Weigh in #6 My Path to Health and Happiness — Bikini Challenge Part 1 – Video
Posted: April 1, 2012 at 1:44 am
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Weigh in #6 My Path to Health and Happiness -- Bikini Challenge Part 1 - Video
80/10/10 RAW FOOD WEIGHT LOSS How long does it take? – Video
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80/10/10 RAW FOOD WEIGHT LOSS How long does it take? - Video
Polish workers protest plan to hike retirement age
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WARSAW, Poland (AP) Thousands of people from across Poland demonstrated noisily Friday outside Parliament to protest government plans to raise the retirement age to 67.
The law currently allows women to retire at age 60 and men at 65, but Prime Minister Donald Tusk wants to raise the retirement age to 67 for all Poles, saying it will increase pensions while reducing state debt.
The plan, supported by many economists, has angered the public. The unions are deeply unsatisfied by a new agreement the ruling coalition parties reached Thursday that would allow people to go into partial retirement earlier but with lowered monthly payments for the rest of their lives.
Piotr Duda, head of the Solidarity trade union, said the plan gives Poles the choice of "either working until death or quickly dying of hunger."
The protesters, blowing horns and carrying Solidarity white-and-red banners, were equally vocal.
"People are not strong enough to work as long as machines, 48 years, it is physically impossible," said Arkadiusz Maziar, a 40-year-old coal miner from Zory, in southern Poland.
"Tusk is an office clerk and he will never understand this. I am here to defend the people," he said.
Danuta Nowaczek, a 50-year-old cook from Zabrze, in the South, does not believe that longer work would markedly improve her pension, or that she will live to benefit from it.
"This is a joke, this plan and I don't want to work longer," Nowaczek said. "My father did not even live to get his retirement" at 65.
The crowd showed their anger as the lawmakers were debating a motion signed by some 1.4 million Solidarity supporters to hold a referendum on the matter.
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Polish workers protest plan to hike retirement age
Building Retirement Confidence
Posted: at 1:43 am
The Great Recession of 2008-09 blew up many a retirement plan, and now we have the data to prove it and finally understand just how damaging the boom and bust cycle has been. The Employment Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) Retirement Confidence Survey was published this month and the news is grim.
How could it not be? For the last 15 years, far too many Americans jumped from one asset bubble (rising stocks in the late 1990s into early 2000) to another (real estate from 2000-06), hoping that the increasing value of the asset would do the work to fund retirement, instead of relying on boring old savings. I can recount dozens of conversations with former clients who said some variation of, "Why do I need to save so much if I keep earning 12 percent a year on my retirement funds?" or "I'll just sell my house and use the equity for retirement." It was a hard sell to convince these folks that saving was a more reliable way to reach their retirement goals.
The problem was that the two asset bubbles made many people lazy. Americans went from a personal savings rate of about 8 percent in 1985, down to 1.5 percent in 2005, back to 4.6 percent today. The combination of a falling savings rate and two bubbles bursting has put many in a precarious state as they approach retirement.
According to EBRI, Americans' confidence in their ability to retire comfortably is at historically low levels. Just 14 percent are very confident they will have enough money to live comfortably in retirement. Part of the reason why confidence plunged is because the Great Recession decimated asset values so severely. Household net worth still remains seven percent below where it was in July 2006, the peak of the nation's housing bubble. But an equally significant impediment to a healthy retirement is the weak labor market. Forty-two percent of those surveyed said job uncertainty is the most pressing financial issue facing most Americans today.
Without income from a job, retirement account values remain stagnant, and households are forced to spend savings, which have been depleted over the past five years. In fact, 60 percent of workers report that the total value of their household's savings and investments, excluding the value of their primary home and any defined benefit plans, is less than $25,000.
With such a low level of savings, 25 percent of workers have changed their expectations about when they might stop working. In 1991, 11 percent of workers said they expected to retire after age 65; and now in 2012 that number has grown to 37 percent. Most experts believe that the number of people who will continue to work throughout their 60s will increase dramatically.
There is one major risk that arises with the "I'll just keep working" retirement plan: What if you can't keep working, either because your job doesn't exist or because you physically aren't able to? Half of the current retirees surveyed say they left the workforce unexpectedly due to health problems, disability or changes at their employer, such as downsizing or closure.
