how to budget personal finances

Another day, another honking big funding for another online start-up (and yet another broken embargo too!).

It’s like Groundhog Day in Silicon Valley as usual.

Today, Cambridge, Mass.-based HubSpot wins tech’s version of the lottery, grabbing $32 million from Sequoia Capital, Google Ventures and also Salesforce.com.

It is unclear what the valuation for HubSpot is now, although it is likely high given it has raised $65 million now.

HubSpot makes marketing software for businesses, who use it to find prospects and generate leads, along with tools to analyze the process. It claims it has “4,000 customers, over 50 percent market share, five million leads managed, and 70 million page views tracked monthly.”

The Series D financing included HubSpot’s existing venture investors–General Catalyst Partners, Matrix Partners, and Scale Venture Partners–and part of it will be used to cash out existing shareholders. In previous rounds, the start-up has raised $33 million.

Here is the official press release:

Sequoia, Google Ventures, and Salesforce.com Invest $32 Million in HubSpot

Marketing Software Company Attracts New Strategic Investors

CAMBRIDGE, MA–(Marketwire – March 8, 2011)–Today, for the first time ever, Sequoia Capital, Google Ventures and Salesforce.com all invested together in one company, providing HubSpot with a Series D round of financing through a $32 million investment. HubSpot provides all-in-one marketing software used by over 4,000 businesses to get found by more prospects, convert them into leads and sales, and analyze the entire marketing process.

“The fundamental way that people shop, learn, and buy has changed radically in the last few years. HubSpot helps transform the way businesses market from outbound marketing (cold calls, email blasts, and direct mail) to inbound marketing (Google, blogs, social media, mobile, etc.),” said Brian Halligan, co-founder and CEO of HubSpot.

Sequoia Capital has a long history of partnering with founders to help them build long-term, multi-billion dollar companies, including Google, LinkedIn, AdMob, YouTube, Yahoo!, Apple, and Oracle. “We back companies that are transforming their industries,” said Jim Goetz, General Partner at Sequoia Capital. “HubSpot is the emerging category leader in the SaaS marketing sector. Their customer base exceeds that of all the other relevant marketing software companies combined, including Eloqua, Marketo, Genius, and Manticore.”

“Today, every company needs to succeed in search, social, sales, and marketing–I can’t think of a more powerful trifecta than Google, Salesforce.com, and HubSpot. With 4,000 customers, HubSpot is already a clear marketing leader–now, with this new infusion of capital and recognition by Google’s venture arm and Salesforce.com, HubSpot has a great opportunity to separate itself from the pack and become the leading marketing platform in the small and medium business space,” said Brent Leary, co-founder of CRM Essentials.

Google Ventures Partner, Rich Miner (formerly co-founder of Android) said, “We agree with HubSpot’s belief that search engines, social media, and mobile devices have fundamentally changed how businesses should market themselves. We’re thrilled to support their efforts to help thousands of small and medium businesses reach potential customers.”

Dharmesh Shah, co-founder and CTO of HubSpot commented, “We founded the company based on a simple premise: Businesses want an easy-to-use, complete and integrated marketing platform that helps them get more leads and customers. We plan to use this new capital to further invest in this ambitious vision and further our existing lead in the marketing software category.”

If you don't know much about Justin Bieber's rise to superstardom, James Parker provides a good primer:

How did he do it? With YouTube, that’s how. Kissed in his cradle by the witch of the Web, Justin was throwing up little promo reels by the time he was 12. Singing a Brian McKnight song into the bathroom mirror. Or sitting on some municipal steps somewhere, busking mightily about the Lord: “You’re my God and my Fa-ther!” he bellows through the legs of passersby, the wooden body of his guitar reverberating with his shouts. ...

Bieber wasn’t from the Disney factory, and he didn’t have a show on Nickelodeon, so the marketing plan was skewed toward his already established constituency in social media: lots of Facebooking and YouTubing and sugary tweets to his millions-strong Twitter army.

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Chad Ochocinco of Cincinnati Bengals gets reserve spot on Sporting KC

After a five-day tryout, NFL star Chad Ochocinco has been awarded a spot on the reserve team for Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer.

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This Week&#39;s Health Industry <b>News</b> - NYTimes.com

A look at what's coming up in the drug and health fields.

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Small Business <b>News</b>: Social Media Brand

What is your social media brand? Do you have one? Sure, many small business owners and entrepreneurs are coming around to the enormous importance of social.

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Apple advertises its products as magical. They’re at the intersection of “technology and the liberal arts,” Steve Jobs said today. Something that moves your heart, not just your lust for technology. Will consumers still buy that in 2011?

The big picture question of the day is whether Apple has done it again. With the original iPad, Apple crushed its rivals, taking more than 90 percent of the tablet market in 2010 and selling more than 15 million units. Jobs predicted today that 2011 will be the year of the iPad 2. Based on what I have seen today, I think he’s mostly, but not entirely, right.

Competitors will discover that Apple has a lot of inherent financial advantages, including being a low-cost leader. That may not sound intuitive, but I believe it has to be true. It is selling so much volume of its products that it can get discounts on parts and manufacturing services that no one else can get.

When it sells its products in stores, it also doesn’t have to give away 20 percent of the margin to a retailer. That is a huge financial advantage. Carriers are also willing to subsidize the costs of Apple products in a way that they won’t with other tablet vendors. All of these things may explain why the Motorola Xoom, a very cool product, is selling for $800 while Apple has priced its new devices at $499 to $829, (and dropped the price of the old iPad to $399). Apple has also left very little room for rivals here, since it has signed up both AT&T and Verizon. Perhaps there is room for rivals to sell $199 machines, but users probably aren’t going to like them.

Those are reasons why any cool Apple mobile product could beat other rivals. But Apple has also done some smart things with the iPad 2. It has created another rev of its microprocessor, the A5, which has two cores, or computing brains. And it has nine times faster graphics than its old A4 chip. Since Apple designs this chip itself, it doesn’t have to give away much margin to a chip design firm. It only has to give a small margin to a chip manufacturer such as Samsung to make the chips.

Apple has also custom-designed the A5 to run Apple applications on a device with a 10-hour battery life. Apple should have an edge there, as it won’t sell the A5 to rivals. But if this is an advantage, it isn’t likely to last long, as Nvidia is being very aggressive with a new quad-core chip that it could sell to any Android rivals.

The design of the iPad 2 is where Apple has more advantages. The iPad 2 will have faster web-browsing with a new version of Safari. It has two cameras that will inspire a lot of video and photo-related apps. The availability of the Mac applications — iMovie, Garage Band, and Photo Booth — on the iPad 2 will make a lot of users happy. More interesting features will come with new releases of the iOS, or Apple’s operating system in the fairly near future.

There are some users who won’t like the restrictions of Apple’s ecosystem. If they want universal serial bus (USB) and SD card ports, they are out of luck. Apple didn’t change the resolution of its screen either, leaving it at 1024 x 768. Competitors could add these options and put emphasis on them as selling points. (Critics are disappointed that Apple did not improve the display, but that’s a big cost issue others have too).

Apple has also made great improvements in the feel of the product. It’s 33 percent thinner, 2 ounces lighter, and it has a wonderful new screen cover that doubles as a stand for the device. (It wakes up the device when you peel it back and it has micro-fibers that clean the screen when the cover is on).

Now here is why Jobs is not entirely right. Apple has come up with a stunning machine at prices that the competitors will have a hard time beating. But it is almost inevitable that Android-based tablets will gain market share on Apple.

So far, I don’t see the Android machine that will beat the iPad 2. But the potential is there, given ingredients such as Android 3.0, Nvidia Tegra 2 chips and other fast microprocessors, and 4G LTE. The latter is the main weakness in Apple’s armor.

LTE is fast, with a minimum speed on Verizon at around 12 megabits a second and actual speeds running much higher than that now. Getting access to 4G LTE is as big a benefit as having access to lots of cool apps, from my point of view. Right now, the timing of the still-young LTE technology means that Apple cannot yet put it into its mass-produced, lowest-cost tablet computers.

If LTE costs come down sometime soon, then Apple can launch a new version of the iPad to incorporate the technology. But it’s not a simple upgrade, as it means that the hardware of the machine — including the radio chip — has to change. And for now, LTE chips are larger than their 3G equivalents, so the heat dissipation and product size are affected. In other words, LTE can force Apple to redesign the iPad.

Apple can do that. But Android tablet makers might be able to move faster than Apple directly into the 4G LTE tablet market. If they do that, then they will have found a scenario where they could steal a march on Apple. Apple is not likely to let that gap last for a long time, but it might be enough for Apple to lose some share this year.

