Iran has alarmed American officials and the world by declaring it would close the main artery for oil exports from the Persian Gulf if the West imposes sanctions over its nuclear program. NBC?s Andrea Mitchell reports.
Related Links:
TODAY.com home page
Source: http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/45814182/
dramamine nba season iron bowl iron bowl bo jackson bo jackson ibogaine
A new exhibit in Prague highlights the way museums were used as a communist propaganda tool, molding the way citizens interpreted moments in their shared history.?
? A local, slice-of-life story from a Monitor correspondent.
Skip to next paragraphMuseums as a communist propaganda tool are the focus of a new exhibition titled ?Red Museums? at the National Memorial in Prague, Czech Republic. The exhibition, organized by the National Museum, takes a look at how the communist regime used museums to shape cultural knowledge by reinterpreting watershed moments in Czech history in a way that satisfied those in power.?
By the 1950s the Communist Party had begun to establish its own museums, such as the Museum of V.I. Lenin, which introduced visitors to communist ideals via the life of the Soviet leader. Traditional museum exhibits underwent an ideological transformation ? all attempts at discussion or historical interpretation made way for communist education. For example, in the 1970s, exhibitions showcased the 1968 Prague Spring uprising in a negative light. For the then-Czechoslovakians who visited these museums from 1948 to 1989, the communist-colored exhibits provided a type of false security by showing images of a functioning and united society, while confirming the stereotypes of their nation.
?Red Museums? exhibit organizers hope to revive a discussion of how history has been presented in Czech museums as well as the role of museums moving forward into the 21st century.?
Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/csmonitor/globalnews/~3/_IV_eOIul8M/In-Prague-a-tale-of-communism-past
statue of liberty gold rush alaska gold rush alaska the addams family blue bloods temple grandin texas rangers
ScienceDaily (Dec. 29, 2011) ? Mutations in the ATM gene may increase the hereditary risk for pancreatic cancer, according to data published in Cancer Discovery, the newest journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most morbid cancers, with less than 5 percent of those diagnosed with the disease surviving to five years. Approximately 10 percent of patients come from families with multiple cases of pancreatic cancer.
"There was significant reason to believe this clustering was due to genetics, but we had not, to this point, been able to find the causative genes that explained the cluster of pancreatic cancer for a majority of these families," said lead author Alison Klein, Ph.D., associate professor of oncology at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins and director of the National Familial Pancreas Tumor Registry.
Klein and colleagues used next-generation sequencing, including whole genome and whole exome analyses, and identified ATM gene mutations in two kindreds with familial pancreatic cancer.
When these initial findings were examined in a large series for patients, ATM mutations were present in four of 166 subjects with pancreatic cancer but were absent in 190 spousal control subsets.
Klein said that knowledge of the presence of the ATM gene could lead to better screening for pancreatic cancer, the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death. However, there are currently no recommended screening tests.
Many doctors use endoscopy as a screening tool for pancreatic cancer, but researchers are still evaluating this technique in clinical trials.
Recommend this story on Facebook, Twitter,
and Google +1:
Other bookmarking and sharing tools:
Story Source:
The above story is reprinted from materials provided by American Association for Cancer Research.
Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.
Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229091834.htm
dragnet immaculate conception immaculate conception rule 5 draft lindsay lohan playboy cover lindsay lohan playboy cover shooting at virginia tech
Katelyn Loper #31 does a little dance as she's introduced before the game. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Candice Bellocchio #10 plays some defense. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
The Hofstra cheerleaders during a timeout. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Shante Evans #30 looks for an open teamate. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Kelsey Beynnon #23 shoots for three. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Shante Evans #30 gets ready to put the ball up. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Candice Bellocchio #10 drives hard to the basket. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Andreana Thomas #5. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Hofstra's Onyesonam Nolisa #21 reaches up to block the long jumper of Marist's Emma O'Connor #13. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
A rebound goes through the hands of Kelsey Beynnon #23. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Hofstra's Shante Evans #30 puts up a shot at the top of the key. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Hofstra's Nicole Capurso #22 is fouled as she goes for the layup. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Candace Bond #2 goes for the easy layup off the fast break. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Candace Bond #2. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
The Hofstra Dance Team shoes off their synchronized pirouettes. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Candice Bellocchio #10. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Marist's Brandy Gang #34 positions herself for the rebound. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Casey Dulin #14 attempts to save the ball from going out of bounds. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Katelyn Loper #31. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Casey Dulin #14. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Leanne Ockenden #11. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Marist's Emily Stallings #20 looks to shoot as Hofstra's Deven Green #23 defends. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Marist's Natalie Gomez #3 attempts to penetrate the Hofstra defense. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Emily Stallings #20 looks for the three. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Marist's Natalie Gomez #3 defends Hofstra's Candace Bond #2. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
The Marist players gather around head coach Brian Giorgis. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Casey Dulin #14. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Assistant Coach Bill Ferrara restrains Hofstra head coach Krista Kilburn-Steveskey as she argues with the ref. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Corielle Yarde #24 accepts her award as a member of the all tournament team. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
Shante Evans #30 is presented with the tournament MVP award. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
The Hofstra women's basketball team poses with the NY Life Tournament trophy. (NCAA Women's Basketball: Hofstra 71 v. Marist 69, Mack Sports Complex, Hempstead, NY., December 22, 2011)
billy graham scion fr s elf on a shelf elf on a shelf carrier iq carrier iq linda perry
vincent brown vincent brown willow smith tom bradley tom bradley penn state riot penn state riot
Enlarge Sunday Aghaeze/AFP/Getty Images People gather around burnt cars near St. Theresa Catholic Church after a bomb blast in the Madala Zuba district of Nigeria's capital Abuja on Christmas Day.
Sunday Aghaeze/AFP/Getty ImagesPeople gather around burnt cars near St. Theresa Catholic Church after a bomb blast in the Madala Zuba district of Nigeria's capital Abuja on Christmas Day.
In the chaos after the Christmas terror attack on a Catholic church, one mortally wounded man cradled his wounded stomach and begged a priest for religious atonement. "Father, pray for me. I will not survive," he said.
At least 35 people died at St. Theresa Catholic Church and dozens were wounded as radical Muslim militants launched coordinated attacks across Africa's most populous nation within hours of one another. Four more people were killed in other violence blamed on the group known as Boko Haram.
It was the second year in a row that the extremists seeking to install Islamic Shariah law across the country of 160 million have staged Christmas attacks. Last year, a series of bombings on Christmas Eve killed 32 people in Nigeria.
On Monday, crowds gathered among the burned-out cars in the dirt parking lot, angry over the attack and fearful that the group will target more churches.
Rev. Father Christopher Jataudarde told The Associated Press that Sunday's blast happened as church officials gave parishioners white powder as part of a tradition celebrating the birth of Christ. Some already had left the church at the time of the bombing, causing the massive casualties.
At least 52 people were wounded in the attack, said Slaku Luguard, a coordinator with Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency. Victims filled the cement floors of a nearby government hospital, some crying in pools of their own blood.
Pope Benedict XVI denounced the bombing at his post-Christmas blessing Monday, urging people to pray for the victims and Nigeria's Christian community.
"In this moment, I want to repeat once again with force: Violence is a path that leads only to pain, destruction and death. Respect, reconciliation and love are the only path to peace," he said.
The African Union also condemned the attacks and pledged to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism.
"Boko Haram's continued acts of terror and cruelty and absolute disregard for human life cannot be justified by any religion or faith," said a statement attributed to AU commission chairman Jean Ping.
On Sunday, a bomb also exploded amid gunfire in the central Nigeria city of Jos and a suicide car bomber attacked the military in the nation's northeast. Three people died in those assaults.
After the bombings, a Boko Haram spokesman using the nom de guerre Abul-Qaqa claimed responsibility for the attacks in an interview with The Daily Trust, the newspaper of record across Nigeria's Muslim north. The sect has used the newspaper in the past to communicate with public.
"There will never be peace until our demands are met," the newspaper quoted the spokesman as saying. "We want all our brothers who have been incarcerated to be released; we want full implementation of the Sharia system and we want democracy and the constitution to be suspended."
Boko Haram has carried out increasingly sophisticated and bloody attacks in its campaign to implement strict Shariah law across Nigeria. The group, whose name means "Western education is sacrilege" in the local Hausa language, is responsible for at least 504 killings this year alone, according to an Associated Press count.
