travel & leisure: The Many Benefits Of Hiring Limousine Services ...

By Cathy Franklin

Teenagers look forward to having their proms. During this time, everyone usually comes together to celebrate that cool school fever. The prom night reflects how girls and boys wish to flaunt their sense of style and fashion.

If you wish to display a cool, classy front during the prom, make sure you follow these tips to get you ready for that big party event you are extremely excited about:

Wear something stunning yet comfortable. One tip for you:avoid getting a suit or a dress a few days before the prom. If you want to look perfect on that day, search for your preferred wardrobe months and weeks ahead of time.

Get prom tickets ahead of time. This ensures that you have the best seats. How cool is it to be seated on the first row!

Coordinate with your date. Chat about color preferences and decide which color you should go for. Contrasting ensemble colors can be a bit of an eyesore.

What else might be missing? Well, you certainly need a car, a luxurious one that is. If you wish to experience the opulence of travel at its finest, then you hire limousine services. Renting a luxury vehicle is classy, an amazing choice for those who want to party hard and travel with a sense of luxury, security and fun.

Luxury vehicles like Limousine MPV and the maxicab singapore are often for rent in Singapore. These cars come with exceptional chauffeur services. When you go for a luxury vehicle, expect to be driven by skilled, veteran drivers. Limousine packages in Singapore suit different travelling needs and purposes, which can range from Singapore airport transfer service to road shows and parties.

Source: http://bidding-travel.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-many-benefits-of-hiring-limousine.html

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Twenty Chanticleers Graduate

Dec. 24, 2012

2012 December Graduation Photo Gallery (provided by student-athletes)

CONWAY ? Coastal Carolina University recently held its annual December graduation ceremony which included 20 Chanticleer student-athletes and two athletics staff support student workers.

Headlining this class was a group of 11 football student-athletes, including Marcus Whitener graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in accounting. Joining Whitener was Chris Floyd, Chris Presley, Jamel Davis, All-Big South selection Quinton Davis, former Big South Defensive Player of the Year and two-time All-Big South pick Andrae Jacobs, Dominique Whiteside, Akeem Wesley, All-Big South honoree Johnny Hartsfield, All-Big South pick Dontavais Johnson and All-Big South selection Chris Thomas.

The volleyball, women?s golf and women?s track and field programs each had two student-athletes graduate. Erika Lightsey, who led the 2011 Chanticleers in kills, and Kelsie Mauck represented the volleyball program, while the women?s golf programs featured Eugenia Guerra, who earned Big South Presidential Honor Roll twice, and two-time All-Big South selection Kaitlin Higginbotham. Darriale Henley, who is still competing for women?s track and field program, was a member of the CCU record-setting 4?100 relay team and was the 2010 Big South Indoor long jump champion. Middle distance runner and All-Big South selection Christian Johnson was one of nine Chanticleers to graduate from Coastal?s College of Science.

Daniel Bowman, the 2012 Big South Player of the Year, represented the baseball program, decathlete Darren Tymczak represented the men?s track and field program and Dean?s List honoree Ty Wengel represented the men?s golf program.

Also graduating were support student workers Dylan Richardson (football), who graduated cum laude, and Jatavia Clay (men?s basketball).

2012 December Coastal Carolina Student-Athlete Graduates
Daniel Bowman (Baseball) Recreation and Sport Management
Jamel Davis (Football) Communication
Quinton Davis (Football) Communication
Chris Floyd (Football) Recreation and Sport Management
Eugenia Guerra (Women?s Golf) Marketing
Johnny Hartsfield (Football) Political Science
Darriale Henley (Women?s Track) Exercise and Sport Science
Kaitlin Higginbotham (Women?s Golf) Management
Andrae Jacobs (Football) Communication
Christian Johnson (Women?s Track) Health Promotion
Dontavais Johnson (Football) Communication
Erika Lightsey (Volleyball) Biology
Kelsie Mauck (Volleyball) Management
Chris Presley (Football) Management
Chris Thomas (Football) Communication
Darren Tymczak (Men?s Track) Recreation and Sport Management
Ty Wengel (Men?s Golf) Management
Akeem Wesley (Football) Communication
Marcus Whitener (Football) Accounting (cum laude)
Dominique Whiteside (Football) Recreation and Sport Management

From www.goccusports.com

Source: http://golf.blog7up.com/2012/12/24/twenty-chanticleers-graduate/

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Buyer Tips: Deciding How Much Home You Can Afford

In today?s economy, a growing number of homebuyers are interested in simply purchasing Warner Robins homes they need to suit their lifestyle and future plans rather than viewing the purchase as an investment toward their future. For this reason, most buyers want to know how much home they can afford to purchase without putting themselves in a difficult financial position. ?While the general rule of thumb is that most homebuyers can afford to purchase a home that costs anywhere from two to two-and-a-half times their gross annual income,? explains Bethesda Realtor Kevin Koitz, ?there are many other factors that should be considered when deciding how much home you can afford.

