Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Tropical Storm Oscar likely to form in Atlantic

National Hurricane Center.

The circled system has a 70 percent chance to become a tropical storm.

By Miguel Llanos, NBC News

A tropical storm is likely to form in the Atlantic Ocean as the system moves west-northwest towards the Caribbean, the National Hurricane Center said Tuesday.

"This disturbance has a high chance, 70 percent, of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours," it said in an advisory. The center's next update is at 8 p.m. ET.


The system was about 925 miles west of the Cape Verde Islands.

The next named Atlantic storm will be Oscar.

The Atlantic hurricane season, which officially runs through Nov. 30, has already seen 14 named storms. Eight of those have become hurricanes.

More world stories from NBC News:

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Source: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/02/14181986-tropical-storm-oscar-likely-to-form-in-atlantic?lite

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Tuesday, October 2, 2012

A sticky problem: Mergers and consumers - The Term Sheet - CNN

By Becky Quick, contributor

FORTUNE -- When CVS and Caremark announced plans to merge in 2006, the CEOs of the two companies showed up on Squawk Box to tout the benefits of the deal. We pushed back on whether Caremark shareholders were really getting a fair price. We asked if regulators might cry foul about the combination. Tom Ryan, who was then the chairman and CEO of CVS, insisted that everyone was getting a great deal. "At the end of the day we think it's good for consumers and for health care," he said.

Six years later I have my doubts. Let me start by saying I am no expert on the health care industry. But I am a consumer with prescription benefits provided by CVS Caremark (CVS). And until a few years ago my local Walgreens (WAG) filled all my prescription medications. Then CVS Caremark sent me a letter warning that if I didn't switch my long-term prescriptions to my local CVS pharmacy or the CVS Caremark mail service, I'd have to start paying more for those medications. And not a little more -- in some cases the price could double if I stuck with Walgreens. CVS says it is expanding customer choice by offering the cheaper medications through CVS stores, instead of only by mail. Fine, but it doesn't feel like healthy competition to me.

MORE: CVS Caremark - No. 18 on the Fortune 500

Fast-forward to a recent headline that caught my eye: The Justice Department moved to block 3M's (MMM) planned purchase of Avery Dennison's office products business. 3M makes Post-it Notes and Scotch tape; Avery Dennison (AVY) makes labels, dividers, and sticky notes. Apparently Justice was worried that the tie-up would cut into competition in the all-important sticky-notes business.

Really? The contrast is a bit stunning. We'll make sure you don't pay too much for Post-its. But as for prescription medications -- well, you're on your own.

Those in the regulatory world tell me it's much easier to make a case to block a deal or set conditions when the two companies are in the same industry, because overlap and monopolization become a straight numbers game. What's trickier is something like CVS Caremark, a vertically integrated deal between two companies in different industries. Down the road Caremark might choose to favor CVS over other pharmacies, but it's hard to prove in advance that it will stifle competition. I can empathize with the regulators -- I didn't ask the right questions of CVS and Caremark either.

Now there's another potential deal on the horizon: American Airlines (AAMRQ) and U.S. Airways (LCC). It would only be the latest in a series of airline mergers in recent years. But less competition in the airline industry could mean routes will be cut and consumers will have less choice, as I've noticed with flights out of Newark Liberty International Airport since United (UAL) and Continental merged. This summer our family planned a trip to Utah. No problem, I thought -- I'd flown direct from Newark on Continental lots of times. But since the merger, there are no more direct flights, on United or any carrier out of Newark. And come the new year, United is scrapping the midday flights from Newark to Omaha, a flight I frequently take for work. And while it may sound like no big deal to stop in Chicago or Houston on your way to somewhere else, consider that one stopover not only adds hours to your travel time but also doubles the odds you'll be caught in bad weather delays or cancellations.

MORE:?Defense mega-merger might get derailed by politics

The argument for airlines' merging is that the industry -- other than low-cost carriers like Southwest (LUV) and JetBlue (JBLU) -- doesn't make any money domestically. And I'm not arguing that airlines shouldn't be allowed to cut unprofitable routes or to raise prices. But you also shouldn't be allowed to buy out your competitors to keep them from expanding into the routes that you don't want to serve directly anymore.

That's why I'm hoping the regulators will start to watch more closely and think about you and me when it comes to these big "no-brainer" mega-mergers. Consolidation is natural in business, but smart dealmaking should always make sense for both the shareholder and the consumer. Until then, I guess I'll see you at my local CVS.

