their online time is to browse social networks, which I?m sure doesn?t really come as a surprise to anyone. Because of that, of course, social media has become a huge marketing force.

I was surprised to see that it also shows that people spend as much as 20% of their time on the Internet reading content. Many experts would have us believe that written content is on its way out. This infographic, however, shows that people still spend plenty of time reading online. ?I (and apparently many others) really prefer to actually read content. The information presented here indicates that a move away from written content may not be the best plan.

The most pertinent information in this article, however, relates to small businesses and their online presence. According to this infographic, 63% of small businesses do not have a website. This is quite the astonishing figure, considering how much commerce and research regarding commerce is conducted online. It is suggested in the graphic that 85% of consumers search online for local businesses.

To be successful as a small business, it?s so important to have a great web presence. This can be accomplished easily, especially if you have the extra cash to hire someone to take care of your website design.? I think most people would assume that it is a no-brainer that small businesses would maintain a website and several social media pages. Unfortunately, this isn?t the case. Small business owners should be diligent in not only creating but also maintaining and updating a website as well as social media pages. If consumers are searching for a small business on the web, it?s imperative that they be able to find something. The infographic also shows that as many as 25% of small businesses are unable to be found online.

If you are a small business owner, it?s a great idea to be continuously browsing the web for new ways to present online content and marketing strategies. An infographic is a great way to enhance your small business website.? While as a business owner it may be tough to find the time to worry enough about your online presence, at this point in time, it is a make it or break it necessity. I?d even venture to say that small businesses without a great web presence are in greater danger of failure.

?

No related posts.

Category: Infographics, Small Business, Social Media, Website Tips

Source: http://blog.brainhost.com/how-small-businesses-can-be-successful-on-the-web/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-small-businesses-can-be-successful-on-the-web

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Infected and unaware: HIV hitting America's youth

CHICAGO (Reuters) - More than half of young people in the United States infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, are not aware of it, according to a new report by government health officials that zeroes in on one of the remaining hot spots of HIV infection in America.

Released on Tuesday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the report found young people ages 13 to 24 account for 26 percent of all new HIV infections in the United States.

"The data are stark and worrying," Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention at the CDC, said in a telephone interview.

In 2010, 72 percent of the estimated 12,000 new HIV infections in young people occurred in young men who have sex with men, and nearly half of new infections were among young, black males.

"We are particularly concerned about what is happening with HIV among young black and bisexual men," Fenton said.

"They account for 39 percent of all new infections among youth and more than half of new infections among young men who have sex with men."

Fenton said the proportion of young people infected with HIV has remained relatively stable during the last few years, but infection rates appear to be increasing in these populations.

And because many of the newly infected gay or bisexual males are just beginning to explore their sexuality, stigma and homophobia are making HIV testing and treatment far more challenging.

Only 22 percent of sexually active high school students in the United States have ever been tested for HIV, and only 35 percent of people ages 18 to 24 have been tested.

According to the report, which looked at risk behaviors among high school students in 12 states and in nine large urban school districts, young gay and bisexual men are significantly less likely to use condoms, they are more likely to drink alcohol or use drugs before sex, and they are more likely to have four or more partners during their lifetime compared with young men who had sex only with females.

And because so few get tested, HIV infected people under age 25 are significantly less likely than those who are older to get and stay in care, and to have their virus controlled at a level that helps them stay healthy and reduce their risk of transmitting HIV to partners.

CDC also found that many young men who have sex with men are less likely than others to have been taught about HIV or AIDS in school.

To address some of the issues, the CDC is funding a program that targets both the at-risk youths and the homophobia and stigma in the community that drives them underground.

In September, Georgia, a state where new HIV infections among those 13 to 24 years old exceed the national average - accounting for as many as one-third of all new HIV infections - won a grant as part of a pilot project to find better ways of targeting these at-risk youth.

"We think that it's really critical that the discussions we have about HIV prevention and access to HIV become fully integrated into the social fabric of the youth culture," Dr. Melanie Thompson of the Georgia Department of Public Health said in a telephone interview.

The Care and Prevention in the United States (CAPUS) project is a three-year program led by the CDC and other government agencies aimed at reducing HIV and AIDS among racial and ethnic minorities in the United States.

The program focuses on addressing social, economic, clinical and structural factors influencing HIV health outcomes.

"We are just beginning," Thompson said, adding that the program would focus specifically on the lives of young men who have sex with men and the barriers to testing and treatment.

To address stigma and bullying in the community, the program would feature training in which straight leaders in the faith community, business leaders, and entertainers learn about stigma and how it affects HIV in their community.

"It is a huge challenge, but I think if we do this from the point of view of trying to end an epidemic that is decimating our young people, and do it in a way that is science-based, I think we can make progress," she said.

(Reporting by Julie Steenhuysen; Editing by Maureen Bavdek)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/infected-unaware-hiv-hitting-americas-youth-170715305.html

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Get PAID To Speak For Free! ? 12 Ways to Get Compensated For ...

In part 2 of this 3-part series, Bryan Caplovitz from SpeakerMatch, shares four more excellent tips for getting paid while speaking for free?

5. Use business cards to your advantage.

Almost everyone has a business card, so how can you use yours to help gain publicity? When accepting an engagement for free, tell the planner that you will do so under the condition that they place a business card on every seat in the room. That way, when people sit down and listen to you speak, and like you (I am assuming you are good at what you do?otherwise you wouldn?t be reading this), they can pick up your card and keep it with them for the future.