Last year, a series of Christmas Eve bombings in Jos claimed by the militants left at least 32 dead and 74 wounded. The group also claimed responsibility for the Aug. 26 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Nigeria's capital Abuja that killed 24 people and wounded 116 others.
While initially targeting enemies via hit-and-run assassinations from the back of motorbikes after the 2009 riot, violence by Boko Haram now has a new sophistication and apparent planning that includes high-profile attacks with greater casualties.
That has fueled speculation about the group's ties as it has splintered into at least three different factions, diplomats and security sources say. They say the more extreme wing of the sect maintains contact with terror groups in North Africa and Somalia.
Targeting Boko Haram has remained difficult, as sect members are scattered throughout northern Nigeria and the nearby countries of Cameroon, Chad and Niger.
Analysts say political considerations also likely play a part in the country's thus-far muted response: President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian from the south, may be hesitant to use force in the nation's predominantly Muslim north.
Speaking late Sunday at a prayer service, Jonathan described the bombing as an "ugly incident."
"There is no reason for these kind of dastardly acts," the president said in a ceremony aired by the state-run Nigerian Television Authority. "It's one of the burdens as a nation we have to carry. We believe it will not last forever."
Source: http://www.npr.org/2011/12/26/144289502/nigerians-fear-more-violence-after-church-attacks?ft=1&f=
regis and kelly reno fire regis philbin last show regis philbin last show ray lewis crystal cathedral sarah vowell
?
By MUSHTAK PARKER
?
In the aftermath of the global financial crisis which was precipitated inter alia by the conduct and perceived greed of bankers chasing profits and bonuses seemingly at any cost, there has been a revisiting of the philosophy of banking and finance especially its relationship to the public good and the real economy.In Islamic economics and finance, the concept of the Public Good (Maslaha) is well established. Islamic finance in essence should also pursue Maqasid Al-Shariah - the objectives of the Shariah relating especially to financial transactions, relationships and contracts.
Islamic finance, stress academics such as Professor Hashim Kamali, has provided sufficient evidence that the Shariah has enormous potential to contribute to the Public Good. One manifestation is the proscription on investments in speculative derivatives and transactions such as CDOs which were the bane of market capitalism in the recent financial crisis. The concept of Maslaha is not confined to Islamic finance per se, but also to wider governance, governments and public life, although the application of Maslaha must be genuine, all inclusive and have no conflicts with Shariah injunctions.
Indeed, at a recent 5th International Islamic Capital Markets Forum which was held at Lanai Kijang in Kuala Lumpur, Zarinah Anwar, chairman of the Securities Commission Malaysia, urged that the virtues of Islamic finance - public good, ethics, shared values, governance, real and tangible contributions to the economy - need to be unlocked further, and they hold the key to innovation and growth of the industry.?
Pertinent to this year's forum theme, "Risk-sharing -- A Way Forward to Public Good", Zarinah emphasized that "the pursuit of profits guided by a higher social purpose will create not just economic returns but also comply with universal values shared by all of mankind. Indeed it is possible to derive profits from doing good. Putting this in place will strengthen the universality and acceptability of Islamic finance, enabling it to offer a distinctive value proposition."Islamic finance like any other industry must create a distinctive value proposition that meets the needs of its customers. To a certain extent, Islamic Finance has managed to transcend religious, political and geographical boundaries and today serves not only the needs of the Muslims but it is also gaining the interest and acceptance of non-Muslims.
But, she warned that there are challenges that could pose threats to the entire value chain. Islamic finance products have had universal appeal due to its ability to replicate its conventional counterparts. But replication has its dangers. "Replicating the conventional banking products means that the industry is importing the same issues and concerns faced by conventional finance. Conventional finance recognizes debt as the basis of all financing structures whilst Islamic Finance has risk participation as its cornerstone. Blending the two, which has been the popular practice, has to some extent diminished the value and the spirit of the Shariah. And as a consequence we see increasing legal uncertainties and concerns over investor protection. But there is also a school of thought that says a close resemblance is permissible," she explained.The forum covered concepts such as Maslaha (the public good); Tayyib (wholesome, the best); risk-sharing and public policy; a legal perspective of risk-sharing contracts; corporate governance and corporate social responsibility; an inter-disciplinary approach to Islamic finance; and linking Maqasid Al-Shariah (the objectives of Shariah) to the economy.
