Consumer confidence up in February

In this Feb. 21, 2012 photo, a customer exits Lowe's, in New York. A private research group says that consumer confidence in February rose to the highest level since a year ago when the U.S. economy?s outlook started to look brighter before souring again. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

In this Feb. 21, 2012 photo, a customer exits Lowe's, in New York. A private research group says that consumer confidence in February rose to the highest level since a year ago when the U.S. economy?s outlook started to look brighter before souring again. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

In this Feb. 27, 2012 photo, a shopper from Los Angeles, loads a 60 inch Samsung LED TV into his truck at Costco Wholesale store in Glendale, Calif. A private research group says that consumer confidence in February rose to the highest level since a year ago when the U.S. economy?s outlook started to look brighter before souring again. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

NEW YORK (AP) ? U.S. consumer confidence in February rose dramatically from last month to the highest level since a year ago, a private research group said Tuesday. The index is closely watched because consumer confidence makes up the majority of U.S. economic activity, and the news reflects a better attitude about the economy ? good news for President Barack Obama as he seeks re-election this year.

The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index now stands at 70.8, up from a revised 61.5 in January, helped by consumers' improving assessment of the job market. Analysts had expected a reading of 63. The February reading marks the highest level since February 2011, when it was 72.0.

The news gave confidence to Wall Street, helping it to reclaim the last of the ground it held before plunging into the depths of the Great Recession. The Dow Jones industrial average closed above 13,000 on Tuesday for the first time since May 19, 2008, four months before the fall of Lehman Brothers investment bank and the worst of the financial crisis.

The confidence index is still far below the 90 that indicates a healthy economy. But it's closer to levels that indicate a steady economy. The index has risen slowly since hitting an all-time low of 25.3 in February of 2009. And in the past 12 months, it's jumped from the high 60s to the low 40s amid continued worries about the health of the U.S. economy.

"Consumers are considerably less pessimistic about current business and labor market conditions that they were in January," said Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center in a statement. "Despite further increases in gas prices, they are more optimistic about the short-term outlook for the economy, job prospects and their financial situation."

According to the survey of consumers, conducted from Feb. 1 through Feb. 15, shoppers are optimistic about the job market. Those anticipating more jobs in the months ahead increased to 18.7 percent from 16.4 percent, while those anticipating fewer jobs declined to 16.9 percent from 19.1 percent.

There are reasons for optimism. The government says 243,000 jobs were added in January, pushing down the unemployment rate to 8.3 percent, the lowest in three years. Unemployment has fallen five months in a row for the first time since 1994. Job figures for February are due out next week.

But there also are reasons for caution. The European debt crisis threatens to hurt the U.S. economy. And rising gas prices could limit spending by middle- and lower-income shoppers. The average U.S. price of a gallon of gasoline rose 18 cents to $3.69 from two weeks earlier, according to the Lundberg Survey of fuel prices released Sunday.

The index dropped to an all-time low of 25.3 in February 2009. Over the past 12 months, it has been going back and forth from the high 60s to the low 40s on continued worries about the economy.

In fact, confidence fell last October to 40.9, the lowest since March 2009, during the thick of the recession.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2012-02-28-Consumer%20Confidence/id-9a99be15f5544f07b427e85c15f4eaf2

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?Creating a Culture of Quality? for Early Education ?

February 28, 2012 by Irene Sege

Amy O'Leary visits Boston preschool (Photo: Kate Samp for Strategies for Children)

My colleague Amy O?Leary, director of our Early Education for All Campaign, tells a story that illustrates how far the field of early education and care has come over the past several years.

Amy has been going to meetings of the Boston Alliance for Early Education? since she was a preschool director in Boston?s South End neighborhood in the 1990s. ?It was originally designed as a support group for directors,? Amy recalls. ?The conversation often focused on overflowing toilets and the day-to-day logistical challenges of running a center.?

Much has changed since then, not the least of which came in December 2011 when Massachusetts was named one of only nine states awarded a federal Race to the Top ? Early Learning Challenge grant. Back in 2005, Massachusetts merged its child care and early education agencies to create the nation?s first consolidated Department of Early Education and Care. The same year it established the Early Childhood Educators Scholarship. In 2006, the state created the Universal Pre-Kindergarten grant program to support and sustain quality. Head Start and the National Association for the Education of Young Children, an accrediting body, started to phase in bachelor degree requirements for early educators. In 2011, Massachusetts launched an evidence-based Quality Rating and Improvement System, which defines tiers of quality that include teacher education and training, curriculum, and assessment.

With these changes, the conversations have changed, too. At the last meeting Amy attended, directors talked about developmentally appropriate assessment tools and how to support staff to use the results to guide instruction. Wayne Ysaguirre, president and CEO of Associated Early Care and Education, delivered a presentation on the new state-of-the-art early learning center that Associated, along with 13 partner organizations, will build at the Bromley-Heath public housing development in Jamaica Plain to provide early education, social services and health care for young children and their families.

?To be sitting in the same room with the same people and see this dramatic change was amazing,? Amy says. ?I felt hopeful and encouraged that all the policy work is having an impact on the ground and on the children.?

Pat Xavier, director of the alliance, calls the process ?creating a culture of quality.?

?It was always access, access, access,? Xavier says. ?With the shift to quality, it?s a professionalization of the field.?

Lest you think all has changed, Amy offers this: ?The toilets are still overflowing.?

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Posted in Dept. of Early Education and Care, Early educators, Early Learning Challenge, Head Start, NAEYC, Professional development & preparation, QRIS | Leave a Comment

Source: http://eyeonearlyeducation.org/2012/02/28/creating-a-culture-of-quality-for-early-education/

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Analysis: Oil price rise raises specter of global recession

By Zaida Espana and Dmitry Zhdannikov

LONDON | Sun Feb 26, 2012 12:40pm EST

LONDON (Reuters) - A jump in energy prices is jamming the slow-turning cogs of an economic recovery in the West, but that may be nothing compared to the economic shock an Israeli attack on Iran would cause.