Next time these people need a speaker or know someone who needs a speaker, guess whose business card they have without ever meeting you one-on-one? That?s right ? they have all your contact information in their Rolodex, which will hopefully lead to more engagements and money for YOU in the future.

6. Use your audience as a source for leads.

When other people say you?re good, it means about 2000% more than you saying you?re great.

If you are looking to increase your speaking engagements, one of the most popular ways of doing so is through networking and word of mouth.

Asking friends or others if they know of anyone who requires an engagement speaker can be quite tedious and boring. So next time you are giving a speech for ?free,? use the audience to help give you referrals.

The first thing to do is to let the audience know that you are doing this pro-bono. When they hear this, they will wonder why you would be willing to do such a thing. Explain to the audience that you have an evaluation that you would appreciate them filling out. In the evaluation form (which could be placed on every seat, or handed out upon entrance/exit to the venue), ask them to rate you as a speaker.

Many people will be willing to give you constructive feedback on your presentation. Once you have people drawn into your survey, include a question regarding whether they know of anyone looking for speakers. It also helps if you can promise a reward for any referrals that lead to more business.

In addition to the referral section, include a section for people to sign up for your internet newsletter or online e-zine, in which you will keep them up-to-date with your speaking engagements and booking opportunities.

NOTE: When getting referrals, ask for names, phone numbers, and mailing addresses. DO NOT even bother asking for e-mail addresses or fax numbers The last thing you need is to be accused of sending spam or unsolicited faxes. These practices can really tarnish your reputation. Once you have an existing relationship, and obtain permission, e-mail and fax are great communications tools.

7. Don?t give out notes.

When you are speaking, do not print handouts or notes of any type for the engagements.? Let people know that they are more than welcome to take their own notes throughout the duration of the speech, but also make the notes available on your website, and encourage them to visit your site.

Hopefully people will go home, get on the internet, and start visiting your site.? This is a great way to keep yourself differentiated from other speakers and build a fan base.

To encourage visitors, DO offer a promotional item with your contact information to every attendee. Pens and pads are fine, and pretty standard; this is a great place to be really creative. Use your imagination to come up with something that people will want to keep on their desks. Even better, come up with something they?ll want to show to others.

One speaker I know gives out small mirrors with her contact information printed on the plastic frame. The frames are designed to attach easily to cubicle walls. Because she works with customer service professionals who spend their days in a cubicle, these are a big hit. Her message, that ?people can actually hear your smile over the phone? makes her gift especially purposeful as well.

8. Sell your products and services before, during, and after the speech.

This one probably doesn?t even need to be on the list, but some new speakers fail to understand that speaking is always about selling. Speak for free, sure, but let your audience know that you are more than a speaker.

You don?t need to do a hard sell. I don?t even think you need a soft sell. But you should clearly communicate that you are an expert, and make it clear that you earn money in ways other than speaking.

No matter what you speak on, you should have a consulting fee. If someone wants to get your professional advice, be prepared to offer it ? for a fee! I?m not saying that you shouldn?t answer questions for free, but there?s nothing wrong with working out a day of consulting.

If you do have resources that can be purchased at the back of the room, make sure to ask for permission from the venue coordinator before you make a sales pitch. Any kind of audio or data CD, resource kit, or even a DVD of previous speeches (that can be recorded for free? refer to tip #1) can be sold.

Some items cost pennies to reproduce and can often be sold for hundreds of dollars? that is almost pure profit!!!

(Part 3? coming next week!)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BRYAN CAPLOVITZ is the founder and creator of SpeakerMatch. SpeakerMatch makes it easy to find free and low-fee speaking engagements. It is the only online source of current, available speaking opportunities for emerging professional speakers. Our proprietary software will match your unique skills with the needs of meeting planners and notify you instantly. We provide HOT leads, from organizations who are actively seeking speakers now.

For more information, visit http://www.speakermatch.com/speaker, or call us at 1-866-372-8768.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Caplovitz

Related posts:

1. Get PAID To Speak For Free! ? 12 Ways to Get Compensated For Speaking (Other Than Cash) ~ Part 1
2. Get PAID To Speak For Free! ? 12 Ways to Get Compensated For Speaking (Other Than Cash)
3. From Free to Fee: 5.5 Tips on Getting Paid to Speak

Source: http://997waystobeagreatspeaker.com/2012/11/get-paid-to-speak-for-free-12-ways-to-get-compensated-for-speaking-other-than-cash-part-2/

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EU ministers struggle to agree over trade talks with Japan (News)

Japan is the world's third largest national economy, accounting for around 1.9% of the world population and around 9% of world GDP.

With exports in 2010 to Japan of ?44 billion, 3.2% of total EU exports, Japan is the EU's sixth largest export market after the USA, Switzerland, China, Russia and Turkey. EU exports to Japan are mainly in the sectors of machinery and transport equipment (31.3%) , chemical products (14.1%) and agricultural?

Source: http://www.euractiv.com/trade/eu-ministers-struggle-agree-trad-news-516324?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=EurActivRSS

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Women use Twitter to expose video game industry sexism

2 hrs.

Winda Benedetti , NBC News

If you want a look at what it's like to be a woman working in the video game industry, then take a look at?the #1ReasonWhy hashtag that's been?trending on Twitter this week.

Hundreds of female game?developers, designers, publicists, journalists and other professionals are in the midst of?detailing the sexism they've experienced?in the workplace, encountered?while playing video?games?and found in the gaming community at large.

