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Post n°21 pubblicato il 03 Aprile 2011 da hfraqdub
Tag: vista
The U.S. Army on Monday apologized for any distress caused by recently published photos of American soldiers posing with dead Afghans, calling their content "disturbing" and "in striking contrast" to the Army's standards and values. The Army issued a statement in response to graphic images that Rolling Stone magazine posted on its website on Monday — about a week after the German news magazine Der Spiegel published three of the photos. Rolling Stone says the photos are linked to an ongoing war crimes probe involving members of the 5th Stryker Brigade, based south of Seattle. Five soldiers from the platoon have been charged with murder and conspiracy in the deaths of three unarmed Afghan men last year. Rolling Stone obtained about 150 photos in all, said Eric Bates, the magazine's executive editor. It posted 17 of them on its website, along with two videos it says show U.S. attacks on Afghans. Bates would not say how the magazine obtained the pictures. Two of the photos show soldiers charged in the case — Spc. Jeremy Morlock of Wasilla, Alaska, and Pvt. 1st Class Andrew Holmes, of Boise, Idaho — crouching alongside an Afghan youth and lifting the victim's head by its hair. Two other photos show the body of the same Afghan youth, identified by Rolling Stone as Gul Mudin, one of the victims in the case. Morlock, the first of the five to be court-martialed, was sentenced last week to 24 years in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of murder, as well as conspiracy and other charges. He said the killings were part of a deliberate plan to murder Afghan civilians. Morlock's attorney did not respond to requests for comment Monday from The Associated Press. Daniel Conway, Holmes' attorney, said he doesn't think the latest publication will affect his client's upcoming court martial. He said Holmes was ordered by his superiors to pose with the body. "That photo wasn't his idea," Conway said Monday. "He was a 19-year-old private, and they told him to come over, get in the picture and he got in the picture." Rolling Stone says the photos are from a cache of images the Army has kept secret, even from defense attorneys in the case, because it fears another scandal like the one that erupted over photos showing prisoner abuse at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. Among the photos are pictures of the accused soldiers holding captured weapons as well as gruesome pictures of dismembered bodies that the magazine said are unrelated to the war crimes probe. Photographs held by the military in the case are under a protective order that remained in place Monday, said Army spokeswoman Maj. Kathy Turner. The Associated Press has written about the photos' existence and how soldiers passed them around in emails and thumb drives. In its statement, the Army expressed its commitment to accountability. "We must allow the judicial process to continue to unfold and be mindful that the government has distinct obligations to the victims and to the accused, which include compliance with the Court's protective order to ensure a fair trial," the statement said. ___ Associated Press writer Chris Hawley in New York contributed to this report. ,Norken music , mp3 albums downloads DJ Bruno Peter Rauhofer - People
Post n°20 pubblicato il 03 Aprile 2011 da hfraqdub
Tag: leica
EAGAN, Minn., April 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and its family of companies (Blue Cross) today announced audited financial results for 2010. The nonprofit health company reported full-year 2010 revenues of $9 billion and an operating margin of 1.4%, which resulted in a net operating income of $127 million. This marks the second consecutive year of positive operating results, following three consecutive years of operating losses from 2006 to 2008. Overall net income (operating income plus other income, including investment income) in 2010 was $271 million, reflecting the ongoing recovery of financial markets, lower medical trend, and increased operational efficiencies. Blue Cross paid out more than $8 billion in claims on behalf of its members last year, which translates to 89.3 cents of every premium dollar collected going to health care costs. Administrative expenses represented 7.4% of premiums. Additionally, Blue Cross paid more than $127 million in taxes, assessments and surcharges. Enrollment was flat at just under 2.7 million members. "These results are in line with what we targeted for the close of 2010," said Patrick Geraghty, president and CEO of Blue Cross. "We are pleased to report that A.M. Best has upgraded our financial strength rating from B++ (Good) to A- (Excellent) as a result of this outcome. As a nonprofit organization, Blue Cross needs to be financially stable and solvent, and our financial performance for the year allows us to continue providing good coverage and services to our members, and continued investment in our community." "Blue Cross was able to achieve a modest operating return in 2010, which builds on the financial recovery we started in 2009," said Pamela Sedmak, chief financial, strategy and innovation officer for Blue Cross. "Given the cyclical nature of our industry, we have some years in which we generate modest margins, and other years in which we experience losses. For example, we had cumulative operating losses of more than $156 million from 2006 through 2008. We began the turnaround of our operating performance in 2009 and continued our progress in 2010. Blue Cross has worked hard to recover significant losses and operate in the black. Reaching our goal of having consecutive years of positive operating performance allows us to invest in our future and