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Surprise fall in new claims for US jobless benefits

Thursday, December 31st, 2009
Surprise fall in new claims for US jobless benefits

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2009

WASHINGTON (AFP) New claims for unemployment benefits in the United States fell unexpectedly, according to the latest weekly data Thursday, showing fresh signs of stabilization in the ailing labor market.

The seasonally adjusted number of new unemployment claims in the week ending November 28 fell to 457,000, down 1.1 percent from the previous week’s downwardly revised figure of 462,000, the Labor Department said.

Most analysts had expected new jobless claims would rise to 480,000.

New claims for unemployment insurance benefits are now at the lowest level since September 2008 and have declined for five consecutive weeks, the longest streak since the US economy entered recession in December 2007.

The four-week moving average, which smooths out week-to-week…

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Trustmark Companies Announces Joseph Pray to Become President and Chief Operating Officer, Effective Jan. 1, 2010

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009
Trustmark Companies Announces Joseph Pray to Become President and Chief Operating Officer, Effective Jan. 1, 2010

Market Wire, December, 2009

Joseph L. Pray, 53, of Lake Forest, Ill.,
will become President and Chief Operating Officer of Trustmark Companies on
Jan. 1, 2010. The announcement was made by David M. McDonough, who will
continue as Chief Executive Officer of the Lake Forest-based insurer.

Pray joined Trustmark in 2002 as Vice President of Sales, Voluntary Benefit
Solutions, and was promoted to Senior Vice President in 2007. Prior to
joining Trustmark, Pray served as President and Chief Operating Officer of
Greater Georgia Life Insurance Co., a subsidiary of Cerulean Companies/Blue
Cross Blue Shield of Georgia.

He earned a bachelor of science in both accounting and data processing from
Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Mich., and holds designations of
Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant.

Moral Also Promoted

McDonough also announced the promotion of Alex N. Moral, 53, of Mundelein,
Ill., to Senior Vice President, Trustmark Voluntary Benefit Solutions,
effective Jan. 1, 2010. Moral joined Trustmark in 2006 as Vice President
and Actuary.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of the
Philippines, Manila, and a master of arts in actuarial science from Ball
State University. Moral’s designations include Fellow of the Society of
Actuaries; Member of the American Academy of Actuaries; Fellow, Life
Management Institute; and Certified Employee Benefit Specialist,
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.

About Trustmark Companies

Through its subsidiaries and operating divisions, Trustmark provides access
to a full spectrum of flexible benefit solutions, including benefits
administration, voluntary and group medical benefits, and healthcare
management programs. The success of each Trustmark Company is based on
building and maintaining trust through personal, responsive service and
flexible benefit solutions
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The Advantages of Wire Dog Pens

Sunday, December 27th, 2009

What dog pens are made of is very important for the safety and happiness of your pet. Many believe that wire dog pens are unsafe, but if you choose one that is designed with the aim of minimizing pet injuries, wire pens can be very safe.

Like pens made of other materials, welded wire dog pens have two purposes: they keep your dog in the area in which you want to keep him confined and they keep other pets out. It is important to find a wire pen that comes with a bracket system for easy assembly. The absence of exposed wire also means there is low risk of injury to your dog.

Designed for both strength and elegance, most wire dog pens are not chain link dog pens, which can have larger openings and have been known to hurt animals. Instead, they are sleek, box-like designs made to handle medium to large dogs. Some come powder coated in order to maintain weather resistance. Swing doors on the pens make feeding a relatively easy task. Dogs that are more aggressive might require platinum pens. They are extremely durable and have been a mainstay at many dog kennels or at the facilities of dog breeders.

For added protection for your dog, there are roofing systems that can shield against cold or rainy weather or provide shade during summer heat. Flat roof designs are quite popular and relatively easy to install, though some prefer slanted roofs. Pen flooring also acts as a safeguard against the weather, keeping your dog off the ground when it rains.

One of the largest benefits of wire pens for dogs is that they allow the dog to see what is happening around them. It is also great for minimizing odor, which escapes into the air through the wire framing. A clear advantage for dog owners is the ability to organize the pen. A slide-out tray beneath the pen makes cleanup easy – especially cleanup of accidents. Dividers, also make it convenient for a small puppy in a wire pen to grow into a larger space or to allow two dogs to share one pen.

