or all intents and purposes, U.S. Soccer tipped its hand on its plans for the Development Academy last year when it extended the season from seven to 10 months for a selected number of clubs.

This trial run might have resembled a test drive, but it would only produce one outcome. Forget about mitigating circumstances or tweaks along the way. The revised model would trump any proffered alternatives and sweep through the Development Academy sooner or later.

The inevitable unveiling arrived on Friday afternoon as U.S. Soccer – complete with plenty of supporting documentation – announced it would enact a 10-month schedule for the 2012-13 season and prohibit all Academy players from taking part in high school athletics.

“If we want our players to someday compete against the best in the world, it is critical for their development that they train and play as much as possible and in the right environment,” U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said in a press release issued by the federation. “The Development Academy 10-month season is the right formula and provides a good balance between training time and playing competitive matches. This is the model that the best countries around the world use for their programs and I think it makes perfect sense that we do, as well.”

Borrowing this European-style structure represents the next step in the process as federation officials attempt to establish and refine a uniform way to mine and polish raw talent.

Extending the Development Academy season represents an important step forward toward that particular objective. Players will benefit from more frequent instruction in a carefully controlled setting. Games remain critical learning tools, but training sessions serve as the primary method of skill development. No wonder then that the revised schedule will dramatically increase the time players can spend on the practice field and permit coaches to construct overarching ways to impart necessary tactical and technical knowledge.

Instead of watching their players try to recover lost time in both departments in the early stages of their professional careers, U.S. Soccer officials hope this shift will allow American prospects to compete with European and South American starlets.

“This schedule puts our elite players in line with kids in their age group internationally and places the appropriate physical demands on them at this stage in their development,” U.S. Soccer youth technical director Claudio Reyna said in a release. “The addition of as many as 50 extra training sessions per year will greatly enhance the ability of players to work on individual skills and receive advice and instruction from coaches. Along with the support of our membership, this move has been greeted with enthusiasm from soccer experts from around the world.”

MLS coaches and executives will likely concur in the long-term. This shift continues the gradual transition from profit-seeking organizations squeezing every last cent out of youth soccer to professional setups designed to develop players over the long term (and, in some instances, make some money along the way). The presence of MLS academy sides within the Development Academy structure even provides a modicum of control and supervision over the process. In time, each MLS club will possess the capability to mold and shape players in accordance with first-team needs and philosophical guidelines.

Every measure employed by the clubs and the federation shows the Development Academy program offers a level of training that far exceeds what existed in this country a decade ago. The philosophies are wiser and the structures are stronger than they once were. Room for growth remains, but these determined steps create a path worth following in some instances.

There is, however, still the open question of whether too many kids will sprint down that road without fully understanding the social education they will give up to do so.

The adults constructing these plans seem to willingly discount the significant life sacrifices ahead for the affected teenagers. No more high school soccer. No more high school sports of any kind. No more pressure-filled situations with their teammates. No more civic angst or pride at the outcome of matches. No more letter jackets. No more spaghetti dinners. Fewer nights to enjoy life as a teenager without contemplating the responsibilities of an apprentice advancing toward the professional level.

(Note: This issue has little to do with the quality of play in high school soccer.  That particular brand of the game usually doesn't offer much to the Development Academy player in terms of tactical and technical development. In fact, high school soccer may even hamper that growth, unless kicking it to the corner suddenly makes a dramatic comeback at the highest levels. Regardless of the approach of high school coaches, the concern here is that the social aspects of participating on high school teams [or in any other high school activity, for that matter] are now pushed to the side without any form of comparable replacement.)

Academy kids must now decide to eschew the traditional high school experience to pursue a distant and difficult dream. The system is now overtly designed to cultivate the most promising prospects without catering to the fundamental needs of the vast majority of players that will never make the grade.  

Sheer numbers prohibit a raft of success stories. Seventy-eight clubs participate in the Development Academy. Each club (barring any exceptions) fields a U-16 side and a U-18 side. If each team (conservatively) names 18 players to each roster during a season, then 2,808 players will feature at some point during any given Academy season. Only a modest percentage of those players will warrant a Division I scholarship by the end of their Academy careers. Barely a handful will play professional soccer. A miniscule number will appear with a national team of any sort.

(Note: The validity of these social complaints would dwindle significantly if U.S. Soccer pared down the number of clubs in the Development Academy. It's hard to envision how this accommodating structure offers a uniform level of development across clubs with varying levels of resources. A leaner model would cull some of the weaker clubs, reduce the number of players affected and likely strengthen the level of competition. Every player should participate at minimal or no cost as well, but that contention sparks a philosophical discussion too lengthy for this space.)

