Introducing the IBM/Sony/Toshiba Cell Processor


The Cell processor consists of a general-purpose POWERPC processor core connected to eight special-purpose DSP cores. These DSP cores, which IBM calls "synergistic processing elements" (SPE), but I'm going to call "SIMD processing elements" (SPE) because "synergy" is a dumb word, are really the heart of the entire Cell concept. IBM introduced the basic architecture of the SPE today, and they're going to introduce the overall architecture of the complete Cell system in a session tomorrow morning.
In this brief overview, I'm first going to talk in some general terms about the Cell approach — what it is, what it's like, what's behind it, etc. — before doing an information dump at the end of the article for more technical readers to chew on and debate. Once the conference is over and I get back to Chicago and get settled in, I'll do some more comprehensive coverage of the Cell.

Back to the future, or, what do IBM and Transmeta have in common?

It seems like aeons ago that I first covered Transmeta's unvieling of their VLIW Crusoe processor. The idea that David Ditzel and the other Transmeta cofounders had was to try and re-do the "RISC revolution" by simplifying processor microarchitecture and moving complexity into software. Ditzel thought that out-of-order execution, register renaming, speculation, branch prediction, and other techniques for latency hiding and for wringing more instruction-level parallelism out of the code stream had increased processors' microarchitectural complexity to the point where way too much die real-estate was being spent on control functions and too little was being spent on actual execution hardware. Transmeta wanted to move register renaming, instruction reordering and the like into software, thereby simplifying the hardware and making it run faster.
I have no doubt that Ditzel and Co. intended to produce a high-performance processor based on these principles. However, moving core processor functionality into software meant moving it into main memory, and this move put Transmeta's designs on the wrong side of the ever-widening latency gap between the execution units and RAM. TM was notoriously unable to deliver on the intitial performance expectations, but a look at IBM's CELL design shows that Ditzel had the right idea, even if TM's execution was off.
IBM's Cell embodies many of the "RISC redivivus" principles outlined above, but it comes at these concepts from a completely different angle. Like TM, IBM started out with the intention of increasing microprocessor performance, but unlike TM, simplifying processor control logic wasn't the magic ingredient that would make this happen. Instead, IBM attacked from the very outset the problem that TM ran headlong into: the memory latency gap. IBM's solution to the memory latency problem is at once both simple and complex. In its most basic form IBM's Cell does what computer architects have been doing since the first cache was invented — Cell moves a small bit of memory closer to the execution units, and lets the processor store frequently-used code and data in that local memory. The actual implementation of this idea is a bit more complicated, but it's still fairly easy to grasp.

Eliminating the Instruction Window

If you've read my series on the Pentium and the PowerPC line or my introduction to basic computer architecture fundamentals, then you're familiar with the concept of an instruction window. I don't want to recap that concept here, so check out this page if you're not familiar with it before moving on
The diagram above shows the development of the microprocessor divided into three phases. The first phase is characterized by static execution, where instructions are issued to the execution units in the exact order in which they're fed into the processor. With dual-issue machines like the original Pentium, two instructions that meet certain criteria can execute in parallel, and it takes a minimal amount of logic to implement this very simple form of out-of-order execution.
In the second phase, computer designers included an instruction window, increased the number of execution units in the execution core, and increased the cache size. So more code and data would fit into the caching subsystem (either L1 or L1 + L2), and the code would flow into the instruction window where it would be spread out and rescheduled to execute in parallel on a large number of execution units.
The third phase is characterized by a massive increase in the sizes of the caches and the instruction window, with some modest increases in execution core width. In this third phase, memory is much farther away from the execution core, so more cache is needed to keep performance from suffering. Also, the execution core has been widened slightly and its units have been more deeply pipelined, with the result that there are more execution slots per cycle to fill.
This increased number of execution slots per cycle means that the processor has to find yet more instruction-level parallelism in the code stream, a necessity that gives rise to a massively-increased instruction window (i.e., rename registers, reorder buffer entries, and reservation stations). Now take a look at the diagram below. Notice how the all of that control logic that is associated with the instruction window makes up a huge proportion of the logic in the processor.
Such control logic took up a vanishingly small amount of space in the early static-issue RISC designs like the PPC 601. Of course, back when RISC was first introduced, "control logic" meant "decode logic," since there was no instruction window on those early designs. So RISC reduced the amount of control logic by simplifying the instruction decoding process; this left more room for execution hardware and storage logic in the form of on-die L1 cache.
The end result is that there is this massive amount of control logic that now sits between the processor's cache and its execution core, just as therei s a massive amount of latency that sits between the cache and main memory. This control logic eats up a lot of die space and adds pipeline latency, in return for extracting extra parallelism from the code stream.
Now let's switch gears a moment and look at the issues I raised in my recent Moore's Spring post. The diagram below represents fundamentally the same phenomenon as the diagram in that post, but from a perspective that should look familiar to you

What makes a good man turn bad


What makes a good man turn bad? This question while controversial, it is always brewing in the back of women’s heads. My answer is, mostly all women take things for granted, not understanding what it means to care and maintain a current relationship in simple gears. Some women will start to imagine to themselves and say, “I wish my man could be more like him, look like him or be novelisticly romantic.” However, the truth is, men can't be that way all the time. Lets take this in five easy steps:

1. When you first met, it is all about the romance.
2. After getting to know each other, you marry.
3. Once married, the children will come.
4. The women will dedicate their time to the kids and themselves. The husband will become second best.
5. Women will almost stop have sexual relation with their man.

This creates a problem in most marriages because men will start feeling left out. The good man just became combative, wanting more out of the woman. Which, after awhile good men start to look the other way. Eventually, he will leave her or play the cheating game. Do not become those women who get cheated on. Unvictimize yourself by going the extra mile. No one said marriage was easy. However, if you know you have a good man show him some gratitude. Go the extra mile and never forget why you fell in love in the first place. Stay true to yourself and be attractive and available only for him.

SWEDEN HAS A LONG HISTORY of restrictive alcohol policy

 

SWEDEN HAS A LONG HISTORY of restrictive alcohol policy, including strict regulation of sales hours. In February 2000, however, sales hours were extended from 5 to 6 days per week by allowing the Alcohol monopoly stores in certain parts of the country to be open on Saturdays. In this article we will assess the impact of this reform on alcohol sales and harm indicators.
A substantial body of literature on the effects of alcohol availability on consumption and alcohol-related problems has accumulated in recent years. Although there are exceptions, many of these studies suggest that reduced availability may have the effect of decreasing consumption and problem rates, and vice versa (cf., Edwards et al., 1994, for a review). In fact, the typical alcohol consumer seems to operate according to the principle of least effort (Zipf, 1949): The greater the effort required to obtain alcohol, the less the consumer will drink. It cannot be assumed, however, that all consumers act according to this principle, and those who do need not do so at all times. To explain the observed aggregate outcomes, it is sufficient that the likelihood of consuming alcohol on a particular occasion is reduced for at least a substantial subgroup of consumers when access is reduced. And to explain the observed effects of decreased accessibility on harm indicators, one needs to assume the subgroup that reduces its consumption is not entirely composed of drinkers who did not experience any risk at the outset.