Looking at it from the Lender?s Perspective

While you may feel comfortable spending a certain amount of money toward the purchase of a home, you also need to consider whether or not you will actually qualify for a loan. When determining whether or not you qualify, lenders consider two things: the front-end ratio and the back-end ratio.

Also referred to as the housing expense ratio, the front-end ratio is a figure that represents the percentage of your gross monthly income that will go toward repayment of your mortgage loan. In general, lenders want this figure to be less than 28 percent, although some may allow it to be 30 percent or higher. Finding a lender who is willing to accept a ratio of 40 percent or higher in today?s economy can be quite difficult, if not impossible.

The back-end ratio, also known as the debt-to-income ratio, is a figure that represents the percentage of your gross monthly income that will go toward paying all of your debts .This includes your mortgage as well as car loans, student loans, credit cards, child support and other forms of debt. Most lenders will want this figure to be less than 36 percent, though others will allow it to be 40 percent or more.

Exploring Loan Options

When determining how much you can afford for a home, you also need to consider the various loan programs that are available. In the most general terms, there are three options available: conventional, FHA and VA.

Most homebuyers choose to obtain a conventional loan, which generally requires a down payment of at least 10 percent and may require a down payment of up to 20 percent. You will also need to have a solid credit score to obtain this type of loan. FHA loans, which are issued through the Federal Housing Administration, require down payments as low as 3.5 percent and typically offer more flexibility in terms of the credit score. Those who are currently serving or who have previously served in the military may qualify for a VA loan, which is issued through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These loans do not require a down payment and you will not be required to obtain private mortgage insurance.

Considering Other Costs

Many potential homebuyers fail to consider the other costs that are associated with home ownership. When obtaining a mortgage loan, for example, you will find that you have to pay costs in addition to the price of the home. These include taxes, insurance and closing costs. Other expenses to consider include maintenance costs, association fees, utilities, furniture and other costs.

About The Author ? Ray Nemec is a real estate agent and blogger.

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About Anita Clark Realtor

Anita Clark has written 884 posts on this blog.

Anita Clark Realtor+ sells Warner Robins Real Estate and provides community information as a service to the public. You can contact her at (478) 960-8055 or via email at anita@cbssk.com.

Source: http://sellingwarnerrobins.com/2012/12/buyer-tips-deciding-how-much-home-you-can-afford/

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Central African Republic rebels in defiance, seize another town

BANGUI (Reuters) - Rebels in the Central African Republic said on Saturday they had seized another town in a push towards the capital Bangui in defiance of calls from regional leaders to halt their advance and accept peace talks.

The rebels said the call for negotiations was another excuse for President Francois Bozize, who seized power in a coup in 2003, to buy more time and cling to power.

"The people of the Central African Republic ... do not have that much time to waste in long negotiations which in the end will benefit General Francois Bozize in his will to hold on to power beyond 2016," the rebels said in a statement.

"Our objective is simple: change the misrule of General Francois Bozize by force or through dialogue. And if it is through dialogue, then it will be a consensual solution, involving all components of the political and social life of our country," said the rebels, known as the Seleka alliance.

Long-running instability in landlocked CAR, roughly the size of former colonial master France, has discouraged major investment in its timber, gold, uranium and diamond deposits.

A mix of local rebellions, banditry, ethnic tensions and the spill-over of conflicts in neighbouring Chad, Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo has undermined efforts to stabilise the nation which has suffered misrule since independence in 1960.

Regional heads of state of the 10-nation Central Africa bloc on Friday demanded the rebels pull back their forces to original positions and accept talks with the government within a week.

The alliance, composed of splinters from previous rebellions, has complained that Bozize has failed to implement the terms of a 2007 peace accord, which include payouts to rebels soldiers.

The rebels have captured nine towns in their two-week push towards the capital, including the diamond-mining town of Bria in the centre of the country, meeting little resistance from the ill-equipped government forces.

The statement, signed by Justin Mambissi Matar, secretary general for the alliance, said they took the town of Ippy about 500 km (300 miles) from the capital on Friday.

The government of the Central African Republic was not immediately available to comment on Saturday.

The rebels also warned neighbouring Chad against intervening in the conflict after Chadian troops were deployed into the country to help stop the rebel advance, following a request from President Bozize.

"To our knowledge, neither the African Union nor the UN Security Council decided on a resolution authorizing Chad to go shoot Central Africans," the statement said.