This story is from the October 8, 2012 issue of?Fortune.

Source: http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2012/10/02/mergers-consumers/

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Like Fine Wine, Sex Gets Better With Age - Huffington Post

Like a fine bottle of wine, I truly believe that we become better, more robust and wiser as we age. Experience almost always trumps enthusiasm, and intimacy is no different. Through experience, older adults develop a more complete sexual road map than their younger counterparts. As we age, we acquire a greater understanding of our own bodies, our partners' bodies and what buttons to push to please them both.

Last week I was out to dinner when an older couple caught my eye. It was clear to me that both the man and the woman, who were probably in their 70s, dressed up for the occasion. They held hands across the table, toasted each other with red wine and exchanged knowing glances and smiles all night. These two are exemplary of so many older couples that share an intimacy younger couples cannot experience.

Who doesn't want to be the older couple that still flirts publicly? Remember, the only person who keeps you from being sexy is you. Harness that sexiness and find a way to explore it and share it with your partner. Be the couple you have always aspired to be.

It's time to celebrate the many ways that sex gets better as we age!

  1. An empty house means that you'll finally have the time and freedom to have spontaneous sex -- just make sure you keep those blinds closed!
  2. As we age, we tend to grow less inhibited and gain a new acceptance and appreciation for our bodies, especially women. In our 20s and 30s, there tends to be a strict standard of beauty that we hold ourselves to, but after giving birth or being with a partner for many years, it's easier to redefine individualistic beauty. This new confidence provides women with the freedom to unleash their wild side in the bedroom and have the confidence to ask for what they want.
  3. Some people find that it actually becomes easier to communicate about unresolved performance issues as we get older. There is a direct correlation between sexual issues, such as low libido and erectile dysfunction, and age. When people feel like their problems are less like an individual failing and more like the body's natural progression, it's easier to discuss it.
  4. In a long-term committed relationship, trust has been built up for years, so individuals, especially women, experience a higher level of emotional and physical closeness, which contributes to more satisfying sex. In fact, according to a recent study targeting females from researchers from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, 61 percent of sexually active older women said they are satisfied with their sex lives and reported high frequency of arousal and orgasm compared to their younger counterparts.
  5. Post-menopause you no longer have to worry about getting pregnant, which opens the door to more spontaneous and less stressful romps. Additionally, some women link birth control to lower levels of desire and decreased libido. Just remember though, if you're not in a monogamous relationship, you'll still need to use a condom to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases.
  6. An additional bonus to having the kids out of the house is that you'll hopefully have the ability to slow life down a bit and sleep more than five hours a night. Use the time to charge your batteries; you'll be ready to go whenever an intimate occasion arises. Moreover, you'll also have the time and energy to focus on having fun as an individual and as a couple. It's a time to discover new activities that you both enjoy doing together, in and out of the bedroom.
  7. If you're still working, and lucky enough to have reached a point in your career where you have financial stability, that may mean less stress and more disposable income to spend on romantic dinners, vacations and sassy lingerie. Create a romantic bucket list with your partner; experiencing new activities together will help to create and reinvigorate your bond.

Anyone who tells you that your sex life will come to an end when you reach 50 is seriously mistaken. Just remember: Sexiness is timeless. Make a decision each day to get in touch with your sensual side and bring that excitement to your relationship in order to achieve a more fulfilling sexual life and relationship at every age.

Earlier on Huff/Post50:

  • Culprit: Medication

    "Medications that are prescribed for stroke issues and heart issues can have devastating effects on sexual functioning," explains Dr. Janice Epp of the Institute of Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. In addition, researchers have found that a family of <a href="http://www.springerlink.com/content/0483x4276q80417q/" target="_hplink">antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) can take the winds right out of your sails</a>. These drugs include brand names such as Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil.

  • Fix: Talk To Your Doctor

    Don't be shy -- talk to your doctor about how your prescriptions are affecting your sex drive. "There are a whole lot of new drugs that don't necessarily have those side effects, but it takes a lot of experimenting," says Dr. Epp. "Sometimes it takes three to four different tries to find the one that's best for you."

  • Culprit: Pain Or Discomfort

    "People of both sexes can develop pain disorders as they get older, and that can have a big effect on sexuality," notes Patty Brisben, founder and chairwoman of Pure Romance, a company that specializes in selling sex toys and providing information on women's sexual health issues.

