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e-Choupal version 3.0 ; ITC is prototyping a new script for its e-Choupal initiative to take engagement with farmers to the next level co-creating with farmers and harnessing their entrepreneurship.

Business Today, November, 2009 real estate for sale by owner by E. Kumar Sharma

When you run Corporate India’s largest, most ambitious and most
celebrated rural initiative, you better know the following:

1) That adversities could crop up unexpectedly.

2) That some adversities can be turned into opportunities.

3) And that every little opportunity has to be made most of.

It was so with ITC, the company behind the e-Choupal initiative
that had reached four million farmers in six states in six years
till 2006. At one point, the company was opening 5-6 e-Choupals a
day and had a target of reaching 100 million farmers. That hit a
roadblock of sorts in 2006-07

CONSUMERISM INFLICTS STRUCTURAL VIOLENCE: Billions of people suffer from rich world’s overfed appetite

CCPA Monitor, Jul/Aug 2009 by McGregor, Sue L T

The interests of a consumer society are in deep conflict with the interests of the commons, justice, peace, and the human condition. Majority World citizens experience the fallout of the violent consumer infrastructure. In today’s consumer society, conflict manifests as structural violence and, to a lesser extent, direct violence against each other (e.g., children killing each other for brand name clothing).

The violent consumer infrastructure emerged out of the tensions of perceived scarcity, one of the main determinants of conflict (Homer-Dixon, 1991). The ideologies of capitalism, topdown globalization and neoliberalism are predicated on the notion of scarcity rather than abundance. With perceived scarcity comes competition for resources (land, water, labour, money, time), leading to winners and losers and the possibility of conflict and violence.

Ironically, scarcity is not necessarily the problem; rather, it is often the uneven distribution of resources that is the problem. There is enough to go around, but unfair access to political, economic, and other resources – because of involuntary membership in certain ethnic, racial, religious, gender, or other groups – leads to exploitation, repression, and alienation, as well as denial of basic needs. This is structural violence.

The term “structural violence” was first coined by Johan Galtung in 1969. He was looking for a construct that respects the reality that, even though a nation is not a war, its citizens can still be experiencing violence due to a lack of justice, security, freedom, and rights. Unlike visible violence and war, indirect structural violence is almost invisible. It is embedded in ubiquitous social structures, normalized by stable institutions and regular experience. The results are unequal power and unequal life chances.

Because these inequities are long-standing, they usually seem ordinary, the way things are done, and always have been. Still worse, the people who are victims of structural violence often do not see the systematic ways in which their plight is choreographed by unequal and unfair distribution of society’s resources and power, or due to human constraint caused by economic and political structures. Unequal access to resources, to political power, to education, to health care, or to legal standing are all forms of structural violence.

Structural violence can also occur in a society if institutions and policies are designed in such a way that manifesting abundance barriers are built into society that result in lack of adequate food, housing, health, safe and just working conditions, education, economic security, clothing, and family relationships. Such is the case with consumerism

Energy Future Holdings Reports Third Quarter 2009 Results

Business Wire, Oct 30, 2009

DALLAS — Energy Future Holdings Corp. (EFH) today reported consolidated financial
results for the third quarter and year-to-date periods ended September
30, 2009 in the companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

We had a solid operational performance for the quarter and continue to
make good progress, even in the face of depressed commodity prices and
economic conditions that remain challenging, said Energy Future
Holdings President and CEO John Young.

Third Quarter GAAP Results

For the third quarter 2009, EFH reported a consolidated net loss
attributable to EFH Corp. (in accordance with GAAP) of $80 million
compared to reported net income of $3.617 billion for the third quarter
2008. The third quarter 2009 reported net loss included $90 million
(after tax) in unrealized mark-to-market net losses on interest rate
swaps entered into to hedge variable interest rate expense and $2
million (after tax) in unrealized mark-to-market net gains related to
commodity positions.

The third quarter 2008 reported net income included $3.955 billion in
unrealized mark-to-market net gains largely related to the long-term
hedging program (discussed further below) and $23 million in unrealized
mark-to-market net gains on interest rate swaps, partially offset by a
$322 million charge associated with the impairment of sulfur dioxide and
nitrogen oxide emissions allowances (all after tax).

Third Quarter Adjusted (Non-GAAP) Operating Results

Adjusted (non-GAAP) operating results for the third quarter 2009 totaled
net earnings of $10 million compared to a net loss of $21 million for
the third quarter 2008. For a reconciliation of reported GAAP results to
adjusted (non-GAAP) operating results for the third quarter 2009 and
2008, see Tables A1 and A2.

Results from the competitive business improved $48 million (after tax).
The results reflected an $81 million improvement in contribution margin
driven by favorable results from asset management and retail activities,
lower purchased power costs during plant outages, higher output from the
nuclear-fueled generation units and the 2008 effect on the retail
business of Hurricane Ike. Offsetting factors included a $12 million
increase in retail bad debt expense due to customer losses, new system
conversion and general economic conditions, and $14 million in higher
net interest expense driven by increased amortization of interest rate
hedge losses. (All amounts are after tax.)