President Bozize took power originally with support from Chad President Idriss Deby and has called on Chad on several occasions to help fight off rebellions.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/central-african-republic-rebels-defiance-seize-another-town-081621543.html

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Falcons lead Lions 21-6 at half.

DETROIT (AP) ? Matt Ryan threw three touchdown passes, two to Roddy White, and their defensive teammates made some key plays to help the Atlanta Falcons take a 21-6 lead over the Detroit Lions at halftime Saturday night.

Atlanta is a win away from earning home-field advantage throughout the NFL playoffs. The Lions have only pride at stake after losing six straight.

Ryan went deep to White for the first score, connecting with him on a 44-yard TD strike with 5:50 left in the first quarter. Ryan threw a short pass to him early in the second quarter and the standout receiver did the rest on a 39-yard sprint down the sideline.

Ryan put his third TD pass where only Julio Jones could catch it a corner of the end zone, and he did on a 16-yard reception that put Atlanta up 21-3.

The Falcons scored two of their TDs off turnovers.

Defensive end Kroy Biermann forced running Mikel Leshoure to fumble, giving the Falcons the ball at their 31 and they took advantage. Ryan's perfectly lofted pass to White's fingertips converted a third-and-1 in a big way, putting the Falcons ahead.

The Lions responded with another drive into Atlanta territory, but stalled and had to settle for Jason Hanson's 34-yard field goal in the final minute of the opening quarter to pull within four points.

Atlanta earned a double-digit lead on the ensuing drive.

Ryan threw a screen pass to his left to White, who got a great block from tight end Tony Gonzalez, and the receiver raced untouched for a score that put the Falcons ahead 14-3.

Detroit's Calvin Johnson, who had a record-breaking game, fumbled when defensive end John Abraham ripped the football out of his hands.

Ryan completed his first 12 attempts and after his first incomplete pass, he converted a third-and-10 with an 11-yard toss to Jacquizz Rodgers. Two plays later, Ryan matched a season high with a third TD pass on the connection with Jones. Prior to the game, Ryan hadn't started a game with more than 10 consecutive completions, according to STATS LLC. He started 10 for 10 last month against Tampa Bay.

Johnson had three receptions for 70 yards in the first quarter, breaking Herman Moore's single-season franchise record for yards receiving and putting him closer to Jerry Rice's NFL record of 1,848 yards receiving.

By halftime, Johnson had 117 yards receiving. He had 100 yards receiving for an eighth straight game, breaking a record set by Charley Hennigan in 1961 and matched by Michael Irvin in 1995.

Johnson needed 65 yards in the second half to break a record Rice set in 1995 with the San Francisco 49ers.

Hanson kicked a second field goal late in the first half to make the score 21-6.

The Lions went right to Johnson on their first snap, but he gained just 3 yards on the three-and-out drive. The Falcons drove to the Detroit 45 the first time they had the ball, but punted on a fourth-and-2.

Matthew Stafford connected with Johnson on a short crossing route and the receiver did the rest, outrunning Falcons on a 49-yard gain. Fittingly, the Lions turned the ball over on the next snap in the latest lowlight in a season full of them.

The Lions, Falcons and fans at Ford Field in Detroit honored the victims of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School before the game. Players had memorial decals on their helmets that read "S.H.E.S." in white on a black background, and Detroit's coaches wore pins with a similar design. There was also a moment of silence before the national anthem while the names and ages of each victim were shown on the videoboards. Twenty children and six adults were killed in the Dec. 14 shooting in Newtown, Conn. Adam Lanza killed his mother, shot students and staff, then killed himself.

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Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/falcons-lead-lions-21-6-half-030901890--spt.html

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Pope pardons ex-butler who stole, leaked documents

VATICAN CITY (AP) ? Pope Benedict XVI granted his former butler a Christmas pardon Saturday, forgiving him in person during a jailhouse meeting for stealing and leaking private papers in one of the gravest Vatican security breaches in recent times.

After the 15-minute meeting, Paolo Gabriele was freed and returned to his Vatican City apartment where he lives with his wife and three children. The Vatican said he couldn't continue living or working in the Vatican, but said it would find him housing and a job elsewhere soon.

"This is a paternal gesture toward someone with whom the pope for many years shared daily life," according to a statement from the Vatican secretariat of state.

The pardon closes a painful and embarrassing chapter for the Vatican, capping a sensational, Hollywood-like scandal that exposed power struggles, intrigue and allegations of corruption and homosexual liaisons in the highest levels of the Catholic Church.

