четвъртък, 31 май 2012 г.

Syria to place blame for massacre

Syria will soon complete its official investigation into last week's massacre in Houla, the country's U.N. ambassador said Wednesday.

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VIDEO: Jagielka delight at making squad

Everton defender Phil Jagielka talks of his delight at making England's 23-man European Championship squad.

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Injured Lampard out of Euro 2012

Frank Lampard is ruled out of England's Euro 2012 campaign with a thigh injury and is set to be replaced by Liverpool's Jordan Henderson.

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Houla 'seen before' in Bosnia

Nic Robertson reports on similarities between the Houla, Syria. massacre and the 1990s Srebrnica slaughter in Bosnia.

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ND0530124

Title: Harris Poll Finds People Planning More Staycations
Description: Fuel prices and soaring airfare have consumers focusing on local activities instead of vacations away from home.
Page Content:

NEW YORK ? Americans plan on spending money a bit differently this year when it comes to vacation, a new Harris Poll finds. The good news is that around 7 out of 10 respondents will spend the same amount of money or more on vacation as they did in 2011.

However, respondents indicated that they will be having staycations because of pump prices and high airfare, but will supplement being home with visits to area amusement attractions, Marketing Daily reports.

Conducted for Kalahari Resorts, the pool found that 70% of Americans will stay home for vacation this year. However, 69% will shell out around the same or more money on vacation-type activities than last year. For American families with children at home, 82% have a summer staycation planned.

?We're glad to see that while consumers are still carefully considering their summer vacation plans in the current economy, most are choosing to spend a little more on destinations and activities that will bring families and friends closer together,? said Travis Nelson, spokesman for Kalahari Resorts. ?This survey shows that American families can still economize while creating quality, shared experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.?

Content Subject: Research
Formatted Article Date: May 30, 2012

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ND0524124

Title: Acumera Introduces C-Store Connections Package
Description: The integrated platform facilitates PCI compliance audits, network cost reduction and live information delivery for convenience stores.
Page Content:

AUSTIN, TX and NASHVILLE, TN ? Acumera announced this week at NACStech its C-Store Connection Package, an integrated platform designed for convenience store operations and management.

The platform includes Acumera?s third-generation Acumera Merchant Gateway, new PCI Tools in its AcuVigil Dashboard, and new applications for the Machine-to-Cloud Integration Engine, enhancements that the company said, ?deliver enhanced information connectivity, visibility and security across the extended convenience store enterprise.?

According to Acumera, the Package reduces costs while providing a live data feed to assist in operations and a simplified process of PCI audits.

?PCI compliance is about more than having a compliant network. It?s a complex, on-going process that requires time, energy and commitment,? said Acumera CTO Brett Stewart.

?Acumera?s goal is to provide tools to speed PCI audits, enabling our customers to focus on running their businesses?From automatic generation of current network configuration diagrams to archived logs of PCI events, Acumera?s AcuVigil PCI Toolsprovide the critical evidence our customers and their QSAs need to complete annual audits in a efficient and timely manner.?

In addition to assisting with PCI compliance, the C-Store Connections Package is designed to enhance the following:

  • Visibility: Seamless integration of a broad array of smart devices ? from remote electronic pricing displays and fuel tank gauges to walk-in coolers, drink machines and point-of-sale terminals ? into overall information architectures for better operations.
  • Connectivity: Collaboration with major convenience store equipment manufacturers to maximize availability of device-generated data and to more effectively deliver information to people or processes to enhance business decisions.
  • Security: Remote security and segmentation policy creation and management, and remote device provisioning and management of network clients and devices.
Content Subject: Technology
Formatted Article Date: May 24, 2012

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Di Canio defiant on racism claims

Swindon manager Paolo di Canio believes he has no case to answer regarding racism claims made against him by Jonathan Tehoue.

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SpaceX Dragon Transports Student Experiments to Space Station

The SpaceX Dragon capsule, which on Tuesday became the first commercially developed and built spacecraft to launch to the International Space Station, is carrying among its cargo a suite of 15 science experiments designed by students.

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Doubles 'the highlight of Olympic tennis'

Jamie Murray believes the doubles event will spark the most patriotic atmosphere at London 2012

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Ferrari

Ferrari are the most successful team in Formula One history, with the legendary Italian marque boasting a record 16 constructors' titles and 15 drivers' championships.

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SFA will not appeal court ruling

The Scottish FA will not challenge a Court of Session ruling which overturned a 12-month transfer ban imposed on Rangers.

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Porn actor sought in body parts case

The search continued Thursday for a porn actor suspected of dismembering his acquaintance, posting the video of the incident online and mailing the severed limbs to different locations in Ottawa, including to a political party's headquarters, according to a source with direct knowledge of the investigation.

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Secrets to Cuba's boxing success

The stands around the boxing ring were mostly empty and the bout was a mere three-round exhibition fight, but Dlandy Regalado Ajete battled as if a title was on the line.