These statistics point to an obvious solution: save more as quickly as you can. How much more? That depends on your specific circumstances. As I noted in a recent article ("What's your retirement number?"), EBRI has a terrific calculator called the "Choose to Save Ballpark E$timate," which should help the 56 percent of workers who have not tried to calculate how much money they will need to have saved by the time they retire in order to live comfortably in retirement.
There aren't a lot of easy answers, but I have seen great progress when retirees and near-retirees focus on the parts of their financial lives over which they exert control -- their expenses. For many, this may mean downsizing, while for others, it may mean reducing spending on everyday discretionary items or accelerating debt pay-down. It's never too late to start building your retirement confidence.
Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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Building Retirement Confidence
Vegetable-Based Emollients target personal care industry.
Posted: at 1:43 am
March 30, 2012 - Providing TEWL performance comparable to petrolatum, SonneNatural H-203, S-205, and J-207 offer range of slip, gloss, and cushion to fit any formulation requirement. Each 100% natural emollient adds substantive feel and body to formulations without negative attributes associated with fillers, such as starch and clay.
Sonneborn believes the SonneNatural 200 Series is the best choice for 100% natural emollients. The three distinctive blends: SonneNatural H-203, S-205 and J-207 offer a range of slip, gloss and cushion to fit any formulation requirement, while providing the same exceptional TEWL performance, comparable to petrolatum. Each product adds substantive feel and body to formulations without the negative attributes associated with fillers, such as starch and clay. Often, "all natural" products can be inferior substitutes regarding color, odor, performance and consistent quality. Sonneborn utilizes solid expertise in petrolatum development, purification and manufacturing to make the finest natural alternatives imaginable. Along with progressive technical capabilities and outstanding service, Sonneborn delivers the very best value in the industry.
Visit us at Booth #1012 at SCC Suppliers Day, Edison, NJ, to experience pure, natural excellence.
For more than 100 years, Sonneborn has been setting industry standards the world over for the finest possible white oils, petrolatums and microcrystalline waxes in beauty, personal care and pharmaceutical products. The Sonneborn Scientists who have developed SonneNatural, SonneNatural Select and the newest SonneNatural 200 Series will be at SCC Suppliers Day to discuss your formulation needs.
Samples available after launch. Contact Jeff Picerno at 724.756.9582 or jeff.picerno@sonneborn.com
Alloys easily magnetized/demagnetized for specialized applications requiring high permeability, low losses, low residual magnetism - electro-magnetic shielding, transformer laminations/cores, transducers, chokes, relays, solenoids/oscillators, etc.
Visit Ed Fagan Inc.
A multi-purpose silicone lubricant, Food Grade Silicone prevents wear and corrosion on a variety of surfaces within bottling, dairy and food processing machinery. Ideal for use on: slides, O-rings, rubber seals and general lubrication.
Visit Blaster Corporation
Divelbiss Corporation provides nearly 40 years experience in the design and manufacture of OEM controls for mobile, industrial, rail, and electro-hydraulic applications demanding reliable, long lasting operation.
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Vegetable-Based Emollients target personal care industry.
STUD or DUD: A BMW That Looks As Good As A Ferrari But Is As Efficient As An Economy Car, Do YOU Dig It?
Posted: at 1:43 am
Well here's one surprise that *MAY* be coming to the 2012 New York Auto Show.
Following the presentation of the BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept, the BMW Group introduces the BMW i8 Concept Spyder to the mix. This third BMW i model embodies the future of cutting-edge and emotionally appealing mobility concepts. Its sporting design headlines the qualities of an open-top two-seater blending lightness, dynamic capability and efficiency with a very special aesthetic allure.
The combination of intelligent lightweight design and state-of-the-art hybrid technology imbues the BMW i8 Concept Spyder with genuine sports car performance, yet its fuel consumption is no higher than you would expect from a small car.
Among the most eye-catching features of the BMW i8 Concept Spyder are the upward-swivelling, windowless doors and a range of purpose-oriented on-board equipment including electric kickboards stowed under a transparent tailgate. The sports car is based around the innovative LifeDrive architecture, itself underpinned by a lightweight modular construction and the use of high-quality high-tech materials. The BMW i8 Concept Spyder is a plug-in hybrid powered by an eDrive drivetrain combining a high-performance electric motor and petrol combustion engine. The lithium-ion battery supplying the motor with power can be recharged in an extremely short space of time from any domestic power socket. Together, the cars minimised weight, low centre of gravity and finely judged balance, coupled with a combined system output of up to 260 kW (354 hp), promise unbeatable dynamic capability, exceptional efficiency and unbridled driving pleasure.
