(BERLIN) - Europe can only exert an influence on the world stage if it speaks with one voice, solves its debt crisis and bolsters its own economic power, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Monday.

Speaking to the Berlin press corps, Merkel noted that Europe's percentage of the world population had shrunk dramatically in the past 60 years, reducing the influence of individual EU countries at a global level.

"We can only have a say in the world if we are united in the European Union. And we can only have a say if we are economically successful. Not at the cost of other regions but in fair competition with other regions," said Merkel.

"It is extremely important that Europe pulls closer together because individual countries cannot have as big an influence with their own voices as when we act together," added the chancellor.

"Luckily we are united and now we have to make sure that what we have agreed on -- for example the common currency -- actually works."

Merkel's comments came as a new poll showed nearly two thirds of Germans thought they would be better off if they had not swapped their beloved deutschmark for the euro.

And the chancellor said Germany should not sacrifice its export strength for the sake of correcting imbalances destabilising the eurozone but stressed the importance of bolstering domestic demand.

"Germany is not just following a policy aimed at consolidation and austerity ... but we are also trying to bolster domestic demand," said Merkel.

She reiterated that she was "strongly convinced" that the eurozone would emerge stronger from the crisis than it was before the near three-year long drama began.

She said that the 17-nation bloc was "step-by-step overcoming the crisis" but repeated that the problems would not be solved at a stroke.

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Europe needs unity, economic success for global say: Merkel

The Zaslow brothers are at that rowdy age. They bicker. They tease. They talk over one another.

They are Exhibits A, B and C that boys, indeed, will be boys - even when they're in their 80s.

But each day doesn't end until Jerome, Spencer, and Arnold Zaslow make peace if anything is amiss - a routine insisted on by their parents. It has been the underpinning of a business relationship among the brothers that endures after more than 60 years of working together.

Besides their bloodline, their bond is ATD-American Co., a furniture and textile distributor in Wyncote that in earlier days had a much more diverse sales portfolio that included broccoli, straitjackets, Jamaican beef patties, pencils, and condoms.

"The idea was to sell anything that you had a good connection to buy," said Arnold Zaslow, at 82 the youngest brother.

The Zaslows' small-business experience is a remarkable and rare run for a family company, said Herbert J. Cohen, a partner in Executive Leaders Radio in Willow Grove, which offers syndicated programming.

"I've interviewed 2,000+ CEOs regarding their success, and I promise you the Zaslow story is special," Cohen wrote in an e-mail.

Far from its humble beginnings, ATD-American now has nearly 200 employees (counting a mill in Georgia, where 70 workers make sheets and pillowcases) and a customer base of more than 100,000 in 78 countries.

As a private company, ATD-American would not release its annual revenue, but it said sales had dipped since the 2008 economic meltdown that still has some of its institutional and government customers squeamish about spending.

Not that the Zaslow brothers are freaked out about it.

Read more:
Diane Mastrull: ATD-American Co. nears its fourth generation of family-run success

Market News

September 17, 2012 // Julien Happich

In yet another sign that the technology industry has entered the post-PC era, personal computers during the second quarter accounted for less than half of the market for DRAM, the first time in a generation that they didn't consume the majority of the leading type of semiconductor memory.

PCs in the second quarter accounted for 49.0 of DRAM bit shipments, down from 50.2 percent in the first quarter, according to an IHS iSuppli DRAM Dynamics Brief from information and analytics provider IHS.

The fall is notable, given that the share of PCs hasnt dipped below 50 percent since the 1980s, when personal computers were a new product whose sales were rising at rapid clip. After accounting for the overwhelming share of DRAM buying for decades, average PC share from the first quarter of 2008 until the fourth quarter of 2011 hovered at approximately 55 percent, with share fluctuating periodically but generally trending down.

An era explained

This event symbolizes the decline of the PC market because of smartphone and media tablets. However, beyond symbolism, the development also illustrates the diminishing dominion of PCs in the electronics supply chain.

The arrival of the post-PC era doesnt mean that people will stop using personal computers, or even necessarily that the PC market will stop expanding, said Clifford Leimbach, memory analyst at IHS. What the post-PC era does mean is that personal computers are not at the center of the technology universe anymoreand are seeing their hegemony over the electronics supply chain erode. PCs are no longer generating the kind of growth and overwhelming market size that can single-handedly drive demand, pricing and technology trends in some of the major technology businesses.

The fact that PCs have lost their majority share of the DRAM marketan area completely defined and dominated by personal computers for about 30 yearsrepresents a major milestone and the arrival of a new era in technology.

