Friday, February 8, 2013

Agency to examine football doping allegations

Associated Press Sports

updated 3:31 p.m. ET Feb. 7, 2013

MADRID (AP) -Spain's anti-doping agency says it is looking into allegations that doping practices have spread beyond cycling and into football.

Ana Munoz, the director of Spain's anti-doping watchdog, says the agency is "gathering information" regarding allegations by a former club president that Spanish team Real Sociedad had its players use performance enhancing substances.

Inaki Badiola told Spanish sports daily AS this week that before his arrival in 2008 the club had made "under the table payments" for "medicines or products classified as doping" substances.

Badiola said Eufemanio Fuentes, the doctor allegedly at the center of the Operation Puerto doping ring currently under trial, "could have been" the supplier to the Basque club.

? 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Time to bring Landon back

Landon Donovan's future with the U.S. national team remains up in the air. But one thing is certain -- the U.S. missed his presence against Honduras.

Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/50733826/ns/sports-soccer/

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Uggs? Ugh. NY Fashion Week battles the elements

Project Runway judges, from left, Zac Posen, Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia greet guests before the showing of the finalists Fall 2013 collection during Fashion Week, Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 in New York. (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano)

Project Runway judges, from left, Zac Posen, Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia greet guests before the showing of the finalists Fall 2013 collection during Fashion Week, Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 in New York. (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano)

Fashion by the finalists of "The Project Runway" fashion competition series is modeled during Fashion Week, Friday Feb. 8, 2013, in New York. (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano)

Fashion by the finalists of "The Project Runway" fashion competition series is modeled during Fashion Week, Friday Feb. 8, 2013, in New York. (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano)

Fashion by the finalists of "The Project Runway" fashion competition series is modeled during Fashion Week, Friday Feb. 8, 2013, in New York. (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano)

Fashion by the finalists of "The Project Runway" fashion competition series is modeled during Fashion Week, Friday Feb. 8, 2013, in New York. (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano)

(AP) ? Mother Nature is clearly not a fashionista.

A blizzard forced Michael Kors to arrive at New York Fashion Week's "Project Runway" show on Friday in ? gasp ? Uggs.

"I came in looking like Pam Anderson," he joked backstage, where the offending boots had been traded for tasteful black leather.

Marc Jacobs postponed his Monday night show until Thursday, citing delivery problems, but for the most part Fashion Week went on with the show. IMG Fashion said organizers remained in contact with city officials, including the mayor's office, about potential weather problems but had planned for an extra layer of tenting for the venue and more heat at Lincoln Center along with crews to help with snow and ice.

Zac Posen said he would present his collection as usual on Sunday but he worried that out-of-town editors and retailers might not be able to make it. Other designers were considering Plan B ? adding an Internet stream ? to accommodate guests who couldn't make live shows.

Still, plenty of fashion fans wouldn't let a little snow get in the way. Baltimore college student Carmen Green arrived in a red cocktail dress and black high-heel booties.

"In this outfit, the blizzard did not deter me," she said. She did allow that she had only had to cross the street from her hotel and would change into combat boots for the train ride home.

The celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch even offered a blizzard pro tip.

"You either come in warm and comfortable clothes and boots or you come in neon ? or sequins would be a good one ? so they see you in the drift," he said.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week wraps up Feb. 14, when the industry moves on to London, Milan and Paris.

PROJECT RUNWAY

The rivalry stayed on the catwalk when new judge, Zac Posen, met previous judge, Michael Kors.

Kors, acting as a guest panelist, Posen, Heidi Klum and Nina Garcia were one big happy family when they took their seats to watch the collections of this season's contestants. (Kors and Klum joked they've spent so much time together over the years that they now look like brother and sister.)

"I didn't call Zac with any tips before he started. He knows what he's doing," Kors said in a preshow interview. "I knew I was leaving it in very capable hands."

Chiming in, Posen added: "I had 10 seasons to watch Michael, and I had been a guest judge with him. I'm sure I learned a few things."

The show is the godmother of fashion reality TV, now in its 11th season. It was time for a change, said Klum, who is an executive producer.

The other new wrinkle this go-around is that the contestants have been working in teams ? and they are not necessarily happy about it, Klum said.

"Project Runway" has outlasted some other competition shows because it opens a window on something people are always curious about," she said. "I never saw this as only a reality show. I see it more as a documentary that shows you how clothes are made, how designers get them to fit, how they find the fabrics."

CARMEN MARC VALVO

Valvo's tell-tale heart drew him to Edgar Allan Poe for inspiration.

"I was thinking long, lean, moody and dark," the designer said backstage. "Edgar Allan Poe. Creatures of the night. With a little rock 'n' roll, too."

The show featured some stunning gowns in ivory, grape and merlot, but most creations were in black. Valvo said he was so taken with black this season that he almost did the entire collection in it. "It really makes you focus on the structure and the detailing, to make sure each dress is different," he explained.

The show opened with what seemed a perfect nod to the stormy weather: An embroidered trench with patent leather squares, all in black.

