| Cyborg | | | Designer-Babies | | | Futurism | | | Futurist | | | Immortality | | | Longevity | | | Nanotechnology | | | Post-Human | | | Singularity | | | Transhuman |
A judge on Wednesday struck down a portion of a law giving the government wide powers to regulate the detention, interrogation and prosecution of suspected terrorists, saying it left journalists, scholars and political activists facing the prospect of indefinite detention for exercising First Amendment rights.
Read more from the original source:
Federal judge: Terror law violates 1st Amendment
Campaigners are demanding the government scrap a clause banning “insulting words and behaviour” from the Public Order Act.
Visit link:
Free speech campaigners: 'Feel free to insult us'
The tactics of nonviolence can be a frustrating path for those who seek freedom. In Tibet, for example, many young people have lately given up on the Dalai Lama’s peaceful means against Chinese rule, while some have even resorted to self-immolation in public.
Read more here:
Nonviolent tactics may be Syria's only path to freedom
Former President George W. Bush on Tuesday praised the Arab spring movement and said the U.S. shouldn't fear the spread of freedom, even if it doesn't know what policies newly liberated countries will pursue.
View post:
Bush touts Arab spring, says US can't fear freedom
IRVINE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
LIBERTY Dental Plan (LIBERTY) is releasing their new mobile app with predictive Automatic Call Distribution (ACD). LIBERTY members across the United States can now access LIBERTYs most popular online dental features via smart phones.
Using this free, easy-to-use mobile app, members can access their account information, view dental benefits and co-pays, find a dentist, get answers to Frequently Asked Questions, and contact LIBERTY Member Services without waiting in a call queue.
Drumbi, a leader in enterprise communications, uses predictive ACD technology embedded into the app to enhance communications between the member and LIBERTY customer services. Callers can directly access a LIBERTY Member Services Representative, and be personally greeted by a friendly, live voice who is automatically prompted with the members basic information at the time of the call.
Were excited to be a leader in the dental insurance industry offering a mobile app that will dramatically enhance member service communications, said Dr. Amir Neshat, LIBERTY’s Founder, President and CEO. I am particularly excited that LIBERTY can offer innovative solutions to our clients, bringing us ever closer to meeting and exceeding standards in efficiency and quality.
We are privileged to have been selected by LIBERTY Dental Plan as a core component of their operational transformation, Shervin Talieh, CEO of Drumbi, said. LIBERTY’s mission is to provide a superior member and provider experience while creating tremendous operational efficiency as they continue their rapid growth. The benefit of self-service technology is tied to consumers knowing they have control of their options. Drumbi and LIBERTY are continuing their efforts together to design another integrated app specifically for dental providers.
LIBERTY Dental Mobile is available now free of charge in the iPhone App Store and in Google Play for Android. For more information, visit www.libertydentalplan.com/mobile.
About LIBERTY Dental Plan
LIBERTY Dental Plan specializes in commercial and government sponsored dental programs, providing services to managed care organizations, state governments, labor unions, large group employers, municipalities, and individuals. With a vast majority of its membership enrolled in government sponsored programs, LIBERTY is recognized as a specialist in administering dental care for Medicaid, SCHIP and Medicare beneficiaries. LIBERTY has a proven record of successfully increasing the utilization of quality dental care for multiple programs, ensuring that a larger portion of premiums are appropriated directly to care.
LIBERTY Dental Plan is also recognized as an industry leader in the area of Dental Disease Management. A member of The Care Continuum Alliance (carecontinuum.org), LIBERTY shares their commitment to promote high quality standards for and definitions of key components of wellness, disease, case management where appropriate, and care coordination programs as well as support services and materials.
More here:
LIBERTY Dental Plan Introduces Mobile App
LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Western Liberty Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:WLBC – News), the holding company for Service1st Bank of Nevada (Service1st Bank) and Las Vegas Sunset Properties (LVSP), today reported its tangible book value per share was $5.53, down slightly from $5.60 in the preceding quarter. Western Liberty narrowed its first quarter loss to $1.1 million, or $0.08 per share, in the first quarter of 2012, compared to $2.4 million, or $0.17 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2011. Net loss for the year ago quarter was $409,000, or $0.03 per share. All financial results are unaudited.
Our loan portfolio is beginning to stabilize. No new properties moved into classified status during the quarter, and we are receiving solid interest from investors in some of our foreclosed properties, said William Martin, Chief Executive Officer. During December, we moved $4 million of foreclosed real estate into our new holding company asset resolution subsidiary, Las Vegas Sunset Properties (LVSP). Then during the first quarter of 2012, we moved an additional $18 million in classified loans to LVSP. These transfers improved the Banks ratio of classified assets to Tier 1 capital plus reserves to 29% at March 31, 2012, down from 84% at year end. While on a consolidated basis our nonperforming assets are still higher than we would like, at the Bank level we are much closer to achieving asset quality levels mandated by our regulators.