Apple’s leadership position in this market will be hard to beat, but the collective weight and reach of Android rivals could erode it. And here’s a sobering thought: If Apple eventually winds up with only 30 percent of the tablet market, it could still be No. 1, and its place as the largest technology company in the world will not be at risk.

Check out Apple’s overview video on the iPad 2 and Jobs’ comments on technology and the liberal arts below.

Next Story: Loot Drop banks on talented game designers as it takes on social gaming’s giants (exclusive) Previous Story: Electric car startups to square off against Big Auto competition

Editor’s Note: Jim Dalrymple has been writing about Apple for more than 15 years. You can follow him on Twitter @jdalrymple and on his Web site at The Loop.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs on Wednesday introduced the iPad 2 at a special event in San Francisco, taking even more momentum away from its competitors.

I’ve had a lot of people in the last 24 hours tell me that the iPad 2 isn’t as revolutionary as the first generation device. Yes, that’s true. But not every device a company releases has to be or can be revolutionary.

Apple has released three revolutionary products in the last decade alone: iPod, iPhone and iPad. I really can’t think of any products from Apple’s competitors that fit in the revolutionary category in that same time period.

People also said that Apple wasn’t very forthcoming with the specs of the iPad 2. Again, that’s true, but there’s a good reason for that—nobody cares.

Well, some people care. Those of us who are geeks care about specs. However, have you ever noticed that when you sit with your non-geek friends and start listing off specs their eyes glaze over and they rest their chin in their hand.

That’s because they couldn’t care less.

The iPad 2 is no slouch either. It lost one-third of the thickness of the previous generation, and therefore it is one-third less than the size of the iPad competitors too. It also has new technologies like a gyro built-in that will launch another round of cool apps.

Yesterday’s iPad 2 announcement wasn’t about the geeks—it was about all the other people who will buy an iPad. What those people want to know is “what can I do with it?”

If it fits into their lifestyle, most people are good with that. Apple showed many ways how the iPad 2 can fit into your lifestyle.

From the very beginning, Apple was very smart with how it marketed the iPad. The first thing it did was get the device into businesses and promote the fact that it could be used to get work done. And it was quite successful with that.

In an analyst call in October 2010, Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer said the iPad was already being used in 65 percent of Fortune 100 companies. That was four months ago and the iPad has grown since then, so we can only imagine where that number is now.

This strategy allowed Apple to do two things. If it came out with the iPad and pushed the gaming capabilities of the device, the business world would have looked at it as a toy. That would have certainly meant slower adoption. It also allowed them to work on some consumer software, two of which we saw yesterday.

In addition to the iPad 2, Jobs also unveiled iMovie and GarageBand for the iPad. This is what people want to know about—what can I do with the iPad that’s exciting and new.

Obviously, creating movies and being able to edit and share them with friends and family is a very popular thing to do these days. iMovie makes that easy.

Creating music, whether a novice or pro is also a cool thing to do. GarageBand is a great app to get that done and you can move your projects to your Mac and continue working on them.

It’s not just about the hardware. Apple delivers the whole experience that nobody else can. Jobs said yesterday that there are 65,000 apps on its App Store specifically designed for the iPad. That’s a lot of things you can do.

If you think Apple’s competitors are jumping for joy because the iPad 2 isn’t revolutionary, I believe you are wrong. I think they’re scared. Yesterday, they figured out Apple’s strategy too, but a little too late.

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What’s affecting me, my clients and other small-business owners this week.

THE QUAKE IN JAPAN, A GOOFBALL IN VENEZUELA Japanese earthquake damage is estimated at $310 billion and could be the costliest natural disaster ever. Japanese exports suffer. Kate Rogers of Fox revisits how to protect your business from catastrophe. “Small-business owners can determine if they should be seeking disaster coverage by weighing their investment in the business itself, among other factors. If the business is the sole form of income, the risk is much greater than if it is a hobby or part-time project.” Elsewhere around the world, the war industry gets a boost in Libya. And Hugo Chávez of Venezuela says capitalism may have destroyed life on Mars.

REAL ESTATE FALLS, JOBS RISE Mark Thoma says commodity prices are increasing because of world demand. A small-business owner in Georgia is trying not to pass on the cost of high gas prices. Detroit’s population declines 25 percent. Existing-home sales fall to the lowest on record. Meredith Whitney, an investment adviser, says, “Unless the government comes out with a 50-year mortgage, this market is in trouble longer term.” Gallup’s job-creation index is the highest since September 2008. Durable goods orders fall.

ANNE HATHAWAY AND WARREN BUFFETT The Fed earns $79 billion and predicts that the recovery is taking hold. Nonetheless, one of its officials warns that the United States is approaching insolvency. Meanwhile, Warren E. Buffett predicts growth but some think his company’s stock is buoyed by Anne Hathaway. Household balances sheets continue to improve. Scott Grannis says “the Philadelphia Fed Business Outlook Survey came in very strong. It hasn’t been this strong since the economic boom times of the early 1980s. It’s very difficult to ignore the mounting evidence of a strong economic recovery.” Architect billings increased slightly in February.

DEFICIT THRILLS The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget is thrilled to see 64 senators calling for comprehensive deficit reduction. But Stan Collender, a budget expert, isn’t thrilled at all: “Does a letter that is so vanilla that it could have been written at any time over the past 40 years really indicate any movement on the current budget debate?” James Pethokoukis of Reuters says he thinks President Obama’s budget is wildly dangerous.

A NEW DEFINITION OF SMALL BUSINESS Timothy F. Geithner says that American small businesses need greater access to capital to spur innovation. The Small Business Administration, facing even more cuts, is for the first time in more than 25  years proposing to change the way it defines small businesses. JPMorgan Chase says it will cease its debit card rewards program because of new legislation that would restrict fees. Missouri gets $27 million in incentives for small-business growth. The Small Business Savings Account Act makes its way through Congress.

TAKING CREDIT The health care legislation celebrates its first anniversary and Ezra Klein defends it by saying, “Is it a perfect piece of legislation? Not even close. Will everything work as expected? Almost certainly not. But for all its flaws, it’s a good law. And it’s worth trying.” Many small businesses are still not taking advantage of the health care tax credit.

TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES A Google project manager pitches cloud computing: “Web-based software is much less costly for buyers than traditional software, and programmers can be so much more innovative, that it’s worthwhile for an entrepreneur to say, O.K., let’s start from scratch.” Paul Mah, an information technology expert, gives us eight reasons to upgrade to Internet Explorer 9. Firefox 4 is released. Microsoft jumps to second in video search and introduces a new PC tool for small business. Netflix suffers an outage. BlackBerry’s tablet is scheduled to arrive in April. AT&T buys T-Mobile but not for the reason you think. And boy. has computer technology come a long way in 10 years.

THE GROWING APPS MARKET Information Week reports that 38 percent of small- and medium-size businesses depend on mobile apps. Amazon introduces an Android app store, and Apple is not pleased. Minda Zetlin of Inc. asks if you should make a tablet app for your business: “The answer is likely a yes if one, your product or service is one where having tablet access could benefit customers; and two, your customers are the type who use tablets.” Just in time: a flood of royal wedding apps.

SPEAKING OF THE BIG WEDDING General Electric releases a much-needed William and Kate refrigerator. Jack Daniels introduces a new product — perhaps to help us forget the royal wedding. Danny Wong gives us three winning ideas to consider. A dating site features a new single man every day. Score plans an e-business learning Web site for small business. Small Business Television is rebranding itself and has introduced a new Web site. Small Business Opportunities magazine is doing the same. A small business introduces its first electric car. Sales of e-books have doubled. The group buying industry is projected to grow to $2.7 billion this year.

TWITTER’S TAX BREAKS Casey Hibbard explains how one company used social media to make $300,000 in a weekend. Robert Scoble discovers the future of work: “Just when we thought we figured out the new ’social enterprise’ market along comes Convofy.” Twitter shows San Francisco’s businesses how to save a bundle on taxes. A one-legged wrestler shows us how to become a national champ.

IT’S GOOD TO BE GREEN A woman in Canada gets a standing ovation for being green. The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce holds its green marketing event on Wednesday. The Clinton Global Initiative holds its university conference this week with a focus on entrepreneurship and a live webcast.