After Luke Crane,?Games Project Specialist?at Kickstarter,?tweeted the question?"Why are there so few lady game creators?"?the #1ReasonWhy hashtag became the launching point for not only answering that question, but for outlining exactly why?women don't feel comfortable or welcome?in the video game industry in the year 2012.

And this is the ugly truth as laid out by?those who do work in the industry:

"#1reasonwhy because when I tell people I'm a designer, I without fail get 'Really? You don't look like you play games. Guys must love you,'?" tweeted game designer?Alexis De Girolami.?

"#1reasonwhy b/c when my desk was nr the door, most clients thought I was the receptionist. This didn't happen to male dev after desk swap," writes developer?Helen Smailes. ?

"Because?I got blank stares when I asked why a female soldier in a game I worked on looked like a porn star," tweeted designer?Caryn Vainio.

Stephanie Harvey, a?game designer at Ubisoft and professional "Counter Strike" player,?tweeted?"Here is what I get everyday," as she shared?a link to a collection of screenshots she's captured revealing the insults (most of them unprintable)?leveled?at her when she's gaming.

Meanwhile,?Tara J. Brannigan, community marketing manager for PopCap Games, tweeted that she?has "been groped by strangers at least once at nearly every major (game)?conference." And she's not alone. Wrote?Filamena,?"Because conventions, where designers are celebrated, are unsafe places for me. Really. I've been groped."?

And that's just the beginning. The hashtag has spawned an outpouring of tweets about unequal pay (which?Lindsay Morgan Lockhart, "Halo 4's"?narrative designer, calls?"staggering")?uncomfortable working environments and an industry where women gamers are little more than an afterthought.

As a lifelong gamer and a?game journalist for more than a decade, I can say that I have learned to expect that vicious, sexist comments will be?hurled my way should?I dare write about the preposterous outfits?female game characters are put in. I've learned that using a female avatar or female-sounding gamertag in an online game means dealing with?unwelcome and unwanted advances. And I've grown used to trolls who question whether I really play hardcore games or who deride me for writing about casual "women's" games. (Apparently I'm not capable of the former and am not a "real gamer" if I enjoy the latter).

Clearly,?this is not about one reason why ... this is about hundreds, even thousands of reasons why.

Of course, the Twitter?uprising hasn't been without its detractors and trolls???these are the men?who basically prove the point that the #1reasonwhy hashtag is so elegantly making.

"I look at #1ReasonWhy and I laugh at all the feminists who think they matter. If you were good in your field, you wouldn't be misrepresented," tweeted Dillon Paradis.

But as upsetting?and maddening as it is combing through these experiences and the backlash, one thing is clear: ?This outpouring is just the latest sign that women (and men)?are fed up with the game?business as usual?and?have no intention of quietly putting up with the sexism any longer.

Not only has the website Fat, Ugly or Slutty been outing the online gaming ugliness with humorous flair,?but at the Penny Arcade Expo this summer, the video game?convention?saw a half dozen?panel discussions addressing and looking for?solutions to the harassment and sexism?that not only women gamers, but gay and transgender gamers, face.

Check out this video from the "Harassment and Bullying in Online Games: Technical Solutions" panel for a fascinating look at the problem and some of the proposed solutions.

Meanwhile, women game industry pros are taking this moment to?harness the?#1reasonwhy?fervor and turn the ugliness they've revelaed into a catalyst for change.

"Tomb Raider" and "Mirror's Edge"?writer?Rhianna Pratchett, started the hashtag?#1reasontobe, highlighting reasons women should work in the game industry.??"#1reasontobe?Because I get to explore my creativity in a rapidly evolving medium, full of unique, exciting challenges," she tweeted.

And even more importantly, women game professionals are using the?movement to start a mentoring program. "Speak up if you're willing to be a mentor to women looking to get into the industry!" tweeted?Ann Lemay, a writer for?BioWare, promoting the new?#1reasonmentors?hashtag.

And many women and men in the industry have responded, offering their time and advice to the women who dare and dream to join this troubled industry.

Artist and animator?Emily Compton, perhaps summed it up best,?"If?#1reasonwhy?made us mad about our industry today,?#1reasonmentors?makes us hopeful and glad. Onward and upward."

Winda Benedetti?writes?about video?games for NBC?News. You can follow her tweets about games and other things?on Twitter?here?@WindaBenedetti?and you can?follow her?on?Google+.?Meanwhile, be sure to check?out the?IN-GAME?FACEBOOK PAGE?to discuss the day's?gaming news and reviews.

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/ingame/women-use-twitter-expose-video-game-industry-sexism-1C7283842

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What's Your Currency Trade? - CNBC

Why Does France Hate Lakshmi Mittal?

Tue 27 Nov 12 | 01:30 AM

RBA May Cut Rates in December: Pro

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 10:45 PM

CEO: Western Union's Fundamentals Are Strong

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 10:40 PM

Stock in 60 Seconds: Li & Fung

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 10:10 PM

Oil's Geopolitical Risk Premium

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 10:05 PM

More Cheer at the Tills for US Retailers?

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 09:50 PM

Smartphones Behind Online Shopping Surge

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 08:40 PM

Hong Kong Real Estate Prices Expected to Rise: Pro

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 08:15 PM

NRF: $59 Billion Was Spent This Past Weekend

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 07:55 PM

New Plan For Afghanistan?

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 07:42 PM

Minor Hotel Group's Emerging Markets Push

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 07:35 PM

Fiscal Cliff Common Ground?