Originally posted here:
PC share of DRAM market dips below 50 percent for first time, says IHS

HURON South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) is currently seeking participants for the organizations 2012-2013 Rural Economic And Leadership (REAL) Development Program.

The REAL Development Program is a free, comprehensive series designed and tailored for rural South Dakotans who currently serve or have a willingness to serve in a leadership role and those who want to improve their leadership abilities. Participants will receive challenging and supportive development training in personal motivation, leadership strategy, goal achievement, and community growth.

Through innovative speakers and hands-on activities, participants will develop skills that can be directly applied to their own lives. The class meets three times during a 12-month period, and each session includes a half-day Friday and half-day Saturday. The first session is scheduled for Sept. 28-29 at the SDFU State Office in Huron. Session two will be held Jan. 21-22, 2013, at Pierre, and the third and final session will be held in March 2013 at a location specified by program participants. Lodging and meals are provided free with this course. A deposit is required to secure your spot.

Weve geared our sessions toward building rural leaders in South Dakota, said SDFU Rural Development Director Mitch Fargen. Its a hands-on experience that will help participants grow not only in their professional development but in their personal lives as well.

If youve ever wanted to serve your community by becoming a member of a board of directors for an organization, this class will teach you the skills you need to succeed. REAL is also beneficial to people who want to network with other professionals. Its a great way to meet new people and form relationships in a fun and relaxed setting. For more information on registering for the 2012-2013 REAL Development Program contact Mitch Fargen at 605-352-6761 ext. 116 or mfargen@sdfu.org

The REAL Program is funded by South Dakota Farmers Union and the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation. For more information visit http://www.sdfu.org.

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of yankton.net.

We encourage your feedback and dialog, all comments will be reviewed by our Web staff before appearing on the Web site.

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Farmers Union Seeking REAL Participants

By Saj Chowdhury BBC Sport

Supporters involved in tasteless chants at football matches should be banned for life, according to former Manchester United player Joe Jordan.

His comments came after a minority of United fans took part in anti-Liverpool taunts during the 4-0 win against Wigan, days after the report into the Hillsborough disaster was made public.

What they come out with has nothing to do with a football match. Neither they nor I can imagine the pain those people have gone through

"I can't quite get my head around why people come to football matches with that first and foremost on their minds," Jordan told BBC Sport.

"You have to eliminate it."

The former striker added that anyone found guilty of tasteless chants on Saturday should be "banned for life".

United released a statement after the Premier League match against Wigan saying they "deplored" the chants from fans at Old Trafford.

Earlier in the week, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson called for both United and Liverpool fans to end the terrace barbs against each other.

The teams meet next Sunday at Anfield.

Link:
Jordan wants life bans for taunts

Over the last decade or so, the kettlebell has enjoyed a successful reintroduction into the fitness industry. Kettlebell exercises are usually fast-paced, relatively simple, and tend to involve the whole body.

The foundational kettlebell exercise, the swing, provides an excellent example of this. The swing exercise is initiated by driving the hips backward in a hip-hinging motion, loading the hamstrings while maintaining correct alignment of the head and spine. The motion is then powerfully reversed squeezing the glutes and driving the kettlebell forward.

However, despite the popularity of kettlebells, limited research appears to have been done regarding the metabolic demand of kettlebell swing exercise routines. Leading research from Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., and tests the kettlebell swing against a time honored fat loss favorite; running on a treadmill.

Thirteen subjects, 11 male and two females, completed a 10-minute kettlebell swing routine consisting of 35-second swing intervals followed by 25-second rest intervals.

Men used a 35-pound kettlebell, and women used an 18-pound kettlebell. After 48 hours of rest, the same subjects completed a 10-minute treadmill run at same equivalent rate of perceived exertion, or intensity, as measured during the swing workout. The researchers observed if running or swinging would be more metabolically demanding and in turn burn more energy for fat loss.

The authors stated that, according to the American College of Sports Medicine standards, this kettlebell drill could provide sufficient exercise stress to produce gains in aerobic capacity. Swings are proven to increase cardiovascular health, Therefore, on days when a subject wanted an alternative to treadmill running or stationary cycling, kettlebell swings might be substituted to maintain cardiovascular training levels.

While swings may be good for heart health, they may be even better at helping you lose body fat.

In the same study, the authors notes that, The current caloric expenditure was 1.7 times greater than a modified ACSM single-set resistance training routine and required 60 percent less time to achieve.

