UConn conference altered over Israel protest

The Israeli-Palestinian dispute has spilled over into a conference at the University of Connecticut as four of five speakers canceled, with one refusing to attend because the event honored Israeli President Shimon Peres.

The Hartford Courant reports that Maryam al-Khawaja, a human rights activist who was to represent her father, Abdulhadi al-Khawaja of Bahrain, pulled out of the UNESCO Chair and Institute of Comparative Human Rights Conference. She accused Peres of unspecified human rights violations.

The elder al-Khawaja is in prison and was to be honored for human rights work.

The event continued Tuesday. The only speaker scheduled was Peres' son-in-law and personal physician, Raphael Walden, a vascular surgeon who was chief of surgery at Sheba Medical Center and a visiting professor at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Source: http://www.norwichbulletin.com/news/x255957424/UConn-conference-altered-over-Israel-protest

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Florida Keys hosts underwater pumpkin carving contest

This year's underwater pumpkin carving contest had a political theme. (Florida Keys News Bureau)In advance of Monday's final presidential debate, divers carved two pumpkins into the likenesses of President Barack Obama and his Republican challenger, Mitt Romney.

The carvings were part of an underwater pumpkin carving contest held in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which brought out 42 divers.

"I decided to carve Mitt Romney because of the debates and all the other fervor surrounding the elections," contestant Cat Rambo said in comments provided to Yahoo! News. "I think it's on everyone's mind right now."

The Obama pumpkin carving was created by fellow diver contestant Manuel Garcia.

"We have both Mitt Romney and Obama pumpkins, but we don't want to declare any winners here today," said contest organizer Amy Slate, owner of the Amoray Dive Resort in Key Largo. "We're gonna leave that to the debates and to the election."

Slate, however, did concede that the political carvings made sense after last week's contentious debate, since "they always take political pokes at each other."

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/florida-keys-hosts-underwater-pumpkin-carving-contest-214931453.html

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Investors Call on Canadian Oil Sands Producers to Improve Environmental and Social Performance

$2 Trillion Group of Investors Propose Higher Standards for Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Water Management, Land Reclamation and Consultations with First Nations

BOSTON, Oct. 22 /CSRwire/ - As presidential candidates spar over the issue of North American energy independence, a group of 49 investors with $2 trillion in assets under management are calling on Canadian oil sands developers to dramatically reduce the environmental and social impact of their operations by lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, managing water use, promoting land reclamation and consulting fully with First Nations and other communities affected by oil sands projects. The investors argued that these performance improvements ?should be prioritized ahead of unmitigated growth ambitions for oil sands development.?

The investors? statement of expectations was delivered to Canada?s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA), an industry-led group formed in March with the specific goal of improving the industry?s environmental performance.

?We are supportive of COSIA?s goal to ?accelerate the pace and scope of environmental innovation? to put the oil sands on a more sustainable path, as well as its focus on transparency and accountability,? the investors wrote in the statement. ?We believe that COSIA?s effectiveness will be greatly enhanced by setting specific goals for improving environmental and social performance along with detailed plans for achieving them.?

Canadian oil sands production is already at 1.6 million barrels per day, the vast majority of which goes to the U.S. Last year, the U.S. imported as much oil from the Canadian oil sands as it did from Saudi Arabia, the second largest source of U.S. oil imports. Oil sands production is projected to grow to 4.2 million barrels per day by 2025.

Oil sands development is significantly more resource-intensive than traditional oil development, creating environmental and social concerns that investors argue may threaten the sector?s long-term viability and growth.

In their statement, investors specifically called on COSIA to:

• Set goals and timelines for reducing the greenhouse gas intensity of oil sands production to at least that of conventional oil production, while also providing greater disclosure on research and development efforts and supporting provincial and federal regulations that would lead to significant reductions in GHG emissions.
• Manage water risk by setting goals and timelines for minimizing net surface and groundwater withdrawals, and keeping withdrawals within science-based ecosystem limits.
• Reduce the rate of land disturbance and increase reclamation, provide disclosure of liabilities, establish wetlands and biodiversity offsets and accept limits to the amount of land available to oil sands development at any given time.
• In cooperation with government authorities, fully incorporate the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent in their responsibilities to First Nations, Metis, Inuit and other communities affected by oil sands operations.