Oil rose to a 10-month high above $125 a barrel Friday, prompting responses from policymakers around the world including U.S. President Barack Obama, watching U.S. gasoline prices follow crude to push toward $4 a gallon in an election year.

Europe may have more to fear as its fragile economic growth falters and Greece, Italy and Spain look for alternative sources to the crude they currently import from Iran, where an EU oil embargo, intended to make Iran abandon what the West fears are efforts to develop nuclear weapons, comes into force in June.

In euro terms, Brent crude rose to an all-time high of 93.60 euros this week, topping its 2008 record.

"The West's determination to prevent Iran acquiring nuclear weapons is coming at a price - a price that might include a second global recession triggered by an oil shock," said David Hufton from the oil brokerage PVM.

In dollar terms, oil prices are still some $20 a barrel short of their 2008 record of $147. But the latest Reuters monthly survey will Monday show oil analysts revising up their predictions for Brent crude by $3 since the previous month.

Such a change is big in a poll of over 30 analysts, and last happened at the peak of the Libyan war in May.

Ian Taylor, head of the world's biggest oil trading house Vitol, told Reuters this week prices could spike as high as $150 a barrel if Iran's arch-enemy Israel launched a strike at its nuclear facilities - an option Israel has declined to rule out.

"I used to think this would never happen," Taylor said, "but everyone you speak to says the Israelis will have a go at striking at Iranian nuclear sites.

"The day that happens, you have to believe the Iranians throw a few mines in the Strait of Hormuz and, for a few hours at least or maybe more, I cannot see a scenario where prices would not be at that sort of level ($150)."

The U.N. nuclear watchdog said Friday Iran had sharply stepped up its uranium enrichment, which Iran insists is solely for civilian purposes.

Israel has warned that, by putting much of its nuclear program underground, Iran is approaching a "zone of immunity," but it has also said any decision to attack is "very far off."

Wall Street bank Merrill Lynch said this week that oil prices could climb to $200 over the next five years.

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So far this year, dollar prices for Brent crude have risen by more than 15 percent, pushed up mainly by fears about Iran. The loss of supply from three small and mid-sized producers suffering internal turmoil - Syria, Yemen and South Sudan - has added to the supply worries.

WEAK GROWTH, HIGH PRICES

A stabilization of the U.S. economy may explain some of the rise in oil prices, but the global economy is growing far more slowly now than at this time last year, yet crude prices are just as high.

World equities and oil have typically been closely correlated since 2008 because both were driven by global demand.

However, as oil prices start to respond to supply problems, the correlation is evaporating, and the global economy is already paying a high price.

Data published this week showed unexpectedly weak activity in Europe's most powerful economy, Germany, and in France, sparking fresh worries that the region could tip into recession.

Few have forgotten that in 2008, within six months of hitting its all-time high, oil plunged as low as $35 a barrel with the onset of the global credit crisis.

In the United States, demand for refined oil products is close to its lowest level in nearly 15 years, indicating that motorists are cutting back their mileage.

"The price spike is going to be a challenge for politicians in the West running for re-election," said Olivier Jakob from the Petromatrix consultancy.

He said developed countries would find it hard to justify a release of strategic oil stocks similar to what they did in 2011.

Unlike a year ago, when Libyan oil exports were disrupted by a war, this year "there is ... instead a voluntary restriction on buying from a specific country," said Jakob.

Other than a release of oil stocks, developed countries could resort to yet another round of monetary easing, to which emerging markets will respond with quantitative tightening, price controls and subsidies, said analysts from HSBC.

"In terms of fiscal health, it would seem that Asia is better placed than other regions to deal with an oil price shock," HSBC said in a note last week.

(Editing by Andrew Roche)

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/26/us-oil-recession-idUSTRE81P0JA20120226?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=22&sp=true

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Radio Ad Copywriting

Within Alfred Pellan this article on radio ad copywriting, we will have a look at what makes up a profitable radio ad. Copywriting is analogous since you are always attempting to promote a product but the best way that you just write and promote will probably be different depending upon the particular media automobile that you just select to use.

Everytime you start to do radio ad copywriting, you need to be sure to first do your research. Analysis is without doubt one of the most vital parts of the job and that is true no matter what type of copywriting you are doing. If you do not do your preliminary analysis, you?ll not know the way to current your message to your target audience.

If you end up trying into doing radio ad copywriting, you should speak with the particular station that you are interested by advertising with. Arthur Lismer They should give you an thought of the typical demographics of their listening audience. This may assist you to know which specific radio station you should work with in getting your message out.

If you end up looking at doing radio ad copywriting, you need to just be sure you are far more direct with this specific type of advertising than you would for those who have been writing a gross sales letter. You?ve a a lot shorter time period during which to make an impression upon your prospects so that you should be fully targeted together with your message.

One way to just be sure you are writing for a superb radio ad copywriting is to take heed to the advertisements AY Jackson The VariCam also comes with Cine Gamma software that permits Panasonic?s HD Ccinnema caamera syystems to match the latitude of film stocks and effects. l that your rivals are working on specific radio stations. Each radio station focuses on a particular and really slim demographic so for those who proceed to listen to the identical advertisements time and again, you?ll have a superb clue that they are most likely very successful. Pattern your ideas in a similar vein to what you?re hearing.

Here are a couple of fast hitters to help make your radio ad copywriting successful. You must be sure to not just record a bunch of information but slightly try to inform a story. This may hold your viewers interested. If you?re attempting to promote a technical product, be sure to make use of technical jargon early on so that you could get your target niche within your demographic tuned in to what you have to say. Radio ad copywriting must also use testimonials for those who can because of the credibility in the direction of a product that you are selling. Hopefully these fast hitting ideas can give you some thought of what to do when writing your radio ad copywriting.

Hopefully this article on radio ad copywriting has helped you out. Copywriting is a large field and for those who select to jot down on radio ad copywriting, take heed to radio stations to see what works. You must proceed to learn and be educated and this is a way to do it on your off time. You must just be sure you are very right in your writing since you only have a short amount of time to impress a particular product or service upon your target audience.

