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Gina Rinehart, Fairfax Media's largest shareholder, has called on chairman Roger Corbett to agree to a "performance milestone".

Gina Rinehart, Fairfax Media's largest shareholder, has called on chairman Roger Corbett to agree to a "performance milestone" of returning the company's share price to 87 cents and reverse "the five-year decline in paid circulation and revenue".

In a letter to Mr Corbett, released to this website, Mrs Rinehart said the performance of Fairfax over the past five years had been "distressing for shareholders".

The letter, in the form of an ultimatum, came after the Fairfax board on Wednesday announced it would not be able to give Mrs Rinehart a board seat citing disagreements over editorial independence.

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Open letter ... Gina Rinehart. Photo: Jim Rice

In a statement late today, Fairfax returned fire, disputing her statement that the differences with the board were not about editorial control and calling on Mrs Rinehart to bid for the company if she wants control.

"Contrary to Mrs Rineharts repeated assertions that this isnt about editorial control - it is. It is also about her obtaining control of the company and not paying a premium.

Cutting the loss

Read more here:
The battle gets personal

Video will begin in 5 seconds.

Gina Rinehart, Fairfax Media's largest shareholder, has called on chairman Roger Corbett to agree to a "performance milestone".

Gina Rinehart, Fairfax Media's largest shareholder, has called on chairman Roger Corbett to agree to a "performance milestone" of returning the company's share price to 87 cents and reverse "the five-year decline in paid circulation and revenue".

In a letter to Mr Corbett, released to this website, Mrs Rinehart said the performance of Fairfax over the past five years had been "distressing for shareholders".

The letter, in the form of an ultimatum, came after the Fairfax board on Wednesday announced it would not be able to give Mrs Rinehart a board seat citing disagreements over editorial independence.

Advertisement: Story continues below

Open letter ... Gina Rinehart. Photo: Jim Rice

In a statement late today, Fairfax returned fire, disputing her statement that the differences with the board were not about editorial control and calling on Mrs Rinehart to bid for the company if she wants control.

"Contrary to Mrs Rineharts repeated assertions that this isnt about editorial control - it is. It is also about her obtaining control of the company and not paying a premium.

Cutting the loss

Excerpt from:
Rinehart's Fairfax battle gets personal

Video will begin in 5 seconds.

Gina Rinehart, Fairfax Media's largest shareholder, has called on chairman Roger Corbett to agree to a "performance milestone".

Gina Rinehart, Fairfax Media's largest shareholder, has called on chairman Roger Corbett to agree to a "performance milestone" of returning the company's share price to 87 cents and reverse "the five-year decline in paid circulation and revenue".

In a letter to Mr Corbett, released to this website, Mrs Rinehart said the performance of Fairfax over the past five years had been "distressing for shareholders".

The letter, in the form of an ultimatum, came after the Fairfax board on Wednesday announced it would not be able to give Mrs Rinehart a board seat citing disagreements over editorial independence.

Advertisement: Story continues below

Open letter ... Gina Rinehart. Photo: Jim Rice

In a statement late today, Fairfax returned fire, disputing her statement that the differences with the board were not about editorial control and calling on Mrs Rinehart to bid for the company if she wants control.

"Contrary to Mrs Rineharts repeated assertions that this isnt about editorial control - it is. It is also about her obtaining control of the company and not paying a premium.

Cutting the loss

Read more here:
Battle gets personal

-By Andreas Fuchs

The Astor Film Lounge in Berlin

Catching up with one of the countrys most innovative exhibitors six-and-a-half weeks later (www.astor-filmlounge.de), all the stress from the 100-day, 3 million (US$3.82 mil.) overhaul of an abandoned 1950s boulevard-beauty-turned-quad seems to have disappeared. Like our Astor Lounge cinemas in Berlin and Munich before, the Residenz has been a huge success, Flebbe enthuses about the newest of his upscale theatres. I really think it is one of the most beautiful cinemas I have ever built.

Whereas Astor @cinema lounge is located in Munichs famed Hotel Bayrischer Hof, and the next site will revive the former IMAX and CineMagnum screen at Zeilgalerie Frankfurt this July, the Residenz has more in common with the first Astor Film Lounge in Berlin. Both hail back to the time of tradition-defining moviegoing, as Flebbe calls the first cinemas of the post-War period. Back then the emphasis was on creating beautiful dcor and ambiance that enhanced the experience of going out to watch a film.