Zarinah emphasized three important propositions - the early development of Islamic finance which saw largely the Shariah-compliant replication of conventional products; the emergence of risk sharing in Islamic finance which integrates risk management with value creation; and the importance of achieving Maqasid Al-Shariah to offer a distinctive value proposition to the global financial system and society per se.
The industry has achieved double-digit growth rates; there has been increasing acceptance of Islamic finance not only in the Muslim-majority countries but also in non-Muslim jurisdictions; and the market has seen increasing participation of multinational corporations, multilaterals and conventional institutions in sukuk issuances.
Adapting conventional products to make them Shariah-compliant with the hope that these would eventually evolve and become more closely aligned with the principles of the Shariah was necessary in the early development of the industry, and has facilitated acceptance of these products and has been instrumental in getting Islamic finance to where it is today.However, according to the SC, the emphasis on Shariah-compliant products has also meant that there has been less urgency to develop Shariah-based products. Furthermore, adaptation has resulted in direct comparisons being made between conventional and Islamic products in terms of risk-return profiles, cost structures and legal, tax as well as regulatory considerations. Often and not unexpectedly, such comparison would result in Islamic products being seen as less attractive.
The SC Chairman contended that for Islamic finance to flourish and sustain its long-term growth, it must be able to offer a more distinctive value proposition that is universal and all-encompassing. In this regard, risk-sharing is one of the cornerstones of the Shariah.
Risk-sharing contributes to fairness and collaboration, both of which are universal values. More concerted efforts to facilitate the expansion of Islamic finance toward risk-sharing structures will? therefore provide Islamic finance with a distinctive value proposition which will not only broaden its customer base to include investors seeking risk-participatory instruments, but also offers innovative product structures to provide diversification benefits.
But although the form of contracts for conventional and Shariah compliant financial transactions differ, the problems and challenges are not dissimilar. "Continued reliance on debt-based structures perpetuates the element of inequitable risk sharing by virtue of the risks in debt based transactions being largely transferred to the client or investor. The subprime crisis serves to remind us of the fragility of a debt-based system," she added.
Risk-sharing integrates risk management with value creation. The Islamic concepts of Musharakah and Mudarabah, for example, target value creation and are good ways of managing risk. Risk-sharing also encourages entrepreneurship.?
While risk-sharing fosters strong commitments, it must have deterrent features that can effectively address any violation of the applicable principles or arrangements. "Only in this way," emphasized the SC chairman, "can we have a system that is competitive and allows for profit-maximization. Risk-sharing structures by their very nature will foster greater self and market discipline, thus allowing the regulators to focus on their core business of investor protection, ensuring fair and orderly markets and minimizing systemic risks. The risk-sharing concept, therefore, leads to the attainment of public good and promotes ethical and responsible corporate conduct."
Modern finance, agreed Chairman Zarinah, has contributed immensely toward global economic and social development. New ethical dimensions have been introduced into the financial services industry, such as CSR programs, socially responsible investing, green-financing, application of the equator principles which ensure the commitment of conventional institutions to the pursuit of public good.
Ethics and public good are inherent in the Islamic concept of risk-sharing. The ultimate objective of Islamic finance must be to fulfill the objectives of the Shariah. Indeed, the prohibition of Riba, leverage, speculative risk-taking and Gharar are meant to realize the ideals of social justice and to prevent exploitation. Thus the motivation for partaking in Islamic finance should therefore also include considerations beyond just the rationale that funds are from permissible sources, transactions are asset-backed, forms are Shariah-compliant and greater transparency are apparent in the structures.
Malaysia, said Zarinah, is well-poised to take Islamic finance to the next level given its success as an established Islamic financial centre where the government, regulators and industry all work hand-in-hand to support Islamic finance initiatives.
"Under our Capital Market Masterplan 2, the widening of the international base of the Islamic capital market has been identified as a key growth driver. In this respect, successful implementation of initiatives and strategies to facilitate and expand the Shariah-based approach, with its underlying qualities of promoting ethical and equitable economic and social developments that have universal appeal, will be crucial in supporting the sustainable growth of the Islamic capital market," she concluded.