Source: http://www.karnarchitect.com/radio-ad-copywriting/

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Business News Emerged - Risk Management

News, as more or less suppose, tells whats phenomenon Novel and the NEWS utterance is just the plural of it. However, as for every folk etymology, the utterance NEWS stands for every one of the four tips ? North, East, West and South. In some case it tells us an revise of whats going on.

Nearby was no characteristic media for news in anticipation of the 17th century, when the newspapers came hooked on being. The typesetting tools fostered the inauguration of newspapers. Earlier than that, it were the couriers who circulated the news. With time the novel media kept back on evolving. In 20th century, Business News emerged as a dissimilar spill of news.

The tools has evolved a unlimited apportion and so has the media for news, from Newspaper to Television, and from Television to Internet, further advances have approach in the postponed 20th century than the relax of the history. With the advent of Internet, News has ended its access a large amount wider.

Business news, as the moniker tells, is every one of a propos the business and selling. Today, nearby are enthusiastic news channels, newspapers, magazines and digital media groups. This subdivision of media caters to a subdivision of the the general public that is concerned in this benevolent of news.

With business news one know how to make

Updates a propos the Have available Bazaar: Nearby was a time when people absorbed a fate of their change in have available bazaar due to ignorance and lack of wisdom. Now, with the spill of have available bazaar news and experts information on disposal, nearby is not enough chance that an updater sponsor would spend hisher change. News channels care for benevolent the updates a propos the trends in have available bazaar. Nearby are interviews with people who be aware of as effectively a propos the markets as the rear of their hands. This helps the standard and the miniature sponsor to reduce the stake though putting in their arduous earned change. One furthermore know how to curb how noteworthy stocks stand for in the bazaar and make moment proficient information by contacting the experts.

In a row A propos Corporate Humankind: These news networks care for a chubby coverage to whats going on in the corporate humankind. They care for way of every one of mergers and takeovers and care for concerned people well-versed. As the goings on in the corporate humankind have bearing on the have available bazaar, it is important for the people to care for themselves restructured a propos the corporate sector.

Budget Analysis: The budget gives an clue a propos the direction policies about conscientiousness. This is the debate people are concerned in significant a propos the governments outlook about diverse industries and budget gives sufficient clue. So, whenever you like the direction announces the budget, nearby is chubby coverage on the TV, with thorough analysis. Reactions from the for all citizens are furthermore accommodated in the budget. News channels simplify the budget shot so that a for all male know how to furthermore realize what the budget aims for and what bang it would have on the conscientiousness.

Tags: 17th Century, 20th Century, Bazaar News, business news, Century Business, Change News, Folk Etymology, Internet News, Media Groups, News Channels, Novel Media, Typesetting Tools

Source: http://www.riskmanagement-events.com/business-news-emerged.html

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Report: Ford to Emulate Lexus and Audi to Lift Struggling Lincoln Brand

Every day, automotive pundits around the world come up with clever and witty remarks (and sometimes not so clever or witty) to praise and degrade each new and rumored and speculated car in the industry, and the best way to tell whether one brand is more relevant than another is to assess the amount of publicity it receives.? Here, even bad press is good press: Hyundai has famously used negative press as constructive criticism, and used it as advice to better its cars and image.

On the other hand, no news in this case is bad news. Especially for Lincoln. When was the last time you heard a good Lincoln joke? That no one even bothers to kick the three-legged dog that is Lincoln just shows how irrelevant the once prominent luxury brand has become.

Oh, but they?ve been in the news, right? Ford?s luxury brand unveiled the 2013 Lincoln MKS last November at the LA Auto Show and presumably, the 2014 Lincoln MKS at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Know what happened? The automotive industry collectively yawned. We named both vehicles to our duds list from both auto shows and have largely forgotten them since. But, why?

This isn?t the first time Ford has tried to reinvigorate Lincoln. About a decade ago, the brand was undergoing a makeover worthy of its own reality show, spearheaded by the front-engine, rear-drive LS sedan. While the LS didn?t ever quite set sales charts on fire, its advertising campaign won awards, and the car itself won its share of critical acclaim as a solid B-plus effort against European brands. Sadly, the LS lasted only one generation, and we never got to see what an improved version of the car could be. Instead, budget cutbacks forced Lincoln back into its more traditional role of offering little more than Fords with extra chrome.

Establishing Lincoln as an aspirational brand has been the company?s biggest challenge, and reports now suggest that the needs-a-do-over brand is studying the transformation that Lexus and Audi have made as they evolved into distinct lines separate from each brand?s parent company (Toyota and Volkswagen, respectively).

The priority is to create vehicles ?uniquely Ford and uniquely Lincoln,? said Derrick Kuzak, Ford?s global product development chief. Of course, it?s not hard to see that the MKS is little more than a dressed-up Ford Fusion, the car on which it is based. And consumer perception shares this image. Whereas the Toyota Camry and Lexus ES have traditionally shared platforms, Lexus has achieved a sense of autonomy from Toyota in the public eye while Lincoln has failed to distance itself from less-than-premium Ford.

A successful luxury brand ?has to offer something that you can?t get from your mainstream brand,? said Michael Robinet, managing director of IHS?AutomotiveConsulting.

But has Lincoln? Part of the brand?s supposed transformation began when Ford created a separate Lincoln team, and like Audi, whose designers work hundreds of kilometers away from those at Volkswagen, giving them a dedicated design space in its own building. In addition to having ?different sheetmetal,? Lincoln, like Lexus, will look to sharpen the premium car buying-at-the-dealership experience.

Of course, Lincoln first needs to attract potential customers. At the moment, to the extent that Lincoln envisions, we?re not sure it can.

Source: Detroit Free Press

Source: http://blogs.automotive.com/report-ford-to-emulate-lexus-and-audi-to-lift-struggling-lincoln-brand-81495.html

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Stopinski: RT @Wikisimpsons: Voc?s est?o ligados n?? Domingo tem a estr?ia da Nova temporada dos #Simpsons !!