Misuse of alcohol is a significant public health problem, potentially resulting in unintentional injuries, motor vehicle crashes, drownings, and, perhaps of greatest concern, serious acts of violence, including assaults, rapes, suicides, and homicides. Although previous research establishes a link between alcohol consumption increased levels of violence, studies relating the density of alcohol outlets (e.g., restaurants, bars, liquor stores) and the likelihood of violent crime have been less common. In this paper we test for such a relationship at the small area level, using data from 79 neighborhoods in the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. We adopt a fully Bayesian point of view using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) computational methods as available in the popular and freely available WinBUGS language. Our models control for important covariates (e.g., neighborhood racial heterogeneity, age heterogeneity) and also account for spatial association in unexplained variability using conditionally autoregressive (CAR) random effects. Our results indicate a significant positive relationship between alcohol outlet density and violent crime, while also permitting easy mapping of neighborhood-level predicted and residual values, the former useful for intervention in the most at-risk neighborhoods and the latter potentially useful in identifying covariates still missing from the fixed effects portion of the model.
The present study represents an attempt to evaluate a specific component of an alcohol and drug program, employee education. Two groups of employees at a moderate- sized manufacturing plant in Southern Ontario were surveyed as to their alcohol knowledge prior to, and following, an educational seminar. A group of 161 hourly-rate employees and a group of 67 front-line supervisors, department heads, shop stewards and union bargaining committee members participated in the study. It was found that educational seminars of relatively brief duration are an effective means of increasing employees' alcohol knowledge and awareness, their familiarity with a company's alcohol and drug policy, and the likelihood of their using established company programs for substance abuse.
(C)1981 The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Most studies of the effects of structural constraints have been concerned with legal (e.g., age limits), economic (e.g., taxation) and physical factors (e.g., outlet density). However, a few reported studies have looked at the effects of changes in hours and days of sale. A study in Australia by Smith (1987, 1988) measured the effects on traffic accident incidence of introducing Sunday alcohol sales in New South Wales and Brisbane. Although these studies have some methodological shortcomings, they do suggest a certain effect. Olsson and Wikstr6m (1982) evaluated the introduction of Saturday closing of monopoly outlets in Sweden in 1981 and found a decline in certain harm indicators, such as domestic violence and outdoor assaults, but no clear-cut indication of decreased per capita alcohol consumption. In a study from Norway, Nordlund et al. (1984) reported similar findings. A possible explanation for these results could be that only very marginalized drinkers were affected. These deviant groups might be responsible for a significant share of violence but for only a tiny share of per capita consumption. Another possibility might be that the methods used in these studies were not strong enough to uncover real changes in consumption (i.e., type II error).
Since harm indicators decreased when the shops in Sweden closed on Saturdays in 1981, one would perhaps expect that the same indicators would increase when the shops were reopened in 2000. However, many other things changed in the intervening years, and one cannot assume a priori that the effect of changes in opening hours is independent of context. For instance, the number of licensed restaurants, pubs, bars, etc., increased substantially during this period, as did illegal trade in alcoholic beverages (Kuhlhorn et al., 1999). It is consequently necessary to evaluate the effects of the present reform in some detail.
Method
The Parliamentary bill on Saturday opening stated that before any permanent change was implemented a trial would be run in part of the country and the outcome evaluated after 1 year. The present authors were commissioned to design and perform the evaluation, which was expected to comprise both sales of alcoholic beverages and indicators of harmful effects of alcohol consumption.
To optimize the likelihood of uncovering effects, a design with experimental and control regions was chosen. The research design and the selection of experimental and control areas were dictated mainly by the following considerations:
* Since possible intervention effects may be contingent on factors such as urbanization and geographical location, the experimental areas should include a range of structural characteristics.
* To minimize random fluctuations in harm indicators, the experimental regions would have to be fairly large. In small regions the absolute number of incidents would be small and random fluctuations consequently large.
* Regarding the estimation of effects on sales, an obvious methodological problem is that of trade leakage; that is, that people living outside experimental areas might travel to an experimental area on Saturdays to purchase alcohol. Therefore, ...

Blood, urine and other body fluids are analyzed to detect and quantify any alcohol or other volatile substances present. Interpretative evidence is given pertaining to blood alcohol concentrations and the operation of breath-testing equipment. Liquor, mash and illicit spirits are analyzed.
Services provided by the Alcohol Analysis Section of a forensic science laboratory include :
scientific support to the breath and blood alcohol testing programs of Police agencies;
training police officers as Breathalyzer Technicians and assisting in the training of police officers as operators and calibrators of approved screening devices;
analyzing body fluids, mainly blood samples, for alcohol and other volatile substances;
giving expert testimony to the courts on the pharmacology of alcohol and on the theory and mode of operation of breath testing instruments.

Gran Turismo series sales top 62 million

                                                            
Sony showed some life during its October-December fiscal period reporting a 660.6 percent profit spike on revenues of ¥2.24 trillion ($24.6 billion). As part of that report, Sony said that 47.6 million PlayStation 3 games sold during the three-month stretch, as well as an additional 15 million PSP games and 11.2 PlayStation 2 titles.now gt5 sales 5.5 milion

Gran Turismo 5's release date remains blurr.
It turns out that one of Sony's top-performing titles during the period came from its internal racing studio Polyphony Digital. In a recent update to Polyphony Digital's Web site, Sony revealed that the Gran Turismo franchise has sold 55.45 million units through December 2009. Gran Turismo PSP, which launched October 1, 2009, alongside Sony's heavily revised and tepidly adopted PSP Go, contributed 1.8 million units to the franchise's total.
The portable installment in Polyphony's ultrarealistic racing franchise came replete with 800 cars, as well as 35 tracks and 60 different layouts associated with them. Receiving positive reviews, the game features a variety of challenge modes for single-player action as well as local multiplayer racing for up to four.
Through December, Polyphony has seen three of the four marquee releases in its Gran Turismo franchise break the 10-million-unit mark. Gran Turismo 3 A-spec, which received glowin reviews upon its launch for the PlayStation 2 in 2001, ranks as the franchise's top seller with 14.89 million units. 2005's Gran Turismo 4 has sold 10.98 million units, slightly outpacing the seminal installment's 10.85 million units.
One game not on Polyphony's sales rundown is Gran Turismo 5. It was announced for a March launch in Japan in September, but Sony bumped the game out of its current fiscal year last month. Though the publisher has yet to officially attach a new release date to the game, Sony Computer Entertainment Portugal president James Armstrong indicated recently that Gran Turismo 5 is tentatively scheduled to arrive this fall.
Title / First Release / LTD SalesGran Turismo / 1997 / 10.85 millionGran Turismo 2 / 1999 / 9.37 millionGran Turismo 3 A-spec / 2001 / 14.89 millionGran Turismo Concept Series / 2002 / 1.56 millionGran Turismo 4 Prologue / 2003 / 1.35 millionGran Turismo 4 / 2004 / 10.98 millionGran Turismo 5 Prologue / 2007 / 4.65 millionGran Turismo PSP / 2009 / 1.80 millionTotal - 55,450

steak hot today

With the December holidays upon us, it is a time of year for celebrations with family, friends and office colleagues. Depending on your comfort level with managing a gluten-free diet, it may be a season you welcome with open arms, or one you approach with concern. Regardless of where you are on your personal gluten-free journey, American Steak & Seafood restaurants can be one of the safer choices for an optimal dining experience.

These restaurants are great representations of the bountiful harvests of American farmers, fishermen and ranchers. Produce, meat and seafood are typically prepared in a culinary fashion that produces wholesome and satisfying eating out experiences. The range and style of Steak & Seafood houses in America is diverse. Whether you are dining at a single independent restaurant or a large restaurant chain, each establishment has a unique atmosphere and feeling. There is the classic New York style steakhouse with its career waiters in white coats and bistro aprons, or the casual wait staff at family-oriented theme restaurants. Some restaurants choose the fusion approach of blending other international cuisines with standard steak and seafood dishes, while others give you the feeling of eating at an authentic western saloon.

American Steak & Seafood restaurants will carry a variety of beef cuts and follow the scale of quality set forth by the U.S. government. Beef is graded for quality by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) graders according to standards established by the USDA. Grades are based on the amount of marbling (flecks of fat within the cut of meat) and the age of the animal. These quality grades are an indication of palatability characteristics such as tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. While there are eight quality grades for beef, the top three grades available to most consumers are prime, choice and select.

In addition to beef, you may find lamb, pork and chicken on the menu. Many types of seafood are also typically available including Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab, oysters, mussels, salmon and shrimp. Again, the preparation of these dishes is minimal and in most cases involves baking, boiling, grilling, pan frying or steaming.

Starch dishes available are usually potato-based, such as baked potatoes, French fried potatoes, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes and hash browns. Rice dishes and pastas are also available. Vegetables play a big part in this type of cuisine. Both in salads and in side dishes, you may see asparagus, artichokes, broccoli, carrots, green beans, hearts of palm, different types of lettuce, olives, onions, potatoes and tomatoes. Herbs include basil, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.

Since Steak & Seafood restaurants are ubiquitous throughout the US, you will have few issues finding suitable venues near your home or while traveling for the holidays. If you live in or are visiting Pennsylvania, New York or New Jersey, one restaurant chain is continuing to build a significant reputation within the gluten-free community. Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse restaurants are becoming known for their gluten-free menus, their commitment to providing quality service to each gluten-free guest, and most recently complimentary gluten-free desserts with a coupon as described below in the Restaurant Spotlight!

For those wanting to explore Steak & Seafood restaurants in other parts of the country, outlined below are sample questions to ask restaurant personnel without gluten-free menus when ordering hamburgers, French fries and flourless chocolate torte! To ensure that your meal is gluten-free when a restaurant does not have a gluten-free menu, you need to be prepared to ask specific questions to the server, manager or chef, depending upon your level of comfort and preferences.

As an example, when ordering a hamburger as your meat entree, you need to ask:

•Do you make the hamburgers with bread crumbs?
•Do you prepare your burgers with any seasonings? If so, what types of seasonings are used?
•If packaged seasonings are used, does the ingredient list include wheat, rye, barley or gluten?
•Since I can't eat any gluten, wheat or bread, can I have my burger without a bun?
For French Fries, you need to ask the following questions:

•Are your fries fried in the same fryer as your onion rings or breaded chicken fingers?
•Are your fries flour dusted?
•Are your fries seasoned? If so, what types of seasonings are used?
•If packaged seasonings are used, does the ingredient list include wheat, rye, barley or gluten?
For a flourless chocolate torte dessert, although the name implies differently, you still need to ask:

•Is any wheat flour included as an ingredient?
•Are any bread crumbs added to this torte?
•Is wheat flour used to dust the pan prior to baking?
Also, remember that if the answer from the server, manager or chef, to any of these questions is yes, (besides the “no bun” request), then you will need to choose a different entrée, side dish or dessert. Be sure to continue to ask the right questions to ensure safe gluten-free dining experiences. Great gluten-free meals await you and the American Steak & Seafood experience continues to be a classic cuisine option. With so many menu possibilities available, you can be sure to find something delicious for everyone in your dinner party. Eat, Drink and be Merry! Happy Holidays!