? Arab News 2011
Source: http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20111226034622/Islamic_finance_values_hold_key_to_innovation
graham spanier graham spanier penn state board of trustees joe pa joe pa brett ratner jerry sandusky
BAGHDAD?? The political party loyal to radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr called Monday for the dissolution of Iraq's parliament and new elections in another move that could escalate the country's growing sectarian crisis.
The anti-American Sadrist bloc is a partner in the Shiite-dominated government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Bahaa al-Aaraji, the head of the Sadrists' bloc in parliament, said the elections are needed because of instability in the country and problems that threaten Iraq's sovereignty.
"The political partners cannot find solutions for the problems that threaten to divide Iraq," he said.
Iraq plunged into a new sectarian crisis last week, just days after the last American troops withdrew at the end of a nearly nine-year war.
The new political crisis has been accompanied by a new wave of attacks on the Iraqi capital by suspected Sunni insurgents linked to al-Qaida. A suicide bomber set off a car bomb Monday at a checkpoint leading to the Interior Ministry, killing seven people and injuring 32, officials said. Police and hospital officials said the bomber struck during morning rush hour, hitting one of many security barriers set up around the ministry's building.
Al-Maliki is in a political showdown with the country's top Sunni political figure, Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi, after the government issued an arrest warrant for al-Hashemi on allegations his bodyguards ran hit squads targeting government officials.
The prime minister threatened to form a government without al-Hashemi's Sunni-backed political party, Iraqiya, which is boycotting parliament and mulling whether to pull out of the ruling coalition.
Iraq was dominated by the minority Sunnis under Saddam Hussein until the U.S.-led war that began in 2003 ousted him. Majority Shiites have dominated the government ever since, though Americans pushed hard for the inclusion of Sunnis with a meaningful role in the current governing coalition.
Bitter sectarian rivalries played out in 2006-2007 in violence that took Iraq to the brink of civil war and the latest tensions have raised fears of a resurgence of Shiite-Sunni violence.
The political crisis taps into resentments that are still raw despite years of efforts to overcome them. The Sunnis fear the Shiite majority is squeezing them out of their already limited political role. Shiites suspect Sunnis of links to militants and of plotting to topple the Shiite leadership.
The Sadrists have played an important role in maintaining Shiite domination over government ? their support last year catapulted al-Maliki back to the prime minister's office for a second term.
Only on msnbc.com
For the proposal to dissolve parliament to gain traction, it would take the consent of at least 1/3 of parliament, the president and the prime minister or a simple majority of lawmakers. Al-Maliki, who only secured his position after nearly nine months of political wrangling after the last elections, would likely be loathe to go through the process again and risk an unfavorable outcome.
Al-Aaraji said the proposal first needs approval of the larger coalition between the Sadrists and al-Maliki's alliance, the two most powerful Shiite parties.
A Shiite lawmaker loyal to al-Maliki, Kamal al-Saiedi, said the proposal should be studied.
"Forming the current government was not an easy issue, therefore going back in the direction of new elections would be more difficult," he said.
A Sunni lawmaker with Iraqiya, the Sunni-backed bloc of the wanted vice president, said new elections would not bring security and stability. He pointed to the prolonged negotiations that were needed to agree on the government in place now, and said a new election would only bring the same people to office.
"We need to sit around the same negotiating table and that is the only path to salvation from this current crisis," said Kamil al-Dulaimi.
Also Monday, a roadside bomb hit a passing army patrol in the Abu Ghraib area west of Baghdad, killing two soldiers and injuring two, a police officer and a doctor said.
Al-Maliki's adviser for National Reconciliation Amer al-Khuzaie, said leaders of Asaib Ahl al-Haq, one of the top Shiite militant groups, had decided to lay down their weapons and join the political system.
Asaib Ahl al-Haq, or Band of the People of Righteousness, was a splinter group from the Mahdi Army, also headed by al-Sadr. They, along with the Mahdi Army, were two of three Shiite militant groups active in Iraq that were dedicated to fighting the U.S. military presence.