Results from the regulated business declined $17 million (after tax),
driven by the net income attributable to the Oncor minority owner, which
totaled $26 million, as a result of the sale of the 20 percent interest
in Oncor in the fourth quarter 2008. Excluding the effect of the
noncontrolling interests, the $9 million increase in earnings of the
regulated business was driven by a lower effective income tax rate,
which reflected favorable resolution of uncertain tax positions. Higher
operating costs, driven by increased transmission fees, and higher
depreciation and amortization were offset by higher revenues from rate
increases.

Year-To-Date GAAP Results

For the nine months ended (year-to-date) September 30, 2009, EFH
reported consolidated net income attributable to EFH Corp. (in
accordance with GAAP) of $207 million compared to a reported net loss of
$983 million for year-to-date 2008. Year-to-date 2009 reported net
income included $459 million (after tax) in unrealized social anxiety treatment commodity-related
mark-to-market net gains that reflected the impact of lower forward
natural gas prices on the value of positions in EFHs long-term hedging
program (discussed further below) and $342 million (after tax) in
unrealized mark-to-market net gains on interest rate swaps entered into
to hedge variable interest rate expense. These items were partially
offset by a noncash impairment charge of $90 million resulting from the
completion in the first quarter of the fair value calculation supporting
the goodwill impairment charge that was recorded in the fourth quarter
of 2008.

Year-to-date 2008 reported net loss included a $323 million charge
associated with the impairment of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide
emissions allowances and $142 million in unrealized mark-to-market net
losses largely related to the long-term hedging program, partially
offset by $23 million in unrealized mark-to-market net gains on interest
rate swaps (all after tax).

Year-To-Date Adjusted (Non-GAAP) Operating Results

Adjusted (non-GAAP) operating results for year-to-date 2009 totaled a
net loss of $502 million compared to a net loss of $510 million for
year-to-date 2008

An Indian lesbian in America.(Letter to the editor)

Curve, November, 2009 by Frederic, Sally

I have thoroughly enjoyed your parenting tips recent issues and the articles on India in particular [Vol. 19#7]. My girlfriend is originally from India and we are planning a three-week trip this December to see her family. Of course, her parents don’t know she is a lesbian, so I will be ‘just a friend” who is coming along

Firestorm over smokeless cigarette

0 Comments | USA TODAY, October, 2009 | by Wendy Koch

Electronic cigarettes are opening a new front in the tobacco wars as state and local lawmakers try to restrict the product, which may allow users to circumvent smoking bans.

The symptoms of hemroids battery-powered device is made up of a cartridge containing nicotine, flavoring and chemicals. It turns nicotine, which is addictive, into a vapor that is inhaled. Users say they’re “vaping,” not smoking.

E-cigarettes are used by at least a half-million Americans, says Matt Salmon, head of the Electronic Cigarette Association.

“People who smoke ought to have better alternatives, because some can’t quit,” he says. His father, a longtime smoker, died last week of cancer and emphysema.

Public health officials question the safety of e-cigarettes

ADDINGMULTIMEDIANew Fitness Kits Developed by Mens Health and Womens Health Aim to Get America Back in Shape Fast

Business Wire, Oct 30, 2009

Mens Health and Womens Health Workout Kits Are First Fitness
Products Between EB Sport Group and Rodale, Inc.

YONKERS, N.Y. — EB Sport Group, a market leader in the creation of personal exercise and
fitness products, has announced the availability of the Mens Health
Ultimate
Total-Body Workout? and Womens Health Lean
Body Workout? two branded fitness kits designed to get people back
in shape quickly.

These are the first of many planned exercise products to be developed by
EB Sport Group, a division of EB
Brands, and Rodale
Inc., publisher of Mens
Health and Womens
Health magazines. Both kits are available now for $49.99
at www.GETFITKIT.com
and at a variety of sporting goods and nutrition retailers nationwide.

Specially designed by the editors and staff at Mens Health and Womens
Health, the Ultimate Total-Body Workout? and Lean Body Workout?
kits combine carefully selected fitness equipment with cutting-edge
exercise programs that strengthen, sculpt and tone the entire body over
the course of six weeks and are weight loss programs tailored to the male and female body
respectively.

Our research shows that while many people desire to get in shape, they
frequently struggle with exactly what products to buy and then what to
do with them. These kits eliminate that confusion and deliver a clear
path to success for individuals of all fitness levels and at a very
reasonable price,? said Brian Anderson, president of EB Sport Group. Mens
Health and Womens Health have provided millions of people
with the best fitness content available. Now, consumers will also have
the tools they need in these two powerful kits.?

These workout kits offer consumers a uniquely affordable fitness
solution,? said Adam Campbell, Fitness Director, Mens Health and Womens
Health. It not only provides the convenience of a home gym, but a
complete workout program designed by the experts at Mens Health
and Womens Health.?