Restaurant Spotlight
Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse

For gluten-free guests, all Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse restaurants offer a gluten-free menu. No matter which of the 54 locations you choose to visit, a substantial number of gluten-free options are available everyday. Each restaurant offers prime rib, delicious steaks, unlimited Farmer’s Market Salad Bar and much more. Their philosophy is simple — to provide great food, exceptional value and friendly service to each and every customer they serve. Charlie Brown's is known for its high quality, fresh food and good value, serving USDA Choice or better mid-western beef including Certified Angus Beef.

Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse roots can be traced to 1966, when The Jolly Trolley opened in Westfield, NJ. Over the past 40 years, they have grown to over 50 locations and have expanded into New York and Pennsylvania with more restaurants planned for the future. Reflecting their neighborhood locations, each restaurant is unique, and restaurant size and seating varies widely. All locations feature comfortable dining rooms; casual, friendly bars and lounge areas; and the Farmer’s Market Salad Bar. Many locations also offer private banquet rooms.

Now through March 31, 2008, Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse is offering complimentary desserts to the gluten-free community exclusively through Glutenfreeonthego.com, as another demonstration of their significant support to the gluten-free and special diets community. Guests must purchase a gluten-free entrée and present the coupon to their server to receive their complimentary gluten-free dessert.

Coupons are available from each of the 54 Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse Qualified Listings featured on Glutenfreeonthego.com, the world’s largest on-line directory of gluten-free restaurants. Simply visit Glutenfreeonthego.com to download and print your coupon, and then present it to your server at any location. There is a limit of four (4) complimentary desserts per table, per visit; however, there is no limit to how often you dine!

Also, in an effort to ensure the highest levels of satisfaction, Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse would like feedback on your gluten-free dining experiences to help further understand your future needs and expectations. After your meal, be sure to return to any Charlie Brown’s Qualified Listing on Glutenfreeonthego.com and participate in the brief customer satisfaction survey. So, stop in today for a tasty gluten-free dining experience. No matter where you are, you can expect the same friendly service, great value and delicious gluten-free food each and every day of the week!

good italian food

Despite being located near the food court in Minto Place, El Toro offers a full take out menu, catering (even on Saturday and Sunday) and delivery. The printed menu includes subs, full-size pizzas and pasta meals including canneloni, ravioli and lasagna. After 3 pm, take home a full-size pizza and the second pizza is half price.
Best French restaurants

Bistrot Bistro

Located at 1961 West 4th Avenue, this is one of Vancouver’s favourite destinations for traditional French comfort food. Combined with an unpretentious atmosphere and great service, Bistrot Bistro provides a little bit of France in west-side Kitsilano. Fans say the Sunday-to-Thursday 3-course menu combines great French food at very affordable prices.

The Smoking Dog

Yet another neighborhood bistro in friendly Kitsilano, The Smoking Dog offers a heated outdoor patio where you can sample classic French Onion Soup and Steak Frites. The menu offers a wide variety of options from appetizers to entrees and welcomes families. It’s only 5 minutes from Kits Beach.

Elixir Bistro

This 154 seat bar and restaurant is located in the Opus hotel in the Yaletown neighborhood of Downtown Vancouver. Elixir's award winning Executive Chef Don Letendre has created a truly international dining experience. Specializing in classical French fare he assembles his creations using the freshest regional and seasonal ingredients. Popular with both international tourists and trendy locals.

DB Bistro Moderne

French traditional cuisine meets the Pacific Northwest. Located in Kitsilano’s West Broadway area, DB Bistro has a warm, casual atmosphere accompanied by great French bistro-style cuisine. The menu focuses on seasonal, fine ingredients.

Le Crocodile

Impeccable, yet without fuss or pretense, Le Crocodile combines French tradition with a West Coast style. For 25 years it has been one of Vancouver’s best-known French restaurants.

Provence Mediterranean on 10th

Located in the cozy neighborhood of Point Grey, restaurant Provence has accumulated a large local fan base. The restaurant won Gold for Best Bistro in the 2002 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. Provence shares a love of French/Italian cuisine in a comfortable setting.


Pied a Terre

Another delightful neighborhood bistro, Pied-à-Terre has just 30 seats but the simplicity of the setting belies the crisp white walls accented by black leather chairs. The menu is classically inspired French and offers both à la carte selections and a traditional three-course table d’hôte served with red, white or rosé wine.

Lumiere

Located at 2551 West Broadway. Sophisticated and unique, Lumiere combines European modern French and West coast tones to create a style all its own. Chef Daniel Boulud and Executive Chef Dale Mackay are two of only 160 Grand Relais & Chateaux Chefs in the world – creating incredible dishes guaranteed to charm the palates of gourmands everywhere. An atmosphere – plush, intimate and incredible adds to its popularity as one of Vancouver’s much-desired culinary spot.

Bistro Pastis

Located at 2153 West 4th Avenue in west-side Kitsilano . Try their Steak Tartare and Steak Frites. Faithful fans say it’s like dining in Paris without actually having to be there! Pastis features French, French Bistro and French Nouveau cuisines.

Les Faux Bourgeois

Located in a not so chic section of East Vancouver [hence the name], Les Faux Bourgeois is becoming a popular French spot in a working-class neighborhood. But don’t be fooled by the location. The traditional bistro setting - both cosy and casual - showcases well-prepared classic French dishes at extremely affordable prices.

10 Best Italian restaurants:

Anducci's Cucina

Located at 6011 E. Hastings St in Burnaby, Anducci’s has a wide range of authentic, cooked-by-mom style Italian entrees. The gluten-free pasta is made-to-order and diners can choose their favorite pasta and home-made sauce. Reasonably priced with good service.


Trattoria Italian Kitchen

Located in the friendly neighborhood of Kits on West 4th avenue, Trattoria is a casual, family-style restaurant specializing in typical trattoria-style Italian food. The warm open room with its wrap-around wine wall makes for friendly gatherings while the white marble bar is a great hang-out for that pre-dinner drink.

Italian Kitchen

Situated in bustling downtown Vancouver, Italian Kitchen is a combination of old-world charm and modern atmosphere. The menu features simple yet delicious Italian food from all regions of Italy. This celebrated restaurant is great for family and group gatherings giving you an opportunity to sample a variety of dishes.

CinCin Ristorante and Bar

Note the address: 1154 Robson Street. After a day of heady retail therapy check out CinCin for its incredible Tuscan ambiance, great food and equally great service. CinCin is noted for masterful creations including incredible Italian dishes like the Dungeness Crab risotto and the free-range chicken fired in the wood-oven - made with the freshest local ingredients. The wine bar is an excellent hangout to meet friends and share a bottle of wine and a tasty appetizer.

Cioppino's Enoteca

Another favorite downtown Vancouver hangout at 1129 Hamilton Street, Cioppino’s Enoteca always comes in among the top Italian Restaurants. The homemade pasta and the accompaniments as well as the meat entrees are authentically Italian in taste and presentation.

DiVino Wine Bar

A new addition to Vancouver’s East side, DiVino is located at the corner of Commercial and Gravely. DiVino has developed a great reputation for its culinary offerings, fusing Italian, French and Mediterranean traditions. At DiVino the emphasis is on dishes prepared with fresh and locally available ingredients.

L'Altro Buca

L’Altro Buca is situated in Vancouver’s beautiful west end (1906 Haro St) and is owned and operated by the chef and business partner team of Andrey Durbach and Chris Stewart. The menu uses traditional and rustic Italian cuisine as its inspiration. A lush outdoor patio makes for that original al fresco feeling on warm summer evenings.

Il Giardino di Umberto Ristorante

This is owner/chef Umberto Menghi’s gift to Vancouver – authentic Tuscan cooking, the best Italian wines and pasta and seafood dishes that taste as if they just came out of a real Tuscan kitchen. Loads of charm, romance and the old-world Italian home feeling enhance the ambiance. Try the classic osso bucco and saffron risotto – delizioso!

Cibo Trattoria

Located at 900 Seymour Street in downtown Vancouver, the Italian creations focus on same-day, fresh local ingredients. Chef Neil Taylor’s culinary creations are rich and decadent yet light and tasty. Cibo offers a good wine selection and great service to make your dining experience a rewarding one.


Al Porto Ristorante

After a hectic day in delightful Gastown tourists stop off at their favorite neighborhood Italian ristorante at 321 Water St. Al Porto specializes in typical Italian cuisine including seafood creations. Try the wood-fired pizzas with your favorite pitcher of wine for a real Tuscan feeling.