It got the heart rate up in less time than weight training and burned more calories. The swing is similar to sprinting, as there is a large demand on the cardiovascular system. In fact, it challenges the body so much it surprised researches.

The University of Wisconsin, La Crosse Health and Exercise department tested the kettlebell snatch. The Kettlebell snatch is a total body move that swings the kettlebell overhead; it is very similar to the swing. The results of the study were interesting, So (the subjects) were burning at least 20.2 calories per minute, which is off the charts. That's equivalent to running a 6-minute mile pace.

More:
Health and Fitness: Swing to slim down

Published on: 16th Sep 2012

Tablets are transforming the way content is consumed and challenging the usage patterns for personal computers in the USA, according to J.D. Power and Associates.

The inaugural Tablet Satisfaction Study finds that tablet owners spend 7.5 hours per week browsing the Internet, watching videos, listening to music, and reading books on their device, compared with spending 9.6 hours per week on a personal computer for the same activities.

Overall satisfaction is 857 (on a 1,000-point scale) among owners who view three or more hours of video per week on their tablet, which is 45 points higher than among those who do not. In addition, those who spend three or more hours viewing video content are more likely to purchase another tablet from their current manufacturer in the future than are those who do not watch as much video content (90% vs. 81%, respectively).

"As tablet computing, multimedia, display, and application offerings continue to evolve, their impact on usage patterns will continue to grow," said Dr. Uma S. Jha, senior director of mobile devices at J.D. Power and Associates. "Tablets are a force in the marketplace that offer a great alternative to laptops and netbooks."

The study measures tablet owner satisfaction among those who have owned their tablet for less than two years. Satisfaction is measured across five key factors. In order of importance, they are: performance (26%), ease of operation (22%), styling and design (19%), features (17%), and price (16%).

Apple ranks highest, achieving a score of 848, and performs well in four factors: performance; ease of operation; styling and design; and features. Amazon (841) closely follows Apple in the rankings and performs particularly well in the price factor.

The study also finds the following key tablet usage patterns and purchase trends:

The 2012 U.S. Tablet Satisfaction Study is based on experiences reported by 1,985 tablet owners. The study was fielded in July 2012.

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Tablets Challenge Personal Computers for Top Position in Content Consumption

16 September 2012 | last updated at 01:52AM

Datuk Seri Najib Razak greeting Umno delegates at the opening of Pekan Umno delegates meeting at Dewan Konvensyen Sultan Ahmad Shah in Pekan, Pahang, yesterday.

He said like a strong building, Umno must have a well-built structure that could withstand internal and external threats.

Being Muslims, Najib said, Umno members must also remember that the party could only succeed with the blessings of Allah.

"As long as we continue to fight in a united front and follow the true teachings of Islam, we will always have love and compassion from Allah," he said when opening the Pekan Umno delegates' meeting.

Najib said Umno members should also focus on the party rather than their personal interests or other petty matters that could affect the party's strength and unity.

He reminded party members that the country's success was also due to Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders' ability to understand the needs and aspirations of the people, which was in line with the parliamentary democracy concept.

"I believe that ours is the most successful party in the world but we should never be boastful as our success is due to God's permission. We are also willing to fight and face all the challenges ahead and, as party members, we must always be loyal to our party leadership," he said, adding that past and present BN leaders had also contributed to the country's success.

Among others, said Najib, the people's per capita income had now increased to US$9,700 (RM30,070) from only US$300 in the 1950s, while the poverty rate had been reduced to 3.6 per cent from more than 70 per cent when the country first gained independence.

Najib, who is Pekan member of parliament, also cautioned his constituents on the opposition's efforts to deny the development that had taken place in the area.

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Najib: United front crucial for Umno's success in polls

Brown community members expressed a mixture of excitement and wariness in response to the Universitys announcement that it will commence two online education pilot projects next year. Many lauded the decision, first announced Sept. 5 in an email from Dean of the College Katherine Bergeron, as an appropriate modernization and expansion of access to higher education, but some voiced concern that the courses could represent shoddy imitations of the classroom experience.

Next summer, the University will offer a few for-credit courses online only for Brown summer session students. The University will also join the online course platform Coursera, which offers free, not-for-credit classes to hundreds of thousands of people around the globe.