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Toro Rosso

Last year Toro Rosso continued to emerge from Red Bull Racing's shadow in only their second season as an independent constructor.

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North Korea proclaims itself a nuclear state

North Korea proclaimed itself a "nuclear state" this week following a revision of its constitution earlier this year.

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ND0524123

Title: NOCO Express Celebrates Grand Opening In Macedon
Description: The converted Prime Convenience store features a walk-in beer cooler and expanded cooler and merchandising space.
Page Content:

MACEDON, NY ? NOCO Express celebrated earlier this week the grand opening of its new location in Macedon.

NOCO acquired the Macedon space from Prime Convenience in March, and this week?s celebration represents the culmination of NOCO?s completion of the in-store remodel.

?We are excited to officially mark our entrance into Wayne County and Rochester?s eastern suburbs by launching NOCO Express in Macedon,? said Michael F. Newman, NOCO executive vice president. ?Our newest NOCO Express store follows the same model as all of our stores in that it?s designed to provide a variety of conveniences and motorist essentials for today?s on-the-go customers.?

The 3,333-square foot store features updated d�cor along with a new walk-in beer cave and expanded cooler and merchandising spaces.

The store?s exterior features low-watt LED lighting on the signage and fuel canopy and 10 gasoline pumps. The store employs nine people.

Content Subject: Corporate
Formatted Article Date: May 24, 2012

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Baltacha falls to Stosur in Paris

British number one Elena Baltacha is out of the French Open after losing 6-4 6-0 to Samantha Stosur.

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VIDEO: The career of Brendan Rodgers

BBC Sport looks at Brendan Rodgers' 17-year career in football that has led him to the verge of being confirmed as Liverpool's new manager.

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Chicago's no waste 'vertical farm'

An old meatpacking plant on Chicago's South Side is being transformed into an eco farm, which its founders says will produce food sustainably, while creating zero waste.

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ND0530125

Title: Washington Grocers Open for Liquor Sales
Description: Beginning this Friday, large supermarkets will add booze to their shelves for the first time.
Page Content:

VANCOUVER, Wash. ? On June 1, supermarkets will start selling liquor in Washington state, marking the end of a long process that began last fall when voters approved an initiative that lifted the ban on selling booze in stores larger than 10,000 square feet, KGW-TV reports.

A local Fred Meyer store started the week by shifting merchandise to make room for liquor. ?We actually were able to expand some areas of grocery to give our customers a little bit more and make more sense for our customers as they shop,? said manager Kim Hall.

Opponents questioned whether removing the state from the liquor business would lower prices to consumers. Some shoppers have indicated slightly higher prices would be worth the convenience of not having to stop at a separate store to purchase liquor.

?I don't think it encourages anyone to drink any more or anything like that, I just think it's time Washington caught up with the way it's supposed to be,? said Ester Wright as she shopped at Fred Meyer.

A few small stores will stock liquor, including New Seasons, which will have a small shelf of locally distilled spirits. The auction of liquor licenses brought in around $30.8 million to the state. Costco pushed hard to pass the bill so that liquor could be sold in their stores.

Content Subject: Operations
Formatted Article Date: May 30, 2012

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F1 legend: Pirelli tires dangerous

Three-time world champion Jackie Stewart, a pioneer in raising driver safety standards, tells CNN that Pirelli's much-criticized F1 tires are dangerous and could cause multiple-car accidents.

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ND0525126

Title: Ukraine Approves Smoking Ban
Description: Parliament okayed a ban that prohibits smoking cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and hookahs in public places.
Page Content:

KIEV ? The Ukrainian government passed a country-wide smoking ban yesterday that would not allow smoking electronic cigarettes, hookahs and regular cigarettes in public places, RIA Novosti reports. The ban will go into effect six months after being published.

Government buildings, restaurants, stadiums, health care services, playgrounds, phone booths, public transportation, cafes, cultural facilities and elevators are among the places smoking will be banned. ?The adoption of this document was necessary since, according to statistics, 11 million Ukrainians are addicted to smoking as well as, unfortunately, every fourth child from 12 to 16,? said Tatyana Bakhteyeva, who initiated the law.

Currently, more than 10 European Union nations have some sort of smoking ban. Neighboring Russia is considering a ban on public smoking and the open sale of cigarettes. The Russian Health Ministry?s aim is to lower smoking in the country by 40% to 50%.

England enacted a tobacco display ban last month, and its government is considering a plain packaging law for cigarettes similar to Australia?s. Meanwhile, tobacco firms have challenged the Australian plain packaging law in court.