ADVICE FOR SXSW: HAND OUT PILLOWS The Global Entrepreneurship Congress meets in Shanghai this week. April 2 is International Pillow Fight Day. The South By Southwest conference: as seen from a bunch of social media video bloggers — which is yet another reason I won’t attend next year. American Airlines offers a big promo for California business travelers. John Jantsch wants to know the worst business advice you ever received. A third-base coach gives life advice.

SEARCHING FOR HELP WITH SEARCH An American Express survey finds that more than half of small-business owners say they need help with search-engine marketing. A video about why it’s not important to go viral goes viral. Dharmesh Shah shares a few low-cost advertising ideas for start-ups and cautions readers to “think of advertising not as a long-term traffic strategy but as a testing tool to improve your Web site and find out more about your ideal visitor.” An advertising blog discusses how to develop a relationship with the media. Lucy Thornton comes up with a few good marketing themes for April.

A 100-MILLION-MEMBER NETWORK LinkedIn officially reaches 100 million members. Seems like a good time to read the co-founder’s 10 rules for entrepreneurial success.

TRIED TALKING? Whitson Gordon of Lifehacker gives us his top 10 tricks for working while on the go. Example: “Whether it’s that old, dead iPod or the smartphone you’re already carrying with you, you probably have gigs of unused storage lying around waiting to be filled with portable apps, files and other digital travel necessities.” Melanie Brooks of Workawesome.com explains why she uses a leather day planner instead of a smartphone. Greg Schinkel warns against hiding behind our keyboards: “Before you hit ‘reply to all’ and send back a zinger to someone who maligned you, stop and go talk to the person.”

THIS WEEK’S AWARDS

BEST WAY TO GET YOUR CUSTOMERS TO LOVE YOU Ben Yoskovitz talks about the benefits of delighting your customers: “The rewards are immense. Loyal, rabid fans tweet shamelessly about how incredible you are, how valuable your Web application is and how successful your start-up will be.”

BEST WAY TO MARKET WITHOUT A BUDGET Shisha Dublin-Green explains how to market without a marketing budget: “Form an alliance: if you have a hair salon that’s mostly frequented by women with young children and elderly women, you can offer a service whereby you arrange to do their grocery shopping whilst they’re in the salon. You may decide to form an alliance with a local reputable grocer or delivery service to provide this for your customers. This could also be a way to reach out to new customers via your local grocer.”

BEST ADVICE FOR BOOTSTRAPPERS The Smart Bear says that the things money cannot buy are still the most valuable things: “Show proof of your ability to master the things money cannot buy — your ability to learn, change and improve.”

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION: How do you bring in customers without spending a lot? We do free webinars every month.

Gene Marks owns the Marks Group PC, a Bala Cynwyd, Pa., consulting firm that helps clients with customer relationship management. You can follow him on Twitter.

Preview of Final Result

 

Resources

• PT Sans Bold – FontSquirrel


• Free App Icons for Developers – WebAppers

Step 1

Open Photoshop and create a new document that is 1200 x 1200 pixels, 72 dpi, and RGB Color. Fill the layer with white. (Ctrl+Backspace or Delete)

Step 2

Now create a rectangle for the header and fill it with a white-grey color, then use the colors on the image for the “Gradient Overlay”. Our search and logo will eventually be part of the header.

Step 3

Create a new rectangle above the previous one, with attributes as shown below. The following drop shadow effect creates a look of a 1 pixel stroke which does increase the look of that simple bar. Note: this step creates a horizontal line.

 

Step 4

Now add the “Gradient Overlay” layer style with the hex codes indicated.

Step 5

Add a white 1 pixel stroke. The following stroke of 1 pixel will divide the grey shadow effect. It’ll eventually work as a divider.

Step 6

Make one more rectangle in the middle-right zone, and fill it with white and add a 1 px stroke as indicated – it will be our search box.

Step 7

One more rectangle should be created and filled with blue. Set the inner shadow as indicated below, this will be our search button. This blue works great in combination with grey, white and light-grey. Blue will be the major contrasting color we use as we work through this template.

Step 8

Add the Gradient Overlay details to the button with the details from image.

Step 9

Add a 1 px stroke to the button with the color indicated. Take a look at the first and the final result of the button so you can see the difference all these details made.

Step 10

Now add this drop shadow effect for the text placed in the search box, using PT Sans Bold. This will be the final step in creating your search button. You may want to try other fonts, but the PT Sans Bold is really good for this small button.

Step 11

Make another fill under the header section, this will be the navigation area. Here we will place the navigation links of our template.

Step 12

Write your navigation links using a dark-grey color, then add a white “drop shadow” effect. The effect used for the navigation links is the same used for the search button.

Step 13

With 1px vertical line, make divisions between each links. The lines should be black and will really increase the beauty of the navigation area.

Step 14

Over the home section, make a fill with the blue and then add a Gradient Overlay style as indicated.

Step 15

Copy the Home link, this time color it white and add a drop shadow effect.

Step 16

Create a big, grey zone under the navigation, it should be about 30% of the layout. This will be the background for the featured area.

Step 17

Now create a big, white rectangle and add some shadow with the details shown. A big stock image, a big headline and some text with another great button will be added.

Step 18

Add a any dummy image you want to that featured area. Be sure it covers more than 80% of the area. The one I chose is from a stock website.

Step 19

Add some text to it, use the PT SANS Bold font and make the font big.

Step 20

The remaining area should be filled with grey, in it we’ll place some text. This is really a secondary area which describes the image, the services, the company itself, or whatever you’d like.

Step 21

Place some blue-colored text which will be the title of the information below. Use the details in the image for Drop Shadow style.

Step 22

Add some dummy text. This could be some important information or whatever you’d like.

Step 23

Create another grey area under the featured zone, where we will add some text and icons later. Add the details as stated on the image. Mostly, the icons will promote the services offered by the company behind the website.

Step 24

Continue by adding a Gradient Overlay style for the last rectangle we have created in the anterior steps.

Step 25

Now we are adding titles and icons, as well as some divisions. The icons can be found in the resource list at the beginning of the tutorial. Be sure to choose your icons and text thoughtfully.

Step 26

At the border of both zones, create a small circle and fill it with dark brown color. Add some inner shadow as stated on the image.

Step 27

Continue by adding a drop shadow layer style. It is another small detail, but it really makes that button zone minimalistic, nice-looking and well designed.

Step 28

To finish, add a Gradient Overlay effect.

Step 29

By using the Custom Shape Tool (U), create an arrow in both circles. Now add the details shown on the screenshot.

Step 30

Continue by adding some Color Overlay for the arrow. It should also be a blue color because otherwise, it will not fit the contrast and the colors used on the whole template.

Step 31

Add a video screenshot in the free space and place a title for it. For this template, I have used a simple screenshot of a YouTube widget.

Step 32

Add the text “Product Highlights” and “Case Studies.” Let the text under the “Product Highlights” be links so you could showcase some friends’ websites or resources you admire/promote.

Step 33

Finish it by creating another form for e-mails, place all kind of other information, and whatever you’d like.

Step 34

Don’t forget to make a relevant/small footer for our template. If you have paid attention, you should know how to create the same effect as below. 

 

All done! If you have questions or suggestions, feel free to drop a comment. I hope you enjoyed this whole tutorial!

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This Week&#39;s Health Industry <b>News</b> - NYTimes.com

A look at what's coming up in the drug and health fields.

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This Week in Credit Cards <b>News</b>: New Rules, More ATM Fees, End of <b>...</b>

Provided by LowCards.com New Rules Promote Smarter Use of Credit Cards The new consumer watchdog agency wants to help consumers understand the credit card offer they will receive before they apply for a credit card.

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personal finances help

A federal tax lien gives the IRS the right to make a legal claim against a taxpayer's property for the amount of an unpaid tax debt. An IRS lien can knock as much as 100 points off an individual's credit rating or decimate a business's ability to make its payroll or apply for credit. When a lien is filed, the IRS can freeze all bank accounts and instruct anyone that owes money to the taxpayer or business to make all payments directly to the IRS until the debt is paid off.

Lien filings have surged over the last decade, leaving more and more taxpayers to face an IRS nightmare. IRS liens have jumped from 168,000 filed in 1999 to a whopping 1.1 million filed last year.

The Changes

According to the IRS, new changes may decrease the number of liens and lessen the negative impact on taxpayers. The changes include:

• Significantly increasing the general threshold for liens from $5,000 in unpaid taxes to $10,000.
• Making it easier for taxpayers to obtain lien withdrawals after paying a tax bill.
• Withdrawing liens, in most cases, when a taxpayer enters into a Direct Debit Installment Agreement.
• Creating easier access to those payment agreements for more struggling small businesses.
• Expanding a streamlined "Offer in Compromise" program to help more taxpayers settle their tax debts.