Our capital levels at both Service1st Bank and Western Liberty Bancorp remain very strong. For Service1st Bank and Western Liberty Bancorp, we ended the quarter with a Tier 1 Risk based-capital of 35.61% and 71.28%, respectively, Martin continued. And, as an improving economy emerges in Las Vegas, we expect to be able to deploy capital and liquidity into loans as demand improves.
While we earned a profit at the bank level of $62,000, expenses at the holding company generated a loss of $1.1 million in the first quarter of 2012, reflecting ongoing elevated expenses for legal and professional fees, and a $117,000 impairment charge for other real estate owned at LVSP, said Martin. We will continue to monitor asset quality and maintain our reserves at the appropriate level, as well as work diligently to keep expenses down.
Financial Highlights (at or for the quarter ended March 31, 2012)
Nevada Economic Update
Although new reports confirm that Las Vegas continues to lag in the economic recovery, Marcus & Millichap, a national commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm, projected the addition of 12,000 jobs locally this year and that office-using job growth will push start a recovery in the Las Vegas office market this year.
Further signs of recovery were reported by the Nevada State Department of Taxation with its April 26 report on February tax revenues. Statewide taxable sales for February 2012 of $3.2 million represent a 10.2% increase over February 2011 and a 7.5% increase for the fiscal year. The largest increases in statewide taxable sales were realized by Food Services and Drinking Places, up 11.9%; Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers, up 22.9%; General Merchandise Stores, up 16.9%; Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods, up 18.0%; and Clothing and Clothing Accessories Stores, up 11.3%.
According to the April 5, 2012, report from the University of Nevada Las Vegas Center for Business and Economic Research, CBERs Southern Nevada Index of Coincident Economic Indicators showed significant gains for March 2012, rising by more than 2% from the previous month. The index is constructed with two measures of employment. One is collected from a survey of businesses and one collected from a survey of households (the latter as part of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Local Area Unemployment Statistics). Although both measures included in the index rose, the data from the household survey were the primary driver of the gain, increasing by over 3% from February 2012. CBERs Southern Nevada Index of Leading Indicators also rose by 0.36% in March, continuing on its trend of a slow recovery. The local, regional, and national components all contributed to this growth and allow us to forecast continued economic growth until late summer. CBERs other three indexes of current economic activity were mixed:
See the rest here:
Western Liberty Bancorp Reports First Quarter 2012 Financial Results
Follow the LIVE leaderboard from the final round at Santo da Serra.
See the original post:
Madeira Islands Open: LIVE
click here to continue to article cliquez ici pour lire l’article weiter zum Artikel clicca qui per visualizzare l’articolo weiter zum Artikel ir a la noticia klik hier om door te gaan naar het artikel Yazya devam etmek iin tklayn Tovbb a cikkre
Go here to read the rest:
Freedom ties record for most Freddy nominations
CBSSports.com wire reports
SANTO DA SERRA, Madeira Islands — Oliver Wilson of England boosted his hopes of capturing a first European Tour victory in shooting a second-round 65 on Friday to take a one-shot lead at the Madeira Islands Open.
Wilson, who has nine second-place finishes in his tour career, moved to a 13-under 131 with seven birdies on the mountainous Santa da Serra course.
“I again played really nice and no bogeys after two rounds is always very pleasing,” Wilson said. “I am just trying to play sensible and felt also that I left a few out there.”
Wilson, 31, competed in the 2008 Ryder Cup but lost his main tour card at the end of last year after finishing 130th.
His effort in Madeira is his lowest opening 36-hole tally since a pair of 66s over the first two days of the 2010 Hong Kong Open.
Wilson kick-started his second round in style when he chipped in from 15 feet and then birdied the next from six inches.
“To start in that manner was great and gave me the momentum I needed,” he said. “But there is a long way to go and the low scoring is going to carry on so I am going to have to keep going forward, and going forward low.”
The Swedish duo of Magnus Carlsson (66) and 19-year old Joakim Lagergren (66) plus England’s Andy Sullivan (64) are joint second on 12 under.
Here is the original post:
Wilson leads Madeira Islands by one after 65
The full Senate this week advanced two measures to strengthen the Second Amendment rights of Oklahomans. The proposals now await the Governors signature.
Senate Bill 1733, by State Sen. Anthony Sykes and State Rep. Jeff Hickman, would allow citizens licensed to carry a firearm under the Oklahoma Self Defense Act to carry their weapon openly or concealed. SB 1733 passed the Senate Thursday.