?Oil sands companies cannot ignore these performance improvements in the name of unmitigated growth. The risks to their industry and investors are simply too great,? said Matthias Beer, senior analyst of governance & sustainable investment at F&C Asset Management, a U.K-based investment firm. ?This statement of expectations asks oil sands companies to hold themselves to reasonable standards, which we believe is a necessary step in protecting the long-term financial viability of this resource.?

?This is a clear sign that investors are dissatisfied with the status quo in Canada?s oil sands, but the expectations it lays out are achievable,??said?Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres,?a sustainability advocacy group that organized the initiative. ?Oil sands companies must listen to their investors and substantially improve their environmental and social performance. Investors are telling these companies to prioritize these critical issues before they embark on aggressive growth plans."

In 2010, Ceres commissioned the report,?Canada's?Oil?Sands: Shrinking Window of Opportunity, which provides further detail on the financial and environmental risks of oil sands development including land, water and greenhouse gas management.

About Ceres

Ceres?is an advocate for sustainability leadership.?Ceres?mobilizes a powerful coalition?of investors, companies and public interest groups to accelerate and expand the adoption of sustainable business practices and solutions to build?a healthy global economy.?Ceres also directs the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), a network of 100 institutional investors with collective assets totaling more than $10 trillion. ?

For more information, visit http://www.ceres.org

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/csrwire/PRfeed/~3/E1Gmvk_OlZk/34780-Investors-Call-on-Canadian-Oil-Sands-Producers-to-Improve-Environmental-and-Social-Performance

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Learn A Back Massage Technique & Soothe the Pain Youself

Oct 23, 2012 by mindywender

As our lives are getting busier and over stressed, a number of physical and mental ailments have surfaced in the recent era. Relieving the stress with the help of relaxation techniques is one of the old-book methods, practiced in the present times as well.

Massage therapies have always stood out as the best relaxation techniques to sooth the muscle tension. When you think massage method, a back massage is the most commonly used form as back is the epicenter of stress.

Although a professional masseur can take away the back ache with the help of a sensuous back rub, but simply a home-made massage could be just what you need. Learn about some back massage techniques to ease out the chronic muscle back ache or simply to reduce stress.

Back Massage Techniques to Reduce Back Ache:

As our back comprises of intimate collection of muscles, nerves and spinal cord, the back ache develops even with the slightest negligence. Back rub helps to relax the stiffening of the muscles and a masseur can even cure an injury with effective back massage methods.

Commonly back massage techniques rely on the following:

• Percussion,
• Rubbing,
• Kneading,
• Pulling to loosen muscles,
• Direct pressure to flush blood flow,
• Friction for warming the tissues

Getting A Back Massage For Problem Areas:

Whole Hand Effleurage:

This is a back massage technique, which requires the use of palm of both hands. Start at the lower back. Move your hand slowly upwards with circular motions gently done around the entire back for up to 10 minutes.

Deeper Penetration With Effleurage:

An alternate technique is to use deeper penetration with the heel of the hands. This is a form of deep tissue massage technique. The motions will be circular, outwards, and in upward position. Return from neck towards the centre of the back.

Forearm Back Massage Methods:

Usually masseur adopts this technique for deeper penetration. Place the forearms perpendicular to the body. The pressure applied will be downward with left forearm onto the lower back, and right arm will be moved parallel direction over the entire back.

Acupressure Back Massage:

Acupressure Back Massage techniques are centuries old. It is done by sitting on a flat surface. With back rub using all fingers, massage back and forth on the back to circulate energy. Start by using pressure points at different parts of the back, starting at lower back, on either side of spine and move up another inch directly above the pressure point.

Massaging with the Thumb:

A back massage can also be given by using the thumb pressure right around the spinal cord and moving in an vertical direction. Press the pads of the thumb into lower back and press all the way up to the neck in one swift motion. Move half way from lower back to the center and repeat the overall action.

Fingertip Effleurage:

To work on small areas of stress, fingertip effleurage is used. By putting one hand on the top of the other, downward force is applied by fingers, starting at the spine. Push out the pressure on the sides with swift motions. Do this all the way up and then switch sides.

The Results of Back Rub and Back Massage Techniques:

If your back is constantly under back ache, try a back massage technique to gently warm and loosen the tight muscles, leading to effective pain relief. These kinds of poking and pushing will help the tension to lower and with the increase of right pressure the blood flow will increase, providing you back ache relief.