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 07:35 PM

Dubunking the Buffett Rule

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 07:23 PM

China's Growing Futures Market

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 07:20 PM

Greece Needs a Debt Write-Down: Economist

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 07:10 PM

What Happened to Spending Cuts?

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 07:00 PM

Fed to Create a Cliff Safety Net?

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 07:00 PM

No Huddle Offense: Trading Big Moves In Tech

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 06:58 PM

Euro Zone Growth Could Surprise To the Upside

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 06:50 PM

Metro Bank Co-Founder: We're the Disrupter In the Market

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 06:45 PM

Lightning Round

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 06:40 PM

Prada, Top Hong Kong Consumer Stock: Pro

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 06:40 PM

Sell Into Euro Rallies: Strategist

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 06:30 PM

Could FedEx Deliver?

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 06:25 PM

Cramer: Buy Ross Stores Into Weakness

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 06:15 PM

Don't Get Complacent About China: Pro

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 06:15 PM

US Politicians to Show Signs of Intent to Solve the Fiscal Cliff

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 06:10 PM

Mad Money, November 26, 2012

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 06:00 PM

Fast Money Web Extra: Heavy Call in VMware

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 06:00 PM

Bull In a China Shop?

Mon 26 Nov 12 | 06:00 PM

Source: http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=3000131447&play=1

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Engadget's Cyber Monday 2012 roundup

Couldn't rouse yourself from your annual turkey coma early enough to bust doors, surf crowds and destroy your bank account on Black Friday? Don't worry, you've still got the office manager's worst nightmare to deplete your savings: Cyber Monday. Join us after the break for a peek at some the deals that will be robbing you of self control and work productivity for the rest of the day. Seem slim? Don't worry, we'll periodically update this post with deals as we come across them.

Continue reading Engadget's Cyber Monday 2012 roundup

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/26/cyber-monday-2012-roundup/

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Reading, writing and playing games may help aging brains stay healthy

ScienceDaily (Nov. 25, 2012) ? Mental activities like reading and writing can preserve structural integrity in the brains of older people, according to a new study presented November 25 at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

While previous research has shown an association between late-life cognitive activity and better mental acuity, the new study from Konstantinos Arfanakis, Ph.D., and colleagues from Rush University Medical Center and Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago studied what effect late-life cognitive activity might have on the brain's white matter, which is composed of nerve fibers, or axons, that transmit information throughout the brain.

"Reading the newspaper, writing letters, visiting a library, attending a play or playing games, such as chess or checkers, are all simple activities that can contribute to a healthier brain," Dr. Arfanakis said.

The researchers used a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method known as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to generate data on diffusion anisotropy, a measure of how water molecules move through the brain. In white matter, diffusion anisotropy exploits the fact that water moves more easily in a direction parallel to the brain's axons, and less easily perpendicular to the axons, because it is impeded by structures such as axonal membranes and myelin. "This difference in the diffusion rates along different directions increases diffusion anisotropy values," Dr. Arfanakis said. "Diffusion anisotropy is higher when more diffusion is happening in one direction compared to others."

The anisotropy values in white matter drop, however, with aging, injury and disease.

"In healthy white matter tissue, water can't move as much in directions perpendicular to the nerve fibers," Dr. Arfanakis said. "But if, for example, you have lower neuronal density or less myelin, then the water has more freedom to move perpendicular to the fibers, so you would have reduced diffusion anisotropy. Lower diffusion anisotropy values are consistent with aging."

The study included 152 elderly participants, mean age 81 years, from the Rush Memory and Aging Project, a large-scale study looking at risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. Participants were without dementia or mild cognitive impairment, based on a detailed clinical evaluation. Researchers asked the participants to rate on a scale of 1 to 5 the frequency with which they participated in a list of mentally engaging activities during the last year. Among the activities were reading newspapers and magazines, writing letters and playing cards and board games.

Participants underwent brain MRI using a 1.5-T scanner within one year of clinical evaluation. The researchers collected anatomical and DTI data and used it to generate diffusion anisotropy maps.

Data analysis revealed significant associations between the frequency of cognitive activity in later life and higher diffusion anisotropy values in the brain.

"Several areas throughout the brain, including regions quite important to cognition, showed higher microstructural integrity with more frequent cognitive activity in late life," said Dr. Arfanakis. "Keeping the brain occupied late in life has positive outcomes."

According to Dr. Arfanakis, diffusion anisotropy drops gradually beginning at around age 30. "Higher diffusion anisotropy in elderly patients who engage in frequent cognitive activity suggests that these people have brain properties similar to those of younger individuals," he said.

The researchers will continue to follow the study participants with an eye toward comparing the diffusion anisotropy results over time.

"In these participants, we've shown an association between late-life cognitive activity and structural integrity, but we haven't shown that one causes the other," Dr. Arfanakis said. "We want to follow the same patients over time to demonstrate a causal link."

Coauthors are Anil K. Vasireddi, B.S., Shengwei Zhang, B.Eng., David A. Bennett, M.D., and Debra A. Fleischman, Ph.D.

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Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/~3/XzBz8H5HJZ8/121125103947.htm

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Gene Chizik Fired: Auburn Fires Football Coach After 3-9 Season

AUBURN, Ala. ? Gene Chizik led Auburn to a historic season but couldn't keep the Tigers from descending to their lowest point in decades.

The rapid fall from a national championship to 3-9 and the Southeastern Conference doormat led to Chizik's firing Sunday, the day after a humbling 49-0 loss to No. 2 Alabama that showed just how far the program has fallen.