Content Subject: International
Formatted Article Date: May 25, 2012

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Baltacha rues bad luck in Paris

In her BBC Sport column, British number one Elena Baltacha reflects on a French Open she would rather forget

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ND0530122

Title: Apply for the NACS Scholarship Program
Description: The deadline to submit applications for this year?s NACS Scholarship is Friday, June 1.
Page Content:

ALEXANDRIA, Va. ? Many of the current leaders of the convenience store industry got their start at the store level. Through hard work and commitment to learning, these individuals followed the career paths of the industry to positions of senior leadership. The NACS Scholarship Program in Memory of Jim Yates and David Erickson recognizes and supports industry employees who demonstrate the potential and the determination to someday hold positions of senior leadership in the industry.

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be current full- or part-time employees of a NACS retail member company. Students must also be enrolled for the fall 2012 semester at any accredited two- or four-year college, university or technical institution, and continue to be enrolled for the entire year.

To apply, download the application form and complete all parts (application form filled out by the applicant, a nominator's form filled out by a senior company official, and an essay). If any of these parts are incomplete or missing by the deadline, the application will be void from competition. Companies may nominate multiple applicants for scholarships. Award winners will be notified by the end of June.

The NACS Scholarship provides each recipient with $3,000 for costs of undergraduate career education, as well as attendance to the NACS Show. Since its founding in 1998, the program has awarded 95 scholarships totaling $288,000.

For additional information about applying for the NACS Scholarship Program, contact Jenn Makarsky. To donate to the scholarship fund and for questions regarding corporate contributions, contact Carolyn Schnare.

Content Subject: NACS
Formatted Article Date: May 30, 2012

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сряда, 30 май 2012 г.

Swim lessons help kids break cycle

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VIDEO: Archive - England 2-0 Scotland - Euro 96

England beat Scotland 2-0 in the group stages of Euro 96 courtesy of an Alan Shearer header and a piece of individual brilliance from Paul Gascoigne.

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Brabants set to focus on Olympics

Chertsey's Tim Brabants says he can start to concentrate on the defence of his Olympic K1 1000m title after qualifying for the Games.

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Statement by John P. Holdren, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, On Launch of Falcon 9 Rocket and Dragon Spacecraft

Following Tuesday's launch of SpaceX?s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft, John P. Holdren, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, issued the following statement.

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Champions League final photos

All the best action from the Champions League final in Munich.

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NASA TV Coverage for SpaceX Dragon Reentry and Splashdown

NASA Television will provide extensive coverage of the departure of the SpaceX Dragon capsule from the International Space Station before its reentry and splashdown on May 31.

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Lotus

Having competed under the Renault name in 2011, the rebranded Lotus team enter the new season hoping to avoid the off-track issues which blighted their preparations for the last campaign.

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Chicago's no waste 'vertical farm'

An old meatpacking plant on Chicago's South Side is being transformed into an eco farm, which its founders says will produce food sustainably, while creating zero waste.

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Baltacha rues bad luck in Paris

In her BBC Sport column, British number one Elena Baltacha reflects on a French Open she would rather forget

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Snacks: Mexico cartels' new target?

Products like Ruffles, Doritos and Cheetos may be among the latest targets of cartel violence in Mexico.

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Champions League final photos

All the best action from the Champions League final in Munich.

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GB coach to leave after Olympics

Men's handball head coach Dragan Djukic is leaving the Great Britain set-up to join Israel after the London 2012 Olympics.

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Anti-terror police arrest 2 in Denmark

Anti-terror police in Denmark say they have arrested two brothers, one of whom trained at a terror camp in Somalia.

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ND0523121

Title: Just a Bunch of Cat Videos
Description: From nuggets of joy to bringing down tyrannical regimes, social marketing is changing how your customers connect, converse and view your brand.
Page Content:

NASHVILLE ? Paul Ollinger, CEO of The Absolutely Huge Company, shared social media insights with NACStech attendees during the general session. Ollinger had many anecdotes to share from time spent at his previous employer: Facebook.

Social media can help retailers build their business and have real influence on their profitability, brand and consumer relationships ? even if they?re late to the party ? Ollinger shared. During his tenure at Facebook, Ollinger learned two key ?truths? about social media. First, the Internet is really just a bunch of cat videos, and second, users must be authentic.

Anyone behind a computer screen is likely searching for ?nuggets of joy,? whether it?s entertainment, the ?cuteness? factor (like cats) or simply for mental breaks. But many web surfers are also embracing social media as a platform for connecting to others who share a common belief, passion or goal.

Authenticity, or lack thereof, can make or break a brand in the social media space. Ollinger explained that even though Facebook wasn?t the pioneer in connecting people online, what set the platform apart was its approach: users posting authentic data about themselves. ?Facebook is who you are? ? not avatars and fake screen names, he said.

Ollinger told the story of how one disgruntled United Airlines traveler wreaked havoc on the airline brand ? which suffered a significant financial loss ? by creating a YouTube video that went viral as well as a book based on his frustrating experience trying to recoup costs and an apology for a broken guitar.

