NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks rose modestly on Thursday, snapping a five-day losing streak, in the wake of weak data reflecting sluggish economic growth.
The advance came on hopes the Chinese government would take steps to bolster the country's slowing growth, and as U.S. jobless claims fell a lot more than expected in the latest week. Cyclical sectors like energy and financials, which are tied to the pace of growth, rallied.
Jobless claims dropped by 23,000 to 359,000, significantly more than the 4,000 drop that had been expected.
Still, the final read on second-quarter gross domestic product showed growth of 1.3 percent, weaker than an expected 1.7 percent. At the same time, August durable goods tumbled 13.2 percent, much more than the 5 percent drop expected.
"You put it all together, a lot of this is backward looking data, some of this is more forward looking. It's certainly a negative but not a disaster," said Tim Ghriskey, chief investment officer of Solaris Group in Bedford Hills, New York.
Pending home sales, released at 10:00 a.m. ET, fell 2.6 percent in August, compared with expectations for flat growth. The news follows Wednesday's report on new home sales, which were also weaker than expected. Equities were not impacted by the data.
The Dow Jones industrial average <.dji> was up 41.97 points, or 0.31 percent, at 13,455.48. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index <.spx> was up 4.67 points, or 0.33 percent, at 1,437.99. The Nasdaq Composite Index <.ixic> was up 6.92 points, or 0.22 percent, at 3,100.62.
In China, stocks rebounded from multi-year lows on speculation the China Securities Regulatory Commission would announce steps to support beleaguered domestic markets which could include changes to the initial public offering market. Traders said China's central bank fed $57.9 billion into money markets this week, the largest weekly injection in history.
China's securities regulator will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, but reforming the system for initial public offers is not on the agenda, a regulatory source told Reuters.
The news on possible steps by China lifted energy shares <.gspe> 0.8 percent and financials <.gspf> 0.7 percent on expectations the measures would boost U.S. demand and growth. Among the most active, Bank of America Corp rose 2.5 percent to $9.04 and Consol Energy added 3.4 percent to $30.30.
Also helping financials was Discover Financial Services, which rose 2.9 percent to $38.10 after reporting third-quarter earnings that beat expectations.
The world economy has been relying on China's growth to offset weakness in the United States and Europe. While the U.S. has shown signs of recovery and the Federal Reserve recently announced measures to support markets, slowing growth in China has been a concern, especially with Europe's debt crisis still in focus.
Spain is set to announce economic reforms and a 2013 budget on Thursday. The tension in Europe, underlined by anti-austerity measures in Madrid and Athens, contributed to the S&P's 1.9 percent drop over the past five days. Analysts said investors may look for U.S. stocks offering value after the recent declines.
Hewlett-Packard Co fell 1.1 percent to $16.93 after Jefferies downgraded the Dow component to "underperform," expecting continued problems in its personal computer segment.
Tempur-Pedic International Inc agreed to buy rival mattress maker Sealy Corp for about $242 million and assume about $750 million in debt. Tempur shares surged 17 percent to $31.41 while Sealy rose 4.7 percent to $2.24.
The S&P 500 is up 5.2 percent so far for the third quarter and 1.9 percent for September, historically a weak month for equities. Gains were largely tied to economy-boosting actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve and European Central Bank.
(Additional reporting by Chuck Mikolajczak; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
Your house is a special place. A place where you live and raise a family, but how much do you really know about your house? Knowing that your home is safe and sound is one of the most important things when you are trying to sell a house or just enjoy it's shelter. Home inspections give you the assurance that your home is a safe and sound place. There are many types of home inspections to consider when making a move; lets take a look at a few.
One type of inspection for your house is a pre-listing inspection. When you are planning to sell your home, you need to be able to identify and repair problem areas. An inspection before you place your home on the market can help you price your home to sell quickly.
Another type of inspection to look into is new construction progress inspection. When you are purchasing a new home that is currently under construction, it is advisable to have some things checked out to ensure your future home is going to be one you can enjoy for a long time. One thing I recommend you have performed is a foundation inspection. As soon as the foundation has been completed it should be professionally inspected to avoid any complications in the future.
Types of Home Inspections
A pre-purchase inspection is another type of home inspection that might help you in finding your new place to live. This is very important in making sure that you are getting what you are paying for in your new home.
The last type of inspection that I will mention is the one-year warranty inspection. Most homes come with a 12-month builder warranty. You can protect your investment by checking out the integrity of your home before that 12 month window is up.
Whether you are getting into a new home or moving out of your own, home inspections are the smart choice for you and your wallet.
The green building industry needs green attitudes from occupants to be effective. Image: SIEW.
Green buildings may have risen in popularity in Singapore in the past few years, but such buildings are ?green? only if their users are too.
This is why the local green building movement is moving beyond physical walls to reach out to the man in the street, Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) president Tai Lee Siang told Eco-Business in a recent interview.
Strong government leadership here has enabled building owners to adopt newfangled green technology to make their buildings more efficient. ?But the industry is mindful that if the people who occupy them do not have a ?green attitude? to conserving energy and resources, such buildings will not function well,? he said.