While redesigning the main Residenz auditorium, from 820 seats at one point to 280 leatherette reclinerscompleted by double armrests, tables with footrests and legroom to sparethe dcor was inspired by Phillippe Starck. We borrowed some of his design ideas, Flebbe acknowledges. Capacity of the upstairs screen, which had been added in 1965 as Intimes Theater, was equally reduced to 150 from 365 and is now illuminated with a colorful LED lighting scheme. Transforming the space of a 1970s mini-box of 70 into a club-room library screen with 35 individual luxury seats covered in red velvet encompassed the addition of wood paneling throughout and 60 linear meters of books (197 feet). The people of Cologne totally dig it because of the very private atmosphere, Flebbe has observed. It is very important for us to have the highest level of fit-out and materials. Citing the additional example that the first Astor Film Lounge in Berlin is under landmark protection, we actually played up all the historic elements there, he says. We dont want our auditoriums to be rectangular boxes, with acoustical elements and all technical-looking. We want to build really beautiful Kinos.

When my contract on the managing board of CinemaxX expired, Flebbe continues, explaining how the idea of film lounging came about, I decided to do something that I would really enjoy doing. Assuring that he has nothing against CinemaxX or any of the other multiplexes, Flebbe qualifies that 20 years ago they certainly did away with the shoeboxes and split auditoriums of the prior era. Multiplexkinos represented a truly new experience. Their large screens, excellent sound, stadium seating and spacious lobbies attracted everyone back to the cinema, not just the younger generation.

Flebbe feels that subsequent market developmentssuch as over-screening, expensive real estate and construction agreements, along with lack of funding, pressure from banks and the likemade investments in upkeep and further innovation scarce. It was all about saving money to make it work, he says of the experience not just at CinemaxX but by pretty much everyone else in the German exhibition industry. Having founded the company and being on its board, I always defended multiplexes and their mass appeal. 1.5 million admissions are a great success for any given theatre, but, with that, an individual guest could not really be the front and center of the operation. Consequently, he opines, the older generation stayed away once again. Going to the multiplex became a very stressful experience, not one to fully enjoy. Kino was dead for them, he summarizes. They preferred the comfort of their homes.

Not surprisingly, those comforts were among the first amenities that Flebbe decided he had to emulate as part of the Astor experience. When developing the concept, I was originally thinking about what I would like it to be like when I go to the movies. It had to be at least as comfortable as in my home where I dont have to look for parking first, where I dont have to wait in line and where I can put up my feet if I want to. My wife may even bring me a beer, he adds with a laugh. When the lease for the Film-Palast in Berlin became available, Flebbe seized the opportunity and redid the single screen to his very liking, launching the Astor Film Lounge in November 2008. Our guests tell us over and over again that, after having experienced the Astor lounge offerings, they wont be going back to the multiplex.

After the uniformed doorman has greeted them upon arrival, guests find a coat check at their disposal. Waiters and waitresses offer them a selection of welcome cocktails served on trays throughout the lobby. From a business standpoint, Flebbe admits, it is not necessarily the smartest idea, because for many people one cocktail is quite enough. But it really creates such a welcoming atmosphere and elevates the experience. People are always very surprised when they come to us for the first time. Further on that note, Astor Film Lounge has brought back the good old-fashioned ushers from yesteryear, who do indeed accompany our guests to their seats, and, yes, with flashlights too, he promises.

During the pre-show of no more than 20 minutes, including short films sometimes, and relatively few ads, guests can order a variety of beer, wine and drinks accompanied by small food items. Antipasti, cheese plates, cold meats and more hearty fare are not intended to replace a proper dinner, he notes, but to make that bottle of wine even more enjoyable. During the afternoons, a visit to the Film Lounge is more like going to the Konditorei bakery and caf. Our guests order from a selection at the display case and have their coffee, cake and delicious Torten brought to their seats inside. Flebbe asserts that Astor does not offer warm and smelly meals and that there is no more seat-side service once the curtain has been lowered in preparation for the movie.

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Kino deluxe: Flebbe finds success in Germany with upscale film lounges

A FAMILY is adding a personal touch to the ever-expanding world of decorated cakes with no shortage of taste testers to help them along the way.