"These steps are in the best interest of both taxpayers and the tax system," said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman in a statement Thursday. "People will have a better chance to stay current on their taxes and keep their financial house in order. We all benefit if that happens."

Avoiding a Lien

But don't relax too soon. While the IRS touts the policy changes as a way to help debt-deluged taxpayers get back on their feet, taxpayer advocates say the only way to get real relief from an IRS lien is to avoid having one filed against you in the first place.

For one thing, although the IRS has eased the rules under which it will now file a lien, that doesn't mean it will relax the aggressive attempts to collect on its debts. In fact, the relaxed rules mean the IRS is likely to be less sympathetic to those who do not quickly settle their debt or enter into an agreement to do so.

The new policy will no doubt allow the IRS to concentrate on placing liens on taxpayers with larger debts as opposed to pursuing thousands of time-consuming enforcement actions against individuals who owe small amounts. The new changes give taxpayers a few more opportunities to stay away from the most devastating IRS enforcement actions.

Still, it helps to be prepared. "If you haven't filed in a while, and you are not prepared to pay back taxes in full when you file, it is generally a good idea to have a representative to help you navigate through the process," says Patrick Cox, CEO of tax advisory firm, TaxMasters (TAXS). "If you have two or three years of returns, you probably want to work with someone who has expertise in this area."

Coping with a Lien

In case you are hit with an IRS enforcement action, Cox recommends having a tax representation firm contact the IRS on your behalf to find out why the action is being sought, determine your financial capacity to reach a settlement, determine your options and then advise you on what your best options might be.

For example, Cox said many people don't know that the IRS can't take actions that prevent you from paying your mortgage. Tax professionals at firms like TaxMasters or J.K. Harris & Co. are aware of those rules and can help make sure that you enter into an agreement that allows you to pay both the IRS and your bills.

"When the IRS calls on you and you don't have a representative, they take the position that you know as much about taxes as they do," Cox says. "They assume that you know all of your options and they assume that whatever you agree to, you are doing so because you want to."

Consumers can find all the information they need to prepare for and respond to an IRS lien on the IRS website. However, the information is not easy to decipher and it may take days of study to truly understand your rights and determine all of your best options.

"If you don't know to ask for something, you are probably not going to be told that there is an option available," Cox says.

One of the most important things you can do for your finances is to set aside money for a rainy day. You never know when your car will break down or when you will need to come up with a significant co-pay for a medical procedure. When you don’t have a rainy day fund, these unexpected expenses can be financially debilitating and emotionally stressful. Here are some tips to help you get moving on your rainy day fund:

Start Now

The best time to start is now. “Tomorrow” can stretch into “next week”, “next month”, “next year”, “when I have the money” and “when we can afford it” until it never really gets done. The key is to do it now. Most banks and credit unions will allow you to open a savings account with very little — usually no more than $25. Open your account now, and start saving now.

It’s OK to Start Small

As already mentioned, you can open most accounts with $25. It’s alright if you have to start small, only putting in a few dollars a month. If you use cash a lot, put your change (or even dollar bills) in a jar at the end of each day. Then, once a month, add it all up and take it to the bank.

The most important thing is that you are starting a habit of saving money. As you cut other expenses from your budget, and as you look for more sources of income, you can begin increasing the amount of money you put into your rainy day fund. But first you have to be in the habit of “paying yourself first.”

Automate Your Savings

A lot has been written about the advantages of automating your money — and for good reason. You can automate your savings so that your money goes right into your rainy day fund. You can have the money taken from your paycheck and deposited directly into your savings account, or you can set up recurring transfers that move money from your checking account into your savings account once a month.

In either case, the temptation to use the money for something else is removed; you don’t ever really have access to it in your checking account. And your savings account grows at a steady rate.

Look for High Yield Accounts

You won’t ever get really good rates on cash products. That is no excuse not to get what you can, though. High yield savings accounts offer better rates than more traditional accounts. This can help you increase the interest you earn, maximizing your money as much as possible.

You can also look for incentives, such as cash bonuses for signing up for certain accounts, and other perks. This will help you increase the value of your account without too much trouble.

Bottom Line

A rainy day fund is essential if you want to achieve financial freedom. It helps you cover unexpected expenses, and can aid you in the event that you lose some of your income. Don’t delay starting a rainy day fund, even if you don’t have a lot to put in it right now. The important thing is to get started, and develop a habit of preparing for the future.

Tagged as:
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How To Install Managing <b>News</b> On Ubuntu | HowtoForge - Linux Howtos <b>...</b>

How To Install Managing News On Ubuntu. Managing News is an RSS/Atom based news tracker with search, republishing and mapping. This tutorial shows how to install Managing News on an Ubuntu server. ...

Plutonium detected in soil at Fukushima nuke plant | Kyodo <b>News</b>

''We must control the water well so it won't ever go outside'' the complex, said Sakae Muto, vice president of TEPCO, at a news conference. On Monday, TEPCO continued to remove highly radioactive water from inside reactor buildings at ...

Search <b>News</b> &amp; Headlines Around the Web - March 28, 2011 #SEWatch

Here's a roundup of today's other search news and headlines from around the web, sorted by category....

SEO Services Vancouver For A Better Marketing Solution

 

When you begin your personal website there are many ways you will have to sell it off and one of the best ways is by using SEO services Vancouver if you happen to be in that area. The SEO or search engine optimization services would be the top way of getting good traffic to your website and therefore making more sales.

 

Now, you need to know that you will not use SEO service if you're not an internet business - but then again, if you do not have an online presence if you are a offline business, then you will not allow it to be very far.

 

It is a popular proven fact that if you are going to make it within the offline world you need to have an online presence. This really is something which all business people are learning hard way. One thing that you ought to also know is the fact that it is not as simple as just setting up the web site and leaving it to do its things.

 

You can do this in most types of ways, however these companies usually make use of multiple methods to create an ideal marketing technique online. You will be able to employ them to write articles for you personally, post on forums and blogs, create meta data and meta descriptions, clean up the code, add alt tags towards the images and much more.

 

It is crucial that you do this because otherwise the organization you have worked so difficult for could wind up losing all the money. If you have a website that you want to create, then you'll also use the expertise of a search engine optimization company, which means search engine optimization company. What the corporation does is basically take the best areas of your website, look into the code, create keywords and write various articles and documents to ensure your site is placed close to the top of the list for that major search engines like google.

As a result the Search engine optimization company cannot only increase your traffic, but additionally ensure that your website is fully optimized for that search engine spiders that'll be brought to it. These spiders are utilized to analyze your site and put it in certain positions determined on certain keywords.

 

If you wish to make use of the Search engine optimization Vancouver then all you have to do is find the top companies. It is through these how the SEO gets done effectively and efficiently. Because of so many SEO companies to choose from you have to be certain the main one you're going for is reliable. You ought to be in a position to request a breakdown of what you want, and also the company also needs to be able to tell you know long they've been operating for. This can narrow down the list to reveal the very best ones.

 

Search engine optimization Provided by Different Vancouver Web Companies

The Vancouver SEO company services are very beneficial for business growth because they provide quality services. If you are planning to produce a website for the internet business, then you've come to right article as I is going to be explaining below how Web optimization Vancouver company services can improve your website ranking making it popular.

Before that, you need to know what Search Engine Optimization is. It's not that complicated and i am sure you're going to get a grasp of it reading my article. The main goal of SEO is to get increased traffic aimed at your website and audience. It's a good decision to choose a Vancouver SEO company that specializes in this kind of work, so that your website can be indexed by search engines.

There is no point in you having a website without any website ranking at all as you won't have any business and profits to survive. It is a very tough atmosphere available as there are a lot of internet business people just like you, who desire their share of pie. You have to be aware of the fact that nearly 85% of online traffic could be got from web sites.

Whenever a user types in a keyword or keywords for which he/she wants to know in various sites, these use crawlers to obtain web-sites with the relevant content and index them according to algorithms. It's not necessary to be worried about the algorithms which these sites use as that is not important.

To look within the first page from the search result, you will have to hire professionals and pros who can do the needful to keep your website one of the good books in these websites. These professionals can optimize your website content to ensure that your site gets more traffic.

When the traffic gets high, it is a sign that you're getting a service that will enable you to get more revenues. SEO Vancouver company do the next to make your website appear inside the first page of search engine results.