By: Sheila LoGuisto

Images in order supplied by DB Bistro Moderne, Bistrot Bistro, Italian Kitchen and CinCin Ristorante and Bar

At this location, El Toro offers a breakfast delight: steak and cheese omelette, home fries, thick toast and coffee for $5.99. Soft serve ice cream is also available. There are dozens of round tables for patrons but the dining area is apparently shared with other restaurants.
Minto place and was starved so I decided to eat at a place called Eltoro Pizzeria IT WAS AMAZING The food was Excellent. I have never tasted anything better. They serve subs lasgana and killer pizza. If you are in a rush to eat somewhere in Minto Place go there. The staff were amazing and the food is the best pizza I have ever tasted. i had an ice cream sundae and that rocked too. The drinks were cold as ice. Everything was perfect! The prices are very reasonable! The kitchen was spotless. AMAZING IWILL BE bACK!
The four staff members at the restaurant were kept busy the whole time I was there. For late lunch, I had a foot-long pizza sub which includes pepperoni, mushrooms and green peppers by default. Before the open sandwich was toasted, I added lettuce, tomato, pickle, parmigiana and oregano. The sandwich maker would not allow me to pass up some Italian sauce, okay. The sandwich was more than I could eat. However, I note that the price on the printed menu is twenty cents less than the price on the menu board, take-out versus dine-in?

The Most Corrupt Politicians In America

 

The times they don’t seem to be a changin’ In President Obama’s State of the Union Speech Wednesday, he said that the American people “face a deficit of trust — deep and corrosive doubts about how Washington works that have been growing for years.” He ain’t kidding.So we thought it would be appropriate to highlight a few of our public servants considered to be among the most corrupt. A few months ago Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) released their list of the . There are 12 congressmen on the list and three senators. Seven are Republicans and eight are Democrats, and all of them seem to have been caught with their hand in the cookie jar, so to speak.The first on the list is a gentleman from the sunshine state

Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.)Rep. Buchanan owns several car dealerships in Florida and CREW alleges that he pressured his employees to make donations to his campaign, in some cases reimbursing them. “In one seven-day period, he raised $110,000 from employees of his numerous car dealerships,” CREW reports, adding that, “Joe Kezer, an employee of Sarasota Ford, also alleges that he was pressured to make a contribution and that as a further reward, Rep. Buchanan offered him the use of his vacation house in Vail, Colo. Aware that it might not be legal, but fearing for his job, Mr. Kezer made a contribution of $2,000 to Rep. Buchanan’s campaign committee.”CREW also alleges that Buchanan used some of the cars from his dealerships for campaign purposes, which is a no-no, and the St. Petersburg Times reports that several of his former employees have sued the congressman for forcing them to make donations

.Senator Burris, if you remember, came to power in the wake of the Rod Blagojevich scandal and currently occupies President Obama’s former Senate seat, having been appointed by the now disgraced and impeached Illinois governor. He was accused of trying to sell the Senate seat that Burris now enjoys and though Sen. Burris argues he is not tainted by his association with Blagojevich, CREW notes that he has offered three separate explanations for his appointment, all of which were under oath. A federal wiretap captures Sen. Burris telling the then governor’s brother that he was interested in the seat, could raise money for the governor and ultimately offered to “give him [Gov. Blagojevich] a check.”

by mainstreet.com

BUSINESS FITNESS ANALYSIS

The Business Fitness Analysis (BFA) culminating in the Business Fitness Report (BFR), assists the Small to Medium sized Enterprise (SME) business owner to identify their own high level business needs.

The BFA is a questionnaire requiring mainly YES/NO answers that covers the following areas of business and takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete. It does not ask for any private or business financial information and covers the following areas:
This industry has enjoyed healthy revenue growth as Americans become more aware of the importance of fitness. Health and social interaction are the main factors that draw members to fitness and recreational clubs, along with appearance-related factors including muscle tone, looking better and weight control. The media has played its part, with an increased emphasis on appearance and wellness evident.

In-depth industry market research presented in a logical and consistent format. Including 36 pages of insights covering industry conditions, key statistics, competitor analysis and market share, product and customer segmentation and a 5 year forecast
IBISWorld is the FIRST research firm to offer key statistics and in-depth analysis on every sector of the US economy.

Our industry research reports feature 25-50 revealing pages, including market size, market share, segmentation of products and services, business insights, market trends, a 5 year industry forecast, and much more! All offered in an easy-to-use, online format.
fitness
Why do it yourself? A few minutes with an IBISWorld industry profile is worth weeks of in-house market research. Knowledge is power... become an industry "expert" today!
In 1999, the U.S. medical bill was $738 million, of which businesses paid 30 percent. Recent studies indicate positive returns on investments for wellness programs of various companies ranging from $1.91:1 to $5.78:1. General Electric's aircraft engines division, for example, saves $1 million per year through its wellness programs. Traveler's Insurance Company reported savings of $7.8 million in 2000, attributable to its wellness programs, and a return of $3.41 for every dollar invested in wellness.

Important demographic changes are taking place in America that point to the importance of worker productivity in coming decades.

•16 million new jobs will be created by the year 2005, but there will only be 14 million workers to fill them.
•In 2000, women comprised one-third of the work force, a ratio that will increase to one-half by the year 2003.
•An estimated 80 percent of jobs to be filled in the immediate future will require more than a high-school education. Only 74 percent of Americans, however, finish high school, and only 67 percent graduate with adequate skills.
•The number of skilled workers available to fill new jobs is decreasing, meaning that employers are facing more severe competition for labor. Thus, the health and productivity of each employee becomes crucial to a company's success.
The following quantitative information has supported explosive growth in the health wellness program industry. The last five years has seen a 9% growth rate and the next five years is expected to achieve a 7% growth rate.



The preferred format fitness center business plan template for investors, SBA, banks and angel investors in MS Word format.
You don't have to create your own contents from scratch or delete most of it as may be the case with a sample plan. You'll also get the most professional printed results. The program includes the retail store template by default and one additional business plan template of your choice (in this case fitness center business plan template). You can also purchase some additional retail business plan templates. The fitness center business plan template is fully geared towards the fitness center business. Easily add project plans, phasing diagrams, floor plans, specific plans and more as is needed. Easily insert financial data from the financial application.
It's a program that produces faster results than any other, and is brought to you by a company with over 25 years of related experience. It is a helpful fitness center business plan program and offers the necessary flexibility. Its structure is the preferred format today and it offers you a template that includes all that should be included in a fitness center business plan geared toward success. The financial application is the only retail specific close-to-reality planner in the world.

Designed to help retail entrepreneurs and retailers make smarter decisions faster and easier, it's the best value your money can buy when it comes to fitness center business plan and retail financial plan software.

The Financial Fitness Analysis (FFA), culminating in the Financial Fitness Report (FFR) gives you an objective high level assessment of your financial planning needs.

The Financial Fitness Analysis is a questionnaire requiring mainly YES/NO answers and takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete. The FFA does not seek to illicit any private financial information and covers the following areas:

* Business Continuity
* Wealth Creation
* Employee Benefits

The questionnaire is used to determine the financial fitness of your business. You will receive a detailed report on the results via email from one of a Sanlam Cobalt consultant. The analysis and report is done at no cost to you, the business owner.

•Increased usage of fitness facilities on behalf of individuals. Exercising and "working out" has become a more mainstream activity in American's lives over the last decade. Five to ten years ago there were widespread reports about an impeding health crisis, obesity. Americans, relative to their Western European counterparts have higher incidents of obesity. To a large degree, this is correlated to American's unhealthy diet of fast food, and generally poor food choices, especially fried foods. The poor diet is not the only factor however. Americans were fairly inactive, with only 19% of people age 20-40 exercising three times a week. Luckily, that has changed over the last 10 years. The percentage of active people has increased to 43% as of 2002. More and more people are going to the gym after work or are incorporating some sort of outdoor activity into their daily routine.

•The incorporation of fitness memberships within the "basket of benefits," a part of the total compensation package. As fitness memberships have become a more common element in the working American's lives, companies have become to incorporate membership as part of their benefit package for employees. This has occurred for at least two reasons. One reason is a flexible method to compensate employees. The second reason is that is has a positive effect on a company's bottom line. Study after study supports the contention that a physically fit employee is happier, healthier, and more productive. For no other reason, offering fitness club memberships to employees is a smart cost-benefit decision
Corporate Fitness is entering their second year of business. The business model has been well received and marketing is especially important to maintain growth and market penetration. In addition to offering fitness facilities for Seattle corporations, Corporate Fitness' main activity is the creation and implementation of wellness programs. The basic market need is the reduction of corporate costs and the increase in employee efficiency that can be achieved through long-term wellness programs.

fitness healthy

Poor physical fitness is a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor (1–3). Given that physically fit, habitually active persons are at lower risk of obesity and weight gain (4), the protective effects of fitness may be partly mediated through adiposity, although this issue remains controversial. Previous epidemiologic studies have suggested that fitness is an independent predictor of CVD risk (5–7), which suggests that persons who are obese yet fit may have a lower risk of CVD than do those who are obese and unfit. However, contrasting studies suggest that obesity is a stronger risk factor, independently from fitness (8, 9). The mechanisms for the potential protective effects of fitness in obesity are incompletely understood, although specific risk markers such as inflammation have gained attention (10).

