Vonn clinches title, Hoefl-Riesch wins downhill

United States's Lindsey Vonn starts a women's World Cup downhill training session in Rosa Khuntor near Sochi, Russia, on Wednesday, Feb.15, 2012. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)

United States's Lindsey Vonn starts a women's World Cup downhill training session in Rosa Khuntor near Sochi, Russia, on Wednesday, Feb.15, 2012. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)

United States's Lindsey Vonn, right, and Germany's Maria Riesch-Hoefl inspect the course of the women's World Cup downhill race in Rosa Khuntor near Sochi, Russia, on Wednesday, Feb.15, 2012. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)

United States's Lindsey Vonn inspects the course of the women's World Cup downhill race in Rosa Khuntor near Sochi, Russia, on Wednesday, Feb.15, 2012. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)

KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia (AP) ? Lindsey Vonn clinched her fifth consecutive World Cup downhill title Saturday after placing third in a race on the 2014 Sochi Olympics course won by German rival and friend Maria Hoefl-Riesch.

Hoefl-Riesch clocked 1 minute, 49.17 seconds down the Rosa Khutor slope for her second victory this season and first in downhill. She beat Elisabeth Goergl of Austria by 0.43 seconds and Vonn by 0.59.

With two downhills remaining this season and wins worth 100 points each, Vonn holds an unassailable 231-point lead over Hoefl-Riesch in the discipline standings.

"Downhill is my favorite event and it's always nice to wrap up a title before the end of the season, before the last races," Vonn said. "It puts a little less pressure on me."

Hoefl-Riesch also had a win in the test event for the 2010 Vancouver Games.

"It's really important," the German said. "In Whistler, two years before the Olympics I won the super-combined and I (did well) in the downhill and I won two gold medals two years later. But it's never a guarantee, it's just good to know you can be fast on a special track where a big event takes place."

Vonn has an even bigger lead in the overall standings, where she is 448 points ahead of Slovenia's Tina Maze and 486 points in front of Hoefl-Riesch, who ended Vonn's run of three consecutive overall titles last season.

The start of the race was delayed by 15 minutes as organizers cleared overnight snowfall off the course, and there were a few more delays once it started due to clouds moving over the course, limiting visibility.

As for the men's races last week, the stands were only half full, although those that were in attendance were enthusiastic, singing and cheering on each finisher.

Vonn started after a TV break and executed well on the upper portion of the course but lost some time on the bottom, and her lead only lasted slightly more than a minute because Hoefl-Riesch skied next and was faster than Vonn at each checkpoint.

"I may have been a little cautious on the top, because the coaches were saying outside the track was really soft, so I tried to stay a little bit above the line but I think maybe that wasn't the fastest line," Vonn said.

Upon seeing her result, Hoefl-Riesch dropped down on her back in the snow and pumped her arms and kicked her feet to celebrate. A bit later, Goergl knocked Vonn down to third.

"When I crossed the finish line I just saw the board far away and couldn't read (it)," Hoefl-Riesch said. "I just saw the green light and then I came closer and I wanted to be sure that it was really me standing on the top and I couldn't believe it."

Vonn complained about course workers painting blue dye on the slope immediately before her run, and also questioned her equipment.

"I've gone on the same race skis all season and we decided to go on a different pair today and I think maybe that was the wrong choice," the American said. "I think my normal race boards are probably a little bit faster. But it's already passed, so I'm looking forward to tomorrow."

The season's final super-combined is scheduled for Sunday, with Vonn in position to clinch another title.

"Tomorrow is going to be intense," Vonn said.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-02-18-SKI-Women's-World-Cup/id-2ae830783ba34e9b8622a204c4cab61d

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Getting Trouble Together with your Home Based Business? Try ...

Would you think somebody if he or she claimed you can start an internet business enterprise these days and soon be able to quit your full-time job? It is actually accurate that you?ll find pressures all about you attempting to obtain you to operate from property. It?s surely achievable, but there?s no ideal remedy for it. These tips will show you what it takes to start your business.