The Tigers endured the worst slide within two years of winning a national championship of any team since the Associated Press poll started in 1936 and hadn't lost this many games since going 0-10 in 1950. The decision came 17 months after Auburn gave Chizik a contract worth some $3.5 million annually through 2015 with a hefty buyout.

Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs said he informed Chizik Sunday morning after President Jay Gogue accepted his recommendation to fire the coach.

The players were informed in a team meeting Sunday. Jacobs scheduled a news conference for later in the afternoon.

"I'm extremely disappointed with the way this season turned out and I apologize to the Auburn family and our team for what they have had to endure," Chizik said in a statement released by Auburn. "In my 27 years of coaching, I have gained an understanding of the high expectations in this profession. When expectations are not met, I understand changes must be made."

The Tigers went from 14-0 with a perfect SEC record with Cam Newton leading the offense in 2010 to 3-9 and 0-8, losing their final three league games by a combined 150-21. Auburn was blown out by Texas A&M (63-21) and Georgia (38-0) but the finale was even more painful for Tigers fans.

The Crimson Tide cruised to a six-touchdown halftime lead and the second-most lopsided Iron Bowl victory in history, behind only the Tide's 55-0 win in 1948.

"While we experienced a tremendous low in 2012, I will always be proud of the incredible highs that we achieved, including three bowl victories, an SEC championship and a national championship," Chizik said.

He was 33-19 in four seasons and 15-17 in SEC games.

Auburn said the total buyout for Chizik and his assistant coaches is $11.09 million. Chizik's buyout is expected to total $7.5 million and will be paid in monthly installments for the next four years.

Six assistants are under contract through June 30, 2013 while defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder, offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler and wide receivers coach Trooper Taylor have deals extending another year beyond that.

The buyouts could be reduced if the coaches find other jobs.

Auburn joins Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky as SEC teams with job openings showing the huge divide in a league with six teams ranked in the Top 11.

Auburn tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen said players gave Chizik a warm ovation after the team meeting.

"I think we did what he deserved and we gave him a standing ovation and clapped for him," he said. There's so much love for coach Chizik on this team. Would we have loved to see him get another year, another opportunity? Yes, but at the same time we understand where Jay Jacobs is coming from. Three wins isn't going to cut it in our league."

Defensive tackle Jeff Whitaker said, "It's kind of crazy right now. I had a special bond with Coach Chizik."

Chizik inserted tailback Tre Mason on the final play against Alabama to get him to 1,000 yards. The next day, Mason saw his coach get fired.

"It was a rough day for everybody," Mason said. "It's tough. There are going to be a lot of tears shed because there are a lot of relationships that may be put on hold or come to an end today. I have nothing negative to say about coach Chizik. He's done a lot for me and this program. I wish him the best of luck in his future."

Chizik had sandwiched two 8-5 seasons around the national title, but never approached the success of 2010, when Newton won the Heisman Trophy. The Tigers were 7-17 in SEC games outside of 2010 during his tenure.

His hiring was criticized by some fans after Chizik went 5-19 in two seasons at Iowa State and lost the last 10 games of his first head coaching job.

Jacobs was heckled at the airport after making the hire.

Chizik had been defensive coordinator on unbeaten teams at Auburn and Texas.

A search committee comprised of former Heisman Trophy winners Pat Sullivan and Bo Jackson and former Tigers fullback Mac Crawford will assist Jacobs, the school said.

A transition year might have been expected.

Chizik had to replace the offensive and defensive coordinators after last season. Chizik made an ill-fated switch from Gus Malzahn's no-huddle, spread offense to a pro-style system with the hiring of former Temple offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler.

The Tigers struggled in the transition, partly because of shaky quarterback play and ended the season with freshman Jonathan Wallace under center.

Auburn ranked at or near the bottom of the SEC in every major statistical category offensively and defensively.

Chizik's tenure was marred by off-the-field problems, too, to the extent that he had employees of a private firm run curfew checks on players this season.

Four members of the 2010 national championship team were arrested on robbery charges in March 2011. Antonio Goodwin was convicted in April and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Dakota Mosley, Michael McNeil and Shaun Kitchens are awaiting trial.

Two-time 1,000-yard rusher Mike Dyer transferred to Arkansas State with Malzahn after being indefinitely suspended before the bowl game.

Freshman quarterback Zeke Pike was arrested in June for public intoxication and later dismissed from the team. Starting center Reese Dismukes was suspended for the opener against Clemson following a public intoxication arrest.

Auburn is also the subject of an NCAA investigation that includes the recruitment of Memphis running back Jovon Robinson, who was ruled ineligible after a guidance counselor admitted to creating a fake transcript.

The Birmingham News reported on Wednesday that NCAA investigators had interviewed at least one assistant coach and several players during the week leading up to the Iron Bowl.

Chizik's contract includes a clause that it wouldn't owe the buyout money if he is fired for cause, including findings of major rules violations or significant or repetitive violations" involving him or his program.

Chizik and Auburn have weathered past NCAA scrutiny. The governing body closed investigations into the recruitment of Newton and allegations from four former players that they were paid thousands of dollars during their college careers.

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/25/gene-chizik-fired-auburn-football_n_2188615.html

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'Hobbit' Production Diary Wraps Things Up In Post

For as long as Peter Jackson's "Hobbit" trilogy has been gestating, the production blogs have been a real gift for fans eager for another trip for Middle-earth. The always insightful, often goofy visits to the Zealand set have made the wait all the more bearable with peeks insides production. The newest production diary from Jackson [...]