Approved by the Senate on Wednesday, Senate Bill 1760, by Sen. Sykes and Speaker Designate State Rep. T.W. Shannon, would prevent cities or state government from disarming citizens during a state of emergency.
The Legislature has made it clear that Oklahomans will have the right to defend themselves, said Sykes, R-Moore. The right to self-defense is God given and inalienable, and we intend to do everything in our power to defend it. This legislation further guarantees this right will not be taken from Oklahomans who choose to protect themselves and their families.
Another important Second Amendment measure, Senate Bill 875, has now been signed by the Governor.
Originally posted here:
Senate advances measures to bolster Second Amendment rights of Oklahomans
Prime Minister John Key says the death of former Cook Island prime minister Sir Geoffrey Henry is sad news.
Follow this link:
Key pays tribute to ex-Cook Islands PM
PROVIDENCE, R.I (WPRI) – The Department of Environmental Management announced that three state beaches in South County will be open weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Scarborough North, Roger Wheeler, and Misquamicut state beaches will open Saturday.
The beaches will stay open on weekends until Memorial Day for early beach-goers, with aims to advance season pass sales.
Lincoln Woods State Park and Goddard Memorial State Park beach will open daily and on weekends, respectively, also beginning Saturday, May 12.
All other Rhode Island state beaches will open Memorial Day for daily service through Labor Day.
The daily beach parking fees are:
RI residents:
Non-residents:
Season pass prices are $60 for residents, and $120 for non-residents (senior citizen pricing is $30 and $60, respectively).
Season passes will be sold weekends only beginning Saturday, May 12 at Scarborough North, Roger Wheeler, and Misquamicut state beaches.
See the original post:
Select state beaches opening Saturday
Tomorrow is “Super Tuesday” in what has to rank as one of the most unpredictable Republican nomination battles. Over the course of the campaign, the lead (at least in polls) has been held by Michele Bachmann, Rick Perry, Herman Cain, Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney. While the race may or may not be decided tomorrow, one thing is certain: A lot more votes will have been cast.
The 10 states due to vote are Alaska, Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vermont and Virginia.
Alaska (27 delegates) will have a caucus. Alaska does not appear to have been polled. In the past, Paul has done well in caucus states. Georgia (76 delegates) will have a primary. A recent poll by Public Policy Polling shows Gingrich with 47 percent, Romney 24, Santorum 19 and Paul 8. This is Gingrich’s home state, and he should win here.
Idaho (32 delegates) will have caucuses. It has not been polled recently. While the fact that it is a highly conservative state might seem to favor Santorum, the fact that it has large Mormon population might favor Romney. Further, Paul’s brand of libertarianism might also appeal here.
Massachusetts (41 delegates) has a primary. This is Romney’s home state and a poll from February shows him winning easily with 64 percent.
North Dakota (28 delegates) has a caucus. There are no recent polls. Paul may do well here.
Ohio (66 delegates) has a primary. The race here is very close. The latest poll shows Romney with 37 percent to Santorum’s 36, Gingrich 15 and Paul 11.
Oklahoma (43 delegates) has a primary. In the latest poll, Santorum is far ahead, with 37 percent to 26 for Romney, 22 for Gingrich and 9 for Paul.
Tennessee (58 delegates) has a primary. Recent polling shows Santorum leadaing with 34 percent to Romney’s 29 percent, Gingrich’s 27 and Paul’s 8
Vermont (17 delegates) has a primary; there appear to be no polls, but Romney should win easily, as he is from neighboring Massachusetts.
Read the original post:
Candidates Look to Super Tuesday
GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, May 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –Cayman Airways has announced the launch of non-stop service from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to Grand Cayman to commence this June. Effective June 23, 2012 September 2, 2012, Cayman Airways will operate weekly service from Dallas to Grand Cayman on Sunday and from Grand Cayman to Dallas on Saturday, starting at $399.
Just in time for the summer season, the introduction of this flight route allows Dallas and Texas residents an easy escape from the hustle of everyday life to head to the Cayman Islands for some fun in the famed turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. Visitors can also take advantage of Cayman’s affordable summer promotion, Cayman Summer Splash, enjoying 5th night free accommodations including a $100 resort credit. Business class service is available.
Dallas, TX – Grand Cayman
Flight
Departure
Arrival
Frequency
KX 321
9:00am
1:00pm
Link:
Cayman Airways Launches Non-Stop Service Between Dallas and the Cayman Islands
A Thai grandfather who became a symbol of a budding free speech movement after he was jailed for defaming the monarchy has died in prison, his lawyer said Tuesday, fanning controversy over the harsh law.