Inside the beginning, minimize your spending for your home enterprise. One particular savings benefit when operating a small business from dwelling is just not renting an off-site office. Ensure that not to purchase items that aren?t needed for your organization. If your fees are low, you?ll be able to pass the savings to your clients by offering them a low value on your goods.

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Have your house business taxes done by a expert tax preparer. You will discover it easier in the lengthy run to pay a skilled for their services and give yourself the time to devote to your business enterprise.

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A flash drive is a great strategy to back up useful organization details. This could cost you a great deal of cash and prevent you from paying taxes correctly. Use Mozy to back up all of your information and facts.

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Network with like-minded business to assist acquire exposure. Your website site visitors will enhance, and your ranking will also rise inside the search outcomes. Give your business correct marketing and clearly identify your site?s links to your viewers.

When starting your home organization, ensure to calculate how much cash you may need to pay for initial start up fees. Though the fees of operating a residence small business could be considerably much less than other sorts of corporations, it nonetheless costs dollars to have a business of this nature. Estimating the fees of operation for your enterprise is actually a good strategy to steer clear of profit losses.

As you?ve got just learned, there are many persons attempting to sell you on scams. Nonetheless, as you?ve learned all through this write-up, you will find also a lot of common-sense ideas and tactics that you can use in order to develop your house organization. If you?re willing to put in the operate, you could surely be successful.

Jens Holvoet is a multilingual (English, Dutch, French and German) entrepreneur who has built various thriving online marketing businesses. Visit this website to learn where to buy banner impressions that will turn your business into a success.

Source: http://newblogtips.com/index.php/2012/02/getting-trouble-together-with-your-home-based-business-try-these-tips/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=getting-trouble-together-with-your-home-based-business-try-these-tips

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Finance Tax Solicitors: How Significant are They? | Freddie Freak

Being a finance duty attorney requires enough knowledge about the law in tax especially which he will not only be limited to the task of which represent his clients problem for criminal or perhaps civil lawsuits although his task likewise extends up to supplying valuable advices to those. His advices much easier needed for the issues concerning tax laws and with the ways how tax liabilities will certainly hence be lessen in such a legal procedure.

If you are faced with your pressing issues concerning tax planning, it is very important that you discuss with a specialist finance tax lawyer so that you will be able to reap out the best guidelines which are nonetheless recognized by the law.

With the aid of your finance tax lawyer, you will be made aware of the steps as to how you can minimize your own paid taxes, take advantage of rebates or exceptions, and the best program of filing your pay tax rebates. Both of the state of hawaii and the federal duty laws are very a lot complicated that most from the times these laws vary from one state to another. Duty exemptions are mostly to remain availed by the our seniors.

So if you are not aware of the previous terms concerning most of these exemptions, you might as well need to refer your own issue to a trustworthy finance tax lawyer.

Do not take these matters into the own hands. Selection without prior discussion with a finance duty attorney may be precarious on your part. If you put into effect taking matters into the own hands, it?s possible you?ll deal with legal complications in no time at all. You can minimize your duty but ensure to begin with that the steps you will take will be in complying with the legal techniques known to everyone in the government. Take note as always the Internal Revenue Service is on the lookout for tax evaders and duty violators. One false shift and youre dead various meats!

Finance tax legal professionals are the persons having the full responsibility regarding representing their clients problem. Their clients may be a individual individual or an enterprise that is held below inquiry for circumstances of tax fraudulence or tax evasion.

Any steps taken by way of the finance tax legal professionals include putting up some sort of negotiation with the Interest rates as well as defending their clientele during the criminal circumstance proceedings and when uncovered guilty, it is his or her duty to work around the possible reduction of his or her clients penalties. Most of the skillful finance tax legal professionals work out for the most feasible court settlement with the tax evader so that the consequences to be suffered when he or she gets guilty will be lesser.

It is a better option to seek advice from a finance duty attorney rather than which has a tax accountant or perhaps tax advisor since as a legal instruction, he cannot be dragged by the law to be able to spill out every conversations that happened between him with the exceptional client. Tax advisors are likely forced by way of the law to state against an individual or even organization that is facing charges on duty crimes. It is all over again another very important matter to find the perfect finance tax lawyer who is not only well known and reputable but has the necessary knowledge that will save you with hot water.