The SGBC, an industry association with more than 300 members, is thus focusing its efforts to include engaging the wider community, so that ?green lifestyles can complement green buildings to achieve greater results?, he said.
For example, SGBC is collaborating with technology giant IBM and the Ministry of Education on ?Project Green Insights?, which will raise awareness of energy efficiency with schools in Singapore. Education is important, said Mr Tai, as green attitudes are best adopted from a young ageand the youth will become the future generation of building users.
SGBC?s industry members, such as property developers Lend Lease, are also developing green leases where tenants have to agree to certain environmental targets when they lease a retail space.
This focus on the community will be the main theme at this year?s upcoming International Green Building Conference (IGBC), organized by SGBC, which will feature activities that reach out to tenants, consumers and the youth.
To be held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre from 10 to 12 October, the conference will convene more than 50 international experts from 25 countries to speak on green buildings and sustainable lifestyles.
National building regulator, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), is also set to unveil new Green Mark schemes for big users of energy such as supermarkets, retailers and data centresat the conference.
The Green Mark is a system developed by the BCA to rate buildings on their environmental performance. Singapore currently has more than 1,200 Green Mark buildings.
Director of BCA?s technology development group, Mr Tan Tian Chong noted in statement that since its launch in 2005, the Green Mark scheme has ?provided a meaningful differentiation of buildings in the real estate market.?
?Indeed, a Green Mark building is internationally recognized as having best practices in environmental design and performance. This can have positive value-add for building owners as well as end-users as they will be living and working in energy-efficient, greener and healthier environments. We will extend the Green Mark scheme to new frontiers to make Singapore an even greener and healthier place,? he said.
BCA also plans to introduce a web-based carbon calculator that will help building professionals determine the footprint of major construction materials and energy used in buildings.
To ensure that the industry is held to high standards, the SGBC will announce at the conference a new Green Services Certification Scheme, which will cover related sectors such as architectural design, mechanical and electrical services, energy management and consultancy, and contractors.
It is an extension of an existing Green Building Product Certification, launched in 2010, which certifies green building products. SGBC has certified a total of 144 green products to date.
Mr Tai noted that products are only one aspect of what makes a building green. Service providers, who help create such buildings, are also important. ?So the new scheme will create a certain benchmark? on which these providers can be certified,? he said.
Some 10,000 people are expected to attend October?s conference. It will be held together with Bex Asia 2012, an annual regional building expo focusing on eco-friendly products and solutions. Both events are part of the annual Singapore Green Building Week.
Some notable figures due to speak include Professor Jacqueline Cramer, Director of Utrecht Sustainability Institute and former Minister of Housing, Social Planning and the Environment of the Netherlands, Ms Jane Henley, chief executive of the World Green Building Council and the founder of Earth Hour, Mr Andy Ridley.
To register for the upcoming International Green Building Conference 2012, click here.
VAUGHN, N.M. (AP) ? The police chief of the small eastern New Mexicotown of Vaughn resigned Wednesday, leaving the town with just one certified member on its police force ? a drug-sniffing dog named Nikka.
Dave Romero, attorney for the town, said Wednesday that police Chief Ernest "Chris" Armijo decided to step down after news stories reported that he wasn't allowed to carry a gun because of his criminal background.
"He decided the attention was distracting," Romero said.
State officials said Armijo couldn't carry a gun since acknowledging that he owed tens of thousands of dollars in delinquent child support payments in Texas. Armijo also faces new felony charges after being accused of selling a town-owned rifle and pocketing the cash.
Romero said Armijo is working to clear up the latest case. He said Armijo has not ruled out seeking the police chief's position again if his case is resolved and the position is open.
According to records, the only qualified member of the Vaughn Police Department is Nikka, a drug-sniffing dog. Vaughn's other officer isn't certified and pleaded guilty to charges of assault and battery last year. Noncertified officers can't make arrests and can't carry firearms.
But Romero said not having an officer qualified to carry a gun didn't put Vaughn at risk. "England doesn't allow police officers to carry guns," he said. "Sometime the strongest weapon in law enforcement is communication."
Vaughn, a town of about 450 located 104 miles east of Albuquerque, is a quiet town that is an overnight stop for railroad workers. And while residents say there is no crime problem, the town is set deep in what U.S. Homeland Security Investigations officials say is an isolated region of the state popular with drug traffickers. Officials say the desolate roads in Guadalupe County make it hard for authorities to catch smugglers moving drugs from Mexico.
Guadalupe County Sheriff Michael Lucero said since news about the police chief's record became public his department has helped patrol Vaughn. But he said those efforts have put a slight strain on his already short-staffed department.
"I visit the town at least once a month," said Lucero. "The important thing is to keep a presence so residents know we're there to help if we're needed."
Romero said town officials are considering whether to hire another police chief or keep the department staffed with just one officer. He said it's unclear whether the town will keep the police dog, which had been in Armijo's care.