Several population studies have shown inverse associations between fitness and inflammatory markers independently of fatness (11–13), although others have suggested that obesity is a risk factor regardless of fitness (14–16). In addition, randomized controlled trials are equivocal. For example, in 152 female smokers, no changes were observed in C-reactive protein (CRP) or fibrinogen after a 12-wk exercise program that improved physical fitness, although body weight remained stable (16). In 193 sedentary, mildly obese men and women, 6-mo exercise training did not alter concentrations of CRP despite improvements in fitness and in visceral and subcutaneous adiposity (17). In contrast, significant reductions in inflammatory markers were observed after 3–6-mo exercise training without changes in body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2) or body fat in elderly participants (18, 19). In another trial that lasted for 18 mo, a dietary weight-loss intervention resulted in significant reductions in CRP, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor- compared with the control group, although no effects were observed for an exercise intervention group (20). A number of reasons may explain these equivocal findings, including disparity in the Participants were drawn from the Whitehall II epidemiologic cohort (21) for a substudy in 1999–2000, which served as the baseline assessment for the present study. Participants were invited for a follow-up assessment 3 y later. The criteria for entry into the study included no history or objective signs of coronary heart disease and no previous diagnosis or treatment of hypertension, inflammatory diseases, or allergies. Volunteers were of white European origin, were aged 45–59 y, lived in the London area, and were employed full-time, which was dictated by the overall characteristics of the main cohort. Selection was stratified by grade of employment to include participants of higher and lower socioeconomic status. The participation rate was high, approximately 92%. Participants declining invitation to take part were generally from lower work grades. Participants were prohibited from using any antihistamine or antiinflammatory medication 24 h before testing and were rescheduled if they reported colds or other infections on the day of testing. At baseline there were 214 participants, although follow-up data were unavailable in 38, leaving 176 volunteers in the final analysis (98 men, 78 women). Participants excluded did not differ significantly from those included in the final analyses. Participants gave full informed consent to participate in the study, and ethical approval was obtained from the University College London Hospital committee on the Ethics of Human Reseaexercise interventions, poor adherence levels, differences between characteristics of participants, and variable follow-up times. Indeed, the typical duration of most intervention studies is 3–6 mo, which may not be long enough to observe significant effects. We are unaware of any work to date that has studied the joint influence of fitness and adiposity on inflammatory markers with the use of a prospective design. The aim of the present study was therefore to examine the association between fitness, adiposity, and inflammatory markers prospectively over 3 y. We hypothesized that baseline fitness and adiposity would be independently related to inflammatory marker concentrations at follow-up.

gambling in usa

Gambling and gaming has evolved to becoming a very large and pervasive industry in the United States over the last three decades, with over $ 73 billion in revenues and 33% adult participation. The nature of this industry and its rapid growth has led to a lot of debate about its benefits and costs. In this paper, our access to a rich and new dataset on individual consumer behavior vis-a-vis casino visitation and activity allows us to take a data based approach to investigating some of the commonly raised criticisms of the casino gaming industry.

We focus our attention on three of the commonly cited criticisms of the gambling industry - it leads to addictive behavior (with potentially harmful individual and societal effects), it leverages "irrational" consumer beliefs and it uses marketing incentives to influence gamblers. We use the commonly accepted definition of addiction from the economics literature to test for its presence i.e., that current consumption is affected by past consumption. We fit a model of the play decision and bet amount (given play) to data from a consumer panel of casino visitors over a two year period. Our data are at a highly disaggregate level - we look at play decisions within a given trip for individual consumers. Our modeling approach allows us to exploit the rich variation in the data both across and within individuals.

Our results show that, controlling for other reasons that could induce play, only about 8% of all consumers show evidence for addiction (as defined by us). While this proportion may look small (in absolute terms), it is consistent with research in other academic fields that has focused on casino gamblers. This result also suggests, that for a majority of casino gamblers, the failure to find patterns of addiction may be interpreted as support for the view that the role of casinos for these gamblers is to provide entertainment.


-Adolescents are the largest and most vulnerable population addicted to gambling.

The next generation is the first in modern American history to grow up in an era when gambling is legally sanctioned and culturally approved. Tragically, adolescents have proven extremely susceptible to the enticements of gambling, and are becoming hooked at rates even greater than their adult counterparts. Past research on youth gambling, focusing on prevalence rates, found that pathological gambling rates for adolescents appear to range anywhere between two to four times that of adults.1 Researchers believe we are seeing just a tip of the iceberg.



"If this [gambling] were a children's toy, it would be pulled off the market immediately. We would not tolerate it." — Earl Grinols, University of Illinois economics professor

Parents, Protectors
A number of studies have shown that many youths will be exposed to gambling through parents' participation, such as buying lottery tickets, playing cards for money, visiting casinos and making wagers.2 It's not unusual for parents to give their children lottery tickets for their birthdays or Christmas. Many fathers attend sports events with their children, placing wagers on the team, horse or dog favored to win.3

Studies consistently confirm that parental disapproval (or approval) of specific behaviors is one of the strongest protective factors in a child’s life against risky behavior. Conversely, parental dismissal or advocacy of certain destructive behaviors can be profoundly detrimental to children.4

Many gamblers with problem and pathological addictions began gambling between 10 to 13 years of age.5

Eugene F., a recovering addict who asks to be identified only by his Gamblers Anonymous name, who remembers going to the track with his father at age 14. "He would place $ 2 bets for me. It was win-win. If I won, I got to keep the money. If I lost, it was his money." Eventually, Eugene's parents "lost" $ 20,000, paying off their son's bookies before he got help from Gamblers Anonymous.6



Children and Adolescents: Most Vulnerable
A child or adolescent's brain is still under construction. Their brains differ from adults, in that children's brains operate primarily from the lymbic system or the seat of emotion. They function on gut reactions and appeal. They do not have a fully developed prefrontal cortex, which allows rational thinking, risk assessment and discernment. The prefrontal cortex has been dubbed "the area of sober second thought."7

An estimated 7,900,000 American adolescents are already addicted to gambling. They represent over half of all people in the United States with problem or pathological gambling addictions.8 You could fill most any NFL football stadium over 100 times to capacity with American youth that are addicted to gambling.

Howard Shaffer, director of the Center for Addiction Studies at Harvard Medical School, conducted a meta-analysis of youth gambling studies in North America. He found the rate of problem gambling among youths ranged between 9.9 to 14.2 percent, while 4.4 to 7.4 percent were already exhibiting compulsive gambling behaviors.9

Research indicates that adolescents are about three times more likely than adults to become problem gamblers.10 Studies also show adolescents are up to five times more likely to develop gambling-related problems than adults.11

Adolescents are especially susceptible to video gambling because of their familiarity with video games, vivid graphics, action, speed, anonymity, accessibility and availability. No adult need be present for an underage adolescent to play a video gambling machine and adult supervision is often lacking when convenience gambling is available.12

Video lotteries, video poker and video slots have earned their reputation as the "crack cocaine" of the gambling industry, because of their highly addictive nature.13 In the summer of 2000, South Carolina removed between 34,000 to 36,000 video poker games from their state, because of the dramatic increase in pathological gambling addiction.14



Kids Are Gambling
A gambling prevalence study found over 80 percent of adolescents (12 to17 years old) have gambled in the past year.15 In the age of video gambling, machines don’t ask your age.