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Source: http://www.freddiefreak.com/finance-tax-solicitors-how-significant-are-they/

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Nature Publishing Group Officially Launches New Interactive Textbook

Last spring I wrote about Nature Publishing Group's plan for a $49 electronic textbook packed with interactivity and unlimited content updates for life. The original publication date was scheduled for September 1, 2011, but for a variety of reasons the release was pushed back. Today marks the official launch of "Principles of Biology". This book is "born digital", according to Vikram Savkar, SVP & Publishing Director at Nature Publishing Group, and is the first in a line of texts that NPG plans to release for the life and physical sciences. It's not an e-book or fancy PDF, but a dynamic interactive website that can be customized by the instructor, contains built-in assessments that students can take, and works appropriately on any device that can access it: desktop, tablet, or phone.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/HQJ7Ku8ku9k/

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Simple Tips, Tricks And Techniques To Build Your Muscle Mass ...

New Health And Fitness.Org - Health Information You Can Use

You may believe that it takes years of hard gym hours to get muscles. Building muscles is not all about exercise. You need to learn learn how to grow muscle in a way that is effective, without taking a wealth of time. Keep reading for some effective tips for muscle building.

Take a naked picture of yourself every few days. Since you use a mirror frequently, it will often be difficult to see true progression. This will enable you to compare your photos over time and see your muscle growth, as well as identify any areas that need more work.

If you are looking to gain muscle, you will need to eat a lot more. You need to eat the amount necessary to pack on one more pound each week. Look for more ways to take in more calories. After two weeks, increase your intake again if you notice no weight changes.

Don?t forget the importance of pre-workout stretching. Stretching is an important part of your workout routine. You can protect muscles from injury by doing some warm-up stretches and can relax muscles to prevent soreness and stimulate building after you finish your workout. Deep tissue massage is also an effective way for you to relax post-exercise tension in your muscles.

Think about going to a gym if you?re a weight training rookie. It is beneficial for several reasons. First, gyms offer a wide range of equipment that make training easier and more effective. Second, there are usually professionals on hand to show you the proper technique or way to use specific equipment. You will have the chance to ask questions as needed.

Keep your protein intake high to increase muscle mass. Muscles are comprised of protein, so its availability is key to increasing your strength. You body has trouble sustaining muscle mass when you do not eat enough. Two-thirds of your meals and snacks should incorporate lean proteins to ensure your body has an ample supply to draw upon.

What you learn here can be used through out your life. Keep your strength of willpower high, and stay dedicated to achieve the body condition you are aiming for. Remember that change isn?t going to happen right away, it takes time to build muscle mass and get your body strong.

If you?re looking for more information about muscle building, check out Jill Wilson?s site, Muscle Building GuideMuscle Building Diet Plan.

Source: http://newhealthandfitness.org/2012/02/15/simple-tips-tricks-and-techniques-to-build-your-muscle-mass/

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Australians falling behind in Asian language education

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Photo: Gary Tamin

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?WE?VE gone from crisis to disaster.?

Professor Tim Lindsey is blunt when describing the state of the study of Asian languages in Australia. He believes the failure to come even close to reaching Australian Government targets will endanger the nation?s lucrative Asian education market.

The chair of the Australia-Indonesia Institute and the director of the Asian Law Centre at the University of Melbourne, Professor Lindsey said the disinterest in learning Asian languages and failure to properly invest in their study shows a dangerous ?naivety? of Asia.

?Asian countries are overwhelmingly our largest trade partners (and) we are engaged in a state of ignorance,? Professor Lindsey said.

?It is a matter of national survival.?

Lindsey?s comments come after leading accountancy body CPA Australia called for Asian languages to be compulsory for all students from prep to Year 12.

Such calls have been criticised by Institute of Public Affairs researcher Chris Berg, who has said growth in engagement with Asia would be best encouraged through increased permanent migration, rather than a focus on what languages our students speak.