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Do you want Apple to get rid of the 30-pin dock connector? [Poll]

Do you want Apple to get rid of the 30-pin dock connector?Earlier today we posted a story about Apple moving to replace the 30-pin dock connector with a new

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/qFtzujadc1I/story01.htm

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CA: Super PAC backing Santorum gets help from California

Joshua Lott/ReutersRepublican presidential candidate Rick Santorum

Shortly after Rick Santorum?s strong finish in the Iowa Republican presidential caucuses, three Californians stepped up to give $50,000 each to the super political action committee backing the former Pennsylvania senator.

The donations were not as big or as plentiful as those flowing from California to the super PAC boosting Mitt Romney, which has raised and spent far more cash. But every bit counts for the pro-Santorum Red White and Blue Fund, which dumped more than $600,000 this week into a Michigan ad campaign ahead of the much-anticipated primary there.

One of the Californian donors, Timothy Busch, owns luxury hotels and co-founded a group to advance Catholicism in ?today?s emerging secular society." Another was Terrence Caster, whose A-1 Self Storage company faced a boycott over his large contributions to the anti-gay marriage ballot measure, Proposition 8.

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The third $50,000 donor is a case of mistaken identity.

The super PAC listed the donor as Richard F. Barry, identifying him as an attorney in San Rafael. But when California Watch contacted the now-retired divorce lawyer about the donation, he responded in an e-mail saying, ?Slander!!!"

"An exaggeration meant in jest," Barry continued, "but I have made no such contribution and do not support the candidacy of the former Senator from Pennsylvania and would not vote for him either in a primary or the general?election.?

The real donor, it turns out, is a retired hedge fund manager named Richard J. Barry.

Richard F. Barry, the lawyer, said he's been confused with Richard J. Barry in the past. The two worked little more than a block apart from each other in downtown San Rafael.

And although they apparently don't share similar tastes in politics, they both enjoy wine from the same winery in Dundee, Ore. It was only when the attorney was sent some wine that the hedge fund manager had ordered that the attorney?learned of the existence of San Rafael's other Richard Barry, he said.

Richard J. Barry did not return phone calls. He previously made contributions to Santorum, former President George W. Bush and, interestingly enough, President Barack Obama's 2008 primary campaign.

After being contacted by California Watch, the super PAC filed an amended report changing the donor's occupation from attorney to investor, but leaving the middle initial as F. instead of J.

As to why the divorce attorney was originally misidentified as the contributor, fund spokesman Stuart Roy called it "a?simple clerical error."

Caster, one of the other super PAC donors,?is chairman of a family company in San Diego that owns A-1 Self Storage facilities throughout California.

Caster drew fire in 2008 after his family donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the ballot proposition to ban same-sex marriage.?Caster gave $172,500 individually, and his Caster Family Trust gave $622,000 to the Prop. 8 campaign, according to campaign filings. At the time, Caster told The San Diego Union-Tribune, "Without solid marriage, you are going to have a?sick society."

Prop. 8 opponents launched a boycott of Caster's company, as well as other major donors to the ballot measure.

The Red White and Blue Fund also received $50,000 from Busch, CEO and founder of the Irvine-based Pacific Hospitality Group. Busch?s company owns six hotels, including The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, the Crowne Plaza Anaheim Resort and the Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa. Busch also has a winery in Napa.

Busch is active in Catholic organizations and co-founded the Magis Center of Reason and Faith, which promotes the idea that there is scientific evidence for the existence of God. He also co-founded the Napa Institute, which aims "to equip Catholic leaders to defend and advance the Catholic Faith in 'the Next America' ? today?s emerging secular society."

In a 2007 interview with the Napa Valley Register, Busch was asked what job he'd like to try.

"President of the United States," he responded. "I?d start off by returning God to the marketplace. As the head of the country, you need to lead the people to why we are here on earth. So much of our politics tries to avoid faith and religion, but it?s the most important thing we have."

Busch, Caster and Barry all gave the maximum $2,500 to Santorum's current presidential primary campaign. Contributions directly to federal candidates are restricted, whereas super PACs, which are supposed to be independent, can accept unlimited donations.

A study by the Washington-based Campaign Legal Center found that super PAC donors often max out contributions to their favored candidates. That's evidence, according to center attorney Paul S. Ryan, that super PACs "are being used as an end run around the candidate contribution limits."

Source: http://feeds.stateline.org/~r/StatelineorgRss-Elections/~3/Mw0xKRo5xsU/super-pac-backing-santorum-gets-help-california-15011

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Scholarships and grants are fantastic Way to obtain Financial Aid

aln1234 | Uncategorized
23 Feb 2012

Should you be planning to enroll in higher education I believe you might be wondering how on earth you are going to shell out the dough. Perhaps college high school students will be more and much more often discovering that they have to bring about somehow on their higher education educations. Regardless of whether you?ll be applying for education loans, trying to get financial aid, or praying for a few sort of operate examine program ahead together there are a few what you require to understand about federal funding with the higher education level.

To begin with, federal funding could be a tricky creature. Because of this it?s best to implement first and records of the things you send for the federal funding workplace. The info get older has created points less difficult using one level nevertheless features removed the private aspect on additional quantities. Nonetheless, in case you personal a private personal computer you will see that Net is a wonderful resource for federal funding as well as scholarship or grant info. Even though the authorities offers a huge selection of federal funding assets, there are many chances to finding an education that won?t revolve around authorities financing. You just need to take the time finding them. Learn more concerning phlebotomy financial aid below.

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Unless you get the scholarship grants you really want to be able to with the local level, you can even examine while using state in which you reside, your state, as well as the institution you?re planning to visit. You?ll find exceptional helpful information on these in relation to federal funding. Within the higher education you?ll be going to you should talk to your division brain (for your decided on significant) to be able to see if there are any scholarship grants available. You may be astonished at the amount of scholarship grants that you may meet the criteria. Apply for all that an individual are eligible to be able to implement. Levels of competition for these scholarship grants can often be brutal however you never know once your notice of program may ignite a persons vision of 1 from the cell associates or else you merely might be the most amazing prospect.