View post:
Thai prisoner's death reignites royal slur debate
(Repeats story issued on Sunday)
By Tony Munroe
MUMBAI, May 6 (Reuters) – Whatever its intentions in cracking down on abuse of tax havens, India has alienated overseas investors with the timing and communication of its measures when it can ill afford to do so.
India’s move to target tax evaders through a general anti-avoidance rule (GAAR), along with a plan to retroactively tax the indirect transfer of assets, has spooked investors and added to an exodus of funds, battering the rupee.
Starting on Monday, India’s parliament will begin considering the finance bill that includes the tax proposals but final details may be a month or more away, government sources have said, which could prolong the uncertainty and aggravate a balance of payments shortfall.
“We are hoping that because of the currency and because of inflow problems, they might either delay it by a year or do something else,” said Samir Arora, an India-focused fund manager with Helios Capital Management in Singapore.
After days of what traders said was intervention to defend the rupee, the Reserve Bank of India late on Friday took steps to encourage dollar inflows, a move dealers said may do little to improve near-term weakness in the currency, which is approaching an all-time low set in December.
Meanwhile, the gloomy mood derailed the year’s biggest initial public offering from India, with auto parts maker Samvardhana Motherson Finance Ltd on Friday scrapping its $311 million issue because of poor demand.
Foreign funds are usually the biggest buyers of large Indian equity deals.
Adding to investor ire, India said on Friday it may review its tax break treaty with Mauritius, the East African island country that the majority of foreign portfolio inflows are believed to be routed through.
See the article here:
RPT-India to deliberate tax measures as investors fret
HONOLULU (AP) – Federal officials say most beaches on Hawaii’s most visited islands are disappearing.
The U.S. Geological Survey said in a study released Monday that 70% of beaches on Maui, Kauai and Oahu are going through long-term erosion.
The study says 85% of beaches are eroding on Maui, while more than 70% are eroding on Kauai. The study says 60% of Oahu’s beaches are eroding.
The study’s lead author says he hopes the study will help guide developers and local officials as they consider development along the shoreline.
Chip Fletcher of the University of Hawaii says the study looked at more than 12,000 locations.
Beaches are the top attraction for more than 7 million Hawaii visitors each year. Tourists spent $12.6 billion in the state last year.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
See more here:
Beaches on most visited Hawaii islands eroding
Monday, May 7, 2012
The Tennessean reports that journalist and First Amendment advocate John Seigenthaler will talk about the founding nearly 50 years ago of Metro Nashvilles city-county government in a speech this week at the University Club of Nashville.
Seigenthaler, chairman emeritus of The Tennessean and founder of the First Amendment Center, will speak at 6 p.m. on May 9.
Tags: Seigenthaler
More articles related to In The News | Seigenthaler. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Go here to read the rest:
Seigenthaler to speak on Nashville government
By Manoj Kumar
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – India will not retroactively tax portfolio investments and will shift the burden of proving evasion on tax to authorities, two government sources said on Thursday, providing a measure of comfort to foreign investors worried about proposed new rules.
Overseas investors have been critical about a set of proposals India unveiled as part of its budget for the fiscal year that began in April, including a rule that would crack down on the use of tax havens, saying vague wording left it too open for subjective interpretation.
However, foreign investors may have to wait a month or two for full clarity. While the finance bill that includes the new tax provisions will be presented to parliament next week, final details will not be released until June or July, the sources said.
The wait could constrain Indian markets, which have seen foreign outflows since the proposals were unveiled in mid-March, sending the rupee on Thursday to its lowest in more than four months, while stocks have lagged their Asian emerging peers.
“The uncertainty on what the guidelines will be on GAAR is really the issue now,” said Agam Gupta, head of foreign exchange, rates and credit trading at Standard Chartered Bank in Mumbai.
“The government needs to come out with something which is unambiguous,” he said.
The vague wording of the proposed General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR) had prompted worry among investors that it might be applied retroactively, but one of the government sources said India “has no intention” to apply the rule retrospectively.
Another point of contention over GAAR is that it might put the burden on investors registered in countries with special tax exemptions with India, such as Mauritius, to prove they do not intend to explicitly avoid taxes.
However, the sources clarified tax authorities will bear the burden of proof.
See more here:
New tax evasion rule not retroactive – sources
FireFox!
Start Your Own Web Hosting Company
Kids Furniture
Web Hosting
Advertise Here $10 a Month
Affordable web-hosting
Pierre Teilhard De Chardin
|
Sign up below for the Prometheism / Designer Children Discussion Forum
|