While the consequences of a decline in language study are disputed, the drop in student numbers, particularly those learning as a second-language, is clear for all to see.

An Australian Government-commissioned report released in mid-2010 revealed that the number of school students at all levels studying a language had decreased by more than 100,000 between 2000 and 2008. Prepared by the Asia Education Foundation, the report, titled the Current State of Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese and Korean Language Education in Australian Schools, indicated that the proportion of students at all levels studying one of the four key Asian languages had dropped from 24 per cent to 18.6 percent.

On Indonesian, for instance, the report stated there had been a decline of 10,000 students a year since 2005, making it an ?at-risk language at senior secondary schools?. Amazingly, given Australia?s population growth and the increased government interest in Asia, there were more Australian students studying Indonesian in the 1970s than now, Professor Lindsey said.

The decline in Japanese has been slower but is also serious. Between 2000 and 2008, the report described a 21 per cent decline in primary enrolments, and a 16.6 per cent drop in those studying it as a second language in Year 12. Korean meanwhile is ?all but gone from the education system?, although this is not a new development.

Growth in the Mandarin figures bucks the trend, boosting the average of the four languages. At the all crucial Year 12, there were 5,256 students enrolled in 2008. This equates to 45 per cent of the students at that level studying one of the four languages, which are promoted as part of the National Asian Languages and Studies in Schools Program (NALSSP). But this Mandarin growth hides the fact that the large majority of these students are from a Chinese ethnic background ? CPA Australia estimates only 300 Year 12 students are learning Chinese as a second language annually.

On 2008 figures, there would need to be a 100 per cent increase in Year 12 language enrolments to try to meet the NALSSP aim of 12 per cent of Australian students graduating with fluency in one of the Asian languages by 2020. This looks very unlikely.

Professor Lindsey said it was time for some ?social engineering? through language policy to occur, and hoped the Asian Century white paper due for release mid-year would call for a massive increase in funding for languages in schools and universities.

?We are the OECD country with the lowest level of second-country language skills?, he said.

?If the government throws $35 million at it, it will achieve nothing [and] our capacity to deal with [Asia] on our terms will suffer.?

One of Lindsey?s leading fears is the decline of our international education exports, worth $18 billion in 2009 according to a report prepared for the Australian Technology Network of Universities.

?Australia?s third biggest export is education, largely to the Asian market,? Professor Lindsey said.

?You can?t expect Asia to send their students to a country which is increasingly less understanding of them,? he said.

?Australia is educating Asia, but not investing in it? [and] as Asian universities increase their quality and sophistication, our market will decline.?

The IPA?s Chris Berg acknowledged the benefits of more Australians speaking the languages of our leading trade partners, but said the focus on Asian languages was unnecessary.

?You can have a deeper relationship if you speak the language,? Mr Berg said.

?[But] it is quite wrong to say if Anglo-Australians don?t learn Chinese that we will be without Asian skills.?

Last month Berg wrote in The Sunday Age that English?s status as the global language meant a government-backed Asian language push was unwarranted.

?English?s dominance is something to be celebrated, not regretted. And the education curriculum is already stuffed full. Choices have to be made. If governments want to give every student an advantage in business, perhaps basic statistics and accountancy would be more helpful,? he said.

CPA Australia?s checklist for this year?s federal budget seeks the establishment of a free-to-air television channel dedicated to Asian news and culture, and more integration of Asian history and culture into Australian curriculum, in addition to the mandatory language push.

CPA?s chief executive Alex Malley said the relationship with Asia must be based on broad mutual understanding and respect.

?Even in today?s wireless and virtual world, ongoing business success ultimately rests on personal interaction and nowhere is this more relevant than in an Asian context.?

Tim Lindsey does not believe all Australian students should be forced to study Asian languages, but rather exposure to them should be mandatory.

?We can?t rely on the immigration system,? he said.

?Yes, many Asians are learning English, but most are not. In Indonesia and China, it is just not spoken fluently outside one or two cities.?