Tags: financial aid, grants, Scholarships

Source: http://adron.info/scholarships-and-grants-are-fantastic-way-to-obtain-financial-aid/

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Lin struggles as Heat roll to 8th straight, 102-88

New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin (17) watches game action during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012 in Miami. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin (17) watches game action during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012 in Miami. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) and New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin (17) chase down a loose ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012, in Miami. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) shoots against New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler (6) during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012, in Miami. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots between Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem (40) and forward Shane Battier (31) during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012, in Miami. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

MIAMI (AP) ? Jeremy Lin collided with LeBron James shortly after tip-off, stumbling backward.

With that, the tone was set.

And Lin's rise from unknown to stardom hit its first major snag.

Chris Bosh scored 25 points, Dwyane Wade added 22 and James put up 20 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, five steals and two blocks ? the first such stat line in the NBA since James himself had a night like that four years ago ? as the league-leading Miami Heat stopped Lin and the New York Knicks 102-88 on Thursday night.

It was Miami's eighth straight win, all coming by at least 12 points.

"A learning experience," Lin said afterward, before heading to Orlando for his role in All-Star weekend. "A tough one."

Lin's final line: 1 for 11 from the field, eight points, three assists and eight turnovers ? a long way from the 23.9 points and 9.2 assists he had been averaging over his first 11 games in the Knicks' rotation, when he breathed immeasurable life into a team that was floundering.

Not this time. Lin paid the Heat a great compliment, saying their defense made it tough to even dribble.

"First of all, he deserves all of the credit he's been given," Wade said. "We knew it was going to be a tough task guarding him. ... He's a good player, but we put a lot of pressure on him and it was a success."

The scene was electric, and for much of the night, the game matched the hype.

Spike Lee, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Chad Ochocinco all sat within seven seats of each other on one sideline, Mike Stanton and Logan Morrison of the Miami Marlins were on another sideline, and members of the New York Mets' front office reportedly jumped aboard a helicopter for the quick trip from the team's spring-training home in Port St. Lucie down to Miami.

Even the First Fan took note of the hubbub surrounding the game.

"In another life, I would be staying for the Knicks-Heat game tonight, then going up to Orlando for NBA All-Star weekend," President Barack Obama told cheering students at the University of Miami earlier in the day. "But these days, I've got a few other things on my plate. Just a few."

When Air Force One was headed to Orlando for a Thursday night fundraiser, yes, there were televisions tuned to Heat-Knicks on board.

"This has been about a three-week push for us and it's a good way to end before the break," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "I think everyone in that locker room needs a handful of days. We've been really focused ... to make this push. We played a team that with more time they're going to improve and become a very dangerous team. They already are right now."

The Heat defense wasn't geared just toward Lin, but rather slowing the entire Knicks' offense. New York shot 39 percent, turned the ball over 19 times and had 10 shots blocked ? five of them by Miami center Joel Anthony, who also had six rebounds and took only one shot, which he missed.

"I'm sure they were all geeked up for him," Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said of the Heat defense against Lin. "And they took the challenge and they did a great job. It's hard to be Peter Pan every day."

If proof was needed that the Heat wanted to make a point against Lin, there was some clear evidence.

Exhibit A: Mario Chalmers stole the ball from Lin and went in for a two-handed dunk in the early minutes. Exhibit B: Norris Cole, Chalmers' backup at point guard, did the same thing in the second quarter.

Combined dunks this season for Chalmers and Cole entering Thursday? Zero.

Those strip-and-scores were part of a six-turnover first half from Lin, matching his third-highest total in any half this season. Amare Stoudemire also had six turnovers in the first 24 minutes, the Knicks were outscored 30-16 in the paint, 12-1 on fast breaks and 12-3 off turnovers.

Lin had two assists in the first 1:26 of the game. He had one in the final 46:34.

"He's a good player, a really good player," James said of Lin. "And they're going to do some great things. But for us, we come in and take care of business."

Said Carmelo Anthony, who led the Knicks with 19 points: "We have some work to do. Nobody said it would happen overnight."

J.R. Smith scored 14 for New York off the bench. Stoudemire finished with 13 and Steve Novak scored 12 for the Knicks, who never led in the second half.

Early on, back and forth they went, just as everyone wanted.

"It's always big when the Knicks come in," Bosh said. "They have that New York-Miami thing. The crowd enjoyed it. And we enjoyed it."

It was classic Knicks-Heat stuff, just like those playoff battles in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Bodies were flying, tempers were flaring, Tyson Chandler and D'Antoni picked up technicals arguing the same play in the first quarter ... and more than a few Knicks fans who paid big money for tickets ? the average price for the game on the resale markets was over $700, by one estimate ? made their presence known loudly and often.

"It's one game," D'Antoni said. "And we're not there yet. They're there. They're the team right now to beat for everybody. They're playing better than everybody. And we're trying to get our team together."

Lin said he was already eager for the second half to start.

"I'm not going to hang my head or anything like that," Lin said. "I know I went out there and I played hard. Can't win 'em all. Can't have a great game every game. But at the same time, I need to understand, 'OK, what'd I do wrong? How can I improve?' I think that's going to be exciting."

NOTES: Wade spoke to the sellout crowd before the game, thanking them on behalf of the NBA and especially the six All-Star weekend-bound Heat players for their support the first half of the season. ... A number of arena workers snapped photos of Lin as he warmed up on the court about two hours before game time. ... In Orlando, where All-Star festivities were getting under way, NBA Commissioner David Stern said "it's fair to say that no player has created the interest and the frenzy in this short period of time, in any sport, that I'm aware of like Jeremy Lin has."

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-02-24-Heat-Stopping%20Lin/id-f887f352c6044d6c92a02f73b212696a

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International education in australia

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1. Introduction

This document covers key issues that have been influencing the witnessed growth in international education within Australia. Major factors include conducive political-legal, socio-cultural as well as technological forces. Australia has become destined choice for most students world-wide. Such condition has been facilitated by its ability in availing teaching options and a widespread range of study. Extensive ranges of programs and courses are availed within higher education universities and training centre for English language. Australia has appeared to be one of the prestigious the international students' destination. With the perceived growing trend, the country is becoming the first choice for education among international students. In essence, Australian education is the primary responsibility of the state and territories (Smith & Themes, 2000).