Henry Lesieur, of Illinois State University, estimates that 6% to 8% of youngsters aged 13 to 17 nationally are problem gamblers. Other social science experts who, like Lesieur, base their estimates on an evaluation of the accumulated state studies and their own research on addiction echo that rate.16

The Massachusetts Attorney General’s office conducted a sting operation in which 66 percent of minors were able to place bets on Keno games. The sting tested compliance at 90 different locations and involved adolescents as young as 14. The minimum legal age to gamble on Keno in Massachusetts is 18.17 An earlier survey by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office found that 80 percent of minors in Massachusetts were able to purchase lottery tickets.18

Nearly six percent of the high school Seniors surveyed by the Louisiana State University Medical School researchers met the criteria for pathological gambling, while 16 percent could be classified as problem gamblers.19

New Jersey casinos reported ejecting nearly 26,000 underage persons some time after they had managed to enter the casinos. Another 136,000 juveniles attempted to enter the casinos but were prevented from doing so. “Juvenile Suspected Underage Report: January to December 1995,” New Jersey Casino Control Commission.20

In 2002, the University of Florida conducted research on 13-17-year-old adolescent gambling in Florida. They found the mean age for gambling initiation was 12.5 years, and 80,608 Florida adolescents (8.2%) are at-risk gamblers, while 37,355 Florida adolescents (3.8%) are problem or pathological gamblers.21



The Fallout from Adolescent Gambling
In studies of gambling behaviors among high school students, one in 10 report committing illegal acts to obtain gambling money or to pay gambling debts.22

A survey of high school students in Massachusetts found that 5 percent had been arrested for a gambling-related offense. The survey further found that 10 percent of students reported experiencing family problems because of their gambling, 8 percent had gotten in trouble at work or school due to their gambling activities, and 13 percent reported being unable to stop gambling when they wanted.23

Bill Eastbrooks, a former school principal, said he saw children coming to school without lunches because their parents were addicted to VLTs. He knew of several people who killed themselves over gambling.24



An investigation by The Canadian Press found more than 10 percent of suicides in Alberta and more than six per cent in Nova Scotia were linked to gambling in 2001.25 In the United States, one in five pathologically addicted gamblers will attempt suicide.26

In terms of irrational beliefs, our analysis allows us to test for behavior based on two such beliefs - the "hot hand myth" and the "gamblers fallacy." We find evidence for the gamblers fallacy in both directions - consumers who win (lose) a bet are less (more) likely, on average, to continue betting. We believe this is the first study to conduct such an analysis on individual-level behavioral data (as opposed to laboratory settings).

We also find that marketing activity has a positive effect on the decision to play and the amount to bet. In terms of effect size, marketing (comps) seem to be more similar to advertising rather than price promotions. Finally, we find some evidence that marketing activity is more effective for consumers who exhibit more addictive behavior. -

Proctor and Gamble

PG ( Proctor and Gamble ) is in the consumer staples business. It was the best performing dow jones stocks for the recently ended quarter. Let us quickly take a look at the financials to see if it is a buy at current prices.WASHINGTON, Oct 2 (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama's politically risky Olympics gamble failed to bring home the gold on Friday, with the Olympics committee's refusal to grant the 2016 Summer Games to his hometown Chicago.

The president, whose even-tempered personality has earned him the nickname "No Drama Obama," broke from that mold to make an overnight dash from Washington to Copenhagen to personally lobby for Chicago.

Obama and his wife, Michelle, had taken their star power to the Danish capital to make Chicago's case, ignoring the carping from Republican opponents who charged it was a bad time to go with foreign policy challenges in Iran and Afghanistan and the U.S. Congress bogged down in a domestic healthcare debate.

"I'm asking you to choose Chicago. I'm asking you to choose America," Michelle Obama told committee members.

Her husband said, "If you do, if we walk this path together
With a P/E of 23 and Price/Cash flow of close to 18, the stock doesnt appear cheap at current prices. Let us take a deeper look at the numbers to see how things look like.

The company bought Gillette recently, which has helped its cashflow and net margins. The EPS has grown at the rate of 9% a year for the past ten years and is likely to grow at that rate in the future.

The business is doing well on all fronts as noted in the company's 10-Q:

Net sales fiscal year to date increased 14 percent to $57.20 billion behind 11 percent volume growth, including an additional three months of Gillette results during the current fiscal year to date period versus the comparable year ago period. Organic volume grew five percent with broad-based growth across the business. Every reportable segment delivered year-on-year organic volume growth driven by product initiatives including Tide Simple Pleasures, Febreze Noticeables, Pantene Color Expressions, Olay Regenerist and Definity and the Head & Shoulders and Herbal Essences restages. Price increases taken across several segments added one percent to sales growth while favorable foreign exchange trends had a positive two percent impact. Product mix had no net impact on sales growth as the favorable mix impact from the additional period of Gillette results was offset by disproportionate growth in developing regions, where unit selling prices are below the Company average. Organic sales increased six percent fiscal year to date.

Additionally, the per share growth has been impressive partly because of the accretive nature of Gillette's business.

Net earnings increased 19 percent to $8.07 billion behind organic sales growth, the impacts from the addition of Gillette, including financing and other acquisition-related expenses, and profit margin expansion. Diluted net earnings per share were $2.37, up 13 percent versus the prior year. Earnings per share growth lagged net earnings growth due to a net increase in the weighted average shares outstanding in the current year to date period (incremental shares issued in conjunction with the Gillette acquisition on October 1, 2005, net of share repurchases, primarily under the Gillette repurchase program).

The fastest growing business segment was health care products. The gillette razors and blade segment is growing impressively in the developing countries.
Chicago and the United States of America will make the world proud."

All that was for naught as Chicago was eliminated in the first round of voting, a decision that brought gasps from the Chicago contingent at the Copenhagen meeting.

The Republican National Committee chairman, Michael Steele, was unsparing in his criticism in a statement issued before the decision was announced and on a day when the U.S. jobless rate rose to 9.8 percent, a 26-year high.

"As President Obama travels to Copenhagen to bring the Summer Olympics to his hometown seven years from now, Americans back home are increasingly concerned they won't have a job seven months from now as they see more and more of their neighbors and friends lose jobs today," Steele said.

BAD NEWS

Obama had originally planned not to go but changed his mind when it was clear that other leaders wanting their countries to host the 2016 Games would be there.

The Democratic president got the bad news as Air Force One flew him back to Washington, where just about every move he makes goes under a partisan microscope.

While more Republican criticism was likely, it was unclear whether the failure would have a lasting impact on Obama's political image. His job approval rating has stabilized at slightly above 50 percent after dropping about 10 points over the summer.

University of Virginia political scientist Larry Sabato said he believed the issue would not linger.

"It's a classic political hullabaloo that will fade quickly," he said. "I think it actually points up a problem the Republicans are having, which is focusing the unhappiness and disagreement they have with Obama. In politics you have to be able to complain about the right things."

Overall, PG is a great business. The current price levels are a bit too high - the right time to buy this was during the summer months during the peak of the credit crisis.

What is Business Model?

Business models are perhaps the most discussed and least understood aspect of the web. There is so much talk about how the web changes traditional business models. But there is little clear-cut evidence of exactly what this means. As part of the businessbusinessbusiness modelmodelmodel, there is a need to address internal factors that relate to the ongoing operation of the company. This will involve defining the departments and divisions within the company, along with the procedures that govern the creation of positions and job responsibilities within each department. Management of all the departments is also an important component of the businessbusinessbusiness modelmodelmodel, as is the definitions of the responsibilities of the executives within the organization. BusinessBusinessBusiness operations such as manufacturing facilities, defining the production process, and allowing for the labor needs to produce the products are also part of the businessbusinessbusiness modelmodelmodel.

External factors also are part of a comprehensive businessbusinessbusiness modelmodelmodel. Chief among these elements is defining the target consumer audience for the goods and services produced by the corporation. This one single element of identifying the target audience will influence the form and function of both the marketing and sales efforts of the company, which in turn will impact the overall cost to produce each unit of a product. The businessbusinessbusiness modelmodelmodel will take this information into consideration and set retail pricing that will allow the company to operate at a profit, assuming a certain level of sales is realized consistently.


BusinessBusinessBusiness operations, sales and marketing concerns and forecasts, labor costs, and organizational structure are all essential components of the businessbusinessbusiness modelmodelmodel. Operating with a comprehensive modelmodelmodel helps a company to maintain focus on a core mission, while periodic reviews and updates help to keep the businessbusinessbusiness modelmodelmodel relevant to current economic conditions and consumer demands.


In the most basic sense, a business model is the method of doing business by which a company can sustain itself -- that is, generate revenue. The business model spells-out how a company makes money by specifying where it is positioned in the value chain.

Some models are quite simple. A company produces a good or service and sells it to customers. If all goes well, the revenues from sales exceed the cost of operation and the company realizes a profit. Other models can be more intricately woven. Broadcasting is a good example. Radio and later television programming has been broadcasted over the airwaves free to anyone with a receiver for much of the past century. The broadcaster is part of a complex network of distributors, content creators, advertisers (and their agencies), and listeners or viewers. Who makes money and how much is not always clear at the outset. The bottom line depends on many competing factors.

Internet commerce will give rise to new kinds of business models. That much is certain. But the web is also likely to reinvent tried-and-true models. Auctions are a perfect example. One of the oldest forms of brokering, auctions have been widely used throughout the world to set prices for such items as agricultural commodities, financial instruments, and unique items like fine art and antiquities. The Web has popularized the auction model and broadened its applicability to a wide array of goods and services.

Business models have been defined and categorized in many different ways. This is one attempt to present a comprehensive and cogent taxonomy of business models observable on the web. The proposed taxonomy is not meant to be exhaustive or definitive. Internet business models continue to evolve. New and interesting variations can be expected in the future.