long-term planning." In 2009, Blue Cross reported an operating income ratio of 0.57%, resulting in the first positive operating performance for the organization since 2005. Over the past five year period (2006-2010), Blue Cross reported an average operating income ratio of 0.05% and an average net income ratio of 0.97%. HMO results included in audited financials The audited results for Blue Cross include 2010 results for Blue Plus the company's health maintenance organization and a subsidiary of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. Of note, Blue Plus has reported operating losses on state programs (GAMC, PMAP and MNCare) in three of the past five years, resulting in a cumulative operating loss of -$21.7 million and an average negative operating margin of -0.9% on these programs for 2006 to 2010. Blue Cross provides all information, reports and audited details as required by the State for both commercial and public program products. In addition, Blue Cross' financial statements are audited by the State on a tri-annual basis. Detailed financial statements for the organization's regulated businesses are filed with the Minnesota Department of Commerce. A consolidated earnings statement for 2010 results is available at Blue Cross' 2010 report to the community also includes information on several community health initiatives including: Awarding grants to community organizations that engage health, early childhood development, housing and environmental organizations together to promote child health and reducing health inequities by addressing mental health and social adjustments of immigrants and refugees. Driving Prevention Minnesota(SM) initiatives including the do. Campaign to tackle heart disease, cancer, tobacco use and obesity across Minnesota. These programs are funded with money from Blue Cross' successful lawsuit against tobacco companies.Collaborating with health care providers including Allina Hospitals & Clinics, Essentia Health, Fairview Health Services, HealthEast Care System and Park Nicollet Health Services to lead the nation in adopting innovative payment models that align mutual goals of delivering high-quality outcomes and cost-effective treatment to the benefit of customers and members. Partnering with U.S. Bank to lead the Twin Cities Start! Heart Walk, which raised over $1.5 million for the work of the American Heart Association to continue goals of improving cardiovascular health and combating obesity. Also partnered on the CEOs Against Cancer Campaign while being named a Gold Standard Company with the American Cancer Society.Building on being named one of Minnesota's first recipients of the prestigious Jefferson Awards for Public Service by teaming up with Jefferson Awards and the Close Up Foundation to create a unique civic education and volunteer program that gives students at three Minnesota high schools the opportunity to design and implement action plans to make their communities healthier.Collaborating with Nice Ride, Transit for Livable Communities, and Mayor R.T. Rybak to bring healthy transportation in the form of a bicycle-sharing program to Minneapolis in 2010. With the help of Mayor Chris Coleman, the program is expanding to St. Paul in 2011. Donating 97 tons of food to the Minnesota FoodShare drive as part of our broader efforts with Second Harvest Heartland to eliminate hunger in Minnesota.Sustaining the Heart of Blue volunteerism program where employees annually contribute approximately 18,000 hours of volunteer paid-time-off to community services.Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, with headquarters in the St. Paul suburb of Eagan, was chartered in 1933 as Minnesota's first health plan and continues to carry out its charter mission today as a health company: to promote a wider, more economical and timely availability of health services for the people of Minnesota. Blue Cross is a not-for-profit, taxable organization. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, headquartered in Chicago. Go to bluecrossmn.com to learn more about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. SOURCEBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
Post n°19 pubblicato il 01 Aprile 2011 da hfraqdub
Tag: amauri
A group of researchers said Wednesday they have found that a virus causing deadly respiratory diseases in humans can be passed on to mountain gorillas in Central Africa. Researchers who spent time in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park said they found traces of Human Metapneumovirus during post-mortem examinations of two gorillas that died in 2009. The two, a mother and a newborn, were in a group of 12 infected gorillas. Researchers could not establish the source of the virus that killed the two gorillas. Human Metapneumovirus can cause severe colds and pneumonia. There are only 786 mountain gorillas in the wild that live in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The study published Tuesday in the Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that while gorilla tourism provides revenue for conservation activities, it poses risks of infection. The study says close genetic similarities between the two — gorillas share approximately 98 percent of their DNA with humans — has led to concerns that the apes may be susceptible to many of the infectious diseases that affect people. The study says that while mountain gorillas are "immunologically naive and susceptible to infection with human pathogens," most of the focus has been on how diseases affecting apes can be transmitted to humans. The report says gorillas' existence is threatened by encroachment on their habitat, poaching and infectious diseases. Diseases account for 20 percent of all sudden deaths of the apes. "The potential for disease