On the flip side, JC Penney came under fire by anti-gay/lesbian groups for naming Ellen DeGeneres as its spokesperson. The company didn?t waver from its choice in DeGeneres throughout the negative attacks, and as a result the brand did not suffer and the company probably benefited with a stronger brand.

And the great thing about social media, noted Ollinger, is that you have the opportunity to rewrite the rules. Facebook has essentially given advertisements relevancy and social context by allowing consumers to ?like? a brand or product.

Where else but on Facebook can users share photos of their children with their friends and help topple a tyrannical regime? Social media is here to stay.

Look for complete coverage of NACStech in upcoming issues of CSNews and NACS Magazine.

Content Subject: NACS, NACStech
Formatted Article Date: May 23, 2012

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Poland's heavy metal heartland

Mayones guitars have made a name for themselves among heavy metal aficionados. CNN's Jim Boulden visits the factory.

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Campbell racism claims 'insolent'

Ukraine Euro 2012 director hits back after ex-England player Sol Campbell warns fans not to travel to the tournament.

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Martinez ready to clarify future

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez will hold talks with chairman Dave Whelan as he seeks to clarify his future.

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Champions League final photos

All the best action from the Champions League final in Munich.

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Afghan schoolgirl poisonings an omen?

Gayle Lemmon: After poison attacks on schoolgirls, it must be a top priority that girls have the right to attend school, and safely.

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N. Ireland murder secrets on tape

Audio recordings locked inside a college library in the United States might help solve a decades-old murder mystery, but the release of those tapes could damage the fragile peace in Northern Ireland.

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AUDIO: I'm in amazing form - Serena

World number five Serena Williams describes her current form as "amazing" as she looks forward to the 2012 French Open, which begins on Sunday.

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ND0525126

Title: Ukraine Approves Smoking Ban
Description: Parliament okayed a ban that prohibits smoking cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and hookahs in public places.
Page Content:

KIEV ? The Ukrainian government passed a country-wide smoking ban yesterday that would not allow smoking electronic cigarettes, hookahs and regular cigarettes in public places, RIA Novosti reports. The ban will go into effect six months after being published.

Government buildings, restaurants, stadiums, health care services, playgrounds, phone booths, public transportation, cafes, cultural facilities and elevators are among the places smoking will be banned. ?The adoption of this document was necessary since, according to statistics, 11 million Ukrainians are addicted to smoking as well as, unfortunately, every fourth child from 12 to 16,? said Tatyana Bakhteyeva, who initiated the law.

Currently, more than 10 European Union nations have some sort of smoking ban. Neighboring Russia is considering a ban on public smoking and the open sale of cigarettes. The Russian Health Ministry?s aim is to lower smoking in the country by 40% to 50%.

England enacted a tobacco display ban last month, and its government is considering a plain packaging law for cigarettes similar to Australia?s. Meanwhile, tobacco firms have challenged the Australian plain packaging law in court.

Content Subject: International
Formatted Article Date: May 25, 2012

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World's oceans are 'plasticized'

A marine expedition of environmentalists has confirmed the bad news it feared -- the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" extends even further than previously known.

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Mexico City embraces 'pedal power'

This month, Road to Rio looks at Mexico's biking initiatives as part of its fight against pollution.

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вторник, 29 май 2012 г.

Zuma art polarizes South Africa

A prominent South African lawyer breaks down in court while trying to ban a controversial image of the country's president, Jacob Zuma.

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Robson loses to Medina Garrigues

Britain's Laura Robson sees her maiden French Open campaign end with a first-round defeat by Anabel Medina Garrigues.

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Finding justice for Haiti's rape victims

Three days after a massive earthquake threw Haiti into chaos, Alvana was homeless, along with her two children.

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'Flame' spyware infiltrating Iran

A massive, highly sophisticated piece of malware has been newly found infecting systems in Iran and elsewhere and is believed to be part of a well-coordinated, ongoing, state-run cyberespionage operation.

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Runoff set for Egypt election

A representative of the old guard will face off against a representative of the Muslim Brotherhood in a runoff election for the presidency of Egypt, an election official said Monday.

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ND0525124

Title: New Zealand Raises Tobacco Taxes by 40%
Description: The government?s goal is to snuff out tobacco use entirely by 2025.
Page Content:

WELLINGTON, New Zealand ? New Zealand has revealed its zeal to stub out smoking in all forms within 13 years by raising tobacco taxes 40% over a four-year period, the Associated Press reports. New Zealanders already pay some of the highest tobacco taxes in the world, but the new hike will push the average cost of a pack of cigarettes up $15.

Health officials had toyed with the idea of boosting the tobacco tax to $75 a pack, but opted for the lower 40% tax increase instead. In addition, come July, retailers will have to put cigarettes below the counter rather than on display.

The anti-smoking regulations seem to have the desired effect of lowering smoking rates, as the rate of smoking among New Zealand adults dropped from around 30% in 1986 to around 20% in 2012. Cigarette sales have plummeted as well.