2. Industrial Analysis

Australian education is compulsory up to a specified age by as per the states Legislative regulatory, the age ranges being varied from a state to another. Australian Qualifications Framework regulates the post-compulsory education, a unified system in vocational, school, university or training qualifications nationally. Academic years vary between institutions but in general it runs from late January to mid November. This is applicable for universities which hold seasonal holidays plus breaks in various educational institutes (Marioribanks & Keeves, 1999). In Australia, pre-school isn't regulated and also not compulsory. Playgroup and daycare presents the first education experience that any Australian child is exposed to. Private organizations, community groups or local councils run the pre-schools. However, in Queensland and Northern Territory, they are run by State or Territory. For age 6-15, education is compulsory, basing on the date of birth or state of origin. Two thirds of the Australian students are educated in the government schools and a third in private schools. Generally, governmental schools are free except for minor administrative costs and larger fees are paid within the private schools. However, both private as well as government institutes follow the same syllabus/curriculum, with majority of students wearing uniforms while some schools do not wear uniforms. Most private schools are religious, run by Catholics or Anglican organizations. However, there are a number of environmental factors that affect education flow within Australia such as technological, economical, legal-political, social cultural and international elements (Pacula & Hall, 2003).

3. Analysis

3.1Mega Environment

3.1.1 Environmental Factors: Technological Forces

Technological applications have been in use within Australia, acting an influential tool for development of tremendous thinking skills. Use of technology in classrooms has replaced the old teaching and learning models. Teachers can now utilize multimedia technology in offering more advanced, stimulating and online lectures to various international students. Computer applications has developed and stimulated writing skills. Similarly, it has also enhanced collaboration with individuals from foreign countries, authenticating research and availing solutions to complex problems. Chris Dede, a researcher from virtual reality in Australia reckoned that, introduction of new technologies in classrooms has supported innovative teaching and learning models (Welch & Hanushek, 2006). Technology enables students to develop positive learning experience and possibly prepare them for global challenges after completing their respective programs. Similarly, literature has been revived as a sensory experience, where technological advancements have been useful in connecting work to art, music and history, among others (Thomson & Hayden, 2001). Use of software tool kit such as onadime composer has made multisensory, multimedia, real time and interactive computer programs, useful in teaching in Australian education sector. Internet has been applied in lesson planning by training teachers from the proliferation websites. Australia primarily has used online information strategy to drive internal learning. Australian education has been linked to embrace distant learning and online study since it appears to be a more convenient mode of education. Compared to other conventional methods, the technological mode seems to avail more reliable e-learning mode in professional study.

However, Technological advancements in Australia on the other hand have contributed to time wastage among the students. Observations have shown that Australian students like any other will log in to their favorite sites on the internet. Some Australian students are also influenced to download such academic papers and only change the names, promoting academic dishonesty. Similarly, not all teachers are qualified in the use of the technological machines. This will and perhaps has compromised instructional work or even course delivery. Technological applications within Australia have been observed to be time saving and faster. Nevertheless, students have fallen into the trap of machines working on their behalf, thereby promoting laxity among the students. Technological advancements in Australia have demanded enormous investments into computer machines. Economically, this means a lot of funds are spent into financing such systems in order to foster the perceived growth (Crawford & Barr, 2005).

3.1.2 Economical Factors

In Australia, education evolved to be the 3rd largest export sector in 2007-2008, besides iron, ore and coal. In relation to other sectors, international higher education sector has demonstrated a relative slow growth recently. Nevertheless, other sectors such as VET &ELICOS reported growth up-surge due to increased student's enrolments. Education and related sector sectors have revealed flat growth rate. Augmentation of skilled labour migration within Australian economy has been part of contributions of international education. The two aspects of international education contributions are value-added and employment. Value-added output involves value from a production sector, involving capital and labour. Value-added aspect excludes production taxes and deducts subsidies issued in production. Education sector within Australia has also been a contributor of Growth Domestic Product (i.e. GDP), via other services export (refer to Appendices E). Such income is generated from overseas educational operations by institutional set-ups. For example, Australia earned 438million dollars, income from education export in 2007-2008, demonstrating 23%increase compared to the previous year. Similarly, for a single set of formal students, recent Australian research has revealed that a single friend or family member visited Australia during study period. For example, in 2008, relatives and friends were estimated to be 217, 63, with 76,629 being visitors to the higher education sector students. Their expenditures during the visit contribute greatly to the Australian economy (Crawford & Barr, 2005).

However, Australian economy has been constrained by the large expenditures spent on education. Larger part of education in Australia is run by the government, implying that most of its expenditures are on education, hence being constraint to the country's economy. For example, in fiscal 2007, the Australian governments, territories and state spent more than 30billion dollars in funding primary and secondary education, as well as support of higher learning. Generally, the economy of any country is normally dependant highly on political will. Compromise and a downturn or instability of a country's economy can greatly impact on the higher education sector. Australian funds are known to originate from the state and the commonwealth. Currently, economic crisis within Australia has the potential in reversing international students upstream. Such instances have affected the economy negatively. For example, international education contribution to Australian economy was 12,5billion dollars in export income in fiscal 2007. Similarly, Australian universities depend on 15%funds from international students' fees hence a down-ward stream of international students would be drawback to the economy. 18% of Australian enrollment to tertiary education or higher learning is international. Global economic deterioration as observed by ACER researcher director, Dr McKenzie will have a great impact to Australian economy than for any other. Australian currency presently has been volatile, although sustenance of the current position of their dollars would grant it a chance for more competitive positions for international students (Folmer & Tientenberg, 2003).