I think its very much in line with the kind of philosophy that we had with the New Curriculum and that Brown has sort of been a leader in, said Ira Magaziner 69 P06 P07 P10, an architect of the Universitys distinctive curriculum. Expanding access would, he added, put more educational control in the hands of students. Professor of Comparative Literature Arnold Weinstein, whose class COLT 1420T: The Fiction of Relationship will be one of the first three Brown classes offered on Coursera, considered the development in the context of the broader timeline of higher education, noting that in medieval universities, only professors were allowed access to libraries and books.

This is part of that same trajectory or story of increasingly empowered students, Weinstein said.

The instantaneous public relations boost that accompanies a Coursera partnership will benefit the University, said Provost Mark Schlissel P15. We can use the Coursera platform to, in effect, advertise the quality of Browns educational efforts to the broader world, he said. So were not thinking of Coursera as eventually becoming part of a Brown students education. Were thinking of it as a way to show the broader world what a Brown education is like. Others worried the resources necessary for such an endeavor would distract from the Universitys mission of serving students on campus.

I think it does distract away from those faculty members core involvement, if you will, with the curriculum at hand and with the students at hand, said Stephen Nelson, higher education expert and senior scholar in the Leadership Alliance at Brown. Theres no free lunch.

Not-for-credit courses To make time for Coursera preparations, each of the three involved faculty members will teach one fewer in-person class at Brown this year, though Schlissel said the University is providing each affected department with additional funding to compensate for the lost course. Weinstein said he would retire teaching The Fiction of Relationship after teaching it online.

But Professor of Computer Science Philip Klein, who will be transferring CSCI 0530: Directions: The Matrix in Computer Science to Coursera, said working with so many students on an online platform would help him identify teaching areas that require improvement more easily than if he were in a Brown classroom.

We have a chance to collect data at a much greater scale than ever before, and thats going to have a big impact on education, Klein said. Thats a really important thing for people to realize that Brown education will be improved as a consequence of this. But not everyone is convinced that the education through Coursera will measure up to Brown standards. Iman Jenkins 14 said she is worried about the loss of the student-teacher relationship in in-person lectures. Critics outside the University have previously raised concerns about Courseras system of peer-grading and about the platforms retention rate in many courses, fewer than half the students who sign up actually complete the class.

The Universitys decision to try out Coursera via a pilot program offers Brown the flexibility of investigating different methods of instruction, Bergeron told The Herald.

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Online class program draws mixed reactions

Even as she went through high school, Katherine Stoltenberg had a pretty good idea of what she eventually wanted to do with her life.

I would like to be physical education teacher and coach, I knew that probably before I even went to college, said Stoltenberg, a Montgomery High graduate who has taken over as the new head tennis coach at Stuart Country Day School. I was an Education Studies major in college.

Stoltenberg, who graduated from Trinity College in Connecticut in 2011, is working as a pre-school aide at Stuart. Last year she was an assistant tennis coach at Montgomery and also coached middle school basketball at Stuart which she is planning to do this year as well.

After a strong athletic career in high school and college, Stoltenberg is well prepared for a career in coaching.

She played two years of soccer at Montgomery, followed by two years of tennis. She also played basketball and softball all four years for the Cougars. Following a softball career that saw her named the Princeton Packet Player of the Year as a senior, she started for four years at Trinity as well.

The reason I got into tennis was my assistant softball coach at Montgomery, Matt Vahrly, was an assistant tennis coach at time, Stoltenberg recalled. He was only my coach for one year and he was great. Now he coaches at Westfield and they were in the Tournament of Champions last year so he has become a great tennis coach.

That was great. And so were the softball coaches I had at Montgomery Johnny Rooney, Suzanne Trautwein and Tom Wain they were excellent coaches and learned a lot from them. And at Stuart, Missy. Bruvik has been such a great help to me. I have known the Bruviks a long time. Kelly and I played sports together growing up and having Missy at school helped me so much in basketball and has already helped me so much with tennis. It has been so nice being new to Stuart and knowing someone who has been there and can help me whenever I have questions about anything.

This will be Stoltenbergs first high school head coaching opportunity. She coaches a travel softball team in Montgomery, but coaching tennis has a different feel than basketball or softball.

It is a lot different coaching tennis in general than most sports, she said. In softball you are right there on field coaching at third base or first base or in the dugout. In basketball you are subbing and calling out plays. Tennis is different. You get a ladder, the girls are in place and you can only talk to them at certain times during a match.

It is a lot more sitting and watching and picking out small things. Maybe you can pick out a strength or a weakness of their opponent. But there is subbing once team is set. So it is a lot different than coaching the other sports.

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PRINCETON: Cougar at home at Stuart