Barely a year after the unveiling of the 2+2-seater BMW i8 Concept, BMW i is presenting the second variant of this innovative hybrid sports car, a machine designed to light up the path to compelling and purpose-oriented mobility. Like its Coupe sibling, the emotionally charged BMW i8 Concept Spyder combines intelligent lightweight design with the leading-edge drivetrain technology eDrive, while its open-top two-seater construction delivers an even more intense driving experience. This is a car in which outstanding performance potential goes hand-in-hand with extremely low fuel consumption and emissions.
Compared with the Coupe variant of the BMW i8 Concept, the BMW i8 Concept Spyder has a slightly shorter wheelbase and overall length. With its compact dimensions and distinctive exterior paintwork, the sports car exudes a feeling of dynamism before it so much as turns a wheel, while striking features of its design include upward-swivelling, windowless doors and a transparent glass panel at the rear. Underneath this cover two electric kickboards are stowed, providing a visual showcase for the fun factor in mobility and adding another layer to the cars recreational appeal. Inside, a revised material and colour concept provides an extra dose of sportiness. Like the Coupe, the BMW i8 Concept Spyder with eDrive is a high-performance plug-in hybrid, and it fuses the specific advantages of an electric motor and combustion engine to optimum effect. Exceptional efficiency and dynamic capability are the upshot.
Modular LifeDrive architecture offers a preview of the future. Like the Coupe, the BMW i8 Concept Spyder is also built around the innovative LifeDrive architecture, a fusion of independent functional units. For example, the carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) Life module gives the car an extremely lightweight passenger cell, while the Drive modules made primarily from aluminium components bring together all the cars operational driving functions, such as the powertrain, chassis and safety structure. Impressively extensive use of high-tech materials allows this innovative concept to chart new territory in terms of weight minimisation, structural rigidity and crash safety. This is good news not only for the cars dynamic performance, but also for its range and fuel economy. Intelligent lightweight design, encompassing the use of innovative materials, has allowed the unavoidable additional weight of the high-output hybrid drivetrain to be cancelled out in full. Plus, the LifeDrive architecture has been carefully adapted to the sports car character of the BMW i8 Concept Spyder. The front and rear axle modules are connected by an energy tunnel, which houses the hybrid battery. This allows the engineers to give the car a low centre of gravity and ideal balance.
The distinctive two-way split of the LifeDrive concept is also reflected in the cars design, which renders the basic elements of the body clearly distinguishable. Expressive surfaces and precise lines create a harmonious transition from one module into another. This overlap and interlocking of surfaces and lines layering in BMW i speak is displayed both on the body and in the interior of the new car.
Latest interpretation of the BMW i design language. The BMW i8 Concept Spyders emotion-led design vividly spotlights the cars qualities, with lightness, dynamic capability and efficiency highlighted to particularly prominent effect. For example, the two-seater embodies the perfect synthesis of technology and aesthetic appeal, and exudes unbridled driving pleasure even when stationary. Key to creating this impression of sporty dynamics are large body panels, a hunkered-down stance and numerous aerodynamic elements such as contact surfaces, spoiler lips, AirCurtains and aeroflaps. These features substantially reduce the hybrid cars Cd and enhance both efficiency and range.
Dynamic front end. The front end offers a particularly revealing window into the open-top two-seaters dynamic talent. One defining element is the headlights with pioneering laser light technology, which follow the hallmark BMW i U-shaped design template. A semi-transparent V opens out from the front end of the flat bonnet towards the windscreen and beckons the eye to the electric motor below. A spoiler lip positioned on the windscreen frame guides the airflow over the heads of the passengers. And for journeys when the weather cannot quite be trusted, the planned two-section folding roof might well come in handy.
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STUD or DUD: A BMW That Looks As Good As A Ferrari But Is As Efficient As An Economy Car, Do YOU Dig It?