When approached by a reporter from The Associated Press at his Vaughn home, Armijo said he had no comment, and he declined to grant access to the canine for photographs or video.
The dog's kennel could be seen in Armijo's backyard, and a police truck marked "K-9" was parked in his driveway.
At Penny's Diner, residents said they were embarrassed by the attention the episode has put on the small town.
"There's just a whole lot of nothing going on here," said cook Joyce Tabor. "We have very little crime. It's quiet. So this really doesn't matter."
___
Follow Russell Contreras on Twitter at http://twitter.com/russcontreras
In June, Mozilla and the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the Mozilla Ignite challenge. During the first phase of this $500,000 challenge, the two organizations invited anybody to submit ideas for applications that could make use of ultra-fast, next-generation networks. These ideas had to be related to education, healthcare, public safety, clean energy, transportation, workforce development, and advanced manufacturing. Today, Mozilla and the NSF announced the eight winning ideas and launched the second phase of the program, which focuses on putting these ideas into reality.
You’re on the couch watching a movie and you need a snack but can’t be bothered getting off the couch. If you’ve got the Popinator?from Popcorn Indiana?then you can snack without moving or even having to dig your hands into a bowl or bag . By saying the word “Pop” , the kernel cannon will [...]
If you have an urge to always know what your close friends and family members are up to, then Foursquare has the remedy. The popular social network has announced the availability of its new "Always On" option which allows you to receive continuous check-ins from a selected list of people -- even if you have notifications disabled. This slick new feature gives you the flexibility to create a list of VIPs that you'd like to keep tabs on opposed to receiving a play by play of everyone else's weekend excursion. For now, the toggle can only be found on Foursquare's website, but we wouldn't be surprised if this toggle headed to the company's cadre of apps in the near future. The Android app specifically just received a new update that brings back the nearby friends check-in filter users lost in the upgrade to 5.0 (iOS and BlackBerry saw it return in August) plus a "social history" that shows if your friends have visited a location and how many times, as well as a redesigned me card.
Washington, D.C.--(ENEWSPF)--September 24, 2012. ?Today, Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) released the following statement in response to survey data from the Department of Health and Human Services? (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) showing significant declines in the non-medical use of prescription drugs:
?These results are encouraging, but we cannot afford to take our eyes off the ball.? The abuse of painkillers in America continues to take too many lives, tear apart too many families, and place too many burdens on communities across the nation.?? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prescription drug abuse remains an epidemic.?
The good news is that today?s findings prove yet again that we are not powerless against the problem of substance abuse in America.?Since day one, the Obama Administration has pursued a bipartisan and holistic approach to this challenge.?I am heartened by this progress because it shows that our prescription drug abuse action plan is working to make America healthier and safer. We still have more work to do, but we remain steadfast in our commitment to reversing this epidemic through a balanced approach.?
According to new data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), the number of young adults (people aged 18 to 25) who used prescription drugs for non-medical purposes in the past month declined 14 percent -- from 2 million in 2010 to 1.7 million in 2011. This decline has driven an overall 12 percent decline in the number of Americans abusing prescription drugs.??
To address the problem of prescription drug abuse, the Administration has released Epidemic: Responding to America's Prescription Drug Abuse Crisis. A national framework for reducing prescription drug diversion and abuse, the plan supports the expansion of state-based prescription drug monitoring programs, more convenient and environmentally responsible disposal methods to remove unused medications from the home, education for patients and healthcare providers, and reducing the prevalence of pill mills and doctor shopping through enforcement efforts.
The number of The National Survey on Drug Use and Health is a scientifically conducted annual survey of approximately 70,000 people throughout the country, aged 12 and older.? Because of its statistical power, it is the nation?s premier source of statistical information on the scope and nature of many substance abuse and mental health issues affecting the nation. The complete survey findings are available on the SAMHSA web site at: for more information about SAMHSA visit: http://www.samhsa.gov/
For more information on Administration drug policy and efforts to reduce drug use and its consequences visit www.WhiteHouse.gov/ONDCP
as i'm fairly new to ubuntu, i was just wondering is there a sort of google currents type of program/ app for 12.04 it was the app i used the most on my tablet and on my phone
love you lots like jelly tots
chris
ps as i'm new expect lots of silly questions like this
Mobile marketing is one of the newest types of marketing, yet it actually incorporates elements of some of the oldest and well proven methods. Many of the same rules that apply to other kinds of marketing will apply to mobile marketing too. However, there are some noteworthy differences. This article presents some solid advice on getting the best from this brilliant advertising medium.
Make sure you market through all platforms your costumers might use. They should display correctly for mobile platforms like the iPhone, Android and Blackberry operating systems. A simple message that works on multiple devices is easier to use and implement than one that is custom to each device. Mobile marketing is reliant upon the KISS principle.
QR codes are a smart way to provide interactive content to your customers. QR codes allow you to easily share coupons, promotions, and discounts. With your cellphone the QR codes are easy to use and capture. These codes make it easy to quickly deliver information about your company to your customers.