In its quest to mimic European developmental models, U.S. Soccer discounted the importance of crucial social development structures relied upon by American teenagers. Some potential stars and their parents won't stand for it. They will suspect the concessions demanded in exchange – the crowded schedules, the travel demands and those lost high school experiences – for Academy participation are too great for a teenager to make, especially with college and its alternative path toward the same goal looming in a few short years.

It's tough to blame them. For all of the benefits the extended Development Academy will bring for players on the field, it will force them to shoulder many burdens off of it. In the end, U.S. Soccer must hope the success of the structure outweighs the social impact felt by the scores of players that fail to reach its intended goal. Otherwise, the cost could prove too great for all parties to bear.

Kyle McCarthy writes the Monday MLS Breakdown and frequently writes opinion pieces during the week for Goal.com. He also covers the New England Revolution for the Boston Herald and MLSsoccer.com. Contact him with your questions or comments at kyle.mccarthy@goal.com and follow him on Twitter by clicking here.

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Monday MLS Breakdown: Extended Development Academy season prompts concerns about its participants

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Feb. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Air Products (NYSE:APD - News) today announced it has acquired Schluchtern, Germany-based ROVI Cosmetics International GmbH, an established leader in the development of cosmetic actives and delivery systems for the European personal care industry. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

ROVI Cosmetics has 18 employees and provides targeted and differentiated delivery systems that enable personal care formulators' performance and label claims in their finished skin care and hair care products.

"We are pleased to complete the acquisition of ROVI Cosmetics and continue to build our personal care portfolio," said Pam Mattimore, vice president and general manager of Performance Materials for Air Products. "This acquisition adds critical mass to our business as we develop into a differentiated specialty ingredient supplier to the personal care industry."

"We are excited about this opportunity. Air Products and ROVI present a perfect match that will facilitate the development and global sale of advanced skin care actives," said Dirk Teichmuller, president and chief executive officer of ROVI Cosmetics.

ROVI Cosmetics' technically advanced product lines will complement Air Products' current offering, which includes temperature switch polymers under the Intelimer® brand, "functional-feel" polymers under Deposilk™ brand, and Hybridur® urethane-acrylic interpenetrating network polymers.  

For more information, please visit http://www.airproducts.com/personalcare.

Air Products (NYSE:APD - News) provides atmospheric, process and specialty gases; performance materials; equipment; and technology. For over 70 years, the company has enabled customers to become more productive, energy efficient and sustainable. More than 18,000 employees in over 40 countries supply innovative solutions to the energy, environment and emerging markets. These include semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, coal gasification, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. In fiscal 2011, Air Products had sales of $10.1 billion. For more information, visit http://www.airproducts.com. 

***NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management's reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this release regarding important risk factors. Actual performance and financial results may differ materially from projections and estimates expressed in the forward-looking statements because of many factors not anticipated by management, including risk factors described in the Company's Form 10K for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2011.

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Adam Briggs hits back in police expenses row

3:35pm Sunday 12th February 2012 in

A FORMER deputy chief constable who faced an investigation over his expenses has branded the inquiry “vindictive”.

Adam Briggs was investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) over allegations he claimed £11,700 for personal development training from North Yorkshire Police despite already receiving a £31,600 allowance to cover private medical insurance and personal development training since taking up his post in 2007.

The IPCC’s report said it was unacceptable for the authority to give Mr Briggs more than £30,000 without auditing how the money was spent.

It added it was disappointed that Mr Briggs, who retired last year, had not so-operated with its inquiry.

But Mr Briggs said: “The issues contained in the IPCC release were all closely examined by the chief constable and the ethics of the standards committee of the North Yorkshire Police Authority, who are the appropriate bodies.

“They were examined in detail in 2009 and 2010 when I answered every question asked of me, acknowledged I had made a minor administrative error in a procurement process that was new to me and I listened to the advice.

“I regard the IPCC inquiry as a vindictive act and I was not prepared to be a party to it as the appropriate bodies had already concluded no further action was required.”

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Briggs hits back in police expenses row

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 9 (Bernama) -- The establishment of the Personal Data Protection Department following gazetting of the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 will lead to higher "e-commerce" and "e-business" transactions.

This will expedite development of the electronic networking system in the country, said Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim.

He said the government's move to recognise an individual's importance via the Personal Data Protection Act would instil confidence among the masses, practitioners of e-commerce and the electronic network that their personal information was adequately protected.