Actress Nichole Galicia, who appears in "Django Unchained," especially loved a couple of gowns in flowing ivory ? but was partial to the black lacy gowns, too. "I'm doing some mental shopping here," quipped the actress, who wore Valvo to a recent event honoring "Django" director Quentin Tarantino. "I'm still looking for an Oscar dress."

Galicia was wearing a sleek-fitting Valvo dress and black heels, and looked positively summery considering the blustery climes. "I'm suffering for my art today ? or actually for my fashion," she said.

___

Jocelyn Noveck in New York contributed to this report.

___

Follow Samantha Critchell on Twitter at http://twitter.com/AP_Fashion

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/4e67281c3f754d0696fbfdee0f3f1469/Article_2013-02-08-NY%20Fashion%20Week-Day%202/id-85fb846ee76749deafd2470c3500fa2a

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Sanofi earns slump in 4th quarter

PARIS (AP) ? French drug maker Sanofi says its net profit was more than halved in the fourth quarter from a year earlier as mounting restructuring costs and patent losses on key drugs combined to hammer earnings.

Sanofi said Thursday that its net profit was ?438 million ($593 million) in the October-December quarter, down from ?1.5 billion a year earlier. Sales were flat at ?8.5 billion in the quarter. Restructuring costs rose over ?100 million to ?834 million.

The company blamed the loss of U.S. patent protection on key drugs Plavix and Avapro cost it ?1.3 billion last year.

Sanofi warned its core earnings per share could fall up to 5 percent this year, after a 12.8 percent drop in 2012.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/sanofi-earns-slump-4th-quarter-075332440--finance.html

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Fish for Kids: Benefit for children keeping fish as pets | Wildlife Fun 4 ...

fish and kidsDo your children have pets? Do they take an active role in its wellbeing and its care? There have been many studies on the positive benefits of children having pets. Not only does owning a pet provide social, health and educational benefits to children but current research provides evidence that owning pets also affects positive?attitudes toward wildlife (Prokop and Tunncliffe, 2010).

A new category on Wildlife Fun 4 Kids will highlight different pet options for your children. We?re going to start small. If your child doesn?t own a pet, you might like to consider fish.

We decided to get a fish tank about three months ago and it has been a wonderful experience, both for the kids and myself. There?s something beautiful about seeing your children?s noses squished up into the glass of a fish tank, it?s just so adorable.

What you need to keep fish

  • A fish tank
  • Gravel
  • Plants and other accessories
  • A filter
  • Heater ?and thermometer (for tropical fish)
  • Aerator
  • Fish food
  • Water testing kits and water stabilizers
  • Cleaning products
  • Net

Fish as petsOur whole fish tank ended up being more expensive than we thought it would be. We bought a second hand fish tank with a filter and aerator at a market for $30 (two foot long), which was a bargain but by the end of set up it cost us approximately $150 (not including fish). So, make sure that you do your research and get a tank that suits your price range.

pet fish

Fish tank set up

Firstly, no matter what tank you decide to buy, you?ll need some patience. After you?ve set up your?fish tank?and added water, you?ll need to let it sit for up to two weeks before?adding the fish.?The?filter needs?to?build the good bacteria that will help it to dispose of fish waste. If the fish tank?s not ready, the fish can die from ammonia poisoning.

Make sure you?discuss the maintenance of the tank with your children too. Although fish live in water, a fish tank does need to be cleaned once a week, 10 % of the water needs to be replaced and it?s a good idea to use a gravel cleaner. Children may not be able to?clean the tank?depending on where your tank is situated. If it?s on tiles, then you should be fine if they spill some water but if it?s on the carpet, it might better a better idea for parents to do it until?a child is a bit older.

Also, don?t forget to?discuss what could happen if the fish are overfed. Ammonia levels will sky rocket and your fish might die. Why not design a chart that lets each person in the family take an active role in taking care of the fish each day.

?Great pets for kids

?The benefits of children?keeping pet?fish

  • The concept of animals?living in water and not being able to breathe air amazes children. Having a fish tank is a perfect opportunity to learn about fish and understand their gills and behaviour.?It can also?lead to learning about all animals that live under the water too.
  • Fish come in an array of different, size colours and shapes ? perfect for extended learning.
  • Children will learn how to take care of fish and feel a sense of accomplishment every time they do so.? Keeping fish builds responsibility.
  • Owning a fish tank is a stress reducer. Watching the fish swim peacefully through the water and the bubbles floating to the surface can really relax you.? If you have a child that?s rather emotional, this might be a nice place to sit them if they are feeling a little overwhelmed or overtired.
  • Children may have the added excitement of seeing one of your fish having babies. Miss Possum was so excited to see 12 baby guppies swimming and hiding around the plants. We watched them grow and she loved and learnt from the experience.

Bristle nosed cat fish

There are plenty of benefits to keeping fish but of course?it is?one of the least hands-on pets. You can?t touch them, you can only watch. It?s important to keep that in mind if you decide this pet is for you.

Do you have fish at home or at school? What do your children like about them? Have you noticed positives?of keeping fish as pets?

More information

Don?t want fish? Why not try sea monkeys!