TIP! Recruit friends and family to help you test every ad you send out to ensure it is working properly. You could even pay someone to test it for you if you want an unbiased opinion.
Mobile Marketing
Use mobile marketing in conjunction with all relevant online functions. Create material that will entice people to visit your website and enroll in your mobile marketing campaign. When you provide your reader room to comment and other ways that they can participate on your site, you will see your sales soar.
Take the time to conduct a usability test. You have to make sure that your customers will be able to view the content that you are sending them. Ask friends, family and coworkers to allow you to send them test messages and to check over them before you launch the campaign.
TIP! Location is the key to effective mobile marketing. Mobile marketing offers the unique chance to know where you are located.
Be aware of how the competition is using social media to market their products. You need to stand apart from the competition.
Maps and directions should be easy to use. It has become a standard trend for individuals to use their cell phone to find directions to where they are going. Make yourself accessible to them. Ensure that your maps can be easily read on the small screen of the average mobile device. Include a link that allows the customer to find your location through Google Maps.
Make sure that your content is relevant and purposeful. It?s easy to go overboard when entering the mobile marketing arena. Be sure your messages have a purpose. Each communication you have with your customer should be directed at promoting your business through the presentation of new information or opportunities for your customers or potential customers. If your content is responsive to your customers? desires, they will buy stuff from you.
TIP! Promote your new mobile marketing campaign as a means of gaining access to exclusive offers and special savings. Make sure that your other advertising efforts, online and in print, point out your mobile campaign?s existence.
Send a reminder to everyone on your mobile marketing list a few hours prior launching a big sale or event, provided that it is an acceptable hour to send texts. This will remind your customers that you have something big going on that they should check out.
Marketing Campaign
Before you go live with your mobile marketing campaign, be sure to test your advertisement first. Verify your message delivery system is functional before before beginning your marketing campaign. Additionally, try sending it to a test audience (e.g. co-workers) first to get feedback before you send it to your target audience.
TIP! When starting a mobile marketing campaign, make sure that it works correctly for the major mobile platforms. Search out information on all of the devices you wish to target your advertising towards, and take each into consideration when planning your campaign.
Social media is a wonderful way to advertise. You can encourage your customers to start talking up your company by rewarding them when they give you social network attention. Getting word of mouth working for you is an effective advertising method, even online and on phones.
You test your websites and related ads on various browsers. In the same way, you should also test mobile websites and related mobile ads on different mobile devices. Cell phones come in a variety of screen sizes, and they support a variety of different browsers, too. Your website and content might look different on each device. The least you could do is test your campaign on the most popular models.
Utilize the dedicated short code. Though there is a slight increase in price, it translates into a major increase in protection. You may also derive a bit of legal coverage from its use.
TIP! No customer base every really changes unless the entire market dictates the change, but remember that mobile customers can come or go due to influences outside of your market. New technology can lure your customers away.
Before your company decides on creating their own mobile app, make sure it?s something that is needed by your customers. If the app serves no discernible purpose or function, it is unlikely to garner attention from any of your prospective or existing customers.
Paying someone to create a mobile-optimized website for your mobile marketing campaign is usually a wise investment. It can be quite difficult to develop a mobile website that is attractive and appealing. Consider hiring outside qualified developers to ensure this goes smoothly.
Your mobile marketing campaign could use a mission statement, if for no other reason than to keep you focused on your goals. Maintaining your principles is key to you being successful in your business plans.
TIP! To achieve the highest success rate in your mobile marketing campaigns, only send the most valuable offers that you have available. This ensures that customers will be eager to see your offers rather than regarding them as a nuisance.
Mobile Marketing
Do not overdo your use of mobile marketing, or customers may get annoyed. If you?re just starting to utilize mobile marketing, be very methodical in the way that you use the information you have learned from this article. Gaining more customers and sales will result
The American Baptist Women?s Ministries will hold a rummage sale.
When ? Sept. 22, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where ? First Baptist Church, 777 S. 1300 East, Salt Lake City
Tickets ? Free
Grace Lutheran Oktoberfest
German music and traditional German food and beer at Grace Lutheran Church?s Oktoberfest fundraiser. Visit gracelutheranoktoberfest.webs.com for information.
When ? Sept. 22, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where ? Grace Lutheran Church & School, 1815 E. 9800 South, Sandy
Tickets ? Admission is free, but all-day fun passes may be purchased for $15 per person. Passes include midway games and designated activities. Princess and Jedi parties are $10 per child.
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Society for Mormon Philosophy & Theology meeting
The meeting of the Society for Mormon Philosophy and Theology provides an opportunity to engage scholars reflecting on LDS thought. Visit www.smpt.org/conferences_2012.html for information.
When ? Sept. 22, 9 a.m.
Where ? Utah State University Eccles Conference Center, 5005 Old Main Hill, Logan
Tickets ? Free
India rest
Celebrate this Pageant of the Ramayana. This gala will feature entertainment, music and food.