Source: http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2012/11/26/hobbit-production-diary-post/

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Activist Post: Google and Microsoft Investing in a Future of ...

Nicholas West
Activist Post

Augmented reality apps for the iPhone have been around for years, and continue to grow in popularity. The next phase of evolution is to merge smartphone capabilities into a wearable interface. Google has announced Project Glass, which is advancing toward a major release of augmented reality glasses in 2014, as seen in the video below:

The systems are in place, but as yet have been available only through external devices. All that has been needed to create an all-encompassing new reality is to integrate information into the everyday human experiential view. Microsoft is now jumping into the ring with its own developments, which at this point seems to be geared strictly toward entertainment venues and video games, but hints at a major shift toward investing in wearable computing, as well as entertainment systems that can observe those being entertained.

The actual principles behind first-person, human-computer interface systems have been around for many decades - it can be seen in combat zones around the world through the military?Heads Up Display system (HUD). What began pre-WWII for fighter pilots, is now finding its way into the consumer market through video games,?vehicles, and info-glasses. Contact lenses are also already in development by the Department of Defense through a system called?iOptik?- which is also projected to be available to consumers in 2014.

Google is clearly investing heavily in wearable computing; along with Project Glass, they also have patented "smart glove" technology which offers the following:

electronics including cameras on the fingertips, a compass, gyroscopes, accelerometers and other motion detectors embedded in the fingers. The palm section plays host to the CPU, RAM and local storage, and wireless communication chips are mounted on the backside.

...The cameras could be used to acquire a highly-magnified view of the world around them while the sensors would be the centerpiece to applications similar to what we use on smartphones like navigation. The wireless aspect could leech information from local open networks, satellites, or provide communication between a pair of Smart Gloves. (Source)

As with nearly all computer interface and intelligence-driven systems, the funding and implementation has its origins in the military-industrial complex, and are likely to have been in existence for at least decades before trickling down to the consumer level.

While info-glass makers Google and Microsoft both naturally tout the entertainment value, as well as the value of "capturing those special moments," it would be naive not to also consider the ease with which people would begin to surveil and record one another. As this technology flourishes, full-time audio and video recordings will be stored, all in the blink of an eye.

With two intelligence agency-connected tech behemoths like Google and Microsoft investing so vigorously, a "smart" future appears to be on the way. And as government is now openly embracing a Minority Report-like future of pre-crime high-tech surveillance systems with their help, combined with a stated mission to intercept conversations and track Internet activity in real time, we should probably ask ourselves how much we really want to contribute to that endeavor by purchasing full-spectrum surveillance applications.

Additional sources for this article:
http://pressblue.com/google-project-glass-release-date-scheduled-for-2014/1171/andrea-weidlemeyer

Read other articles by Nicholas West Here

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Source: http://www.activistpost.com/2012/11/google-and-microsoft-investing-in.html

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Tourists visit Texas ranch to remember 'Dallas' star Larry Hagman

PARKER, Texas (AP) ? Tourists and locals flocked to Southfork Ranch on Saturday, bringing flowers in memory of Larry Hagman, who played the infamous J.R. Ewing on the TV show "Dallas."

Hagman died in Dallas on Friday at age 81 due to complications from his battle with cancer.

Southfork, a ranch north of Dallas, was known to millions of viewers as the Ewing family home. Exterior shots of the house and pool were shown when the series aired from 1978 to 1991, although the show wasn't filmed there.

The ranch has been open for tours since the mid-1980s, and now sees more than 100,000 visitors each year. Each room of the house has a theme for each character.

On Saturday, J.R. Ewing's room had flowers and a card for tourists to sign.

"Today is about Larry Hagman and his family," said Janna Timm, a Southfork Ranch & Hotel spokeswoman. "He was such a wonderful person, and we will really miss him."

"Dallas" was recently revived on TNT this summer, and all of the scenes were filmed at Southfork or other places in the Dallas area. Hagman had revised his role as the scheming oilman who would even double-cross his own son.

Linda Sproule of Peterborough, Ontario, had been traveling through the U.S. the past couple of weeks and heard about Hagman's death Friday while in Dallas. She said she didn't know where Southfork was but wanted to come because she was a fan of the show in the 1980s.

"I remember on Friday nights we watched it, and J.R. was bigger than life in some ways," she said after taking the Southfork tour Saturday morning. "This ranch is beautiful. Being here is kind of emotional in a way."

Barbara Quinones and her husband were in town for their daughter's soccer tournament and had already planned to visit Southfork when they heard news of Hagman's death.

"We loved him because he was so ruthless," said Quinones, of Albuquerque, N.M. "This is a sad day, but I'm glad we're here."

Some of the show's stars, including Hagman, came to Southfork for the series' 25th anniversary. The Fort Worth-born actor also had visited several times before the show was revived.

"He was definitely a gentleman, a class act," said Jim Gomes, vice president of resorts at Southfork Ranch & Hotel. "He loved the fans as much as they loved him."

Source: http://tv.yahoo.com/news/tourists-visit-southfork-remember-larry-hagman-225402013.html

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3 High Quality Stocks For Long-Term Value Investing, And 3 To Avoid

Disclosure: I have no positions in any stocks mentioned, but may initiate a long position in DE, CAT, DD over the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. (More...)

Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors ever, has said "it's far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price." In this article, I will discuss three companies which I believe are wonderful companies selling at a fair price. I will also mention three companies which appear to be quality companies selling at cheap valuations that I would avoid.