Al-Khuzaie said the group had signed an agreement in recent days renouncing violence. He said they would change their name and join the political process. He said he had been negotiating for months with the group, who said they would join the political process after the U.S. military left Iraq. All American troops departed on Dec. 18.
Officials from the group were not available to confirm the decision.
U.S. officials have warned that these Shiite militant groups could turn against the Iraqi government after the American military has gone. A key test to whether Asaib Ahl al-Haq, an Iranian-funded group, is committed to becoming a peaceful part of the political process is whether they actually turn in their weapons, especially the more powerful and sophisticated weapons they're believed to get from Iran.
__
Associated Press writers Mazin Yahya, Sinan Salaheddin and Qassim Abdul-Zahra contributed to this report.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45791392/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/
october 28 2011 jenelle evans jenelle evans miami hurricanes vlad the impaler steven tyler michael lohan
January 1st, New Year Day, is a chance for proposing changes. The tradition is to make resolutions such as to lose weight or exercise more. Typically they are personal ones made by the individuals, but I have a new twist by making a resolution for CEOs, heads of government agencies and executive teams of all organizations.
I propose these types of managers enlist in a yoga class. My reasoning is that they need to periodically detach themselves from the hustle and bustle of the flurry of daily distractions and have some solitude and be introspective. I was inspired by this idea by reading a lecture by William Deresiewicz that was delivered to the plebe class at the United States Military Academy at West Point in October, 2009.
Deresiewicz began his lecture by asking, ?What does solitude have to do with leadership? Solitude means being alone, and leadership necessitates the presence of others ? the people you?re leading. When we think about leadership in American history we are likely to think of Washington, at the head of an army, or Lincoln, at the head of a nation, or King, at the head of a movement ? people with multitudes behind them, looking to them for direction. And when we think of solitude, we are apt to think of Thoreau, a man alone in the woods, keeping a journal and communing with nature in silence.?
Solitude allows one to be alone with your thoughts. Arguably solitude is crucial to carry out the task of leadership. Executives need this, and a yoga class may provide them the chance to deeply consider the lasting improvements and skills their organization will need to for sustained organizational performance improvement. These include exploiting the emerging practices of business analytics and deploying and integrating enterprise performance management methodologies. These include strategy maps, scorecards, dashboards, risk management, activity-based costing, predictive analytics, rolling financial forecasts, and many others.
Sadly, just as New Year resolutions are usually broken, my fear is that executives will not actively adopt these methods, despite their being proven as ways to advance their organizations. So similar to how individuals make a resolution to diet but then indulge in eating sweets and desserts, it will be unfortunate that executives will likely postpone initiating the methods and techniques that can sustain improvement. If they took a yoga class, that forced solitude may provide them the solitude to have the vision of what can be and inspire their workforce.
Source: http://bigfatfinanceblog.com/2011/12/26/2012-new-year-resolutions-for-ceos-and-executives/
mike quade mike quade sticks and stones sticks and stones top chef powerball winner powerball winner
FilmOn caminha lado a lado com as principais redes de esportes da ind?stria com a cria??o de novos paradigmas em televis?o de esportes ao vivo.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif?rnia--()--A FilmOn.com Inc., a divis?o norte-americana do maior servi?o de televis?o HD baseado na Internet do mundo, http://www.FilmOn.com, anunciou hoje uma parceria com a XOS Digital, a fornecedora l?der de solu??es de gest?o de conte?do para organiza??es esportivas profissionais e universit?rias. A parceria vai criar duas novas redes College Sports premium para a FilmOn.
?Estamos muito entusiasmados com a adi??o dos jogos da NCAA ?s nossas linhas esportivas. A lista vai incluir jogos de basquete e futebol americano do arquivo e da temporada ? rede de esportes universit?rios da FilmOn?
"Estamos muito entusiasmados com a adi??o dos jogos da NCAA ?s nossas linhas esportivas. A lista vai incluir jogos de basquete e futebol americano do arquivo e da temporada ? rede de esportes universit?rios da FilmOn", disse o fundador e diretor executivo Alki David.