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Copyright 2012 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Good for over $1 billion at the box office, Christopher Nolan's third Batman movie is probably this year's most anticipated home video release (The Avengers next week may have something to say about that) and now Warner Bros. has given us a trailer for The Dark Knight Rises on Blu-ray. Previous movies in the series have always delivered on Blu-ray, as well as his other recent hit, Inception. Unfortunately the video maxes out at 480p, but we don't need any additional resolution to see the release date listed for both disc and digital download is December 3rd. Rumors have flown about different releases dates and possible extras like a director's cut, but recently sources have indicated no such extended offering is in the works. Whether you think the flick was long enough (or even too long), you can press play to check out the clip embedded after the break...and clear the first Monday in December on your calendar for a trilogy viewing marathon.
'We need something other than the 'yes' fest we had the last couple of years from the Randy/J.Lo/Steven panel,' one expert tells MTV News of latest judge. By James Montgomery
Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban Photo: WireImage/Getty Images
WASHINGTON (AP) ? A giant panda at the Smithsonian's National Zoo is a mother for the second time, giving birth to a cub after years of failed pregnancies.
Scientists at the zoo had all but given up on Mei Xiang's chances of conceiving, but late Sunday, the 14-year-old Panda gave birth to a hairless cub that is about the size of a stick of butter. The next few days will be critical and the newborn, as part of Chinese tradition, will be named when it is 100 days old.
Just four zoos in the U.S. have pandas, and Washington's pandas have special significance. They were the nation's first set of pandas in 1972, a gift from China to commemorate President Richard Nixon's historic visit to the country.
The current panda couple, Mei Xiang and her mate Tian Tian, are only the second pair of pandas to live at the zoo. They're treated like royalty, and any offspring gets immediate star status.
"There's something very special here with our pandas," giant panda curator Brandie Smith. "Everyone is part of our family. We, Washington, D.C., have had a baby panda cub."
Mei Xiang gave birth to her first cub, a male named Tai Shan, in 2005. Zoo officials tried artificially inseminating her five times since 2007. Each time, Mei Xiang went through what is called a "pseudopregnancy," building a nest and experiencing high hormone levels. But each time there was no cub.
Scientists at the zoo worried she had become infertile and believed there was a less than a 10 percent chance she would become pregnant after so many failed attempts. As a result, they had considered replacing Mei Xiang or 15-year-old Tian Tian with other pandas.
Still, there was hope and they attempted artificial insemination again this year.
"Every year I believe with all my might that this is the year," said Smith, who has been at the zoo for the last four years.
Smith said she got a call from one of the keepers Sunday at 10:47 p.m. "I think I hear a panda cub," the keeper said. Smith and several others then got on their computers to watch the zoo's panda cam. Sure enough, there was the unmistakable bird-like screech of a cub.
Keepers had blocked off the panda exhibit weeks ago, hoping to keep the area quiet for their possibly-expectant mother. An incubator has been running for weeks just in case the cub needed to be hand raised.
For now, Mei Xiang is doing well and responding to the cub's cries. Keepers will continue to watch the two on camera, the same view the public has online. They've so far only gotten fleeting glances of the cub.
Keepers will likely do their first exam in three to four weeks, and it will be four to five months before the public can see the cub in person.
Still, there's some danger. Pandas have accidentally crushed their small cubs. And the first panda couple to live at the zoo, Ling-Ling and Hsing-Hsing, had five cubs, but none of them survived more than a few days.
The new cub will be named Dec. 24. Under an agreement with the Chinese government, zoo officials can keep the cub for four years before it has to go back to China.
For now, however, there's a glow of amazement after "hoping and hoping and hoping for all these years," said Marty Dearie, one of about half a dozen panda keepers at the zoo.
"We're excited and in disbelief all at the same time," Dearie said.
___
Online:
The zoo's online panda camera: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm?cam=LP2
The offer enables car owners to trade in their current vehicles at the best market value while owning any of Abu Khader Automotive's brands (Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, & Opel) with the option of financing the difference through Bank al Etihad's flexible payments plans.
Mr. Taher Al-Husseini - General Manager of Abu Khader Automotive (Leading Vehicles Company) commented on launching this exclusive offer by saying "Our customers' satisfaction has been and will always be on top of our priorities. Launching this exclusive campaign was to motivate and drive car owners to replace their current vehicles and get brand new ones at their convenience. We, at Abu Khader Automotive, believe it is our duty to always fulfill our clients' needs and provide them with what's new and keep them ahead."
The Abu Khader Group was founded in 1937, under the leadership of the late Nicola Abu Khader, who established, developed and managed the automotive and auto parts business hand in hand with his brothers Salim and Yousef, until he was joined by the second generation.
Today, the Group is managed by the family's third generation members: Nicola Abu Khader, who continues to expand the business, and under his leadership, new subsidiary companies and specialized divisions have been developed and added to the Group. The result is an integrated group of companies, each specializing in a different field, with its own independent management. The decentralized structure allows each company in the group to remain strategically focused, and close to market segment and customers.