  • Fix: Mix It Up

    Brisben suggests re-evaluating your definition of sex. "Being intimate does not necessarily mean having sex in the traditional sense," she says. Some solutions sensual touching and massages and mutual masturbation. Dr. Epp suggests looking into new positions. "Sit on a chair, try being in different positions," she says. "Side by side actually puts the least amount of stress on your joints."

  • Culprit: Lack Of Sleep

    The <a href="http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need" target="_hplink">National Sleep Foundation</a> recommends getting seven to eight hours of shut eye a night. But with the stress of work, kids, bills and, oh yeah, your marriage, who can think about fitting in time to have sex, much less sleep?

  • Fix: Plan Sex Dates

    For some couples the days of random romps may be behind them, and that's alright, says Dr. Epp. "Plan some sex dates around times that you know you feel more energetic -- it lets you look forward to it," she says. "Some people say, 'Sex should be spontaneous!' to which I say bullsh*t," she says, laughing. "You plan other things in your life and you don't complain about it. You can do the same with sex."

  • Culprit: Menopause

    Waning libido and vaginal dryness are two unpleasant side effects of menopause. With increased longevity, "women can now expect to spend a third of their lives in post-menopausal years," Brisben said. "So understanding how you're being affected by those changing hormones is essential."

  • Fix: Creams And Lubricants

    A dip in estrogen may lead to thinning vaginal walls and itchiness in the area. According to the Mayo Clinic, <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vaginal-dryness/DS00550/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs" target="_hplink">treatments can include </a>vaginal estrogen creams such as Estrace and Premarin; a flexible estrogen ring that is inserted; or estrogen pills, patches or gels.

  • Culprit: Avoiding Frank Conversations About Sex

    "I think if you're just now embracing this subject at or around age 50, you've got some catching up to do!" Brisben tells <em>Huff/Post50</em>. But it's never too late to start having a frank and honest conversation with your partner about what you want in bed.

  • Fixes: Accessories, Letters, Books, Therapy

    "I recommend having these conversations out of the bedroom and when you have some alone time," Brisben says. "Be open, be receptive and be ready to listen." Don't be afraid to bring some playfulness to the discussion. "Shop online for intimacy products together," Brisben suggests. Or write your partner a letter: "Tell them what you'd like to introduce into your intimate relationship." Another tact: Read sexy books together and share what interests you and what doesn't. "If you find these conversations are still hard to have ... a sex therapist or counselor is trained to help," Brisben adds.

  • Culprit: Not Addressing Problems Down There

    It's the one part of aging and sexuality that gets the most attention: erectile dysfunction, which is <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/DS00162/DSECTION=causes" target="_hplink">often rooted in some larger physical problem, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity</a>, according to the Mayo Clinic. Medications and drug and alcohol use can also play a role.

  • Fix: Prescriptions, Pumps And More

    Ubiquitous ads promote the popular little blue pill to cure impotence, but there are <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/DS00162/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs" target="_hplink">other treatments as well, including vacuum pumps, implants and surgery</a>, according to the Mayo Clinic.

  • Culprit: Thinking You Have To Be 'In The Mood'

    According to the movies or steamy prime time television shows, passion goes from 0 to 69 with a mere glance, a bitten lip or a bad pun. But "as we age, our bodies slow down and we have less energy," Dr. Epp tells <em>Huff/Post50</em>. "That's naturally occurring, but it can have an affect on our sexuality."

  • Fix: Learn The Difference Between Arousal And Desire

    Rethink the connection between arousal and desire. Tell your partner if you need more than the <a href="http://www.womansday.com/sex-relationships/sex-tips/sex-by-the-numbers-103274" target="_hplink">average 20 minutes spent on foreplay</a>.

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/patty-brisben/sex-over-50-better_b_1882370.html

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First Indication that Treasury is Serious about Student Loans Being ...

In discussions with many students, I get the sense that the prevailing thinking seems to be that the government will "do something" to eliminate the student loan burden. Not so fast.

The Treasury has no money to bailout the loans and the banksters will want to get paid. I can see riots and protests down the road on the issue, but for now, the Treasury has fired its first shot indicating that those holding student loans should get serious about paying the loans back.

?The Treasury, the D2D Fund, and Center for Financial Services Innovation today announced the winners of the App Design portion of the MyMoneyAppUp Challenge?a contest offering cash prizes and recognition for the best mobile app ideas and designs "to help Americans make smart financial choices, access high quality financial products and services, and ultimately control and shape their financial futures."