The Professor said a free-to-air TV channel wouldn?t make much difference, given the likely low number of viewers. Chris Berg also disagreed with the calls for a new channel, which he said shouldn?t be publically funding.

Professor Lindsey, who was a member of the reference group for the four-year NALSSP project now ending, said greater study of Asian history, culture and politics could occur in Australian schools, at the same time as students learnt about liberal democracy and Western history.

Chris Berg supported Asian studies in the curriculum, although he said western civilisations were not taught well to children.

?It is important they learn about western civilisations and the origins of liberal democracy first, [and] they?re not getting that at the moment,? Mr Berg said.

Professor Lindsey supported his push for greater government investment in Asian education by pointing to continuing poor attitudes towards the region. The latest Lowy Poll on Australians? attitudes to foreign policy issues found that a majority of respondents believed Australia was right to worry about Indonesia as a military threat, and had lukewarm feelings to its closest neighbour and China.

Putting in place measures to reverse the language decline would be expensive, Professor Lindsey said.

?[But] minor policy changes won?t do anything,? he said.

?If it is steady as we go, we will pay for it.?

Do you think more Australians should learn Asian languages? Will a failure to do so disadvantage Australia?

Source: http://www.meldmagazine.com.au/2012/02/australians-language-education/

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Happy Valentine's Day, McDonald's! | The Business Ethics Blog

? Happy Birthday, Boz! | Home

By Lauren | February 14, 2012

Writing about business ethics can get pretty depressing sometimes. There are so many situations where corporations make the news by behaving badly in one way or another that it sometimes seems it isn?t even possible to catalogue them all. Consequently, I?m excited to have the opportunity to praise McDonald?s for teaming up with The Humane Society of the United States to improve the lot of animals on industrial farms.

You may remember that, back in November, I wrote up an SEC complaint filed by HSUS against Smithfield Farms, the company that supplies pork for McDonald?s McRib sandwich. Yesterday, I was delighted to learn that McDonald?s had issued a joint statement with HSUS calling for the end of sow confinement in gestation crates at industrial farms. For those who aren?t familiar with gestation crates, imagine being trapped in a metal box so small you couldn?t even turn around ? for weeks on end. Those crates keep sows essentially immobile, ensuring that they?ll suffer miserably before eventually being put to death. Having a restaurant mega-chain like McDonald?s come out against use of the crates will undoubtedly grab the attention of the pork industry and could lead to significant improvements in the lives of breeding pigs. Who knows? Smithfield might even agree to get rid of the crates before 2017, its current (and, to my mind, ridiculously distant) target date.

Even better, that isn?t all McDonald?s has done. Poking around a little more on the HSUS website, I discovered that, in May of 2011, McDonald?s started buying cage-free eggs in the United States. If gestation crates are tiny, the barren battery cages used by the egg industry are even smaller, about the size of a placemat. They make very efficient use of space but, once again, impose utter misery on the hens who are forced to inhabit them. HSUS estimates that McDonald?s? decision to start using cage-free eggs will free about 50,000 hens from those tiny cages, a good start toward ending a barbaric practice.

Don?t get me wrong - I?m not saying that McDonald?s has suddenly become an incredibly enlightened company or that my daughter will be allowed to eat there daily from now on. But I have some understanding of the pressures that corporations face to pay ever-escalating dividends to their shareholders and the impact those pressures can have on management?s willingness to sacrifice profits in the name of principles. Consequently, I believe that even small changes toward a more humane and sustainable food industry should be applauded. Yes, consumers eat animal products, but that doesn?t mean that it?s right for animals to suffer needlessly. I?m glad to see McDonald?s putting its economic muscle behind more humane farming practices. So, this Valentine?s Day, here?s a virtual hug for the corporate executives at McDonald?s who chose to help HSUS improve the lot of America?s farm animals. Good going, Ronald!

Topics: Business Ethics, Corporate Governance, Social Ethics, corporate responsibility, customer relations, ethics |

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Source: http://www.thebusinessethicsblog.com/happy-valentines-day-mcdonalds

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