The Abu Khader Group is one of the leading business groups in Jordan, proudly achieving growth in all business sectors, including but not limited to; automotive spare parts, lubricants, automotive dealerships, tires, battery manufacturing, leasing, car rental, public transport, real estate, technology and education. Over the past decade, the Abu Khader Group has become one of the leading automotive dealerships in Jordan. The Abu Khader Group is the exclusive dealer & distributor for a number of world leading passenger and commercial vehicle brands, including Opel, FIAT, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, HUMMER, BMW and Mitsubishi commercial and Fuso trucks.
The Hypo: The Melancholic Young Lincoln [Pre-Order]
Price: $24.99
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Don't miss the October 13 installment of the Georgetown Art Attack in Seattle's spookiest neighborhood. Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery?will host "The Horror: Selections From the EC Comics Library" featuring a free concert by Berlin-based recording artist Molly Nilsson. Maybe we can convince her to perform her hit song "Hey Moon!"
Bonus: Visitors to this store event will be among the first in the country to receive a complimentary copy of our sensational EC reprint Jack Davis's Tales from the Crypt. Boo!
What started out as a web comic Ed Piskor's Hip Hop Family Tree traces the foundation of hip hop from its Bronx origins with DJ Kool Herc and DJ Hollywood through Doug E. Fresh, Run DMC and beyond in four color fury. The comic easily transitions from depictions of live shows to breaking in the streets to the foundation of record companies, eager to spread the music. Currently published weekly at the epicenter of cool, Boing Boing, Piskor's work will be collected and printed by Fantagraphics next year.
The full-color book will be around 112 pages, collecting the first year's worth of comic strips spanning 1975-1980. As a beautiful backup to Piskor's story, ten beat-friendly cartoonists are providing pin-ups of their favorite hip hop artists and rappers. The overarching theme of comics delving deep into music culture make Hip Hop Family Tree and Ed Piskor make a happy addition to works of cartoonists like Peter Bagge, R. Crumb, Joe Sacco, Mary Fleener, the Hernandez Brothers and authors like Pat Thomas, Jacob McMurray and Kevin Avery.
Piskor is best known for his works like self-published and then Top Shelf published hacker comic, Wizzywig. Piskor also worked with late, great Harvey Pekar in the collection, The Beats. Associate Publisher Eric Reynolds said, "Hip Hop Family Tree is not only a great read, it's a wonderful visual history of the important genre of music of the past 30 years. We're excited to publish it." After all the paperwork was signed Piskor said, "While working on the this project, I began to feel like the belle at the ball, in a matter of speaking, because lots of different publishers started getting in touch. They had certain ideas that would have required compromise. Fantagraphics is one of the only publishers I personally sought out, because I thought they might facilitate my exact vision, and it feels like I was right. Basically, I'm a huge brat and I want what I want, and Fantagraphics is down for the cause."
You can see Piskor and Fantagraphics this weekend at SPX and keep your eyes and ears open for more jammin' comics by Ed Piskor. Start clearing away space now next to your turn table for Hip Hop Family Tree.
We are excited to present an all-new, all-original 40 page comic by Mark Kalesniko for FREE, exclusively here on the Fantagraphics website! "Tarantula" is a hair-raising, funny, exciting, creepy-crawly tale which pits Mark's protagonist Alex against an unwelcome 8-legged home invader. Enjoy this fun and fast-moving tale right here!
Came the Dawn and Other Stories (The EC Comics Library) Illustrated by Wallace Wood; written by Al Feldstein et al.; edited by Gary Groth
208-page black & white 7.25" x 10.25" hardcover ? $28.99 ISBN: 978-1-60699-546-4
Ships in: October 2012 (subject to change) ? Pre-Order Now
BARGAIN COMBO:
Price: $57.98$46.38
Order this book and receive the Jack Davis's Tales from the Crypt Halloween mini-comic shown here as a FREE bonus! Limit one per customer while supplies last.
The 20th century had hit its exact midpoint. Social upheaval ? sexual, social, racial, cultural ? was in the air; and the fledgling EC comics line was about to become a vital part of it.
Working within the horror, war, crime, and science fiction genres, publisher William Gaines and editor/writer Al Feldstein combined a deliciously disreputable, envelope-pushing sensibility with moments of genuine, outraged social consciousness, which shone a hard light onto such hot-button topics as racism, anti-Semitism, mob justice, and misogyny and sexism.
The 1950s were also a launching pad for some of the greatest comic book artists in history, many of whom worked for EC ? including Wallace Wood, whose hypnotically detailed, lushly expressive brushwork brought to life menacing thugs, ominous cityscapes, and small-town America, as well as Everymen grappling with profound moral issues ? not to mention some of the most heart-stoppingly beautiful women ever to sashay across a comic book page.
Came the Dawn collects all 26 Wood-drawn horror and crime stories ? including the full baker?s dozen of EC?s most courageous and politically charged dramas.