"Anteriormente neste ano lan?amos o primeiro canal de futebol (soccer) da Internet junto com a UK Premiership e a Football Association. Reconhecemos o fant?stico valor dos esportes na televis?o online e vamos continuar a ampliar nossas ofertas com esportes ao vivo em tempo real em 2012. Isto come?a com o futebol russo ao vivo da Russian Premier League a ser apresentado todas as semanas. Estaremos lado a lado com os mais importantes programadores da ind?stria, al?m de criar novos paradigmas no mercado de televis?o pela Internet".
Sobre a FilmOn.com Inc.
A FilmOn.com foi fundada pelo magnata da m?dia, Alki David, como plataforma de entrega Pay TV transmitindo HD IPTV para computadores, Tablets e dispositivos m?veis, inclusive Roku e outros decodificadores. A FilmOn oferece ainda solu??es prontas de marcas de tecnologia e conte?do para provedores de Internet externos.
A FilmOn.com Plc. ? uma empresa com sede em Frankfurt (o s?mbolo da empresa ? FMX), que ? operada por equipes de gest?o americanas e brit?nicas, com escrit?rios em Beverly Hills e Londres e centros de dados em Los Angeles, Nova York, Amsterd? e Genebra.
Sobre a XOS Digital, Inc.
Fundada em 1999, a XOS Digital ? fornecedora l?der de solu??es de gest?o de ativos digitais para organiza??es esportivas profissionais e universit?rias. Funcion?rios de confer?ncias, escrit?rios de ligas, equipes de treinamento e departamentos de atletismos dependem do portf?lio de produtos e servi?os XOS para administrar, analisar, arquivas, distribuir, proteger e monetizar seus ativos digitais.
Galeria de fotos/multim?dia dispon?vel em: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50116471&lang=pt
O texto no idioma original deste an?ncio ? a vers?o oficial autorizada. As tradu??es s?o fornecidas apenas como uma facilidade e devem se referir ao texto no idioma original, que ? a ?nica vers?o do texto que tem efeito legal.
Source: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20111226005033/pt
kourtney kardashian pregnant wormwood bcs bowl games jose reyes capital one bowl college football bowl schedule college football bowl schedule
You have to make intensive research regarding car insurance quotes of different firms, if you desire to receive an authentic company, which gives the top car insurance.
Numerous people prefer taking car insurance, because they?re conscious of the huge benefits that they get. Vehicle insurance rate quotes are very important on your vehicle, since they help you find the top insurance policy. You may also explore Internet for getting the quotes of reputed firms in the field of car insurance.
Always remember that there are many hidden costs, so you should be cautious though picking out car insurance coverage. You should get detailed more knowledge about quotes of different firms in support of then invest your money for insuring your automobile. Obtain the standard more knowledge about insurance companies and their quotes, if you desire to find the ideal car insurance, that?s capable of offering maximum gains to you.
- Auto Car Insurance Oregon Insurance Quotes entirely on Internet are probably the best quotes. Another advantage of searching by means of Internet is that there?s no use to wander in one to cheap car insurance Pennsylvania location to other getting the quotes of different car insurance firms.
With the help of Internet, you only need to invest a few minutes to accumulate the specified information and facts. During your search over the Internet, you will probably find car insurance firms regarding you could possibly never have heard of, but that will not imply that they?re unreliable. You have to acquire quotes of different firms, simply because this could help you find the top car insurance company. A number of insurance companies that don?t prefer advertising, since they desire to curb excessive expenditure for gaining further income. cheap car insurance Michigan
If you want to check the monetary status of a company, you only need to see its ratings. If you realise a firm having ?A? rating, that signifies that it really is financially sound. Nonetheless, there is no need to prevent businesses that have ?B? ratings, for the reason that even these businesses can handle offering excellent services to their clients.
In addition to acquiring more knowledge about quotes of the car insurance firms, you will discover several websites that supply insurance on the net. Consequently, there?s no use down the sink your precious time getting insurance on offices of the car insurance firms.