Use keywords which are popularly used on search engines on your website content.
Have a web design for your website that is simple because top sites are allergic to flash and weird designs.
Submit your website to directories.
Submit your site to directory websites.
Postings on blogs and forums with back-links for your websites. This is considered as an effective way to get increased traffic to your website as many internet users use blogs and forums.

SEO Vancouver company also perform site diagnostics which is a significant part in online optimization as research and analysis on finding keywords may be the method to start a SEO campaign. So, make sure you choose the best SEO Vancouver service company.

Are you searching for more info regarding SEO Vancouver? Visit http://www.seo4vancouver.com/seo-services.asp today!

 

What to anticipate When Getting a Roofers

When the time comes to repair or even substitute your homes roof, it's really a challenging task to find someone who is competent to do the job. There are many roofing companies available, but the ones who'll perform a great job for any reasonable price are not frequently easy to find. If you're in the marketplace for the contractor, use the ideas below with regard to interviewing as well as employing the correct one.

Interview as well as Discussion

Most roofers provide totally free consultations. This is particularly important, since it gives them an opportunity to assess exactly what your homes roof needs, also it gives you a chance to evaluate them. As with all of companies, trust your instincts concerning the people you allow up on your roof. No matter how good the contractor's status or recommendation, he should start by showing you with a company greeting card. If the service provider occurs looking as well as talking in an less than professional method, chances are that the job he is going to perform will also be unprofessional. This isn't to say that you should anticipate companies to arrive in suits. They will be climbing in your roofing, so the majority of is going to be dressed up in denim jeans as well as function footwear or sneakers. If the contractor appears to be interested in talking upon his mobile phone while on your roof than he's in evaluating your roof's requirements, that may be another sign that he is not really the main one for the job. For your lawful safety, be certain that the actual service provider offers adequate liability insurance coverage.

Roofing Evaluation

Expect that the contractor is going to be going up on your roof. In fact, any contractor who does not need to increase in your roof to judge the issue ought to be immediately discounted. Those who are seriously interested in their own work will possibly make a sketching of the roof's surface as well as mark problem areas onto it as they go through their assessment, or they'll consider photos or video clip of the surface area while they are up there. This is an extremely essential step, since it enables you to see exactly what the problems are and know how they will be set.

Estimation

The next phase will be the written estimation. The service provider will require away his loan calculator and are available up with an itemized estimation. Some companies goes out to their truck or truck as well as write up the suggestion, while others will crunch the numbers for the job prior to you. Once you are because of the proposal, ensure that you understand exactly which products is going to be utilized, how long the job will require and when there are any additional or even hidden expenses that may arise throughout the repair of the roofing. The contractor will be able to solution many of these concerns with ease and forewarn a person associated with a extra expenses that could be sustained should the roof's integrity be broken within.

After you have received a few written estimations from roofing contractors, evaluate exactly what each company or contractor would like to offer you for the cost. Do not necessarily discount the greatest bet, because occasionally the highest bid will actually be the contractor who the job properly. Additionally, be skeptical of prices for bids which are not nearly as expensive others. They might be using substandard products or perhaps be unethical about the possibility of concealed costs. Most importantly, believe in intuition and go with the actual contractor that enables you to feel quite comfortable regarding handing more than your money.

 

Seven Uyghurs Sentenced to Death

2011-03-23

Critics of the sentences say China has politicized the robberies as acts of terrorism.

 

AFP

A Uyghur man walks past armed Chinese security forces in Urumqi, July 17, 2009.

Chinese authorities in the northwestern region of Xinjiang have ordered the executions of seven ethnic minority Uyghur men convicted of "violent" crimes, official media said on Wednesday.

 

The death sentences were handed down by the Supreme People's Court in recent days, according to state media in the regional capital, Urumqi.

 

The men were accused in connection with three separate attacks late last year in the Silk Road city of Kashgar, according to the news website Urumqi Online.

 

According to another website, the Xinjiang-based Tianshan news site, Aimaiti Tuheti, Yiming Dawuti, and unnamed "others" killed a security guard at a pedestrian mall as part of a failed Aug. 7 robbery attempt.

 

In a separate incident on Oct. 12, it said, Nuermaimaiti Aobulikasimu and 11 others broke into a house, bound and killed the couple living in it, and took their possessions.

 

It said the group also broke into the homes of two brothers, robbed them, and killed six people in a Nov. 11 attack in Kashgar.

 

The report gave no information about the victims or the schedule for the executions.

 

Three of the men were sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve, a sentence that is normally commuted to life imprisonment in China's judicial system.

 

They were convicted of deliberate homicide and armed robbery by the Kashgar Intermediate People's Court in the first instance.

 

'Strike hard' campaign

 

A Han Chinese resident of Urumqi surnamed Yang said a reference to "terrorism" in official news reports on the case showed that it was being politicized by the authorities, who have launched a series of "strike hard" campaigns in Xinjiang following deadly ethnic violence in July 2009.

 

"There is an implied political meaning; that they were somehow engaged in separatist activities or ethnic divisions," said Yang.

 

Exile Uyghur groups said the trials had been conducted behind closed doors, with scant opportunity for public scrutiny.

 

"The entire process against these men, from the trial through to the judgment, was opaque," said Dilxat Raxit, spokesman for the Munich-based World Uyghur Congress.

 

"There was also very little reasonable evidence to convict them on a legal basis, because all the evidence came from one side of the case," he said.

 

"We strongly condemn the Chinese government for continuing to pursue their policies of ethnic division," said Raxit.

 

"We are also strongly opposed to the death penalty in this case."

 

Earlier cases

 

Last month, the Supreme Court sentenced four Uyghurs to death for alleged involvement in an Aug. 19 bomb attack in Xinjiang’s western Aksu city.

 

The World Uyghur Congress pointed to concerns over lack of transparency in those cases too.

 

The Aksu blast left eight people dead, including two of the bombers, and 15 wounded after a man riding a three-wheeled vehicle threw explosives at a group of uniformed patrolmen. Four Uyghurs were arrested shortly after the attack.

 

State media characterized the cases as acts of terrorism and unrelated to longstanding ethnic tensions between Uyghurs and Han Chinese in the region.

 

Exiled Uyghur dissident Rebiya Kadeer has warned that attacks like those in Aksu will continue to occur until Beijing addresses the underlying source of tension in the region.

 

Millions of Uyghurs—a distinct, Turkic minority who are predominantly Muslim—populate Central Asia and Xinjiang.

 

Uyghurs say they have long suffered ethnic discrimination, oppressive religious controls, and continued poverty and joblessness despite China's ambitious plans to develop its vast northwestern frontier.

 

Those frustrations erupted in July 2009 in deadly riots that left nearly 200 people dead, by the Chinese government's tally.

 

At least 26 people, mostly Uyghurs, were sentenced to death in the aftermath of the riots, many of whom have been executed, according to state media.

 

China is believed to execute more people each year than the rest of the world’s countries combined, although the government does not publish official figures.

 

Rights groups say Beijing may execute as many as several thousand prisoners annually.

 

Chinese authorities blame Uyghur separatists for a series of deadly attacks in recent years and accuse one group in particular of maintaining ties to the al-Qaeda terrorist network.

 

New training scheme

 

China on Wednesday also announced a training scheme which places ethnic minority graduates from Xinjiang in work elsewhere in China.

 

Governments of the destination cities will spend 450 million yuan (U.S.$ 69 million) for the program, while Xinjiang will spend 400 million yuan (U.S.$ 61 million), the official Xinhua news agency reported.

 

The program targets some 60,000 jobless college graduates in Xinjiang, around 80 percent of whom are from ethnic minorities, and 60 percent of whom are women.

 

However, some commentators see the move as an attempt to assimilate non-Han Chinese into mainstream Chinese culture.

 

"From the point of view of ethnic minorities, the graduate work scheme is really taking the cream of youth from the minorities and using them to 'further cultural development,'" wrote one ethnic minority user on a popular microblogging service.

 

"In fact, the culture that is being advanced is Han culture, and this group of young people will have been totally brainwashed," the microblog update said.

 

An Urumqi resident surnamed Li agreed.

 

"They have run senior high school schemes like this before during the past few years," he said.

 

"Whether it's high-schoolers or graduate training programs, these are measures that are aimed at thought control and brainwashing, and the 'Partification' of their education," he said.

 

Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie.

Copyright © 1998-2011 Radio Free Asia. All rights reserved.