Taking its title from one of Wood?s all-time classics, the evil little paranoid thriller ?Came the Dawn,? this collection features page after page after page of Wood?s sleek and meticulously crafted artwork put in the service of cunning twist-ending stories, most often from the typewriter of EC editor Al Feldstein. These tales range from supernatural shockers from the pages of Tales From the Crypt and The Haunt of Fear (?The Living Corpse,? ?Terror Ride,? ?Man From the Grave,? ?Horror in the Freak Tent?) to often pointedly contemporary crime thrillers from Crime SuspenStories (?The Assault,? ?The Whipping,? and ?Confession,? which was singled out for specific excoriation in the anti-comics screed Seduction of the Innocent, thus giving it a special cachet), but the breathtaking art and whiplash-inducing shock endings are constants throughout.
Like every book in the Fantagraphics EC line, Came the Dawn features extensive essays and notes on these classic stories by EC experts ? but the real ?meat? of the matter (sometimes literally, in the grislier stories) is supplied by these ofted lurid, sometimes downright over-the-top, but always compelling and superbly crafted, classic comic-book masterpieces.
23-page excerpt (download 2.4 MB PDF):
Video & Photo Slideshow Preview (view in new window):
At 3:29 AM EDT on Tuesday, Michael Kupperman completed work on the new material to be included in the second hardcover collection of Tales Designed to Thrizzle! It's the equivalent of a full new issue of the series, in addition to the material compiled from issues 5-8. It's all in our hands now to be laid out by our art department and shipped off to the printer for a December release. Above, a tiny taste posted by Michael on Twitter.
That "lickety-WHOP" sound you hear is us beating ourselves up over a recently-discovered error in Roy Crane's Captain Easy, Soldier of Fortune Vol. 3. Editor Rick Norwood explains:
"I made a serious mistake in editing Captain Easy Volume 3: an older strip appeared where the July 3, 1938 strip should have been. I apologize for my error. The missing strip will appear in Captain Easy Volume 4, and can be viewed now [above]."
Click the image above for a much larger and more legible version. Believe us, we are taking steps to ensure we don't miss any more misplaced pages in the proofreading process!
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Excellent! Mr. Charles Burns will be at?Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery?on Saturday, October 20. Doh! Not that Charles Burns. Or are they one in the same? Cartoonist?Charles Burns?was an Evergreen State College classmate of Simpsons creator Matt Groening, after all.
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And on Monday, October 22 Mr. Burns will be joined by Bart and Homer...ay, caramba! We mean Charles Burns will appear at 7:30 with incomparable cartoonist?Chris Ware?and book designer?Chip Kidd?at?Town Hall, 1119 8th Avenue in Seattle. Cowabunga!
"Like" Fantagraphics Bookstore on Facebook?for the latest information on events, new arrivals, specials, and more!
Fantagraphics lost our dear friend and creative colleague Heather Hughes yesterday following a courageous battle with cancer. Heather played the role of Babs Bradley in a one act play of Peter Bagge's story "You're Not the Boss of Me" directed by Steven Jesse Bernstein at the opening of the "Misfit Lit" comix art exhibition at CoCA in Seattle in 1991. She later performed at Fantagraphics Bookstore with her saucy musical comedy group the Fraus for the 2008 opening of Alex Chun's pin-up exhibition. We'll remember her fondly for this appearance with Bridget Fonda in Cameron Crowe's 1992 feature film Singles. Cute and clever - like Heather herself. (Note the cameo by young Tim Burton as "Brian.") Heather Artena Hughes, beautiful inside and out. We're unspeakably sad and miss her terribly.
The first physical copies of Johnny Ryan's Prison Pit Book 4 have crawled up on our shores, and more copies will be infecting Small Press Expo this weekend (where you can get an exclusive bonus signed bookplate) in advance of oozing into stores in November. This volume features the most hideous transmogrifications, the craziest foes, and the most brutal trials yet for our antihero Cannibal Fuckface as he seeks to free himself from the mysterious Caligulon. Plus a chainsaw on a stick. Get a taste with a 14-page excerpt and pre-order your copy right here.
We're pleased to announce that we have a few exclusive bonus items to give away to our customers at Small Press Expo this weekend! Since a few artists with debut books can't make it to the show, we have SPX signature plates, all exclusive to the show and all with brand new artwork!
Folks who purchase Ron Rege Jr.'s The Cartoon Utopia will receive one of these hand-drawn, hand-colored plates along with the book. Ron sent us a scan of his lettering, we printed them, and then Ron drew his special signature-drawing on each one, with lots of unique variations.
Buying Johnny Ryan's Prison Pit Book 4? You'll get one of these signed plates featuring a drawing by Johnny done specially for SPX. (This photo is of a full sheet before we cut 'em up.)
And with Carol Tyler 's You'll Never Know Book 3: Soldier's Heart you'll get one of these beautiful signed two-sided double-bookmarks, handcrafted by Carol using little fake flowers and bits of sandpaper from her dad's workshop! They're like paper nunchucks of beauty and wonderfulness.
But wait, there's more!