Source: http://www.melancthonwind.com/reasonably-priced-car-insurance-quotes/
take care drake cain accuser aesop rock take care track list michael jackson trial carlos the jackal namibia
Merry Christmas Eve everyone! Now get off of twitter and spend time with your families and/or wait for Santa :) Source: http://twitter.com/dizzydiver/statuses/150772853581680640
nigel tufnel day black friday deals molokai molokai ashton kutcher twitter sandusky barbados
Credit: AP
FILE - In this Oct. 8, 2011, file photo, Arkansas' receiver Greg Childs (85) runs down field after a reception as Auburn cornerback Chris Davis (11) pursues during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Fayetteville, Ark. Childs' senior season has gone anything but as planned. However, the Arkansas wide receiver hopes to end his career with one final big game when the Razorbacks play Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 6. (AP Photo/April L. Brown, File)
(KMOV) -- When I was a teenager, New Years Day was bigger than Super Bowl Sunday, at least?for me. I still remember the excitement of watching the best college football teams play the biggest bowl games on that one day, virtually non-stop big time gridiron action from morning to late night. Heck, back then even the Gator Bowl was a big deal.
There won't be any college football bowl games on New Years Day this season. On January 2, you can watch Florida play Ohio State in the Gator Bowl.?Both teams have 6-6 records, which means one of them will wind up with a losing record. I realize those are two traditional powerhouse programs, but does anyone really believe they deserve to play in a bowl, much less that one?
Even more absurd is the lineup of bowl games on December 30 and 31. There are 8 teams with at least 6 losses playing in 9 bowl games on those days. UCLA, which plays in something called the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl on Christmas Eve, has a 6-7 record. It plays Illinois which has a 6-6 record. So, when that game is over the teams will have combined for 14 losses.
Last night, 7th ranked Boise State pounded Arizona State 56-24 in the MAACO Bowl. In the 4th quarter BSU lead by as much as 49-10. ASU finished the game with -11 yards rushing. It was clearly a mismatch. The loss gave Arizona State a 6-7 record for the season. But despite playing a game that shouldn't have been played, the conferences for those two teams will receive $1.1 million for their participation.
There are 35 bowl games this season. Overall, it's possible that as many as 9 of those teams could wind up with losing records.
I believe the current bowl system is corrupted by greed and a false sense of accomplishment. It should be an honor to play in a bowl. Now, in the case of many bowl games, it's just a series of meaningless contests that reward undeserving teams and create marketing opportunities for corporations. The postseason should be reserved for the best teams, not those with strong fan support, key demographics, and the potential to deliver big television ratings.
The major bowls used to be named Rose, Sugar, Orange, Cotton and Fiesta. Now, every bowl game has a major sponsor who often comes before the traditional name of the bowl, like the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. My personal favorite is the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsetta Bowl.?
Like President Obama, and perhaps you, I support a playoff system.?In my system, you would take at least the top 8 teams, based on a ranking system that includes losses, strength of schedule and other factors. The first round of games would be played 2 weeks after the end of the conference championship games. The 2 games in the second round would be played around Christmas. The national championship game would take place 2 weeks after that.
Clearly, this would create an uproar among the bowls, but?it would also give fans a much more exciting postseason, and crown an undisputed national champion. My 8 team playoff would cut bowl games from 35 to 15.
If you eliminate conference championship games, you could double the number of playoff teams to 16 by starting the postseason a week earlier. This would increase the number of playoff games to 23, and keep most of the current bowls as part of the playoffs. I actually prefer a 16 team playoff because it has the potential for more drama, and would provide a feel of "March Madness" in college football while still?making sure?that only the best teams?participate. Even with?16 teams,?every playoff "bowl game" would be?meaningful.
Frankly, I don't care that much if the playoff games are sponsored. I prefer to see the Gator Bowl without Taxslayer.com in front of it, but bowl sponsorships don't keep me awake at night. I think the most important games could still be played as "bowl games" like the Orange or Sugar. Perhaps, the earlier rounds could be hosted by smaller bowls like the Gator and the Sun.? The participating teams could be paid, but they would be paid more for each round of the playoffs. Of course, there's still room for bowl games that would not be part of the playoffs, though I doubt those games could be successful.
I don't claim to have all the answers, but?this bowl madness?needs to end.?
Source: http://www.kmov.com/community/blogs/reporters-blog/Bowl-Madness-136146883.html
time change when does daylight savings start when does daylight savings start earthquake in texas earthquake in texas official time news 9
packers vs vikings randall cobb packers score google x lisfranc injury lisfranc injury ronan