 

Wikileaks and the Uyghur

through henry on December 20, 2010
Henryk Szadziewski, Supervisor, Uyghur Human Rights Project

If it were actually in doubt, info acquired through the whistleblower website, Wikileaks, offers verified Chinese government worries more than it's ongoing control of the region this phone calls Xinjiang, which is also referred to as Eastern Turkestan. The leaked cables from Ough.Utes. diplomats demonstrate the degree to which Chinese authorities make an effort to convince governments worldwide to adopt its stance upon issues impacting Uyghurs. The actual wires additionally show the United States' concerns as well as sights concerning the ongoing repressive measures in the area.

Most illuminating associated with Chinese federal government pressure are the cables pointing in order to Chinese frustration, or even the specter of Chinese language ire, over the release of Uyghur detainees within Guantánamo to 3rd nations. The December Twenty nine, 2008 cable relates how Chinese language Helper International Minister Liu Jieyi met with the Ough.S. Ambassador to The far east in order to voice Beijing's powerful opposition of launch in order to any nation apart from China, and that when the Ough.S. do certainly accede to this request it might "avoid harm to bilateral relations and to co-operation ‘in important areas'". Furthermore, a February '09 cable explains the way the Chinese language Ambassador in order to Kyrgyzstan, Zhang Yannian, regarded as the actual feasible discharge of Uyghur Guantánamo detainees as "an unfriendly act toward us" along with a "slap within the face". The Ough.Utes. government stood company in not really releasing the detainees to China demonstrates the degree of the politicized character from the Chinese language judicial program. Genuine issues more than terrorism tend to be understandable, but in the Ough.Utes. government's view the detainees might most likely face do-it-yourself torture and execution if they returned to China

Chinese language government pressure in regard to the Uyghur Guantánamo detainees wasn't just applied to the actual Ough.Utes. government, but additionally to Brand new Zealand along with a handful of European governments which were thinking about resettlement. Albania, Indonesia and Finland, in addition to European Union fellow member states just about all appear to have paid for the actual brunt of Chinese language government disappointment. In the case of Germany, which was at first prepared to think about two Uyghurs on purely relief grounds, Uyghur Guantánamo cases had been much less better than other detainees because of the negative effects taking Uyghurs would have on relationships along with China. The Might Eight, 2009 cable applies exactly how "German Ambassador Michael Schaefer reported which Germany had knowledgeable The far east from the U.Utes. ask for to simply accept some Uighur detainees kept from Guantánamo and had been consequently cautioned through The far east associated with ‘a heavy load upon bilateral relations' if Indonesia were to accept any detainees".

The actual diplomatic cables additionally discuss the actual unrest within Urumchi, the local funds, in This summer 2009. The This summer 13, '09 cable discussing bulk incidents within The far east states:

"Ethnic riots like those who work in Xinjiang This summer 5-7 and in Tibet in March of 08 vary substantially in source and nature through bulk occurrences, XXXXXXXXXXXX emphasized to PolOff [Political Officer] upon XXXXXXXXXXXX. Both existing severe trouble for the actual Party, XXXXXXXXXXXX said, but the Celebration leadership would not hesitate to spread out fireplace on Uighurs or even Tibetans if they considered this essential to restore purchase. Mass incidents pose a different type of threat, he said, since the leadership is ‘afraid' to fire upon Han rioters for fear of sparking huge public outrage that will turn from the Party."

This can be a chilling opinion, particularly when 1 considers the evidence offered in two reviews released this season by the Uyghur Human Privileges Project (UHRP) as well as Amnesty International which fine detail eyewitness company accounts of the use of deadly reside fireplace towards Uyghur protestors within This summer 2009. Additionally, the actual declaration that fire wouldn't be deployed towards Han Chinese language protestors offers resonances for that different strategy taken through Chinese language protection causes in Urumchi to Han Chinese protests within September '09. Throughout those protests, after that Celebration Assistant, Wang Lequan, tackled demonstrators, who had demanded that he let them know regarding federal government responses to protection issues. A similar ask for to satisfy using the Celebration Assistant through Uyghur demonstrators in July wasn't met.

The actual wider consequences of the unrest also noticed a short discussion on the effect it might have on Iran-China relationships, and on relationships with Sydney after Globe Uyghur Congress President, Microsoft. Rebiya Kadeer, talked at the Nationwide Push Membership within Canberra within July 2009. Within the second option case, china federal government "privately warn[ed] a significant Australian bank which vendors the National Press Membership to make use of it's influence to block the Kadeer talk there".

The actual U . s . States' issues about the scenario in the Uyghur area also come via in the cables. In a discussion upon policy direction within Tibet, Ough.S. authorities explain that it'll be not possible with regard to Chinese language leaders to consider the much softer line "if they appear like doing so under international pressure". The cable television out dated April 16, 2008, 30 days after the episode associated with unrest in Tibetan areas, also relayed the actual declaration "that domestic balance remains the leadership's main concern above all else, which means there will ‘almost surely' be absolutely no relaxation of the present hard collection upon Tibet or perhaps in places like Xinjiang." The information contained in the cable also storage sheds light on the extreme level of sensitivity that china federal government sights territorial ethics, and the possible spill more than associated with unrest from Tibet.

The prospect of methods to stress in Tibet as well as Xinjiang as a result of municipal society tend to be discussed inside a Feb Twenty-four, 2008 cable television. While suggesting which China's financial achievement increases its potential to deal with democratic change, the actual cable also discusses exactly how Chinese language frontrunners begin to see the effectiveness of "a limited growth of civil society, including enhancements in the guideline associated with law along with a stronger role with regard to approved beliefs, NGOs, charities and other stars in areas that contribute to sociable balance and don't problem Communist Party guideline." This can be a notable alternation in considering, that has seen U.Utes. officials market the idea that Chinese financial development, as well as economic relationships with China will bring about a steadily democratic culture; however, much more belief appears to be put into the grassroots motion compared to one which begins in the top quantity of a Chinese government. Nonetheless, the cable concludes that "[i]n areas such as Tibet as well as Xinjiang, the fear of separatism results in tighter restrictions about the growth of municipal culture." This method can be regarded as counter-productive through the official, that suggests that the U.S. government "should continue to express...serious issues over Beijing's individual rights report as well as attract China's growing awareness that higher respect for individual rights, religious independence and the guideline associated with law will serve to promote the improvement as well as social stability which China looks for as well as to enhance China's worldwide picture." Such a strategy might take substantial diplomatic skills thinking about "China's paranoid fear that the Usa privately promotes routine change and ‘separatists' in Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang".

The wires offer understanding of the every day company associated with diplomacy that's rarely afforded to everyone, and it is interesting to notice the amount of function carried out behind closed doors upon Uyghur problems. The significance of the role of the us like a monitor associated with Uyghur human rights problems within personal conversations is created clear, as well as contrasts with its sensible public position. Employees of the Uyghur Individual Rights Task is comfortable with pressure the Chinese federal government puts on Uyghur activists; nevertheless, the facts associated with Chinese language federal government pressure on it's alternatives is actually illustrative of the diploma which Chinese authorities make an effort to control contrary narratives. With increased facts to come from Wikileaks, issues more than Uyghurs may not grab the actual headlines, however the cables have shed new light about the paperwork of individual rights problems within the Uyghur region.

 

Wikileaks and the Uyghur People

by holly on December Twenty, 2010
Henryk Szadziewski, Manager, Uyghur Human Rights Project

Whether it were ever in doubt, info acquired by the whistleblower website, Wikileaks, offers verified Chinese language federal government worries more than its ongoing charge of the region it phone calls Xinjiang, also is known as Eastern Turkestan. The actual leaked wires through Ough.Utes. diplomats demonstrate the actual degree to which Chinese authorities attempt to persuade governments globally to adopt its position on issues affecting Uyghurs. The actual cables additionally show the U . s . States' concerns as well as sights concerning the ongoing repressive measures in the area.