However, British American Tobacco warned that higher taxes will fuel a black market for cigarettes. ?Consumer demand is far better served by legitimate companies than by the illegal operators that will surely grow as the government makes it increasingly difficult for people to buy their product of choice,? said Susan Jones, who heads corporate and regulatory affairs for the New Zealand branch.

The country currently taxes its cigarettes by 70%, compared with on average 80% in France, 64% in Australia, 45% in the United States, and 41% in China.

Content Subject: International
Formatted Article Date: May 25, 2012

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North Korea facing historic drought

North Korea is facing possibly its worst drought in 50 years, state media reported this week.

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Ramsey happy with Wales progress

Wales are moving in the right direction under manager Chris Coleman despite their 2-0 defeat to Mexico says captain Aaron Ramsey.

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Suu Kyi makes history with arrival in Thailand

Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi made history Tuesday by stepping on foreign soil for the first time in more than two decades when she arrived in Bangkok, Thailand.

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Crown Jewels on display

They are some of the most spectacular diamonds, rubies and sapphires in the world, and they have graced the outfits of monarchs for centuries, now -- just in time for Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee -- Britain's Crown Jewels have gone on display in a new-look exhibition.

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ND0524122

Title: Israel Launches First Electric Car Network
Description: The concept offers an alternative to the traditional fixed battery charging station.
Page Content:

ACHIM, GERMANY ? An Israeli entrepreneur has begun rolling out the world?s first nationwide electric car network, PetrolPlaza.com reports.

After spending $400 million in infrastructure, network developer Shai Agassi said there are currently four stations where cars can get recharged, with more in the works.

Agassi?s concept, Better Place, offers an alternative to the traditional fixed battery charging station, allowing drivers to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones, receiving a full, 100-mile range battery within minutes. Better Place owns the batteries, which lowers the purchase price of the cars using the network. Drivers can also fully recharge their batteries at home, which takes up to eight hours.

Agassi is ready to prove a skeptical audience wrong. "We're driving a car that most people said would be a fantasy," he said.

Around 40 stations could be operating in Israel by the second half of this year. Until then, the Better Place stations are strategically spaced to allow a motorist to make the entire 300-mile drive from Israel?s northern tip to its southern end on one fully charged battery.

Renault has begun selling the Fluence, which uses the stations, and costs roughly $32,000. Currently, about 140 of the sedans are on the road, mostly owned by Better Place employees. They will be made available to the public within the next few weeks.

Renault?s Israel sales director Zohar Bali predicts up to 5,000 Fluences will be running on Israeli roads and highways within a year. With 80% of the population living in a densely populated stretch, it provides a perfect laboratory for the charging network.

Better Place is expected to expand to Denmark later this year, followed by Australia. Small-scale projects are also in place for Hawaii and California.

By 2017, Agassi predicts that 50% of all new car sales in Israel will be electric.

Content Subject: International
Formatted Article Date: May 24, 2012

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VIDEO: Blazer 'may have acted unlawfully'

BBC Sport's Richard Conway explains how Fifa executive committee member Chuck Blazer may have acted unlawfully over a multi-million dollar TV rights contract.

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Station Crew To Take Questions About Commercial Spacecraft

International Space Station crew members will answer questions from reporters following the scheduled hatch opening of SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft.

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Self-immolations outside Tibet temple

Two young men set themselves on fire in Lhasa Sunday outside the Jokhang Temple, the holiest site in the Tibetan capital and a popular tourist destination, Chinese state media reported Monday.

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Virtual tour of Monaco GP

Ahead of the forthcoming race, take a trip around Formula One's famous Monaco street circuit.

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Gay dad finds families for foster kids

David Wing-Kovarik and his partner, Conrad, were ready to adopt a child. They moved through all their requirements smoothly, even enrolling in an orientation and training class for prospective parents. Then they were confronted with their first real stumbling block.

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ND0525125

Title: Support for California Tobacco Tax Increase Looses Steam
Description: With the June 5 vote just days away, a new survey has found dwindling support for raising the state?s cigarette excise tax.
Page Content:

SAN FRANCISCO ? Support for a bill that would boost the California state excise tax on a pack of cigarettes by $1 is faltering, Reuters reports. With June 5 less than two weeks away, a new survey found that potential voters are not in favor of Proposition 29.

The Public Policy Institute of California survey discovered that more than half (53%) of possible voters said they supported the increase?down sharply from 67% in March. Forty-two percent surveyed indicated a no vote, and 5% were undecided.

If approved by voters, the bill would raise the state cigarette tax to $1.87 per pack, with the proceeds going to tobacco-use medical research and smoking cessation programs. ?One would have to assume that the ?no? campaign has been successful in raising doubts about this particular measure,? said Mark Baldassare, president/CEO of the Public Policy Institute.