3.1.3 Legal-Political Factor

There has been a general trend in support of international education in various cities within Australian under favorable legislations. As a result there has been a growing trend in overseas arrivals in search of quality education in Australia (Refer to Appendices A). Much of these trends have been made possible by the rich political will in support of international schooling in the key cities in Australia. For example, as drawn from the figures, by fiscal 2009 the month of November alone saw 485,000 arrivals reported in key cities. Much of these were attributed to growing international education haven. One of the main objectives of education in Australia has been preparation of noncitizens to be socially and legally accepted as citizens. Civic education has played this role extensively in ensuring citizenship development through conveying distinct meaning, virtue and obligation in Australia. The report of Expert Group (1994) in Australia stated that education in facilitation of active citizenship had to enable Australians to liberate formalized citizenship obligations. Learning experiences within universities has facilitated student participation in activism (Considine, 2000).

However, Australia states had power in controlling education; every important movement within Australian has to be followed by legislative actions attacks. Such actions result to legal stipulations for control purpose. For example, the government control over public education or home school movement. Australian legislative control or restrictions in most cases requires interpretation within the judicial system. For example, currently there is close monitoring of the home school movement by the union of teachers, legislative bodies and the public. Similarly, within religious education, every week in NSW schools, thousands of children sit idly for an hour due to a deal passed in a century ago by the church lobby (Considine, 2000). The Act of Public Instruction (i.e. PIA) by 1880 allowed religious education in schools but for less than an hour while the previous act had stated that the learning should never go less than an hour. The Act maintained that rights to parents withholding their children from attending such teachings be upheld. By the 1970s, students were opting out of the scripture classes and this pressured the government to review religion roles in education. However the government kept the Act intact. In 2003, the Ethics centre requested for an ethics based course specifically for primary school students. However, the education minister rejected the proposal with claims of lacking public back-up. Carmel Tebbutt tabled the proposal again but it was subtly rejected (Schwarz et al 2003).

3.1.4 Social-cultural Factors

NOM (i.e. Net Overseas Migration), has been nominally attributed by friendly as well as accommodating socio-cultural actors among Australian Citizens. Enabling as well as rich cultural issues in key cities, has boosted NOM since fiscal 2003, and as drawn from research by2056 the trend in Perth alone will hit its highs by nearly 116% in growth. The growth will see international education market accommodate more students within major cities Refer to Appendices C). Issues of violence has been reported to decline in recent days thus facilitating safe social upbringing in various communities which indicate positive image of Australians in accommodating foreigners. As a result, international education market has possibly contributed to the rise in families associated with change of citizenship after completing their respective education programs (Schwarz et al 2003).

Similarly, the accommodating religious affiliation within Australian has helped the internal education sector attain a milestone. According to Thomson & Hayden (200), the diversity in religious groupings has assisted in building positive attitude to the social living in Australia such that any individual willing to seek higher education in various states can comfortably identify with their religious affiliations. This enabling social-cultural forces has seen the WPI (i.e. wage price Index), report higher in major sectors. Refer to Appendices D). In addition, the growth of international education has been attributed by rich cultural programs popularized in Australia via key Medias. These programs are streamlined in facilitating social cultural, skilled and international relations.

Nevertheless, residents who are temporarily in Australia pay taxes on incomes earned within the country, and are not entitled to benefits from social welfare or in public health cover for. Students increase within campuses, colleges have to expand the housing, female students enrolment would meant need for an up-graded security services, laundry services or athletic facilities. Similarly, self-concept enhancement is normally the main aim of education and also assists in facing social inequalities within disadvantaged group. Observations have revealed that students tend to do comparisons with other able students resulting into lower self-concepts academically. Others will do comparisons with lower able students thereby gaining higher self concepts (Lewins & Greig, 2003).

3.1.5 International factors

International relations between Australian and other world states have seen the population grow by big-margin, and the same trend is expected to continue beyond 2101 (refer to Appendices B). Research indicates that the growing population is mainly attributed to the ever increasing immigrants who vary their citizenships in hunt for affordable or even quality of education. For instance, the projection indicates that by 2101 the entire cities will hit highs of 60 million both from international arrivals as well as the local population trends.

International education within Australia has the potential to become a primary industry. Reputation has it that, it's the top most education destination. For example, in 2005, it had 17, 936students. International education is a significant contributor to the economy of the state. Similarly, international education industry contributes to cultural diversities or vibrancy of Australian community (Considine, 2000).

However, Australia faces challenges on fierce international and interstate competition (Levy et al, 2007).This has therefore led to the Australians avoiding overreliance on country sources of smaller numbers, keeping the international students number at acceptable levels, both to educational and local communities. For example, above 90 education providers have availed overseas courses. They are inclusive of vocational training, higher education and foundation courses, among others. Marketing strategies and initiatives by education providers are being implemented, seeking to benefit all the sectors of education. Similarly within Australia, the 1958 Migration Act is entrusted with student entry to Australia, through the department of Citizenship and Immigration. Management is normally done through visa applications assessment. However, linking education and immigration policies had resulted to increase in exploitation by international students, holders of RTO to acquire permanent residency. Changes of the migration program as from 2001 gave a leeway for migration agents, some employers or registered training providers to carry out corrupt practices. Australian education has therefore been tarnished affected negatively by such migration pathways. Training organizations have therefore taken advantage of this pathway for migration instead of for delivering skillful or purposeful training. Changes that were implemented on seeking of permanent residency among the international students after completion of studies led to training distortion to international students. Hairdressing and cookery were observed to have an explosion, due to the perception of gaining residency and low skill utilization (Meara et al, 2001).

4. Conclusion

In conclusion, based on the above analysis, environmental factors such as economic, technological, social-cultural, international education and legal-political has been seen to adversely affect the Australian education. Effects have been both negative and positive, whereby some aspects have influenced the progress or whilst initiating some drawbacks as well. Australian economy has been demonstrated to advance due to the perceived growth rate of international education. Students from abroad/overseas have funded the education system in Australia through the fees they pay. Education sector has benefited greatly from positive political will from the government (Olsen & Davis, 1999). Despite the international education being environmentally affected by such factors as political relations, religion, history, cultures and languages among others, the benefits have been tremendous. Students have had an exposure to diverse world cultures and religion. These factors have made Australian international education segment thrive offering opportunity to drive higher education to greater heights.