This stock discussed in this article will meet the following criteria:

1. High quality

2. Cheap or fair valuation relative to historic norms

3. Dividend yield greater than the current 10 year Treasury yield

I have chosen these criteria because I believe that for a company to be considered a "wonderful company at a fair price", it must meet these criteria.

Caterpillar (CAT)

CAT shares have come under pressure of late as investors have reacted to weak results. In particular, CAT's exposure to emerging markets such as China, Brazil, and other Latin American nations has been a cause for concern. However, despite these near term worries, I am confident that, over the long-term, CAT will continue to achieve great things. As shown by the chart below, over the past 10 years, CAT has gained more than 242% while the S&P 500 has gained just 50%. Caterpillar, which traces its roots back to 1925, is the global leader in construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives.

CAT data by YCharts

In addition to being a high quality company, as shown by the chart below, CAT is also trading at a cheap valuation relative to his historical norm.

CAT PE Ratio TTM data by YCharts

Finally, as shown by the chart below, CAT currently pays a dividend of 2.5%, which is well above the current 10 year Treasury yield of 1.66%

CAT Dividend Yield data by YCharts

Deere & Co (DE)

This year, DE is celebrating its 175th anniversary. Without doubt, DE is one of the oldest companies around. If you are interested, the company's website gives a terrific overview of DE's storied history. DE is the leading provider of machinery to farmers throughout the world. Recently, legendary investor Warren Buffett purchased a stake in DE. This move does not come as a surprise because DE fits so many of the typical Buffett investment qualifications. DE is engaged in a relatively easy-to-understand business, DE has outstanding brand recognition, and DE is trading at a reasonable valuation. Also, DE is exposed to what I believe, like Jim Rogers, will be an agriculture super cycle over the next decades, driven by demand from emerging economies such as India and China. Over the past 10 years, as shown by the chart below, DE has risen more than 230% while the S&P 500 has risen only 50%.

DE data by YCharts

In addition to being a high quality company, as shown by the chart below, DE is also trading at a cheap valuation relative to his historical norm.

DE PE Ratio TTM data by YCharts

Finally, as shown by the chart below, DE currently pays a dividend of 2.1%, which is well above the current 10 year Treasury yield of 1.66%

DE Dividend Yield data by YCharts

E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co (DD)

From the company's website:

For more than 200 years, DuPont has brought world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace through innovative products, materials and services. Our market-driven innovation introduces thousands of new products and patent applications every year, serving markets as diverse as agriculture, nutrition, electronics and communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

Today, DuPont is proud to build on this heritage by partnering with others to tackle the unprecedented challenges in food, energy and protection now facing our world. With global population expected to approach nine billion by 2050, DuPont is working with customers, governments, NGOs and thought leaders to discover solutions to today's toughest challenges.

Together, we believe we can provide enough healthy food for people everywhere, decrease dependence on fossil fuels, and protect people and the environment for generations to come.

We look forward to what a third century of science and innovation can do.

Like CAT & DE, Dupont has as storied a history as any modern company. However, as shown by the chart below, unlike CAT & DE, Dupont has not had a great past 10 years. The weak stock performance over the past 10 years does not change the fact that DD is a high quality company. I view the recent underperformance as a chance to pick up a great long-term growth story.

DD data by YCharts

Currently, as shown by the chart below, DD is trading at a cheap valuation relative to its historic norms.

DD PE Ratio TTM data by YCharts

Finally, as shown by the chart below, DD currently pays a dividend of 4%, which is well above the current 10 year Treasury yield of 1.66%

DD Dividend Yield data by YCharts

Avoid Microsoft, Ford, and Wal-Mart

There are many companies that fit the criteria used in this article including Microsoft (MSFT), Ford (F), and Wal-Mart (WMT). I am not certain about the long-term outlook for these companies as they are all closely tied to the tastes and preferences of consumers, which tend to change with time. While the average age of CAT, DD, and DE is well over 100 years, the average age of MSFT, WMT, and F is just over 65 years. Age is not the only difference between CAT, DE, and DD vs MSFT, WMT, and F. It must be noted that F came very close to bankruptcy during the 2008 recession, proving that it is at best fair quality. MSFT has stagnated over the past decade as other companies such as Oracle (ORCL) and Apple (AAPL) have caused problems for Microsoft. With PC sales on the decline, the future for Microsoft looks mixed, at best. Finally, the global retail leader, WMT will continue to face increased online competition from the likes of Amazon.com for the foreseeable future. Another risk facing WMT over the long-term is a change in consumer behavior. What if, perhaps, the economy proves stronger than most expect and consumers decide to switch from WMT to more expensive, higher quality retailers?

Cyclical vs Secular Headwinds

While CAT, DE, and DD certainly face headwinds, I believe these headwinds are of a cyclical nature, not a secular nature. Throughout history, there have always been ups and downs with the global economy and CAT, DE, and DD seem to always emerge as stronger after each cycle. Comparably, I view the potential headwinds facing MSFT, F, and WMT as secular. Companies facing secular issues have often fallen on difficult times despite the cyclical outlook. Some examples today include Hewlett- Packard (HPQ), Radio Shack Corp (RSH), and Eastman Kodak (EKDKQ.PK). At one time, all of these companies were considered "high quality value plays" however, they all turned out to be value traps as the issues they faced were of a secular nature. Let me be clear, I am not saying that MSFT, F, and WMT will go the way of Kodak, HPQ, or RSH. Rather, I am saying that I cannot endorse MSFT, F, and WMT as buy and hold forever investments.