The basic categories of business models discussed in the table below include:

Brokerage
Advertising
Infomediary The end-user has free access to the main product/service. An additional, optional charge is made for related ‘added value’ products/services, e.g. documentation, support, commercial versions, related iPhone or Android application, etc
Merchant
Manufacturer (Direct) One or more third-parties place clearly defined adverts within the website/application. Variations of adverts include graphical banners, text, inline, pop-over, interstitial, etc. Normally charged by cost per click, cost per action, or cost per thousand impressions.
Affiliate
Community
Subscription
Utility
The models are implemented in a variety of ways, as described below with examples. Moreover, a firm may combine several different models as part of its overall Internet business strategy. For example, it is not uncommon for content driven businesses to blend advertising with a subscription model.
That is an excellent idea. You may want to suggest a topic to wiseGEEK that is related to e-business, perhaps a question about how to market an e-business, challenges of starting up an e-business, etc. I bet a lot of people would be interested in the topic you submit. Make sure to check the database of all current wiseGEEK articles first to see if your topic is already covered.

Business models have taken on greater importance recently as a form of intellectual property that can be protected with a patent. Indeed, business models (or more broadly speaking, "business methods") have fallen increasingly within the realm of patent law. A number of business method patents relevant to e-commerce have been granted. But what is new and novel as a business model is not always clear. Some of the more noteworthy patents may be challenged in the courts.

Business models are perhaps the most discussed and least understood aspect of the web. There is so much talk about how the web changes traditional business models. But there is little clear-cut evidence of exactly what this means. As part of the businessbusinessbusiness modelmodelmodel, there is a need to address internal factors that relate to the ongoing operation of the company. This will involve defining the departments and divisions within the company, along with the procedures that govern the creation of positions and job responsibilities within each department. Management of all the departments is also an important component of the businessbusinessbusiness modelmodelmodel, as is the definitions of the responsibilities of the executives within the organization. BusinessBusinessBusiness operations such as manufacturing facilities, defining the production process, and allowing for the labor needs to produce the products are also part of the businessbusinessbusiness modelmodelmodel.

External factors also are part of a comprehensive businessbusinessbusiness modelmodelmodel. Chief among these elements is defining the target consumer audience for the goods and services produced by the corporation. This one single element of identifying the target audience will influence the form and function of both the marketing and sales efforts of the company, which in turn will impact the overall cost to produce each unit of a product. The businessbusinessbusiness modelmodelmodel will take this information into consideration and set retail pricing that will allow the company to operate at a profit, assuming a certain level of sales is realized consistently.


BusinessBusinessBusiness operations, sales and marketing concerns and forecasts, labor costs, and organizational structure are all essential components of the businessbusinessbusiness modelmodelmodel. Operating with a comprehensive modelmodelmodel helps a company to maintain focus on a core mission, while periodic reviews and updates help to keep the businessbusinessbusiness modelmodelmodel relevant to current economic conditions and consumer demands.


In the most basic sense, a business model is the method of doing business by which a company can sustain itself -- that is, generate revenue. The business model spells-out how a company makes money by specifying where it is positioned in the value chain.

Some models are quite simple. A company produces a good or service and sells it to customers. If all goes well, the revenues from sales exceed the cost of operation and the company realizes a profit. Other models can be more intricately woven. Broadcasting is a good example. Radio and later television programming has been broadcasted over the airwaves free to anyone with a receiver for much of the past century. The broadcaster is part of a complex network of distributors, content creators, advertisers (and their agencies), and listeners or viewers. Who makes money and how much is not always clear at the outset. The bottom line depends on many competing factors.

Internet commerce will give rise to new kinds of business models. That much is certain. But the web is also likely to reinvent tried-and-true models. Auctions are a perfect example. One of the oldest forms of brokering, auctions have been widely used throughout the world to set prices for such items as agricultural commodities, financial instruments, and unique items like fine art and antiquities. The Web has popularized the auction model and broadened its applicability to a wide array of goods and services.

Business models have been defined and categorized in many different ways. This is one attempt to present a comprehensive and cogent taxonomy of business models observable on the web. The proposed taxonomy is not meant to be exhaustive or definitive. Internet business models continue to evolve. New and interesting variations can be expected in the future.

The basic categories of business models discussed in the table below include:

Brokerage
Advertising
Infomediary The end-user has free access to the main product/service. An additional, optional charge is made for related ‘added value’ products/services, e.g. documentation, support, commercial versions, related iPhone or Android application, etc
Merchant
Manufacturer (Direct) One or more third-parties place clearly defined adverts within the website/application. Variations of adverts include graphical banners, text, inline, pop-over, interstitial, etc. Normally charged by cost per click, cost per action, or cost per thousand impressions.
Affiliate
Community
Subscription
Utility
The models are implemented in a variety of ways, as described below with examples. Moreover, a firm may combine several different models as part of its overall Internet business strategy. For example, it is not uncommon for content driven businesses to blend advertising with a subscription model.
That is an excellent idea. You may want to suggest a topic to wiseGEEK that is related to e-business, perhaps a question about how to market an e-business, challenges of starting up an e-business, etc. I bet a lot of people would be interested in the topic you submit. Make sure to check the database of all current wiseGEEK articles first to see if your topic is already covered.

Business models have taken on greater importance recently as a form of intellectual property that can be protected with a patent. Indeed, business models (or more broadly speaking, "business methods") have fallen increasingly within the realm of patent law. A number of business method patents relevant to e-commerce have been granted. But what is new and novel as a business model is not always clear. Some of the more noteworthy patents may be challenged in the courts.

take care your hair

Not everyone is born with beautiful hair, but by learning a few hair care facts, you can make your hair look its best. Healthy, attractive hair should shine. Whether your hair is long or short, light or dark, it should look smooth, silky and shiny. Hair that is dull, dry, brittle or frizzy is unhealthy and unattractive. Everyday events such as shampooing, brushing and blow drying can do great damage to your hair, causing the dry, brittle, frizzy appearance.
take care your hair
Making sure to receive your hair the right amount of nutrients is the first way in which you can take care of. To prevent your hair loss and help looking your hair healthier zinc, protein and other natural resources are used. In order to make sure that your hair stays thicker and healthier maintaining a balanced diet will also help. The beauty of your remaining body can be observed in the way the hair looks. This ensures to take care of your body in order to prevent hair loss.


When you shampoo your hair, you should use a shampoo for your hair specific type of hair. If you have permed or color treated hair, you should use a shampoo for chemically treated hair. Many people believe that baby shampoo is very gentle and safe to use on their hair. This is a big misconception. Baby shampoo is actually quite harsh: its main purpose is to remove cradle cap from an infant's scalp. Leave the baby shampoo for your baby. If you are not sure what your hair type is or what type of shampoo to use, ask your hairdresser. Your hairdresser can recommend a specific shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair healthy and shiny.
Brushing your hair can actually help improve the shine. Brushing evenly distributes the oils from the scalp throughout the hair shaft. If you have long hair that tends to tangle on the ends, you should start brushing on the ends to remove any tangles, and work your way up to the scalp. You should never brush wet hair. When hair is wet is it much weaker than when it is dry. Wet hair will break very easily if it is not combed very gently. If you have long hair, you should squeeze the excess water from your hair with a towel. Never rub your hair between the towel to dry it, this can cause severe hair breakage. Before combing, a leave-in conditioner should be sprayed on the hair to help restore shine and help remove tangles. Using a wide tooth comb, comb hair from the ends and work your way up.
Taking care of your hair is one aspect you have to look into if you are thinking of possibilities for preventing hair loss. It is connected to a variety of factors, such as genetics, diet, or disease. For a longer period of time this will assist your hair to remain healthy.


Blow dryers are very convenient and many of us use them daily. If they are used incorrectly, they can cause severe heat damage to your hair. Blow drying can cause your ends to be dry, brittle and frizzy. You should allow your hair to air dry until it is about half way dry. Set your blow dryer on low or medium heat, and keep the blow dryer about six to eight inches away from your hair. Using a blow dryer set on high heat is very damaging. If you notice stray hairs that are shorter than the rest, that tend to look frizzy or out of place; those are the effects of breakage caused by harsh brushing and treatment of wet hair and blow drying.
Making sure to receive your hair the right amount of nutrients is the first way in which you can take care of. To prevent your hair loss and help looking your hair healthier zinc, protein and other natural resources are used. In order to make sure that your hair stays thicker and healthier maintaining a balanced diet will also help. The beauty of your remaining body can be observed in the way the hair looks. This ensures to take care of your body in order to prevent hair loss.


If you follow these healthy hair practices, you should notice an improvement in the condition of your hair within two to four weeks, depending on how damaged your hair is. While you are working to improve the condition of your hair, there are several hair care products on the market that help improve the shine and decrease the By Another way in which you can take care of your hair effectively is to make sure that you are remaining it balanced with cleanliness. You should not wash your hair less than once a week, although it is recommended that not wash your hair more than once a day. With the proper washings it will allow the dirt and oils to come out of the hair. In order to permit for protection, it will also allow nutrients to move through the hair. Consider using a softer type of shampoo or one that has specific medication, if you have a sensitive scalp to help your hair.