Self-Esteem Issues Impact Women's Future Success
Posted: at 1:43 am
LONDON, April 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
Lowered self-esteem among today's girls and young women could, by 2050, be costing the nation:
According to new research commissioned by Dove, this could become reality, as a lack of self-esteem among 11-17 year old girls prevents them from realising their full potential, with huge consequences for their personal and professional future. As Dove launches the 2012 campaign for Dove Self-Esteem Programme (DSEP), the extent of the issue has become clear.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20120331/523273 )
The study reveals the shocking impact of low self-esteem, with the business world looking set to suffer. If the status quo remains, the UK could be deprived of 200,000 female business professionals and 42,000 successful female entrepreneurs by 2050.
Britain's sporting success will be hit badly too. Self and body-esteem issues could mean an estimated two to three potential female medalists drop out of sport and as a result, never step onto the winner's podium in future games.
Low self-esteem affects how young girls feel about their future careers with only one in three feeling confident they will have a successful career in the future. This has a huge impact on the medical and legal professions with the potential number of female doctors and lawyers reducing by 17%. That's a shortfall of 20,000 female lawyers and around 35,000 doctors by 2050.
The shocking discontentment felt amongst young girls about their appearance is at the heart of the issue. Nearly half (45%) describe themselves as 'average' and 'ordinary' with a further 10% feeling 'plain', 'unattractive' and 'ugly'.
As a brand that is dedicated to building positive self-esteem, Dove has developed the 2012 Campaign for Dove Self-Esteem Programme (DSEP) to make a real change to the way young girls perceive and embrace beauty.
Through the DSEP, Dove will be reaching out to young people in the UK through self-esteem workshops, which will be held in schools all over the country. Any Dove product bought between 26th March - 15th May 2012 will help to give a girl a self-esteem education. This will be delivered through a Dove donation of a minimum of 250,000 to BEAT (the UK's leading charity for those affected by eating disorders) to deliver workshops in schools.
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Self-Esteem Issues Impact Women's Future Success
Monique F. Leroux presents the priorities for her second term as President of Desjardins Group
Posted: at 1:42 am
MONTREAL, March 31, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Monique F. Leroux, Chair of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Desjardins Group (www.desjardins.com), shared her goals for the coming years at the Desjardins Group Annual General Meeting held today at the Palais des congrs de Montral.
These goals stem from four major priorities: cooperation, Desjardins members and clients, personal development, and growth at Desjardins Group.
Starting her second term as president of the cooperative financial group, Ms. Leroux chose to address Desjardins' members and clients directly via a live webcast. As she stated, one of her main goals for the coming years is to enhance and improve the quality of their relationship with Desjardins.
Cooperation
Cooperation is a key commitment of Ms. Leroux's second term. "At Desjardins we believe in cooperation. It is in our DNA. It is our past and our future. I want to make sure that we always stay connected and committed to you as a cooperative enterprise. That money remains at the service of human development".
With respect to cooperation, Ms. Leroux mentioned the creation in 2011 of a program promoting financial and cooperative education. This program has led to the creation of a number of projects at Desjardins. She also announced that $10 million will be invested in a project to revitalize school and student caisses. Since their creation, these caisses have contributed to the financial and cooperative education of thousands of young people in schools across Quebec. These caisses will be able to further their mission for the next generation through their involvement in the update of school material.
Several other initiatives will be set up, such as the new budgeting tool designed to help members control their spending and achieve their financial goals. In addition, Desjardins will be launching an awareness campaign in the fall for those ages 45 to 65 to help them create a financial plan in preparation for retirement.
Members and clients
In 2011, Desjardins consulted with its members and clients to clearly identify their needs. According to the President, it was certainly worth the effort: "We realized that we must go that extra mile to meet your needs and expectations. We are going to make this a part of our service standards, by making sure it's incorporated into our best customer service practices. The quality of our relationship with you must be what distinguishes us from our competitors."
A number of initiatives have already been set up, such as new ways to better serve the members, new services to simplify their lives and changes made to certain methods of operation. Every effort is being made to ensure that Desjardins members and clients enjoy an enriching experience with their cooperative.
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Monique F. Leroux presents the priorities for her second term as President of Desjardins Group
Smart MBA Online – Video
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Smart MBA Online - Video
Corporate Wellness Collection – Video
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Corporate Wellness Collection - Video