Voters last increased California tobacco taxes in 1998, when a ballot measure was approved raising the cigarette tax by 50 cents per pack. That money went to smoking cessation and childhood development initiatives.

Content Subject: Operations
Formatted Article Date: May 25, 2012

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Pastor Maldonado, Bruno Senna

Williams' form in recent years has not been befitting of a team boasting one of Formula One's richest legacies.

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ND0524123

Title: NOCO Express Celebrates Grand Opening In Macedon
Description: The converted Prime Convenience store features a walk-in beer cooler and expanded cooler and merchandising space.
Page Content:

MACEDON, NY ? NOCO Express celebrated earlier this week the grand opening of its new location in Macedon.

NOCO acquired the Macedon space from Prime Convenience in March, and this week?s celebration represents the culmination of NOCO?s completion of the in-store remodel.

?We are excited to officially mark our entrance into Wayne County and Rochester?s eastern suburbs by launching NOCO Express in Macedon,? said Michael F. Newman, NOCO executive vice president. ?Our newest NOCO Express store follows the same model as all of our stores in that it?s designed to provide a variety of conveniences and motorist essentials for today?s on-the-go customers.?

The 3,333-square foot store features updated d�cor along with a new walk-in beer cave and expanded cooler and merchandising spaces.

The store?s exterior features low-watt LED lighting on the signage and fuel canopy and 10 gasoline pumps. The store employs nine people.

Content Subject: Corporate
Formatted Article Date: May 24, 2012

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Euro 1968: Mullery's moment of madness

Spurs legend Alan Mullery relives his infamous sending off against Yugoslavia, as England's world champions came unstuck in Italy.

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Cech signs four-year Chelsea deal

Goalkeeper Petr Cech commits his future to Chelsea by signing a new four-year contract with the Premier League club.

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Aguero is committed to Man City

Sergio Aguero dismisses reports linking him with Real Madrid, saying he plans to see out his Manchester City contract.

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Official confesses to raping 10 girls

A Communist Party official in central China's Henan province was in police custody after authorities said he confessed to raping more than 10 girls, state-run media said Sunday.

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ND0523123

Title: Durbin Supports Merchants Lawsuit Against Federal Reserve
Description: The senator filed a friend-of-the-court brief that agrees with NACS and other retailer groups.
Page Content:

WASHINGTON ? Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) has expressed his support of the National Association of Convenience Stores and other merchant groups? lawsuit against the Federal Reserve Board, according to the restaurant association?s blog.

In a friend-of-the-court brief, Durbin agrees that a Federal Reserve regulation doesn?t concur with part of the Durbin Amendment. His brief goes over how the rule should be changed to comply with the law. Durbin also counters how the Fed has misstated his own statements and intent.

The merchant groups filed their lawsuit in November 2011. The suit alleges that the Federal Reserve ignored the intent of Congress when the Fed provided regulations to limit debit-card swipe fees. The Federal Reserve rules took effect October 2011. Durbin?s amendment aimed to curb the rising debit card fees for retailers by promoting more competition between banks and payment networks. The lawsuit seeks to enhance the regulations.

Durbin focused on the behavior by payment networks and how that has negatively influenced low debit-card transactions, namely merchants with low average transactions, such as convenience stores, that have had rates soar because MasterCard and Visa hiked rates to the new cap of 21 cents per transaction.

?It's an absurd situation,? Durbin writes in the brief about card networks charging 22 cents to process a 10-cent pencil purchase. He wants the Fed to adjust its regulations to better fit the intent of the amendment.

Content Subject: Government Relations
Formatted Article Date: May 23, 2012

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понеделник, 28 май 2012 г.

Mall fire in Qatar kills 19

A fire erupted in a nursery in a shopping mall in Qatar's capital city, Doha, late Monday morning, killing 19 people, at least 13 of them children, a government official said.

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ND0524122

Title: Israel Launches First Electric Car Network
Description: The concept offers an alternative to the traditional fixed battery charging station.
Page Content:

ACHIM, GERMANY ? An Israeli entrepreneur has begun rolling out the world?s first nationwide electric car network, PetrolPlaza.com reports.

After spending $400 million in infrastructure, network developer Shai Agassi said there are currently four stations where cars can get recharged, with more in the works.

Agassi?s concept, Better Place, offers an alternative to the traditional fixed battery charging station, allowing drivers to exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones, receiving a full, 100-mile range battery within minutes. Better Place owns the batteries, which lowers the purchase price of the cars using the network. Drivers can also fully recharge their batteries at home, which takes up to eight hours.

Agassi is ready to prove a skeptical audience wrong. "We're driving a car that most people said would be a fantasy," he said.

Around 40 stations could be operating in Israel by the second half of this year. Until then, the Better Place stations are strategically spaced to allow a motorist to make the entire 300-mile drive from Israel?s northern tip to its southern end on one fully charged battery.