The Mens Health Ultimate Total-Body Workout? includes select
equipment, as well as a customized six-week workout program

TIEA with France.(BERMUDA)(information exchange agreements)(Brief article)

0 Comments | Caribbean Update, November, 2009

Finance Minister Paula Cox, said Bermuda signed an agreement with France that provides for a full exchange of information on criminal and civil tax matters, reports Caribbean Net News (Oct. 12, 2009). Countries must have 12 tax information exchange agreements (TIEAs) in place to satisfy the global standard established at the G20 meeting in London on April 2, 2009.

Currently, Bermuda sacramento homes has 16 signed TIEAs in place

Integrated Card Exchange and Peoples Trust Payment Processing Solution for Canadian Market Fully Operational

PR Newswire, Oct 28, 2009

NEW YORK and VANCOUVER, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ — Integrated Card Exchange (ICE), an affiliate of CardWorks, Inc., and Peoples Trust, a leading provider of financial services in Canada, announced today that a comprehensive processing solution for the Canadian market, powered by Planet Payment (LSE: AIM: PPT and PPTR; OTCQX: PLPM), a leading multi-currency and data processor, is now live and fully operational.

The turnkey solution provides Canadian merchants with a comprehensive suite of business-building tools designed to improve merchant efficiency and profitability. The solution includes full domestic processing support for VisaA’ and MasterCardA’ including chip and pin, American ExpressA’, JCB, and InteracA’ debit card transactions. Additionally, merchants now have access to Planet Payment’s Pay in Your Currency(TM) and Multi-Currency Pricing services, which are driving additional sales opportunities and improving profitability by enabling customers to view pricing and pay in their home currencies.

Merchants have a range of card acceptance solutions available to them to use in support of the service. For brick-and-mortar merchants, Peoples Trust and ICE have selected Hypercom’s Optimum T4200 series of terminals which allows merchants in the retail and restaurant sectors to accept the full range of payment types, in addition to the Pay in Your Currency service. E-Commerce and Mail Order / Telephone Order merchants have access to iPAY, Planet Payment’s robust suite of payment acceptance and business management tools.

“The ‘Pay in Your Currency’ feature is a first for Canada and is helping drive increased efficiency by looking at transactions in a new way and will assist merchants in servicing their customers while increasing profitability,” said Gerry Serratore Vice President of Marketing at Peoples Trust. “As a leading provider of financial services in Canada, we continually identify market needs and will implement solutions to meet them.”

Integrated Card Exchange will offer the solution directly to Canadian merchants and Independent Sales Organizations (“ISO”) as well as through US-based ISOs that are interested in processing solutions for merchants located in Canada.

“Integrated Card Exchange selected Planet Payment because of the power, functionality and flexibility of their credit card processing solution. This relationship, coupled with our arrangement with Peoples Trust, allowed us to offer a powerful solution perfectly tailored to the unique needs of the Canadian affiliate radio marketplace,” said Matt Berman, Managing Director for Integrated Card Exchange

Message to Motorists: Don’t Hope So, Know So

PR Newswire, Oct 1, 2009

Allstate Survey: Many Drivers Are Unsure About What Their Auto Insurance Covers

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Does your auto policy cover you if your laptop is stolen out of your car? How about if you leave your car running while you run into a store and it gets stolen? Or you hit a pothole and it causes the frame of your car to bend?

Of drivers surveyed, 64 percent believed their auto policy covers them if personal items are stolen from their car, when it fact that is covered under a homeowners or renters policy. Nearly one third of respondents thought they were covered if they left their car running and it was stolen. And, while 60 percent of drivers knew they would be covered if a pothole caused the frame of their car to bend, 40 percent thought it would be covered under comprehensive, when in fact, it would be a collision claim.

A new survey commissioned by Allstate Insurance Company entitled, “Don’t Hope So, Know So,” asked drivers a series of questions about which coverages they currently michigan auto insurance quotes have, and if those coverages would protect them in various accident scenarios. The survey found that many were confused about the coverage they had, the type of insurance they carried, and how high their deductibles were. In fact, 92 percent of drivers who initially felt confident in their auto coverage had their confidence drop by 20 points after taking the survey.

“These survey results underscore the need for consumers to be better educated about their policies and what they mean,” says Steve Sorenson, senior vice president of product operations for Allstate

Today’s menu

Flex, Dec, 2009 by Jim Stoppani

MEAL 1 *
Protein shake (50 grams protein)
1 cup oats
10 g raisins
100 g banana

MEAL 2
200 g tilapia
200 g baked potato
1 cup green beans

MEAL 3
200 g tilapia
1 cup green beans
1/2 cup oats
10 g raisins

MEAL 4
PRETRAINING
2 scoops nitric oxide booster

DURING TRAINING
2 1/2 scoops whey protein powder

MEAL 5
200 g turkey
1 cup green beans

MEAL 6
200 g tilapia
1 cup green beans
1/2 cup chopped peppers
1 tbsp mustard

MEAL 7 [dagger]
10 egg whites
1 cup green beans

* Preceded by 60 minutes of cardio:

racheal ray

[dagger] Preceded by 40 minutes of cardio.

Edited by JIM STOPPANI, PHD