Appendices A: Visitors September Key Figures

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/3401.0/

		Nov '09	Oct '09 to Nov '09	Nov '08 to Nov '09
		'000	% change	% change
Short-term visitor arrivals
	Trend	478.6	1.1	5.5
	Seasonally adjusted	472.8	-1.7	. .
	Original	485.0	. .	. .
Short-term resident departures
	Trend	np	np	np
	Seasonally adjusted	565.0	-1.2	. .
	Original	520.4	. .	. .

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/3401.0/

Appendices B: population Projection

PROJECTED POPULATION, Australia

http://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/3222.0

Appendices D: WPI, Fiscal 2005 and beyond

WPI - Quarterly changes: Trend (a), Fiscal 2005 and Beyond

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6345.0/

WPI - Annual change: original, Total hourly rates of pay excluding bonuses - For selected industries, Sep Qtr 2009

Retrieved on 24th January, 2010 from: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6345.0/

Appendices E: GDP

GDP growth rates,

Volume measures, quarterly change

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/5206.0/

Contributions to GDP growth, Seasonally adjusted

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/5206.0/

References

Brizendine, L. (2006). The female brain. Massachusetts, U.S.A: Morgan Road Books publishers.

Considine, M. (2000). The enterprise university. New York, U.S.A: Cambridge University publishers.

Crawford, I . & Barr, N. (2005). Financing Higher education. London, UK: Routledge publishers.

Folmer, H. & Tientenberg, T. (2003). The international yearbook of environmental and resource economics. Cheltenham, United Kingdom: Edward Elgar Publishers.

Johnes, G. (2004). International handbook on the economics. . Cheltenham, United Kingdom: Edward Elga Publishers.

Levy, J. Hayden, M. & Thompson, J. (2007). The SAGE handbook of research in international education. Washington, DC: SAGE Publishers.

Lewins, F. & Greig, A. (2003). Inequality in Australia. New York, U.S.A: Cambridge University Press publishers.

Marioribanks, K. & Keeves, J. (1999). Australian Education: review research 1965-1998. Agencia, Literaria: Australian Council for Educational Research publishers

Meara, P. Horward, D. & Mehlinger, H. (2001). Changing perspective on international education. Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press publishers.

Olsen, A. & Davis, D. (1999). International education. Heinemann (Australia): IDP Education Australia publishers.

Pacula, R & Hall, W. (2003). Cannabis use and independence: public health and public policy. New York, U.S.A: Cambridge University Press publishers.

Polesel, J. & Teese, R. (2003). Undemocratic Schooling: equity and quality in mass secondary education in Australia. Carlton, Australia: Melbourne Univ. Publishers.

Schwarz, N. Kahneman, D. & Diener, E. (2003). Well-being: the foundations of hedonic psychology. New York, United States: Russell Sage Foundation publishers.

Smith, P. & Themes, M. (2000). Psychology of Education. Albania, Europe: Taylor & Francis publishers.

Stacey, N. & Behrman, A. (1997). The economics of education. Michigan, United States: University of Michigan Press publishers.

Thomson, J. & Hayden, M. (2001).International Education: principles and practice. .New York, United States: Routledge publishers.

Welch, F. & Hanushek, E. (2006). Handbook of the economics of education, volume 1. London, UK: Elsevier publishers

Source: http://www.degree-essays.com/essays/educationessays/international-education-in-australia.php

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Home Improvement Tips That Are Recommended Can Be ...

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Source: http://lamedchicago.com/personal-finance-software-which-one-should-you-use/

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What Is Your Business' Sales Lead Generation Method? | welcome ...

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20. February 2012 by admin
Categories: genral | Tags: advertising, business advice, business programs, Customer Acquisition, lead generation advertising, Marketing Programs, sales lead generation | Leave a comment

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What eurocrisis? Hamburg to build $500 million concert hall

Hamburg, Germany aims to build one of the acoustically best concert halls in the world, admist one of Europe's worst economic crises in recent history.

? A local, slice-of-life story from a Monitor correspondent.

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?Christian Becker calls the project ?insane? at a time when libraries are cutting hours and kindergarten prices are up. But Hans Christian Riekhof sees it as ?an investment in the future? that will draw tourists and boost the local economy.

What?s dividing the two Hamburg residents ? and this city on the Elbe River ? is a controversial cultural behemoth. Plans for the Elbe Philharmonic Hall, or ?Elbphilharmonie,? envision a concert hall built on top of a former warehouse on the harbor that could seat 2,150 people in ?acoustically one of the best concert halls in the world,? according to acoustic designer Yasuhisa Toyota, who refurbished the Sydney Opera House in Australia.

City officials see it as a new world landmark that could make Hamburg almost as famous as Paris and New York City. When finished, the 667,000 square-foot glass structure will rise 360 feet above the Elbe River, its 26 floors curling into a series of waves reflecting the sky, water, and city.

?There is something playful, almost crazy about what we are doing,? said Karl Olaf Petters, a spokesman for the project. ?It is not necessary, but by the same token, neither was Beethoven?s Ninth Symphony.?

Part of an ambitious revitalization of the Hamburg Harbor, the concert hall was to be paid for through mostly private money. Now, huge delays and cost overruns have dampened the city?s dreams of grandeur. The hall, it turns out, will cost up to five times its original estimate of $100 million, and the city?s share of the cost has more than quadrupled. The concert hall was slated to open in 2012; now it won?t open until 2015 at the earliest.

?If we were in Paris or in New York that would be fine, but not in such a small town as Hamburg,? complained Mr. Becker, soaking up the sun on the piers of the Elbe River with the half-constructed Elbe Philharmonic Hall shimmering in the distance.

Even so, every Sunday, visitors wearing yellow construction hats are touring the construction site.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/csmonitor/globalnews/~3/vxrCgGpXTkE/What-eurocrisis-Hamburg-to-build-500-million-concert-hall

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