So was the winner someone who came up with a way to balance personal budgets, track banking accounts, etc.? Not quite.

It's almost comedic, but the Grand Prize, "for making smart financial choices" app, ?went to Nicole Kendrot, who designed MoneyApp: Z. From the Treasury release:

z helps to make student loans easy and simple to manage. ?Among other features, the app allows users to: ?link information about all of their student loans in one place; create a payoff plan that syncs with their budget; suggest ways the user can reduce their payment period and total interest paid by making extra payments; learn about managing student loans; and test their knowledge about student loans and personal finance.
(ht Bob English)

Source: http://www.economicpolicyjournal.com/2012/10/first-indication-that-treasury-is.html

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Monday, October 1, 2012

Global lead generation, email marketing and publisher platform Intela join us at a4uexpo London

Visit?Intela?on?stand 28?in the exhibition hall at?a4uexpo London,?over the?16th ? 17th October?at the Hilton London Metropole.

Intela?are a data driven global performance marketing specialist. Intela acquires qualified consumer data through performance-based marketing solutions including email and mobile marketing, a global affiliate network as well as a range of international custom web properties.

Intela provides unique expertise in generating integrated advertising campaigns with a global reach, currently spanning 24 countries in Europe, North?&?South America, and Australia.

Come and meet Intela and all our other fantastic?exhibitors?in our sold out exhibition hall at Europe?s largest?Performance Marketing Conference and Exhibition.

Don?t let our sold out exhibition hall stop you from getting involved with a4uexpo London, ?if you?re interested in getting your brand message in front of an international audience of over?1,000 key industry players, speak to?Stuart Pringle?on?+44 (0)117 203 3013?about a bespoke sponsorship package.

Register?for your delegate pass before September 30th and?save ?100?off the full price of a pass to?a4uexpo London.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/a4uexpo/~3/CcUjehzyuPE/

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&#39;Li-Fi&#39; Lets User Send Data Through A Light Bulb

Posted: September 30, 2012

Light Bulb Could Be New Source Of Data Transfer

A German physicist has discovered a way to use beams of flickering light to wirelessly transmit digital information, a process that is also known as Visible Light Communication.

While the light bulb has long been the symbol used above the human head to represent a eureka moment, it is Herald Haas who used the light bulb itself for his new inspiration, reports CNN. Haas stated:

?My big idea is to turn light bulbs into broadband communication devices ? so that they not only provide illumination, but an essential utility.?

Haas has stated that data can be sent through any LED light bulb by simply adding a microchip to it, allowing it to blink on and off at an extremely high speed (millions of times per second).

This capability allows the LED lights to transmit data with a rapid stream of binary code. While it is invisible to the naked eye, it can be detected by a light-sensitive receiver. Newser notes that Haas explained:

?It?s a bit like sending a Morse code signal with a torch, but at a much faster rate and using the alphabet that computers understand.?

The implication of Haas?s project means that wherever there is a light bulb, there is the potential for a wireless internet connection ? meaning that any street lamp could turn into a web hotspot.

VLC, or ?Li-Fi? does more than connect people to the internet. Not only will it simply allow people to connect to the internet wherever there is a light bulb, it also allows for multiple people to connect in one area without reducing the speed of data transfer.

Less congestion in data transfers means that Li-Fi could be as fast as one gigabyte per second ? in effect this means that high-definition films could be downloaded faster than it takes to send a text message.

VLC is not a competitor with WiFi, but is actually a complimentary technology that will help free up much needed space within the radio wave spectrum. Haas stated:

?We still need Wi-Fi, we still need radio frequency cellular systems. You can?t have a light bulb that provides data to a high-speed moving object or to provide data in a remote area where there are trees and walls and obstacles behind.?

While the widespread use of light bulb data transfer is still some way off, if could have small scale applications short term. It could help air travel by allowing overhead cabin lights to connect mobile devices and laptops during flight, and could also improve conditions for underwater workers, where radio waves are not able to penetrate.

[Image from ShutterStock]

Source: http://www.inquisitr.com/349093/li-fi-lets-user-send-data-through-a-light-bulb/

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VoIPNorm&#39;s Unified Communications Blog: Lync Conference ...

This is my personal weblog. The opinions expressed here represent my own and not that of my employer. And yes from time to time my opinion can change.

All information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. VoIPNorm (Chris Norman) makes no representitive as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delay in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.

Source: http://voipnorm.blogspot.com/2012/10/lync-conference-registration-now-open.html

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