The Act would also help propel Malaysia to emerge as the hub for communications, electronic commerce and an attractive industrial investment and multimedia destination, he said when opening the department and an awareness seminar on personal data protection.

Rais said the Act would also provide the guarantee for personal data protection in accordance with the international standard to Malaysia's foreign trade partners.

"Higher electronic-based transactions have raised the status of personal data which previously did not have high commercial value. The value was equivalent to that of the main commodities," the minister said.

Rais said a person's integrity and personal data protection were crucial factors for Malaysia's transition from a manufacturing-based economy to a knowledge-oriented nation backed by information and communications technology infrastructures.

So far, more than 100 countries have and are introducing the personal data protection legislation, he added.

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Personal Data Protection Act to boost online transactions: Rais

KUALA LUMPUR: The establishment of the Personal Data Protection Department following gazetting of the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 will lead in higher "e-commerce" and "e-business" transactions.

This will expedite development of the electronic networking system in the country, said Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim.

He said the government's move to recognise an individual's importance via the Personal Data Protection Act would instil confidence among the masses, practitioners of e-commerce and the electronic network that their personal information was adequately protected.

The Act would also help propel Malaysia to emerge as the hub for communications, electronic commerce and an attractive industrial investment and multimedia destination, he said when opening the department and an awareness seminar on personal data protection.

Rais said the Act would also provide the guarantee for personal data protection in accordance with the international standard to Malaysia's foreign trade partners.

"Higher electronic-based transactions have raised the status of personal data which previously did not have high commercial value. The value was equivalent to that of the main commodities," the minister said.

Rais said a person's integrity and personal data protection were crucial factors for Malaysia's transition from a manufacturing-based economy to a knowledge-oriented nation backed by information and communications technology infrastructures.

So far, more than 100 countries have and are introducing the personal data protection legislation, he added. - BERNAMA

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Personal Data Protection Act will boost E=Commerce, says Rais

You are here : Bernama › News

February 09, 2012 16:52 PM

Personal Data Protection Act Will Boost e-commerce, e-business Transactions - Rais

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 9 (Bernama) -- The establishment of the Personal Data Protection Department following gazetting of the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 will lead in higher "e-commerce" and "e-business" transactions.

This will expedite development of the electronic networking system in the country, said Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim.

He said the government's move to recognise an individual's importance via the Personal Data Protection Act would instil confidence among the masses, practitioners of e-commerce and the electronic network that their personal information was adequately protected.

The Act would also help propel Malaysia to emerge as the hub for communications, electronic commerce and an attractive industrial investment and multimedia destination, he said when opening the department and an awareness seminar on personal data protection.

Rais said the Act would also provide the guarantee for personal data protection in accordance with the international standard to Malaysia's foreign trade partners.

"Higher electronic-based transactions have raised the status of personal data which previously did not have high commercial value. The value was equivalent to that of the main commodities," the minister said.

Rais said a person's integrity and personal data protection were crucial factors for Malaysia's transition from a manufacturing-based economy to a knowledge-oriented nation backed by information and communications technology infrastructures.

So far, more than 100 countries have and are introducing the personal data protection legislation, he added.

-- BERNAMA

We provide (subscription-based) 
news coverage in our Newswire service.

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Personal Data Protection Act Will Boost e-commerce, e-business Transactions - Rais

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/d53355/integrating_social) has announced the addition of the "Integrating Social Networking into Your Business Development Strategies for 2012" audioconference to their offering.

In this webinar, ExecSense examines how business development executives are leveraging social media to help fuel their business development strategies for 2012. Take the 60-minutes to view this webinar (on your computer, mobile phone, iPad, Kindle or printed out) to learn how other business development executives are establishing social networking goals for 2012, how they plan to use social networking to drive new deals, and specific ways they plan on using LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and other sites.

The webinar is led by an expert on the topic, Alex Romanovich (Social2B, CMO of EuroSpaClub International), and covers:

In 60 minutes you will be prepared to take a social networking inventory and develop achievable personal and team development goals for 2012, and more How top business development executives define their social networking objectives; performing a situational analysis; determining a target audience; choosing your communication vehicles; designing your tactical calendar and most importantly - metrics for success What are the secrets to international social media networking that most business development executives haven't discovered yet and how to avoid typical cross-cultural traps A look at how top business development executives use LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter; the strategies they have found to be most successful for establishing a professional following Case studies of 2012 social networking plans for 5 leading business development executives, their best tips and techniques, and important lessons learned you can immediately implement in the year ahead

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/d53355/integrating_social

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Research and Markets: Integrating Social Networking into Your Business Development Strategies for 2012

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Business and agricultural groups told Idaho House and Senate tax committees that restoring university research and development budgets, adding incentives for job creation and eliminating Idaho's $130 million personal property tax would all help boost the state's economy.