Mother and daughter duo Deborah and Lauren Gill have the steady hands and baking prowess to craft the intricate creations in the family's Shenfield-based kitchen.

Lauren Gill crafting their cakes in the kitchen of Chteau de Gateaux

Lauren Gill crafting their cakes in the kitchen of Chteau de Gateaux

Lauren Gill crafting their cakes in the kitchen of Chteau de Gateaux

BOX OF TREATS: Lauren Gill in the kitchen of her family's home

Lauren Gill crafting their cakes in the kitchen of Chteau de Gateaux

SWEET: Lauren puts the cake mixture in cases

And Lauren's boyfriend, City financial advisor Oliver Brown, is providing the marketing brains to help get Chteau de Gateaux off the ground and their cakes into homes, parties and the corporate arena, whatever the occasion.

Lauren, who works in sports therapy, said the business began when she joined a cake decorating course with her mother, a teaching assistant at Shenfield St Mary's Primary School in Hall Lane.

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Brentwood Gazette published Gill family taste success with their cupcakes

HERNDON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

K12 Inc., the nations leading provider of proprietary curricula and online education programs for students in kindergarten through high school, today announced that on June 28, 2012, the Board of Directors (the Board) of K12 Inc. appointed Nathaniel A. Davis as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Davis has been an independent member of the Board since 2009, is a member of the Audit Committee, and has served as Chairman of the Compensation Committee for the past year.

Mr. Davis is currently managing director of RANND Advisory Group, where he provides consulting services to technology and media companies. He previously was Chief Executive Officer, President and a board member of XM Satellite Radio. Prior to XM Satellite Radio, Mr.Davis was President and Chief Operating Officer, and board member of XO Communications Inc. Mr.Davis has also held senior executive positions at Nextel Communications, MCI Telecommunications, and MCI Metro. Mr.Davis received an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, an M.S. in Engineering Computer Science at the Moore School of the University of Pennsylvania, and a B.S. in Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.

Andrew H. Tisch has served on the Board since 2001 and as its Chairman since 2007. He will continue on the Board as the new Chairman of the Compensation Committee replacing Mr. Davis, who will remain as a member of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Tisch is deeply committed to K12's mission of providing children with an individualized education to succeed in life. Given other obligations and demands on his time, Mr. Tisch determined that it was in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders to relinquish the Chairman's role after five years.

About K12 Inc.

K12 Inc. (LRN), a technology-based education company, is the nations largest provider of proprietary curricula and online education programs for students in kindergarten through high school. Using 21st century tools to prepare 21st century students, K12 provides the broadest array of options for students to learn in a flexible and innovative way, at an individualized pace. K12 provides curricula and academic services to public and private schools and districts, traditional classrooms, blended school programs, and directly to families. K12 is accredited through AdvancED, the worlds largest education community. Additional information on K12 for schools and districts can be found at http://www.K12.com/educators.

2012 K12Inc. K12is a registered trademark, and the K12logo is a trademark of K12Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Nathaniel A. Davis Appointed as Chairman of K12 Inc. Board of Directors

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Crawling excercise - Video

A Ho Chi Minh City court sentenced a Thaiwoman to death, on Tuesday, fortrafficking methamphetamine from Benin to Vietnam.

The HCMC Peoples Court condemned Preeyanooch Phuttharaksa, 23, to deathfor illegally transporting drugs.

Phuttharaksa told the court she met a Nigerian man named Nalin at a shopping mall in Bangkok last November.

Nalin asked her to participate in an internationalnarcoticsring; she agreed to do so for themoney.

On October 17, 2011, Phuttharaksa flew from Thailand to Togo, and took a bus to Benin.

In Benin, two African mengave her a suitcase and asked her to bring it to Vietnam. Shecarried thesuitcase with her onflights fromBenin to Casablanca, Casablanca to Doha and Doha to Ho Chi Minh City.

On the evening of October 29, 2011, she arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airportwherecustoms officials discovered more thanthree kilograms of methamphetamine at the bottom of her suitcase.

Phuttharaksatold the court she waspaid more than US$2,500, excluding airfares, for her trip.

The courtsaid shehadtrafficked drugs to Vietnam ontwoprevious occasions and Vietnamese police are still investigating.