Conclusion

No, this article does not address the outlook for these companies over the next six weeks, six months, or even six years. For those looking for a shorter-term view, there are many terrific pieces available on Seeking Alpha. Rather, I believe that now is good time to purchase CAT, DD, or DE as a long-term investment. Warren Buffett has often said that his favorite holding period is "forever" and I believe that now is a great time to buy CAT, DD, or DE with the intention of holding forever. Contrastingly, despite fitting my criteria, I cannot endorse MFST, F, or WMT as a buy and hold forever.

Source: http://seekingalpha.com/article/1026491-3-high-quality-stocks-for-long-term-value-investing-and-3-to-avoid?source=feed

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Source: http://tecnoculturaaudiovisual.com.br/?p=3744

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US stocks rise sharply in Black Friday retail rush

The stock market enjoyed some Black Friday cheer, rising sharply as shoppers braved the annual post-Thanksgiving rush. Major indexes were on track for their biggest weekly gains since early June.

Traders were encouraged by positive economic news from Germany and China, two engines of global growth. Technology stocks soared after a few weeks of selling. And early reports from retailers suggested that consumers may be ready to spend ? a sign of the economy's progress.

"Foot traffic appears heavier than we've seen in recent years, there are a lot of positive statements out of the companies themselves, and momentum appears to be strong," said JJ Kinahan, chief derivatives strategist at the brokerage TD Ameritrade.

Many stores opened earlier than ever this year, Kinahan said, allowing for earlier informal reports about their performance.

Technology stocks soared, lifting the Nasdaq composite index by more than 1 percent. Computer maker Dell, chipmaker AMD and computing giant Hewlett-Packard were the top three gainers in the Standard & Poor's 500 index. Technology rose the most among the index's 10 industry groups.

The stocks were bouncing back after confidence in tech stocks declined broadly, Kinahan said. AMD dropped sharply in recent weeks as investors fretted about its solvency. HP plunged 12 percent on Tuesday after executives said that a company HP bought for $10 billion last year lied about its finances.

The Nasdaq rose 29 points, or 1 percent, to 2,955 as of 12:30 p.m. EST. The Dow Jones industrial average gained 110 to 12,947. The S&P 500 added 12 to 1,402.

Stocks started strong after news that German business confidence rose unexpectedly in November after six straight declines. The gain in a closely watched index published by Munich's Ifo institute raised hopes that Europe's largest economy can continue to weather the continent's financial crisis.

China's manufacturing expanded for the first time in 13 months in November, the latest sign that the world's second-biggest economy is recovering from its deepest slump since the 2008 global crisis. HSBC Corp. said its monthly Purchasing Managers' Index improved to 50.4 for November. Any number above 50 indicates expansion.

The PMI measures overall manufacturing activity by surveying indicators including orders, employment and production. The result was released Thursday, when the U.S. market was closed for Thanksgiving.

Around the U.S., shoppers flocked to malls and logged on to computers to take part in the annual cheer-fueled retail rush known as Black Friday.

Target and Toys R Us welcomed buyers on Thanksgiving evening. Retailers are also trying to draw shoppers with free layaway and shipping, by matching prices of online rivals and by beefing up mobile shopping apps.

Retail is a key driver of the nation's economy. Consumer spending accounts for about 70 percent of U.S. economic activity. November and December, which can account for as much as 40 percent of a retailer's annual revenue, are crucial for stores.

The Friday after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday because it begins the period in which many retailers turn profitable for the year. Traders will be looking for signs about how enthusiastically Americans are spending. That could reflect the momentum of the economic recovery.

Trading volume on Wall Street was light, with many investors away for an extended weekend after Thanksgiving. The market was to close early, at 1 p.m. EST.

The rally's strength will be tested on Monday, as many traders return to their desks and retailers begin to release hard data about their holiday sales results, Kinahan said.

"It's great when something like this happens, but on a half-day without the major players in there, it's not so surprising," he said.

European indexes added to earlier gains after Wall Street opened and closed higher. The FTSE 100 index of leading British shares rose 0.5 percent. Germany's DAX and France's CAC-40 both added 0.9 percent.

Investors were monitoring developments in Brussels, where European Union leaders are trying to agree on a $1.25 trillion long-term spending plan for the 27-nation bloc. Markets expect that another meeting will be needed for an agreement.

Among the stocks making big moves:

? Research in Motion Ltd. jumped on growing optimism for an earlier-than-expected launch of its delayed BlackBerry 10 smartphone. A senior executive from the Canadian company said earlier this month that Research In Motion, or RIM, will release the latest version of its smartphone "not long after" a Jan. 30 event. One analyst saw that as an indication that the products are to be unveiled in February. U.S.-traded shares of RIM rose $1.45, or 14 percent, to $11.71.

? MAP Pharmaceuticals spiked after the company announced that the Food and Drug Administration will review its experimental migraine drug Levadex. The stock rose $2.46, or 19 percent, to $15.28.

? KIT Digital Inc., a video software and technology company, lost two-thirds of its value after the company's former chief executive accused it of blaming prior management for its financial problems. Two days earlier, KIT said it would restate its financial results because of accounting errors. The stock lost $1.34, or 65 percent to 73 cents.

Among tech's big gainers:

? Dell rose 51 cents, or 6 percent, to $9.57.

? HP added 53 cents, or 4 percent, to $12.47.

? AMD 9 cents, or 5 percent, to $1.96.

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Daniel Wagner can be reached at www.twitter.com/wagnerreports.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/us-stocks-rise-sharply-black-friday-retail-rush-154329895--finance.html

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