The House Revenue and Taxation Committee and the Senate Local Government and Taxation committees met Wednesday in a rare joint session, to gather input as they consider Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's proposal to dedicate $45 million to tax cuts.

House Assistant Majority Leader Scott Bedke told presenters to imagine they were in the tax policy store, hunting for the best product to stimulate the economy.

"I would like to drill down, from each of the industries, from your perspective, how is that going to move the needle on economic development in the state," said Bedke, R-Oakley. "We're on the cusp of setting tax policy here."

Clark Krause, of Jobs for Idaho, a group representing economic development groups across the state, suggested establishing a fund to reward companies that export over 50 percent of their goods and services beyond Idaho's borders. According to his plan, they would be eligible for thousands of dollars' worth of incentives for creating jobs, with the money paid out over four years to ensure that they follow through on their commitments.

"Our idea is to please consider ... a job expansion fund, so that when a value-added job company is looking to grow jobs within the state of Idaho, we have the tools to make sure that they make a decision to keep those jobs here and grow those jobs here," Krause said.

Meanwhile, Food Producers of Idaho lobbyist Brent Olmstead said his group's No. 1 priority would be restoring research and development spending.

That's happening, at least in a limited way, with Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter promoting his IGEM program that will direct $5 million toward universities to partner with private industry on new ideas that could eventually become commercially viable products.

Alex LaBeau, the top lobbyist at the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry, told the panel that the Legislature's failure to eliminate the $130 million personal property tax on business equipment has been a drag on economic development. Dumping the tax would allow businesses to direct newly available cash to job creation, he said.

"This is a bad tax," LaBeau said. "It's the one that all the businesses talked to us about and said, 'This is a nightmare. It has to go away.' "

And recently appointed Department of Commerce Director Jeff Sayer told the panel that one thing he's learned in his four months on the job is that Idaho should develop attractive incentives that go well beyond the state's traditional attributes of low energy costs, a flexible, affordable workforce and quality of life.

Sayer called it "window dressing" — the kind of knockout package meant to catch the fickle eye of head hunters hired by companies to negotiate the best relocation package possible. Without that, companies will consistently overlook Idaho's deeper qualities because the incentives in the store front aren't alluring enough, he said.

"When I walked into this position, I fully expected when it came to recruiting new companies we'd be dealing with the principles of those organizations, we'd be sitting down with the CFOs, we'd be sitting down with the decision-makers, and saying 'These are the benefits of Idaho,' " Sayer said. "That's not the way the game is being played. Companies are literally hiring site selectors, and those site selectors are being compensated on the incentive package that they can bring to the table.

"The biggest issue," he said, "is getting them here."

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Idaho biz, ag groups promote economic incentives

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27-01-2010 17:01 With great sadness we share that Jim Rohn, our mentor and friend, left us December 5, 2009 for a better place. Over the past 18 months, in his battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis, Jim assured us with a smile that all is good, that he would fight until the last breath, yet he had no fear as to what would be next. Jims faith was as much a part of his life as his desire to inspire and challenge us all to be the best we could be and to live our dreams. Jims courage in his final months and days were a testament to his message that we should all fight the good fight. He never gave up and never gave in. textcashexplosion.blogspot.com Jim Rohn touched millions of lives over the past 46 years through his seminars, books, articles and CDs. He always stayed long after an event to shake hands, take pictures and sign autographs. He loved making a difference in peoples lives, that was his passion and inspiration. Yet he was also a private man who kept a small, loyal and caring inner circle. He was a tremendous friend to those who knew him. Harold Dyke, long time close friend of Jims for over 55 years said it best, As Jim is ending one life he is simultaneously being birthed into a new life. One that he has talked about over the years and anticipated with great joy in his last remaining days. Kyle Wilson, long time colleague and friend of Jim had this to say about his mentor, Jim Rohn was a great human being. Jim had the rare ability to take any concept or idea and then frame it in such a ...

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Jim Rohn Personal Development Living a good life Visit http://www.ronandlauraperkins.com - Video

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17-07-2010 17:13 Visit: http://www.coachinginvestment.com Peak Performance, Turnaround and Maximum Results. For over 30 years, Anthony Robbins has dedicated his life to modeling the most successful people in the world. Through access to their experience, he has discovered and simplified the core distinctions and...

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Best lessons from Anthony Robbins. 12 Personal development. Visit. http://www.coachinginvestment.com - Video