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Thai student sentenced to death for trafficking speed into Vietnam

Thursday, June 28, 2012

SHANTI Shala Yoga Cebu will present the Greet the Sun event tomorrow from 8 a.m. until noon at 5th floor AMWSLAI Bldg., Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City (across Metrobank).

One may call 516-5404 or 511-2342 for reservation.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

The following will be featured during the event: two-hour Sun Salutation Series guided by the Shanti Shala Yoga teachers, healthy snacks available for the soon to open Caf Namaskar, performances from established students and teachers, a short video presenting for yoga in line with health and wellness.

There will be special presentation from guest performers, namely, Giselle Tribaco-Halleux for Poi and belly dancing and Jai for yoga dance, and the introduction of the well-being modalities.

Kick off

The event will served as the kick off for Shanti Shala in its holistic approach to health and wellness.

Students, practitioners and guests will enjoy a whole lot of sampling from each of the modalities the studio will offer.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on June 29, 2012.

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Free yoga event at Shanti Shala Yoga Cebu

DC yoga teachers will travel to Ramallah this July to empower community members and build sustainable programs.

For the past 10 months, Shawn Parell and Angela Cerkevich, beloved local yoga teachers and heads of Washington D.C.-based nonprofit Anahata Grace, have been developing curriculum and raising funds for a highly-anticipated teacher training program in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Responding to a growing demand for expanded and increasingly sustainable yoga programs in the city, the project will come to fruition in July as part of an ongoing partnership with Farashe Yoga, a nonprofit center in Ramallah.

The training, which will be the first of its kind in the West bank, will serve to build resources and establish new yoga-based wellness programs to schools, community centers, and refugee camps. Many of the participants already assume service roles in the community and will incorporate yoga techniques into their work to better address physical and mental wellness and relief of stress disorders. In addition to individual benefits, yoga's principles and teachings can be integrated into life off the mat, acting as catalyst for transformation and growth within a community. According to Maha Al-Sheik, co-founder of Farashe Yoga, these tools are especially important in the Palestinian context, where movement and access to economic and social resources is heavily restricted.

Since it opened in 2010, Farashe has been striving to meet the needs of the community -- offering safe, accessible yoga throughout occupied territories with only a few volunteer teachers. Anahata will help to increase the cadre of teachers that are able to offer these healing services and enable Farashe to increase their program offerings and outreach efforts.

"Yoga is a transformative healing practice. As we move, breathe, and open in awareness, we are reminded of the interdependency of all things and of our belonging in the world," says Parell, who has an academic foundation in religious studies and over 1,000 hours in teacher training in multiple lineages. "We've been inspired by our own experience on the path of yoga, and believe it should be available to anyone who seeks it"

Parell will be accompanied by fellow teacher and Anahata Founder Angela Cerkevich to lead the nine-day foundational training in Ramallah, bringing 20 years of teaching experience to the project with specific expertise in yoga therapeutics.

Cerkevich, who is currently a doctoral student in GW's department of professional psychology, established Anahata Grace in 2007 to bring the benefits of yoga to vulnerable communities locally and abroad. The nonprofit's international work continues to be driven by its mission to empower people to work through trauma, to establish a safe and peaceful atmosphere for conflict resolution, and to build community and improve quality of life by removing barriers to holistic wellness tools that exist where those services are most needed. Beginning with a pilot project in Rwanda, Cerkevich and Anahata volunteers have focused on work in post-conflict areas, building sustainable programs through teacher trainings, program development, and the creation of supportive grants tools.

The upcoming training in Ramallah will emphasize making self-care skills available to all community members and empowering women as local leaders. There will also be a strong focus on the therapeutic aspects of yoga and meditation. The training will provide foundational skills to teach yoga and meditation to children and adults, with specialized topics including prenatal yoga, yoga for school teachers, and meditation for mood management.

The D.C. community rallied behind the project, gathering and contributing funds for the 5th Annual D.C. Global Mala project which brought hundreds together to practice in Meridian Hill Park last September. Many local studios participated in the project, with some offering studio space for donation-based yoga classes to raise additional support.

To learn more and support the work of Anahata Grace, please visit http://www.anahatagrace.org.

Continued here:
Alaina Sadick: Bringing the Benefits of Yoga to the West Bank