Source: http://www.mindywenderfitness.com/learn-a-back-massage-technique-soothe-the-pain-youself/

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Adobe Online Ad Report: Google CPCs Decline 10% As Facebook Brand Engagement Surges 896%; iOS? Conversion Rates ~2X Android?s

The latest Adobe Digital Index report into online advertising for Q3 underscores the twin challenges facing Google: mobile and social. While search advertising maintained steady growth in the U.S., U.K. and Germany, the report notes that a rise in traffic across mobile devices shifted search spending onto tablets and smartphones, thereby decreasing cost per click rates -- especially for Google.

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

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See the Parade of Lights in San Diego

Travellers visiting the west coast of the United States this winter might have the opportunity to see a memorable spectacle in San Diego.

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights will return for its 41st annual outing on two consecutive Sundays on 9 and 16 December, running from 17:30 to 21:00 local time.

Described as a 'time-honoured holiday tradition' upheld by the local boating community, the event sees more than 80 colourfully decorated vessels taking to the water in California's second-largest city.

The celebrations get underway with a fireworks display, before the illuminated boats begin their procession through the harbour.

Visitors can choose from several vantage points to watch the festive parade, with Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village and the Ferry Landing on Coronado among the most popular.

San Diego is home to many attractions that travellers can enjoy throughout the year, including Balboa Park, SeaWorld and one of the few zoos in the world that house the giant panda.

Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!

Source: http://news.opodo.co.uk/NewsDetails/2012-10-22/See_the_Parade_of_Lights_in_San_Diego

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The state that doesn't vote (CNN)

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Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/257200965?client_source=feed&format=rss

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Down River Realtors Tout State Government-Backed Home Energy ...

TAYLOR ? The Down River Association of Realtors (DRAR), which serves the Wyandotte area, is encouraging local homeowners to take advantage of an opportunity to receive low-cost home energy assessments that can help shave hundreds of dollars a year from their utility bills.

DRAR is promoting awareness of BetterBuildings for Michigan, a government-backed program that through Dec. 31 is offering $100 home energy assessments that identify ways for homeowners to reduce energy consumption. BetterBuildings for Michigan is funded by a $30 million federal grant the state received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

As part of its effort to inform the public about the program, DRAR will purchase an energy assessment and award it randomly to a local homeowner.

In addition, DRAR members are providing information about the benefits of a BetterBuildings for Michigan home energy assessment to homebuyers they assist.

The DRAR partnership with BetterBuildings for Michigan is part of a new public awareness?campaign to dispel concerns prompted by a recent national survey that found solicitations for home improvement work disguised as ?free? energy audits are among the newest complaints that local and state consumer protection agencies dealt with during the past 12 months.?

The fastest-growing complaints in the survey by advocacy groups the Consumer Federation of America and the North American Consumer Protection Investigators involved debt collection abuses, Do Not Call list violations, mortgage-related problems and home improvement scams. Home repair firms using high energy bills to dupe consumers were among the fastest-growing complaint categories.

?Our goal is to inform homeowners that BetterBuildings for Michigan is the state's completely safe, trustworthy and affordable way to complete a home energy audit,? said Beth Foley, president of the Michigan Association of Realtors.

Partners in BetterBuildings for Michigan include the U.S. Department of Energy, the State of Michigan Energy Office, the City of Detroit?s Economic Development Corp., the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office (SEMREO), Michigan Saves and DTE Energy.

?We are highly appreciative that the Down River Association of Realtors recognizes the value of our services,? said Jacob Corvidae, SEMREO co-director. ?Our experience shows the assessments more than pay for themselves because of the energy-saving materials that are installed.?

The cost of a BetterBuildings for Michigan home assessment is a discount from the typical price of $350 for such inspections. So far, homeowners who have received the assessments are saving $235 annually, with some reporting reductions of $800 a year in their utility bills.?

The program starts with low-cost inspections of homes ? also called energy audits ? that pinpoint where homes are losing energy and measure the efficiency of a home?s heating and cooling systems. A Certified Building Analyst uses a variety of techniques and equipment during the evaluation, including blower doors that evaluate the extent of structural leaks and infrared cameras, which reveal hard-to-detect areas of air infiltration and inadequate insulation.

Certified Building Analysts who conduct the assessment issue a personalized report with their findings to the homeowner. They will also install energy-efficient lightbulbs, showerheads, faucets and programmable thermostats ? at no extra cost ? and suggest additional cost-effective, energy-saving improvements, such as insulation and energy-efficient appliances.