transmission between humans and mountain gorillas is of particular concern because over the past 100 years, mountain gorillas have come into increasing contact with humans," researchers said in a statement. "In fact, the national parks where the gorillas are protected in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are surrounded by the densest human populations in continental Africa." The researchers added: "Also, gorilla tourism, while helping the gorillas survive by funding the national parks that shelter them, brings thousands of people from local communities and around the world into contact with mountain gorillas annually." The study was conducted by researchers from the nonprofit Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, the Wildlife Health Center at the University of California, Davis, the Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University and the Rwanda Development Board. ,The Exciters | Caviar and Chitlins download mp3 album ,General Levy download
Post n°18 pubblicato il 31 Marzo 2011 da hfraqdub
Tag: cane
Currency (ICCOIN) is now making available the first 1909 “Wheatie” and the first 1959 “Memorial” Lincoln cents through its website, . Montpelier, VT (Vocus/PRWEB) March 22, 2011 Rare coins, coins with mint errors and the first coins in long-running series are among the most popular with coin collectors. While coins that fit these descriptions are also generally harder to find, International Coins & Currency (ICCOIN) is now making available the firstand the first 1959 “Memorial” Lincoln cents through its website, . The Lincoln Cent series is one of the longest in . It debuted in 1909 on the centennial of Lincoln’s birth. Fifty years later, in 1959, the reverse was altered from the famous “Wheatie” to a “Lincoln Memorial” design. ICCOIN’s set includes the first 1909 “Wheatie” cent in fine quality and the first 1959 “Lincoln Memorial” cent in Brilliant Uncirculated condition. For a limited time, ICCOIN is making a unique offer: When you buy both coins, you get five different recent Lincoln cents free. In 2009, the U.S. Mint celebrated the bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth and 100 years of the famous cent with four one-year-only designs honoring the legendary president’s birthplace, formative years, professional life and presidency. Then, in 2010, the reverse design was again updated to the current “Shield” image. ICCOIN will include all five issues in Brilliant Uncirculated quality for no charge. These popular “first” coins, along with thousands of other coins and collectibles, can be viewed or purchased by visiting . Contact ICCOIN today for more information or to add these coins to your collection. About ICCOINInternational Coins & Currency, Inc. was founded in 1975 and, over the years, has proudly satisfied hundreds of thousands of collectors worldwide. With one of the largest mail-order and website coin selections anywhere, ICCOIN provides a world of coin collecting options, including international coins, classic and modern U.S. coins, seldom-seen scarcities, and fascinating oddities. Collectors can visitto buy foreign and U.S. coins online from ICCOIN’s huge selection of competitively priced items. Committed to providing “the best service in the business,” ICCOIN offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every item it sells, including coins, currency, supplies or other collectibles. ### Jennie LuttonICCOIN(802) 223-6331Email Information ,D4l - Betcha Can't Do it Like Me mp3 ,Club FG (19 may 2007) | DJ Paulette mp3 download
Post n°17 pubblicato il 31 Marzo 2011 da hfraqdub
Tag: macinare
has expanded its unique line of gift cards for wine bottles. This two-year-old company, has created designs for social occasions and holidays, now offers personalization and custom design services of its hanging wine cards, making them ideal for special events and corporate gifts. Westport, CT (PRWEB) March 28, 2011 In its second year, Drink Me Tags™ has expanded its unique line of gift cards for wine bottles and can now be found in stores around the country.Having been compared to a tie for the wine bottle, Drink Me Tags hang on a loop of ribbon and slip over the neck of any wine bottle. These colorful and charming cards cover the range of sentiments and fun with taglines such as“Conserve Water,” “Put a Cork in it,” “Just Add Corkscrew,” and “May Your Glass Always Be Half Full.” “People love to give a bottle of wine for most any occasion… a celebration, a thank you, a holiday, or just because,” says Sara Rossi of Drink Me Tags.So we created wine bottle gift cards that are easy, classy, and inspired, making a good bottle of wine the perfect gift with that little something extra.” As wine has become a popular choice for gifts, Drink Me Tags has created custom designs for weddings, stores, vineyards, resorts, trade shows and corporate gifts. Drink Me Tags can be found in wine, gift stores and gourmet stores around the country,online at Neiman Marcus and on . Drink Me Tags has also designed elegant place cards to be used with Moet & Chandon bottles – creating a graceful place card holder and a gift at each table setting. Drink Me Tags was founded by the mother-daughter team of Val and Sara Rossi to enhance the experience of wine giving by accessorizing the bottle in a unique way. They have created beautiful and cleverly written gift cards especially designed for wine bottles and other spirits. The entire collection of Drink Me Tags can be seen at .Contact Drink Me Tags for information about custom design and personalization services and wholesale inquiries. # # # Val RossiDrink Me Tags203-226-5665Email Information ,Red One music downloads , mp3 downloads George Kagais - Volume 6
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