Don't style your hair negatively

Another way to help prevent hair loss is to make sure that you don't style it in a way that will influence it negatively. For instance, blow-drying your hair is identified to affect the cuticles that defend the hair. In order to prevent damage, you should use the heat level on low if you have to blow dry you hair. When you hair is damp or dry you should learn to style your hair. This will prevent hair loss by not putting as much stress on your hair. When your hair is wet, it will be easier for it to stretch and break.

Different products

The different kinds of products that you are putting in your hair are another consideration. Some of the hair products will contain extra chemicals that can be harmful while most hair products that are used for dying hair are known to be safe. This will cause leave your hair exposed by losing the protective layer. Over time, this will cause your hair to be lost easily.

frizziness. When looking into ways to care for your hair, it is vital to keep your hair balanced cosmetically as well as with nutrients. This will affect in preventing hair loss over a longer period of time in you. It will also allow your hair to continue healthier, thicker and better looking. It will give provide you with the proper tools for prevention of hair loss by finding what affects your hair and how it affects.

Hair loss preventive treatment

Hair loss happening is the common notice you observe when you become older. Natural changes occur in the body are one of the reasons for this. These then relates to the amount of pigmentation, hormones and proteins that are being produced. If you are aging and recognize hair loss, you can be assured that it is a natural part of the aging process. The treatments for this are adding more protein to the diet or find a variety of supplements that can help you to age gracefully.Many of the products work remarkably well. See your hairdresser or visit your local beauty supply store for more information on available products.

business in brazil

Learn about business culture, doing business, business customs, etiquette and business protocol. This is the most comprehensive site providing business advice and business tips on country-specific business practices, business communication, business relationships and business travel. Find out how to start and do your business the right way. Receive first-hand knowledge on conducting successful business meetings, business negotiations, business entertainment, security issues and much more. Business Reports were developed by International Cultural Business Culture in Brazil
Find out about business culture, protocol, customs and business etiquette in brazil. Learn about doing successful business in brazil, marketing, corporate structure, negotiating, establishing connections and finding your partner. Receive latest information on brazil business organization, manners, building relationship, correspondence and traditions. Get practical tips on meeting protocol, business entertainment, communication, social customs and much more. But this incubator, where about two dozen start-ups are divided into tiny offices with shared bathrooms down the hall, has helped young entrepreneurs create operational software for bus companies, new equipment for maintaining oil and gas pipelines, and robotics technology to measure environmental damage associated with petroleum exploration.


In doing so, the Genesis Institute is helping to grow a new class of technological entrepreneurs in Brazil.

The news about Brazil's booming economy is dominated by big business, foreign investment, a huge consumer appetite, and the prospects of oil. But Brazil has also blazed forward as an entrepreneurial leader. And while entrepreneurs here face a bureaucracy that could deter the most determined go-getter, they are also being nurtured by a government that sees them as a key engine of job growth. The government's Financing Agency for Projects & Studies (FINEP) has launched its largest project ever to support start-ups.

"We are betting this will have a transformative effect on the country," says Eduardo Costa, FINEP's innovation chief.

Creating job creatorsBrazil is, in many ways, poised to transform. The country has led the region in R&D, investing in it the recommended 1 percent of GDP, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). A 2007 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor shows Brazil as a leading entrepreneurial country, with 13 of 100 residents involved in a start-up.

And its incubator network has grown from 136 in 2000 to 400 today. Most are affiliated with universities, says Ary Plonski, head of the Brazilian Association of Science Parks and Business Incubators. "The idea is to create new opportunities for students so they don't leave university fighting for a job, but being job creators," Mr. Plonski says.

In a meeting, shake hands with and greet each person individually; never walk in and acknowledge everyone all at once. If you know the order [of status] then shake hands from highest to lowest. Have as many documents as possible translated before you get there. It's an insult to confuse Portuguese and Spanish in Brazil. (Remember Brazilians speak Portuguese.) Always be on time for an appointment but expect to wait. They're always 10-15 minutes late. Be patient with business-related delays. Expect many interruptions [during meetings], especially at the higher levels. Offices are shared except at the most senior level, so visitors shouldn't be put off if someone does not have a private office since that's not an indication of status.
Enterprises, Inc. and the leading experts in international business from around the world. International business executives, international researchers, worldwide travelers, and international business students – all benefit from our exclusive information. The reports are current and constantly updated.

Beer, Wine & Liquor Stores in the US

The Market Characteristics chapter covers the following: Market Size, Linkages,

At FloatingSheep, we're willing to search for and analyze almost anything that falls within the realm of human experience. Sometimes this is mundane (pizza) and sometimes it is contentious (abortion) but most of the time it falls somewhere in between. Such as, where can I get a drink?


Demand Determinants, Domestic and International Markets, Basis of Competition and Life Cycle. The Market Size section gives the size of the domestic market as well as the size of the export market. The Linkages section lists the industry's major supplier and major customer industries. The Demand Determinants section lists the key factors which are likely to cause demand to rise or fall. The Domestic and International Markets section defines the market for the products and services of the industry. This section provides the size of the domestic market and the proportion accounted for by imports and exports and trends in the levels of imports and exports. The Basis of Competition section outlines the key types of competition between firms within the industry as well as highlighting competition from substitute products in alternative industries. The Life Cycle section provides an analysis of which stage of development the industry is at.
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February 01, 2010
The Beer Belly of America

At FloatingSheep, we're willing to search for and analyze almost anything that falls within the realm of human experience. Sometimes this is mundane (pizza) and sometimes it is contentious (abortion) but most of the time it falls somewhere in between. Such as, where can I get a drink?



Total Number of Bars



We were quite surprised, however, when we did a simple comparison between grocery stores and bars to discover a remarkable geographically phenomenon. We had expected that grocery stores would outnumber bars and for most parts of North America that is the case. But we could also clearly see the "beer belly of America" peeking out through the "t-shirt of data".


The Segmentation chapter covers the following: Products and Service Segmentation, Major Market Segments, Industry Concentration and Geographic Spread. The Products and Service Segmentation section details the key products and/or services provided by this industry, highlighting the most important where possible to demonstrate which have a more significant influence over industry results as a whole. The Major Market Segments section details the key client industries and/or groups as well as giving an indication as to which of these are the most important to the industry. The Industry Concentration section provides an indicator of how much industry revenue is accounted for by the top four players. The Geographic Spread section provides a guide to the regional share of industry revenue/gross product.

The Industry Conditions chapter covers the following: Barriers to Entry, Taxation, Industry Assistance, Regulation and Deregulation, Cost Structure, Capital and Labor Intensity, Technology and Systems, Industry Volatility and Globalization. The Barriers to Entry section outlines factors that can prevent a new company from entering this industry and also gives an indication of the extent to which this occurs. The Taxation section details all kinds of taxation that are specific or are particularly important to this industry, including taxation concessions. The Industry Assistance section refers to any government and/or other measures designed to improve the performance of this industry. The Regulation and Deregulation section details any applicable regulation and/or deregulation to this industry. The Cost Structure section details the average costs for a company operating in this industry as a percentage of total revenue. The Capital and Labor Intensity section provides a guide to the amount of capital used in production/providing a service compared to the amount of labor in the total mix of inputs. The Technology and Systems section acknowledges the latest technology and/or systems available to this industry within the country. Technology refers to machinery and equipment and systems refers to methods of production that enable better and more efficient production. The Industry Volatility section refers to the year on year fluctuations which occur in industry output. The Globalization section gives an indication of the extent to which the industry is global based on factors such as the level of foreign ownership, the proportion of demand accounted for by foreign operators and the volume of production conducted in other countries.
Starting in Illinois, the beer belly expands up into Wisconsin and first spreads westward through Iowa/Minnesota and then engulfs Nebraska, and the Dakotas before petering out (like a pair of love handles) in Wyoming and Montana.

The clustering was so apparent that we wanted to check how it compared to the "official" data on this activity. So we gathered 2007 Census Country Business Pattern on the number of establishments listed in NACIS code 722410 (Drinking places (alcoholic beverages)) and divided by Census estimates for state population totals for 2009 and found remarkable correspondence with our data.

On average there are 1.52 bars for every 10,000 people in the U.S. but the states that make up the beer belly of America are highly skewed from this average.

Rank State Bars per 10,000 Population


The Performance chapter provides an analysis of both the industry's Current Performance and Historical Performance. The Current Performance section provides the key analysis for the industry over the past five years with key performance indicators discussed. The Historical Performance section details previously important events in the development of the industry.

The Key Competitors chapter lists the major players in the industry as well as an analysis of each major player's activities in the industry. Market share information is included where possible.

The Key Factors chapter covers the industry's Key Sensitivities and Key Success Factors. The Key Sensitivities section outlines the key factors that are outside the control of an operator in the industry, but are likely to have significant impact on a business. The Key Success Factors section details the factors within the control of an industry operator and which should be followed in order to be successful in the industry. Often this will include behavior that will help to minimize the effects of the Key Sensitivities.

The Outlook chapter is a key analysis section of the report and outlines expectations for the key industry indicators over the next five year period, including forecasts.