While wire dog pens are excellent for ventilation, they are poor spaces for insulation. This is not a good type for a small dog or a dog that lives in a colder climate. If you travel with your pet, the wire pen will not be allowed on airlines
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Private option preferable

Saturday, December 19th, 2009
Private option preferable

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Dec 6, 2009

In response to Roland Kayser’s “Public Option Needed” (Readers’ Forum, Dec. 2), the federal government doesn’t need to make a profit. They just take our money. I prefer those “evil” private insurance companies.

Myrna Forbes

Salt Lake City

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IBM Launches London Analytics Solution Centre

Thursday, December 17th, 2009
IBM Launches London Analytics Solution Centre

PR Newswire, Dec 1, 2009

Local Expertise to be Enhanced with Recruitment of 400 Analytics Specialists

LONDON, Dec. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — IBM today announced the launch of its London-based IBM London Analytics Solution Centre, the latest addition to its global network of analytics centres.

  (Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO )

  (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091201/NY18823 )

As part of a global multi-million pound investment initiative(1), this newly-created centre will help IBM apply its advanced analytics expertise to the complex business challenges facing its UK-based clients.

Leveraging its London location and IBM’s deep industry expertise, the centre’s initial mission will be to focus on the UK financial services sector. It will help IBM’s financial sector clients to develop systems that provide improved visibility and tracking of risk positions across markets and asset classes, as well as to drive information management to support improved client satisfaction and cost efficiencies.

Over time, the centre will expand to help clients across other areas of business. These include: energy and utilities companies, as they seek to roll out smart grids and intelligent metering; public sector organisations, as they develop smart city and transportation initiatives that reduce congestion and improve public safety; and, pharmaceuticals firms as they introduce smarter ways to improve the speed and quality of drug development.

The centre will be the focal point for a UK & Ireland analytics team which will initially number a total of 400 consultants, software specialists and mathematicians. It is anticipated that the team will double in size as demand for business analytics and optimisation services increases.

“Today’s business leaders need to move beyond intuition to insight, from gut feel to facts – it is now possible to see key patterns in vast amounts of data, to extract critical insights and move to a new level of intelligence,” said Brendon Riley, Chief Executive, IBM UK and Ireland. “London was chosen due to its status as a global financial centre and world-class skills base. Business analytics offers an opportunity for us to help clients transform the way they operate – enabling them to become smarter and improving levels of competitiveness.”

The centre will be based at IBM’s Southbank office
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Rodinia Minerals Inc. Enters Into Definitive Agreement and Samples Brines Up to 950 ppm and an Average Mg:Li Ratio of 1.4 at Salinas Grandes

Thursday, December 17th, 2009
Rodinia Minerals Inc. Enters Into Definitive Agreement and Samples Brines Up to 950 ppm and an Average Mg:Li Ratio of 1.4 at Salinas Grandes

Market Wire, December, 2009

Rodinia Minerals Inc. (”Rodinia” or the “Company”) (TSX VENTURE: RM), reports positive results from its due diligence review and has entered into a definitive agreement (the “Definitive Agreement”) with a private party in Argentina with respect to the previously announced acquisition of approximately 4,500 hectares of the Salar de Salinas Grandes, located in the Province of Jujuy, Argentina (the “Salar de Salinas Grandes”)(See Press Release dated October 30, 2009). Pursuant to the terms of the Definitive Agreement, Rodinia is required to make cash payments in the aggregate of USD$900,000 over the next two years, of which USD$150,000 is payable upon entering into the Definitive Agreement.

Results from sampling of brines during the thirty days of due diligence have returned excellent lithium (”Li”) values, with numbers as high as 950 parts per million (”ppm”) and extremely favourable magnesium (”Mg”) to lithium ratios. The samples taken from within aquifers on the Salinas Grandes property averaged 440 ppm Li and 1.4 Mg:Li ratio.

A total of five samples were collected from various locations across the salar, comprising surface water and aquifer tests. Surface water samples represent the concentrations present in waters that are presently feeding the sub-surface aquifers. The high lithium values in these samples are encouraging as it shows that geothermal sources in the area are extremely lithium rich. The sub-surface samples were collected from aquifers below a laterally extensive impermeable clay layer. These samples are from aquifers that would be the focus of subsequent exploration programs and possible producers. The results are summarized in the table and map below. 