Homeowners are under no obligation to act on the Certified Building Analyst report. BetterBuildings for Michigan offers financial assistance to those who choose to install additional energy-saving measures, including rebates totaling up to $5,000.

Homeowners who want to participate or learn more about the BetterBuildings for Michigan program can call 313-566-4801, email info@MIHomeEnergy.org or visit MIHomeEnergy.org.

Source: http://wyandotte.patch.com/announcements/down-river-realtors-tout-state-government-backed-home-energy-assessments-as-safe-way-for-area-homeowners-to-save-on-utility-bills-f7cf712f

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Romney to stop talking about slain SEAL after mother's complaint (reuters)

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Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/254586224?client_source=feed&format=rss

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In looking to 'NOW!,' Marvel's changes no reboot

This comic image released by Marvel Entertainment shows the cover of the upcoming "Uncanny Avengers," part of Marvel Comics? new initiative aimed at recharging the publisher?s heroes and villains. (AP Photo/Marvel Entertainment)

This comic image released by Marvel Entertainment shows the cover of the upcoming "Uncanny Avengers," part of Marvel Comics? new initiative aimed at recharging the publisher?s heroes and villains. (AP Photo/Marvel Entertainment)

This comic image released by Marvel Entertainment shows the cover of the upcoming "Iron Man," part of Marvel Comics? new initiative aimed at recharging the publisher?s heroes and villains. (AP Photo/Marvel Entertainment)

This comic image released by Marvel Entertainment shows the cover of the upcoming "Captain America," part of Marvel Comics? new initiative aimed at recharging the publisher?s heroes and villains. (AP Photo/Marvel Entertainment)

This comic image released by Marvel Entertainment shows the cover of the upcoming "Indestructible Hulk," part of Marvel Comics? new initiative aimed at recharging the publisher?s heroes and villains. (AP Photo/Marvel Entertainment)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) ? It's not a reboot or relaunch.

Instead, Marvel Comics' new "NOW" initiative aims to recharge the publisher's heroes and villains, the publisher's editor-in-chief Axel Alonso said of the new effort that starts this week.

"This ain't a reboot, we're simply hitting the refresh button. 'Marvel NOW!' simply offers a line-wide entry-point into the Marvel Universe that you're already reading about," he said of the endeavor, which starts Wednesday with the release of "Uncanny Avengers" No. 1 in comic shops worldwide.

"All of the stories take place in the aftermath of 'Avengers Vs. X-Men.' New creative teams ? each of which are deeply invested in their titles ? will take your favorite titles in bold new directions," Alonso said of the calamitous events of the best-selling and just-concluded mini-series that saw the return of the fabled Phoenix force and the death of some key characters, notably Charles Xavier.

The move, announced earlier this year, drew some initial comparisons to rival DC Entertainment's relaunch of its entire line of comics a year ago, one that has helped boost its sales and market presence. The most recent figures for sales showed that in September while Marvel had the top-selling comic book, DC had spots two through 10.

Tom Brevoort, senior vice president for publishing at Marvel, said the new "NOW!" series aren't about relaunching characters with new origins or back stories but about shaking up the characters with new writers and artists.

"Think of it as a game of musical chairs, wherein the best creators in comics all move to a new 'seat' in the form of a new title and character," he said, noting that those names include Brian Michael Bendis, Steve Epting, Jonathan Hickman, Geoff Darrow, Matt Fraction and Leinil Francis Yu, among others.

"For as good as our recent runs have been, there was beginning to build a sense of complacency among the readership ? like they know exactly what to expect from a Captain America or an X-Men or an Avengers, whether they liked it or not, because the same creators had been shepherding those properties for so many years," Brevoort said.

"By making this kind of a creative switch, we create energy and excitement across virtually the entirety of our publishing line all at once."

The new titles will include series featuring Iron Man, the now-named "Indestructible Hulk," Deadpool and the "All-New X-Men," among them.

Alonso said that long-time readers won't find their favorite characters radically altered in mind or matter.

"Nope. It's the same Universe that readers have been invested in for years," he said. "The only change is some subtle tweaks to some costumes."

___

Follow Matt Moore at www.twitter.com/mattmooreap

___

Marvel Entertainment is owned by The Walt Disney Co.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/4e67281c3f754d0696fbfdee0f3f1469/Article_2012-10-09-Marvel's%20Now%20Moment/id-3bf652de1af6490f8f88303b61788fa4

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