The majority of lighting associated with Chinese language government pressure are the wires directed to Chinese language anger, or even the specter associated with Chinese ire, over the release of Uyghur detainees in Guantánamo to 3rd nations. A December Twenty nine, 2008 cable relates how Chinese language Helper Foreign Minister Liu Jieyi met with the U.Utes. Ambassador to China to tone of voice Beijing's powerful opposition of launch to any kind of nation apart from China, and that when the Ough.S. do certainly accede for this request it would "avoid harm to bilateral relationships and also to cooperation ‘in important areas'". In addition, a Feb 2009 cable television describes the way the Chinese language Ambassador in order to Kyrgyzstan, Zhang Yannian, regarded as the actual feasible release of Uyghur Guantánamo detainees because "an unfavorable behave toward us" and a "slap in the face". The U.S. federal government was company in not releasing the detainees in order to China illustrates the extent of the politicized character of the Chinese judicial system. Genuine concerns more than terrorism are understandable, however in the U.Utes. government's observe the detainees might probably face do-it-yourself torture as well as execution when they returned to The far east

Chinese government pressure in regard to the Uyghur Guantánamo detainees was not only put on the actual Ough.Utes. federal government, but also to New Zealand along with a number of Western governments that were thinking about resettlement. Albania, Germany as well as Finland, as well as Eu fellow member states just about all appear to have paid for the actual brunt of Chinese language federal government unhappiness. In the case of Germany, which was at first prepared to think about two Uyghurs upon solely relief grounds, Uyghur Guantánamo cases had been much less preferable to additional detainees due to the negative effects accepting Uyghurs would have upon relations along with China. The May Eight, 2009 cable television relates how "German Ambassador Erina Schaefer documented which Indonesia had informed China from the U.Utes. ask for to simply accept some Uighur detainees kept at Guantánamo and had already been consequently cautioned by The far east of ‘a large load on bilateral relations' if Indonesia had been to simply accept any kind of detainees".

The diplomatic cables additionally talk about the unrest in Urumchi, the actual local funds, in July 2009. The This summer Thirteen, '09 cable television discussing bulk incidents in The far east states:

"Ethnic riots like those in Xinjiang July 5-7 and in Tibet within March associated with 2008 vary substantially within origin as well as character through bulk occurrences, XXXXXXXXXXXX emphasized in order to PolOff [Political Officer] on XXXXXXXXXXXX. Each existing severe trouble for the Celebration, XXXXXXXXXXXX stated, but the Party management wouldn't hesitate to spread out fireplace on Uighurs or even Tibetans when they considered it essential to recover order. Mass incidents present a different kind of threat, he said, since the leadership is actually ‘afraid' to fireplace upon Han rioters with regard to fear of causing huge open public outrage that would turn from the Celebration."

This is a relaxing opinion, particularly when one views evidence presented by 50 percent reports released this season through the Uyghur Individual Rights Task (UHRP) as well as Amnesty Worldwide which fine detail eyewitness accounts from the utilization of lethal live fire against Uyghur protestors within This summer 2009. Additionally, the declaration which fireplace would not be used against Han Chinese protestors has resonances for the different approach taken by Chinese language security causes in Urumchi to Han Chinese protests in Sept '09. Throughout individuals protests, after that Celebration Assistant, Wang Lequan, tackled demonstrators, who experienced required he let them know about federal government responses in order to security concerns. A similar request to satisfy using the Celebration Assistant by Uyghur protesters in July was not fulfilled.

The broader repercussions of the unrest additionally noticed a brief discussion on the effect it would possess upon Iran-China relationships, as well as on relations along with Australia following Globe Uyghur Our elected representatives Leader, Ms. Rebiya Kadeer, talked at the Nationwide Push Membership in Canberra in July 2009. In the second option case, the Chinese government "privately warn[ed] a major Aussie bank which sponsors the National Push Membership to make use of it's impact to bar the Kadeer talk there".

The actual United States' concerns concerning the scenario within the Uyghur region also come through in the wires. Inside a discussion upon policy path within Tibet, U.Utes. authorities clarify that it'll be impossible for Chinese leaders to adopt a softer collection "if they appear like they are doing so below international pressure". The actual cable television dated 04 16, 08, one month following the episode of unrest within Tibetan regions, also relayed the actual declaration "that domestic stability continues to be leadership's main concern most of all, meaning there will ‘almost surely' be no relaxation from the present hard collection upon Tibet or in locations like Xinjiang." The info included in the cable additionally sheds gentle on the extreme level of sensitivity with which china government sights territorial integrity, and the possible drip over associated with unrest from Tibet.

The chance associated with solutions to tensions in Tibet and Xinjiang arising from municipal society are discussed inside a Feb 24, 2008 cable television. Whilst suggesting that China's economic achievement will increase its potential to deal with democratic reform, the actual cable television additionally talks about exactly how Chinese leaders begin to see the usefulness associated with "a limited expansion of civil society, including enhancements within the guideline associated with law along with a more powerful part with regard to authorized religions, NGOs, charities along with other actors within areas that bring about social balance and do not challenge Communist Party guideline." This is a significant alternation in considering, that has observed U.Utes. officials market the notion that Chinese language economic development, and economic relations along with The far east brings in regards to a progressively democratic society; however, much more belief seems to be placed in the grassroots motion than one that begins from the best quantity of a Chinese language federal government. Nevertheless, the actual cable proves which "[i]n places for example Tibet and Xinjiang, driving a car of separatism results in tight limitations on the growth of municipal culture." This approach can be regarded as counter-productive through the recognized, that suggests that the actual U.S. government "should still express...serious issues more than Beijing's individual privileges record as well as appeal to China's developing awareness that greater regard with regard to individual rights, spiritual freedom and also the guideline associated with law assists to promote the very development and social balance which The far east looks for in addition to to improve China's worldwide image." Such a technique might take substantial diplomatic skills thinking about "China's paranoid concern the Usa secretly promotes routine change and ‘separatists' in Taiwan, Tibet as well as Xinjiang".

The actual wires provide insight into the actual every day company of diplomacy that is rarely afforded to the general public, which is interesting to notice the quantity of function carried out nowadays upon Uyghur problems. The significance of the actual role of the United States like a keep track of associated with Uyghur individual privileges conditions within private conversations is made obvious, and contrasts using its tactful open public position. Employees of the Uyghur Human Privileges Task is actually comfortable with pressure china government puts on Uyghur activists; still, the details of Chinese federal government stress on its alternatives is actually illustrative of the diploma that Chinese authorities attempt to suppress contrary narratives. With increased revelations to come through Wikileaks, concerns over Uyghurs may not get the actual headlines, but the cables have get rid of brand new light on the paperwork of individual rights problems in the Uyghur area.

 

Search Engine Optimization And Marketing with articles Will Place You On Page 1

Search engine optimization and marketing with articles are a couple of the strongest strategies which you can use to promote your site and get the revenue and success that you desire for your online business. These two everything has been around for a really while already nevertheless they still still be really effective. Actually, these have helped lots of people free themselves from the traditional means of money-generating options of society.

In this post, I will be showing the ways on what you can properly execute search engine optimization and article marketing for the betterment of your business enterprise web site. Additionally, I will be also discussing different points that you have to consider when you're using these two internet marketing strategies to market your website and acquire customers. Even though article promotion and Seo have been established for a long time already, you have to know that the trends and preferences as to how they are carried out are continually changing, and that's why you should keep yourself up to date with this stuff through the help of Search engine marketing forum sites to be able to quickly adjust and learn to make your strategies more efficient.

In the past submitting articles to different web-sites was previously so simple yet the effects they produce for web sites was really powerful. However, stuff has changed a whole lot today. Currently submitting exactly the same article to various websites has stopped being recommended because engines like google have now changed to some huge extent in the manner they rank pages. They no more rank contents that are identical like they used to in the past. This really is one of the best samples of changes that occur in internet marketing trends. This change has given birth to wide plethora of methods that internet marketers are using today. Most of internet marketers now produce articles and distribute them in really popular article directories and watch for targeted traffic arrive at their pages. This is perhaps that most reliable Seo strategy that you can use. Aside from being effective, this also provides positive benefits regularly. The only problem with this technique is the caliber of traffic that you will get using this won't be so good if you don't do proper keyphrase research beforehand and rehearse in-links. You first need to attend to these two things prior to deciding to submit your articles so that you won't find yourself losing considerable amounts of targeted traffic. Which means that you have to practice good levels of diligence if you want your advertising initiatives to work.

Aside from articles, you can also use blogs, that is another really powerful type of online marketing strategy today because it is highly popular with google and yahoo. In this technique, it is possible to choose to produce a single weblog that specifically targets your best market or else you can contribute to other blogs which are labeled as experts within your niche.

Learn effective Vancouver seo techniques in the Vancouver SEO website.

Roofing Contractors Vancouver WA

There are many things to consider when looking for a new roofing contractor. Price tag, experience, as well as referrals are a handful of the things you will probably be concerned about. Keep reading for even more ideas.