Renault has begun selling the Fluence, which uses the stations, and costs roughly $32,000. Currently, about 140 of the sedans are on the road, mostly owned by Better Place employees. They will be made available to the public within the next few weeks.

Renault?s Israel sales director Zohar Bali predicts up to 5,000 Fluences will be running on Israeli roads and highways within a year. With 80% of the population living in a densely populated stretch, it provides a perfect laboratory for the charging network.

Better Place is expected to expand to Denmark later this year, followed by Australia. Small-scale projects are also in place for Hawaii and California.

By 2017, Agassi predicts that 50% of all new car sales in Israel will be electric.

Content Subject: International
Formatted Article Date: May 24, 2012

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Japan: Americans held in Irish student's death

Police have detained two American men as part of an investigation into the strangling death of an Irish exchange student in Tokyo, local authorities said Sunday.

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Sharapova's sweet plan for success

The taste of success is sweet for Maria Sharapova -- in more ways than one.

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Watson into French Open main draw

Heather Watson makes it into the French Open main draw but Laura Robson misses out.

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F1 legend: Pirelli tires dangerous

Three-time world champion Jackie Stewart, a pioneer in raising driver safety standards, tells CNN that Pirelli's much-criticized F1 tires are dangerous and could cause multiple-car accidents.

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Injury rules Barry out of Euros

England midfielder Gareth Barry is ruled out of Euro 2012 because of a groin injury, the Football Association confirms.

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Ferrari

Ferrari are the most successful team in Formula One history, with the legendary Italian marque boasting a record 16 constructors' titles and 15 drivers' championships.

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Aletta (Eastern Pacific Ocean)



Tropical Storm Aletta, the first tropical system of the Eastern Pacific season, formed southwest of Mexico on May 11, 2012.

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VIDEO: Alan Shearer's top Euro goals

With Euro 2012 fast approaching, former England striker Alan Shearer looks back at some classic goals from past European Championships.

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China tightens grip on social media with new rules

Users of Sina Weibo, China's popular Twitter-like micro-blogging service, now have to abide by new rules aimed at preventing online rumors and other controversial posts.

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Swansea agree fee for Sigurdsson

Iceland midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson will undergo a medical this week after agreeing personal terms with Swansea.

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Williams battles through in Paris

Ex-world number one Venus Williams overcomes an early scare to beat Paula Ormaechea in the French Open first round.

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Gun and bomb attack on Mexico hotel

Eight state police officers and two civilians were wounded after gunmen opened fire on a hotel in the Mexican border town of Nuevo Laredo, luring the police from their barracks before setting off a car bomb, the local authorities said Thursday.

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Grit and glamor: The magic of Monaco

Put simply, there is no other Formula One race to match the glamor and sophistication of the Monaco Grand Prix, staged around the narrow, winding streets of Monte Carlo.

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ND0525124

Title: New Zealand Raises Tobacco Taxes by 40%
Description: The government?s goal is to snuff out tobacco use entirely by 2025.
Page Content:

WELLINGTON, New Zealand ? New Zealand has revealed its zeal to stub out smoking in all forms within 13 years by raising tobacco taxes 40% over a four-year period, the Associated Press reports. New Zealanders already pay some of the highest tobacco taxes in the world, but the new hike will push the average cost of a pack of cigarettes up $15.

Health officials had toyed with the idea of boosting the tobacco tax to $75 a pack, but opted for the lower 40% tax increase instead. In addition, come July, retailers will have to put cigarettes below the counter rather than on display.

The anti-smoking regulations seem to have the desired effect of lowering smoking rates, as the rate of smoking among New Zealand adults dropped from around 30% in 1986 to around 20% in 2012. Cigarette sales have plummeted as well.

However, British American Tobacco warned that higher taxes will fuel a black market for cigarettes. ?Consumer demand is far better served by legitimate companies than by the illegal operators that will surely grow as the government makes it increasingly difficult for people to buy their product of choice,? said Susan Jones, who heads corporate and regulatory affairs for the New Zealand branch.

The country currently taxes its cigarettes by 70%, compared with on average 80% in France, 64% in Australia, 45% in the United States, and 41% in China.

Content Subject: International
Formatted Article Date: May 25, 2012

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New URL for this News Feed

The URL for this news feed has changed to: http://www.fbi.gov/collections/field-office-recent-press-releases/rss.xml.

Please adjust your settings.

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Expedition 31 Trio Blasts Off for International Space Station

The Soyuz spacecraft launched at 10:01 p.m. CDT.

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Euro leaders put off key decisions

European leaders put off any decisions on shoring up the region's banks at a late-night summit on Wednesday despite rising concerns that instability in Greece was undermining confidence in the eurozone's financial sector.

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Expedition 31 Trio Blasts Off for International Space Station

The Soyuz spacecraft launched at 10:01 p.m. CDT.

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Williams battles through in Paris

Ex-world number one Venus Williams overcomes an early scare to beat Paula Ormaechea in the French Open first round.