*Prokop, P and Tunnicliffe, S. 2010. Effects of having pets at home on children?s attitudes toward popular and unpopular animals. Anthrozoos 23: 21-35

Source: http://www.wildlifefun4kids.com/2013/02/08/fish-for-kids-the-benefits-of-fish-as-pets/

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Wednesday, February 6, 2013

LEGAL SOURCING STEPS IN TO THE SPOTLIGHT: PART 2 | E ...

Jason Winmill is a Partner at Argopoint Consulting LLC.? Argopoint has designed legal sourcing approaches for leading Fortune 500 companies that have been nationally recognized by The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg News, and the Association of Corporate Counsel.

Just joining us? Click here to read Part 1.

Why Legal Is Different

So, what could be responsible for the ?great divide? between those procurement groups actively working on the legal category and those sitting on the sidelines???? ?When procurement enters a new category, there is often a ?procurement playbook? to reach for.? However, if you start off in legal and call your first 15 standard ?scripted procurement plays,? your legal department will tell you that you don?t know what you?re talking about. ?Your first strategy meeting with legal might be your last if what you bring is a standard approach,? cautions Ergler of GlaxoSmithKline.

Perhaps it is important to first recognize that several aspects make the legal category different from other areas that sourcing pursues:

Legal Senior Sponsorship is Necessary but Not Sufficient:? Too frequently, CPOs at Fortune 500 companies falsely assume that sponsorship at the General Counsel level means that a legal procurement initiative will lead to success.? Paul Ashley, a strategic sourcing veteran with IBM warns, ?Sponsorship is nothing more than an invitation to the party.? Even with full General Counsel support, don?t expect you will be allowed access to the strategic meetings across the legal organization you will need to attend.? To win over legal, you will need a ?two-pronged? approach: sponsorship from the top is important, but you also need well-thought out approaches to get buy-in from the bottom up.?

Legal Services Involve Real Risk:? One issue that sourcing needs to consider when managing the legal category is the inherent risk in the legal environment.? In-house attorneys are by nature and training highly attuned to risk, and typically avoid it.? ?Legal is still a very large area of spend for many companies, so further budget cuts are unavoidable. This is where Procurement comes in. However, most legal departments have traditionally resisted working with Procurement.? notes Dr. Silvia Hodges, a professor at Fordham Law School.?? This may be due in part to an ?attorney outlook? that runs along these lines: ?well, it might be possible to save several thousand on our legal fees with this particular issue, but if we lose the matter because we didn?t obtain the absolute best outside representation, the damages to the company could cost tens of millions.?? Without a sourcing approach that truly addresses risk and overcomes the legal department?s resistance, sourcing should expect to be stymied.

Legal Services are Highly Complex:? Sourcing professionals building credibility in the legal department are often faced with the challenge of moving along a steep learning curve while facing short-term savings expectations.? Taking shortcuts (such as not understanding key legal concepts or proceeding without robust benchmarking data) is a common mistake ? one that often jeopardizes legal sourcing initiatives.? Paul Ashley of IBM notes the importance of grasping the details of legal services, ?Procurement needs to really understand in-depth the content of the category and become familiar with elements of legal services required such as discovery, jury consulting, trial, settlement.?? The investment in understanding the legal market can help assuage concerns among in-house legal colleagues and enables procurement to leverage sourcing strategies more effectively.

Legal Services are Very Fragmented:? Sourcing professionals are often used to dealing with national service providers, or if not, regional or local providers whose offerings are somewhat similar to national providers, making some market comparisons possible.?? However, the number of individual law firms in the US alone is probably between 45,000 and 50,000 ? a daunting set of market-data to analyze.? Additionally, legal services providers often don?t compete on a national basis ? state and local regulations can prohibit truly national markets and increase supply base fragmentation.

Law Firms are not Typical Companies:? A law firm is a unique entity from the perspective of in-house counsel.? Many corporate legal departments report ?We don?t hire law firms, we hire individual attorneys.?? This is true in many cases, and is, in fact, a way to ensure appropriate representation. However, it can provide a stumbling block for the sourcing professional, who is far more comfortable assessing the capabilities of business organizations, not the qualifications of individual attorneys, some with decades of highly specialized experience.

Legal Mindset:? The legal profession attracts scores of intelligent, self-possessed people.? According to former Harvard Business School Professor David Maister, attorneys ?vigorously defend their rights to autonomy and individualism, well beyond what is common in other professions.? They are trained and hired to be pessimistic and spot flaws.?? This professional outlook might be what is desirable when facing opposing counsel in a ?must win? legal confrontation.? However, it can make collaboration with other groups inside the corporation, especially sourcing, challenging.? ?Those members of the organization that many assume to be the best at learning are, in fact, not very good at it,? reminds another HBS professor, Chris Argyris, in his seminal Harvard Business Review article ?Teaching Smart People How to Learn.?

Stay tuned for the next segment, which will disclose best practices for sourcing the legal category.

Source: http://www.esourcingforum.com/archives/2013/02/04/legal-sourcing-steps-in-to-the-spotlight-part-2/

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Video: New Apple iPad: Any Buzz?

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Source: http://video.msnbc.msn.com/cnbc/50709449/

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