----------------------------------------------------------------
                                         parts per million
----------------------------------------------------------------
Sample             Description     Li    Mg     B      K   Mg:Li
----------------------------------------------------------------
SG-1             Surface water    180   820  2000   3500     4.6
----------------------------------------------------------------
SG-2             Surface water    170   770  2300   3500     4.5
----------------------------------------------------------------
SG-3             Surface water     98   410  1200   2500     4.2
----------------------------------------------------------------
SG-4   Aquifer - SE - 1m depth    950  2100   820  15000     2.2
----------------------------------------------------------------
SG-5   Aquifer - NW - 3m depth    260   130   500   5600     0.5
----------------------------------------------------------------

An exploration program following up on these positive results is currently being devised. The program is currently thought to consist of surface geophysics, including gravity and TEM, in conjunction with extensive sampling of the near surface aquifers. A systematic grid will be employed to allow for proper characterization of the lithium-rich brines.

Figure 1 below depicts a map of the Salar de Salinas Grandes.

Figure 1 is available at the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/rm1201fig1.pdf .

William Randall, P.Geo, the Vice President, Exploration of Rodina, a qualified person, as defined in NI 43-101 has reviewed and approved the technical information in this release.

About Rodinia Minerals Inc.:

Rodinia Minerals Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company with a primary focus on lithium exploration and development in North and South America
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Payless ShoeSource Announces the Philippines as Newest International Market for Retail Chain

Thursday, December 17th, 2009
Payless ShoeSource Announces the Philippines as Newest International Market for Retail Chain

PR Newswire, Dec 1, 2009

Payless and Stores Specialists, Inc. to Bring Payless Brand Promise of Affordable Fashion, Brands and Quality to Millions of New Customers in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines and TOPEKA, Kan., Dec. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Payless ShoeSource announced plans today for the continued international expansion of the Payless retail chain. Through an agreement with franchise partner Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI), the Philippines will be the next country in Payless’ strategic global expansion initiative, with the first stores planned to open by mid-2010.

SSI has a strong background in developing well-known international brands in the Philippines, and is the leading fashion specialty retailer in the country, managing 72 well-known brands and 340 retail stores.

The two companies said they expect to start opening new Payless stores in 2010 and that the Philippines — the 12th largest country by population with more than 97 million people, and a family-oriented culture that is attracted to affordable fashion — appears to be a strong fit for the Payless offering and brand promise. Approximately five stores will open in the Philippines beginning mid next year, and more stores are scheduled to open in the coming years to ensure that the market is fully served. This is a multi-year transaction; additional terms were not disclosed.

In the past year, Payless has announced franchise arrangements for the company’s global expansion initiative, with six new stores now in the Middle East and stores planned for Russia next year with M.H. Alshaya Company.

“The franchise model is proving to be the most efficient way to reach more international markets with the Payless brand and all it has to offer — great fashion, well-recognized brands and quality all at a great price,” said LuAnn Via, chief executive officer and president of Payless ShoeSource. “Payless brings the know how in footwear specialty retailing, and our franchise partners like SSI bring its strong infrastructure and experience in the local region. Filipino people love to shop and have a strong appetite for American brands, fashion and footwear and accessories. Together with SSI we are truly excited to bring the Payless brand to the Philippines and to affordably serve the footwear and accessory needs of families in the country.”

Through the franchise arrangement, Payless provides SSI with seasonal product assortments, as well as expertise in retail operations, merchandising, marketing and brand strategy. SSI provides retail location strategy, construction, logistics, and store training and staffing. SSI will utilize Payless’ newest store format, the “Hot Zone” layout, and will purchase Payless product directly from Payless’ seasonal assortment.

Like the Payless stores in the U.S., the stores in the Philippines will feature a wide assortment of shoes and accessories for the family including branded products for women, men and children covering a range of wearing occasions.

“We are thrilled to bring Payless and all it represents to the Philippine market,” said Anthony Huang, executive vice president of SSI. “As a retailer and fashion brand, Payless is doing tremendous things for people across the globe with its mission to democratize fashion and design in footwear and accessories for all to enjoy. We believe this brand promise will do well here, as it has in the U.S. and other areas of the world.”

Payless and its more than 4,500-store chain has an expanding global presence today in countries and territories including the United States, Canada and in Central America, the Caribbean, South America and the Middle East.

The international franchise strategy is a significant move in expanding Payless’ diversified real estate strategy that includes a well-balanced mix of mall-based stores with free standing stores and those located in lifestyle and local shopping centers.

About Payless & Collective Brands, Inc.