• Finding a Roofing Contractors

Before searching for a roofing contractor, be sure to have a basic idea of the project that you need to do. By no means do you have to be an expert. If you have a Roof Qualification, read it extensively to find the details about your active roof. If you do not have a Roof Certificate, talk about documents signed during closing to locate your Roof Inspection page. These files should give you everything you need to be familiar with your roof. Ahead of contacting a new roofing contractor, you need to have a list of needs and specs to help you choose exactly who would work for your covering project. Make sure you write down every single potential roofer contractor's answers and also check all of them against the other. If there are any discrepancies, be sure to take note this as well as take this into consideration when coming up with a final decision. There are no straightforward ways to choose a roofing contractor, in case you take pay attention to to the details provided, your chances of a successful roofing project are generally greatly improved.

One of the best means of finding a roofers is by word of mouth. Try asking a friend or relative that has had roof covering work done, and had been satisfied with the job. Get the identify of the organization and their contact data. If you have not sure of oral cavity referrals, try first seeking in the cell phone book and internet-based. A large advertisement or elegant website just isn't necessarily an illustration of the good quality of work, but can be a excellent tool regarding measuring the amount of time and dedication they have placed in their respected profession. Furthermore, try obtaining current worksites and search at the roof covering work that may be done or perhaps the process of becoming finished. If you're visually pleased, ask the exact property manager to the name of the roofing contractor along with their speak to information.

• Research

When looking for any roofing contractors, it is imperative to initial do your own background research. Purchasing in the phone directory or on the web is a suitable place to find a service provider, finding relevant information on most of these businesses will be found in several other areas. Initial, check with places like the Better Business Bureau, city, condition, and region public records, as well as local licensing agencies. Question your roofer if they are a part of any roofer associations. These kind of precautions may mitigate your risks. Furthermore ask them what types of roofing they specialize in. Furthermore ask your roofing contractor concerning any warranties they offer on the installed homes. Find out what measures they decide to try avoid harm done to other parts of the home by workers. Goods such as gutters, home siding, and fireplaces are near the coast proximity and so susceptible to unintentional damages.

Make sure all of this info is included in your published contract. Determine if you need a roofing permit and/or permission from your house owners association in advance. These organizations will let you know who's responsible for acquiring these allows and authorizations. If it is the obligation of the roofer, also have that included within your contract. When it is your obligation, get stated permits and permissions collated using the estimated roofing project and also have it evidently posted or readily available.

• Accreditation and Professional references

Roofing Contractors are not required to be accredited in all declares. Contact nearby licensing agencies that oversee general construction contractors for the list of demands. Once you have acquired the requirements, develop a list of thorough questions to ask your potential roofer. This simple list should instantly help you to discount the skilled from the unqualified roofing companies. Qualified installers should be able to effortlessly answer questions or tell you that they should do further research before giving the definitive response.

Even if any roofing contractor has all essential licensing, you need to ask to find out pictures regarding completed roof covering jobs as well as speak to satisfied clients. Use a list of queries handy to ask recent clientele, such as the dynamics of the career, timeliness, and all round satisfaction. Be sure these are current clients along with cross reference if possible. Regarding commercial roof covering, make sure that your roofing contractor is bonded. Checking out these referrals is another additional measure of protection to narrow down the list involving potential roof covering contractors.

Search engine optimization Through Content creation

Article writing can be a very powerful kind of Search engine optimization on your company web-site. Quality written articles have the ability to improve your websites SERP and add quality for your company website. Writing informative keyword rich articles is essential in gaining new backlinks for a business website. Articles can and will be written on topics which might be unique to your business or industry. The articles can discuss a range of issues and ideas inside your industry. Articles offering the various readers using a resource will almost always be the most popular and many likely varieties of articles that can result in backlinks aimed at your website.

Focus your articles on your own potential readers or customers. Seo articles should address real questions which can be asked by current or past customers. Each article you're writing for you company should include detailed analysis and Seo keywords that will help associate your website with the content within the website. Focus your articles on approximately 3 keywords , nor stray from them. Consistency is vital when writing Search engine optimization articles. Should you be writing about Vancouver Search engine optimization make sure your always talk about information highly relevant to the keyword.

Give all of your Seo Articles an engaging Title that will encourage people to see and bookmark your articles. Ideally, the articles you're posting will end up as links using their company websites which can be much like yours. This might help raise the power of every link and definately will assist your SERP. Make sure to end each article which has a keyword anchored link (see Easy Small company Seo). This link will enhance your rankings in the search engines and other major search engines for that keyword attached to the link. Submit the articles to some submitted article directory and Voila! Before very long, your internet site could be about the first page of Google.

Many thanks for reading. Can't wait to talk to your Seo articles!

Vancouver Seo Agency Aims For Google Places With Absolute Achievement

When individuals type in research online term searching for a business inside their local area, they are going to find that Google places and Google maps is showing listings of local businesses. It is rather eminent to enable them to be optimized and from this first page whenever they desire to generate business. Vancouver SEO companies need to be educated in this area for their clients.

There appears to be a lots of new Vancouver SEO companies starting up, simply because the requirement is there. Finding an SEO firm which has the client's interest at heart may be tedious. What number of keywords would they optimize for? Which are the keywords as well as the corresponding search volume? Do they understand how to optimize for Google places? Etc. Seo is the business of landing at the top and Maxim Edge can get you there.

"My wife i started our Vancouver Seo agency by accident. We've got learned through the school of hard knocks and trial and error how to utilize web to market any business. We began with the website, then the competition, then of course building quality back-links to push a website up inside the rankings. It is not pushing a button and watching how are you affected type of business. It takes a lot of effort, lots of research and lots of commitment. We work tirelessly for our clients and that we are very proud of a high retention rate." Randy Neale says.

For added information on Michael, a Vancouver Search engine optimization company, please visit their site today at seo4vancouver.com

Portraits of Uyghur People

In the middle of the desert landscapes of Taklamakan, in the northern-western part of China, the land of Xinjiang is a very least populated land whereas it covers near to a sixth from the nation's area. Having resisted during centuries the chinese domination, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, or Old Eastern Turkestan, fell within the Chinese Han domination in 1949. From then, its population is generally Uyghur People and Turkish - speaking System.

Islamic primarily, the Uyghurs have a strong religious identity which usually, in particular, enabled them to preserve a strong big difference towards the Chinese enemy. Indeed, the Uyghur Empire of Mongolia knew a excellent civilization, until its absorption by the Mongolian Empire in the XIIIth century.

While in their history, the Uyghurs successively adopted Shamanism, Manicheism, Buddhism and the Nestorianism before finally converting to Islam when the Arab conquerors beat the Chinese in year 751 BC., thus beginning the way to the Islamization of the whole Central Asia.

Under the influence of the religions which they taken, Uyghur People taken successively, and sometimes in a competing way, a large number of written forms (turco-runic, brahmi, tokharien, soghdien) before developing their own unique graphic system.

The arrival of Islam was a great change since it was followed by the absorption of the Uyghur areas in the enormous Turco-Mongolian and Muslim Empire. Thus, the descendants of Genghis Khan slowly replaced their writing by a Arabo-Persan alphabet, still used today.

If their writing, their language and their religion mark a real big difference with the culture of Chinese Han, Uyghur People also are different from their characteristic, so characteristic of Central Asia's people. A shiny skin, eyes representing a whole pallet of colors, from black to deep blue, features going out to the Mongolian, Turkish or Uzbek roots of these men and these women.

For a few years, China has integrated the proper identity of these remote people, though they represent only 9 million people - a trifle for this kind of large land. Therefore, the Uyghurs are now part of the fifty six racial minority groups having been recognized in an official way by the People's Republic of China.

This statute allows them a few rights in a country where their difference is very often repressed. Thus, Uyghur people escape the "single child policy" and their language is known as the second official language in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

The integration of the Uyghurs and their culture in the People's Republic of China, however, looks quite illusory. The presence of all natural sources in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and its closeness with countries identified as sensitive, highly motivated the government to speed up the sinicization of this area. Million of Han thus came to settle in this new Chinese eldorado, monopolizing the greater responsibility job opportunities.

In reaction to this true will to assimilate the Uyghur people into the Chinese culture, an independent party like East Turkistan Islamic Movement(ETIM) was born in the early 1990.

Asserting more flexibility, but especially the recognition of their true identity, this movement was seriously repressed by the power authorities in area Xinjiang.

The events of September 11, 2001, were the perfect occasion for the Chinese government to justify true reprisals: they declared the "Uyghur freedom fighters" as dangerous terrorists linked to Al Quaida because of their Muslim origins and their proximity with Pakistan and Afghanistan... However, the terrible repression which followed did not calm down the anger. The Uyghurs population continues today to proudly maintain their identity and their traditions , though they become a minority on their own territory.

To get more information and facts about the Uyghurs, you can visit a Uyghur website called Uyghur News at http://www.uyghurnews.com