Gabriele, 46, was arrested May 23 after Vatican police found what they called an "enormous" stash of papal documents in his Vatican City apartment. He was convicted of aggravated theft by a Vatican tribunal on Oct. 6 and has been serving his 18-month sentence in the Vatican police barracks.

He told Vatican investigators he gave the documents to Italian journalist Gianluigi Nuzzi because he thought the 85-year-old pope wasn't being informed of the "evil and corruption" in the Vatican and thought that exposing it publicly would put the church back on the right track.

The publication of the leaked documents, first on Italian television then in Nuzzi's book "His Holiness: Pope Benedict XVI's Secret Papers" convulsed the Vatican all year, a devastating betrayal of the pope from within his papal family that exposed the unseemly side of the Catholic Church's governance.

The papal pardon had been widely expected before Christmas, and the jailhouse meeting Benedict used to personally deliver it recalled the image of Pope John Paul II visiting Ali Agca, the Turkish gunman who shot him in 1981, while he served his sentence in an Italian prison.

The Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, said the meeting was "intense" and "personal" and said that during it Benedict "communicated to him in person that he had accepted his request for pardon, commuting his sentence."

None of the documents threatened the papacy. Most were of interest only to Italians, as they concerned relations between Italy and the Vatican and a few local scandals and personalities. Their main aim appeared to be to discredit Benedict's trusted No. 2, the secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.

Vatican officials have said the theft shattered the confidentiality that typically governs correspondence with the pope. Cardinals, bishops and everyday laymen write to him about spiritual and practical matters assuming that their words will be treated with the discretion for which the Holy See is known.

As a result, it prompted a remarkable reaction, with the pope naming a commission of three cardinals to investigate alongside Vatican prosecutors. Italian news reports have said new security measures and personnel checks have been put in place to prevent a repeat offense.

Gabriele insisted he acted alone, with no accomplices, but it remains an open question whether any other heads will roll. Technically the criminal investigation remains open, and few in the Vatican believe Gabriele could have construed such a plot without at least the endorsement if not the outright help of others.

A Vatican computer expert, Claudio Sciarpelletti, was convicted Nov. 10 of aiding and abetting Gabriele by changing his testimony to Vatican investigators about the origins of an envelope with Gabriele's name on it that was found in his desk. His two-month sentence was suspended.

Benedict met this past week with the cardinals who investigated the origins of the leaks, but it wasn't known if they provided him with any further updates or were merely meeting ahead of the expected pardon for Gabriele.

As supreme executive, legislator and judge in Vatican City, the pope had the power to pardon Gabriele even before he went to trial. The only question was when it would come.

_____

Follow Nicole Winfield at www.twitter.com/nwinfield

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/pope-pardons-ex-butler-stole-leaked-documents-122111410.html

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May the force be with the atomic probe

Dec. 21, 2012 ? A new models suggest devising means of probing a surface at a sub-micrometric level as this will help us understand how electrons' diffusion affects long-range attractive forces.

Theoretical physicist Elad Eizner from Ben Gurion University, Israel, and colleagues created models to study the attractive forces affecting atoms located at a wide range of distances from a surface, in the hundreds of nanometers range. Their results, about to be published in EPJ D, show that these forces depend on electron diffusion, regardless of whether the surface is conducting or not. Ultimately, these findings could contribute to designing minimally invasive surface probes.

Bombarding a surface with atoms helps us understand the distribution of its electrons and the structural arrangement of the surface atoms. The authors focused on understanding how a long-range force- referred to as the van der Waals-Casimir-Polder (vdW-CP) force - present between an atom and a surface allow us to distinguish surface characteristics on the basis of their conductivity.

A key factor in understanding the behaviour of the force, they realised, is the size of the electron cloud surrounding an impurity charge in the system. The latter depends both on the electrons' conductivity and their capability to diffuse in and along the surface.

They devised one model for the diffusion of the electronic charge in the bulk of the material and another one in the near-surface region. They tested their models on both conducting and non-conducting surfaces. They were thus able to explain why the atom-surface force shows a continuous transition in terms of conductivity between both types of surfaces.

For distances comparable to the size of the electron cloud spread, the strength of the vdW-CP attraction force, they found, can help distinguish between bulk and surface electrons diffusion. It could therefore be used as a probe. Potential applications exist, for example, in quantum computer hardware architectures focusing on the interface between different carriers of quantum bits of information.
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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Springer Science+Business Media, via AlphaGalileo.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

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Journal Reference:

1. E.Eizner, B. Horovitz, and C. Henkel. Van der Waals-Casimir-Polder interaction of an atom with a composite surface. European Physical Journal D, 2012 DOI: 10.1140/epjd/e2012-30294-x

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/matter_energy/physics/~3/q67r41IVwWs/121221081621.htm

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