Payless ShoeSource, Inc., a unit of Collective Brands, Inc., is the largest specialty family footwear retailer in the Western Hemisphere and is dedicated to democratizing fashion and design in footwear and accessories and inspiring fun, fashion possibilities for the family at a great value. As of the end of second quarter 2009, the company operated more than 4,500 stores. In addition, customers can buy shoes over the Internet through Payless.com[R] at http://www.payless.com/.

> Collective Brands, Inc
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RICS aims to lift standards

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
RICS aims to lift standards

Huddersfield Daily Examiner (Huddersfield, England), Dec 8, 2009

A NEW route to becoming a chartered surveyor will help improve the standards and reputation of people and companies working in the residential property market, it is claimed.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors said the new entry level qualification, AssocRICS, was aimed at non-graduates who can use it to start climbing the ladder towards full qualification through further experience and academic study.

Jennifer Welch, operations director for the RICS in Yorkshire, said: “The RICS has been advising the Government for many years that the estate agency industry needs to be appropriately regulated with licensed agents.

“The new associate qualification fits in with this perfectly and will help to raise standards in the residential sector.

“While there are many negative urban myths about home sales, the facts show that 95% of the public use estate agents and with this new competence-based qualification the standards and reputation of the industry can only improve.

“Buying and selling property often represents the most important financial transactions that consumers undertake.

“As a result, consumers want to deal with professionals who will act professionally and ethically.” Said Ms Welch: “The RICS is committed to providing continual support to agencies in this vital part of the UK economy that impinges so significantly on all of our lives.

“This new entry level qualification will ensure a better industry for us all.”

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Falcons coach is right up for the Challenge ahead; A congestion-charged Premiership ought to sustain Heineken Cup hopes for most of the division’s 12 teams. Steve Bates told Nick Purewal Newcastle Falcons must not load all their eggs in the league basket

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
Falcons coach is right up for the Challenge ahead; A congestion-charged Premiership ought to sustain Heineken Cup hopes for most of the division’s 12 teams. Steve Bates told Nick Purewal Newcastle Falcons must not load all their eggs in the league basket

0 Comments | Journal (Newcastle, England), The, Dec 10, 2009

NEWCASTLE deserved their defeat at Gloucester on Saturday, but the Cherry and Whites hardly had to produce stellar quality rugby to record a third successive Premiership victory. After six consecutive league defeats, though, all and sundry at Kingsholm could not care less how the wins come right now.

Such is life in the tightest domestic top-tier competition of all time, when as robust and talented a squad such as that run by Bryan Redpath can languish at the wrong end of the table but still only be a hair’s breadth away from the European picture.

Three wins on the spin had the Falcons dreaming of Heineken rather than European Challenge adventures just two weeks ago, but then came Northampton Saints and Gloucester.

Two straight losses might have brought rugby director Steve Bates and Co down to earth with a ceremony-free bump, but the Kingston Park boss still holds total belief in his men, and that mostly because of their staunchly positive attitude and mental outlook.

Now is not the time to put the proverbial nape on the block, or even thrust the old head above the parapet: just as a pattern emerges, so it dissipates when a side confounds expectation one way or another.

Saracens aside, no one is making headway on the turgid leaderboard, and while Bates knows that could stand his side in good stead come the business end of the campaign, he is also well aware it could kill their ambition dead if they slip off the pace in the next month or two.

Predictions might be far too premature, but one thing Bates is happy to assert is the fact the Falcons must not allow any potential Heineken Cup entry route to pass them by. So with that at the forefront of his thinking, he makes it clear his men will not favour the league action over the European Challenge Cup.

That is good news for anyone heading up to Kingston Park for tonight’s ECC clash with Montauban (kick-off 7.45pm), it guarantees there will be no quarter given – by either side.

The visitors bring with them the potential traditional Gallic travelsickness of course, but Bates is too wily to let his players slip into the expectation of an easy ride.

Newcastle travel to Stade Sapiac for the return fixture next Friday night and the green-clad Gauls will go all out to take a win back home with them
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Knoll Declares Cash Dividend

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
Knoll Declares Cash Dividend

PR Newswire, Dec 1, 2009

EAST GREENVILLE, Pa., Dec. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Knoll, Inc. today announced that the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.02 per share payable December 31, 2009 to all shareholders of record on December 15, 2009.

About Knoll

Since 1938, Knoll has been recognized internationally for creating workplace and residential furnishings that inspire, evolve and endure. Today, our commitment to modern design, our understanding of the workplace and our dedication to sustainable design has yielded a unique portfolio of products that respond and adapt to changing needs. Knoll is aligned with the U.S
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