Even though he'll be there signing his new book Blacklung in person, Chris Wright drew this special page for us apologizing for the page mixup in the book, which we've made into a print that he'll be signing for insertion into the book. We also printed mini-posters of some of the promotional art Chris recently drew for the book, which we'll be giving out to anyone who asks!
Whew, that's a lot of sweet stuff to get your hands on! All are available exclusively at our SPX table this weekend while supplies last, first come first served! (And if there's any left over, we'll maybe make them available to our mail-order customers.)
(And that's not all... our signing artists may also be bringing their own goodies ? for instance, Steven Weissman's Barack Hussein Obama campaign stickers, and who knows what else!)
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SPX 2012
Join us at Small Press Expo, Sept. 15-16, 2012, Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. Click here for our signing schedule and more info!
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TODAY's Natalie Morales reports on the latest in the teachers' strike in Chicago, where the union and school district say they're making progress as talks resume on the fourth day of the walk-out.
By Jon Schuppe, NBCChicago.com
The week-long teachers? strike in Chicago has drawn national attention because it affects 350,000 children and pits two Democratic forces?-- a new generation of political leaders and teacher unions -- against each other.
But it also represents a broader struggle over education reform and union power, and the results could reverberate elsewhere.
If the Chicago Teachers Union wins enough concessions, then it?s a victory for the labor movement and a potential guide for similar battles underway in other parts of the country.
If Mayor Rahm Emanuel emerges with enough of his demands intact, then it?s another setback for labor and validates the push to impose stricter measures of teacher accountability.
More strike coverage from NBCChicago.com
?This is being looked at very carefully by school districts across the country,? said Kathleen Hirsman, who teaches education and labor law at the Loyola University School of Law. ?There?s the issue of the diminishing strength of teachers unions and who is going to come out the winner. And how the Chicago Public Schools resolves this will be very instructive to other school districts now looking at implementation of state laws requiring teacher evaluation based on student performance.?
All over America, states and cities are trying to figure out how to respond to federal initiatives aimed at improving public schools. The initiatives employ a series of carrots and sticks: There?s money for districts that implement the Obama administration?s ideas on teacher evaluations and testing, and there?s the threat of closure or other sanctions for underperforming schools.
Scott Olson / Getty Images file
Mayor Rahm Emanuel could help decide the future of education reform across the U.S.
That challenge has resulted in elected officials trying to impose new standards for teachers, who resist having to give up control over their work.
?It comes down to who?s going to decide how kids are educated,? said James Wolfinger, an associate professor of history and education at DePaul University. ?Who is the expert? Who should have the greatest voice??
Chicago is just the latest of several big cities -- including New York, Los Angeles, Boston and Cleveland -- where that tension has come to a head.
Chicago strike talks on the brink of a deal How do you measure teacher performance?
Illinois lawmakers have set a schedule to implement new teacher evaluation methods, and Chicago must start making those changes this year. Illinois also happens to be a state that allows teachers to strike.
That makes the five-day-old walkout, which has captivated the country and could impact the presidential election, an ideal opportunity for labor to show that it?s no pushover.
?This is a very important strike for the teachers union,? said Richard Kearney, a political scientist at North Carolina State University. ?If they can come out of this thinking they?ve made up some ground, that should give some encouragement to teacher?s unions elsewhere who are facing similar situations.?
Then again, Emanuel could end up on top.
Or: each side will concede, ending the strike in a draw.
What then?
?Then the fight just goes on elsewhere,? Kearney said. ?And none of this meant a great deal.?
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A growing communications company seek an experienced New Business Sales - Communications to generate new business within hardware sales as well as network services and mobile.
The responsibilities of the New Business Sales Executive - Communications are:
Self-sufficient in finding and developing customer leads.
Telesales.
Minimum of 3-5 meetings per week.
Utilising company's database as well as on contacts.
Build rapport with clients.
As the New Business Sales Executive - Communications you will need to:
Be conversant in hardware sales as well as network services and mobile.
Have working knowledge of Mitel, Siemens (DX, 4000 and procentre), NEC and Panasonic.
In June, Mozilla and the National Science Foundation (NSF) 
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Order this book and receive the Jack Davis's Tales from the Crypt Halloween mini-comic shown here as a FREE bonus! Limit one per customer while supplies last.
Taking its title from one of Wood?s all-time classics, the evil little paranoid thriller ?Came the Dawn,? this collection features page after page after page of Wood?s sleek and meticulously crafted artwork put in the service of cunning twist-ending stories, most often from the typewriter of EC editor Al Feldstein. These tales range from supernatural shockers from the pages of Tales From the Crypt and The Haunt of Fear (?The Living Corpse,? ?Terror Ride,? ?Man From the Grave,? ?Horror in the Freak Tent?) to often pointedly contemporary crime thrillers from Crime SuspenStories (?The Assault,? ?The Whipping,? and ?Confession,? which was singled out for specific excoriation in the anti-comics screed Seduction of the Innocent, thus giving it a special cachet), but the breathtaking art and whiplash-inducing shock endings are constants throughout.
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