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Malians hope to get nation on track

Professor Bruce Whitehouse's blog from Mali began last fall as a slice of culture and society in the West African nation.

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AUDIO: Fleming and Hutchins' Olympic dream

Colin Fleming and Ross Hutchins tell Jonathan Overend it would be a "dream come true" if they were to make the British Olympic squad.

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неделя, 27 май 2012 г.

ND0521124

Title: California Town Takes Soda Tax to the Ballot
Description: The penny-per-beverage tax would apply to soft drinks and beverages with added sugar, although diet soft drinks and most juices would be exempt.
Page Content:

SAN FRANCISCO ? Voters in the town of Richmond, California, will get their chance to decide whether sugary beverages get slapped with a higher tax.

The Nov. 6 ballot measure will decide whether the city imposes ?what could be the nation's first municipal tax on soda and other sugary beverages ? a penny-per-ounce surcharge intended to fight childhood obesity,? writes the San Francisco Chronicle. The tax would apply to soft drinks as well as Snapple and other beverages with added sugar. Most juice would be exempt, as would diet soft drinks.

City council voted 5 to 2 last week to approve the ballot measure. And some councilmembers were not without an opinion: ?Even a Twinkie has some nutritional value. But soft drinks have none. They're poisonous,? said councilman Jeff Ritterman, a Richmond doctor who proposed the measure. "I think other cities are going to follow our lead."

Councilmen Corky Booz� and Nathaniel Bates offered the two dissenting votes, noting that the tax would fall disproportionately on Richmond merchants and low-income residents.

Richmond resident Rosa Lara, who delivered 900 signatures to the council opposing the measure, suggested that physical activity ? not more taxes ? would be a better solution to problems associated with obesity.

?People are already struggling to pay their bills," she told the newspaper, adding, ?If the city really wants to fight obesity, why not make the streets safer so kids can play outside??

The February NACS Magazine featured a cover story on how the food police ? public interest groups and state and national government ? are actively pursuing programs and policy to make it criminal (or at least more difficult) to sell certain products in your stores.

Content Subject: Operations
Formatted Article Date: May 21, 2012

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Latest Formula One standings

Sebastian Vettel will take his first steps towards making history when the new Formula One season begins in Australia on Sunday.

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Trapattoni 'not stuck in past'

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni says his ability to keep pace with football developments has been key to his success.

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Egypt's presidential race heading toward runoff?

Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood predicted Friday that its presidential candidate Mohamed Morsi will contest a run-off vote with former regime figure Ahmed Shafik, as counting in the country's landmark election got under way.

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Pastor Maldonado, Bruno Senna

Williams' form in recent years has not been befitting of a team boasting one of Formula One's richest legacies.

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F1 families: Like father, like son

It was a case of like father like son for Chinese Grand Prix winner Nico Rosberg, who followed in the footsteps of his famous parent on Sunday.

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Young refugees find footing in U.S.

Khalid Yohana was 7 years old when war reached his hometown of Mosul, Iraq.

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ND0523124

Title: Drive-Thrus Move Beyond Fast Food
Description: More companies are experimenting with the drive-thru concept, such as convenience stores, coffee shops and fast-casual chains.
Page Content:

SUNSET HILLS, Mo. ? These days, you can get coffee, convenience store items and bagel sandwiches through a drive-thru, as the concept goes beyond fast-food restaurants, USA Today reports.

More and more companies are discovering that drive-thrus can fuel sales, with sales rising 3% last year, and 2% in 2010, according to the NPD Group. ?For the consumer, it's all about time and convenience,? said Bonnie Riggs, restaurant industry analyst for NPD. ?But for the restaurant, it's also about the bottom line.?

Drive-thrus are expanding into new areas, including fast-casual and specialty coffeeshops. Starbucks has long had drive-thrus at some locations, starting in 1994. Now, the coffeehouse chain runs close to 2,500 in the United States.

Panera Bread began testing drive-thrus in 2005 and had such success that it now builds drive-thrus in 20% to 30% of new stores, said Ron Shaich, founder. ?Drive-thrus aren't bad. What's bad is doing them poorly in a mechanized way with processed food. I'm all for giving people access to Panera's good food ? not limiting it.?

Even convenience stores have drive-thrus, with a few hundred stores having the service, said Jeff Lenard, NACS spokesman. Some Pak-A-Sak drive-thrus in Amarillo, Texas, even cater to dogs by offering each canine in the vehicle a free treat.

Read more about convenience stores and drive-thrus in ?The Ins and Outs of Drive-Thrus? from NACS Magazine.

Content Subject: Operations
Formatted Article Date: May 23, 2012

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The magic of Monaco

Formula One stars past and present explain why the Monaco Grand Prix is so special to win.

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Smith upset after European silver

British gymnast Louis Smith wins European pommel horse silver but says the judges were too generous to the Hungarian winner.

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ND0522124

Title: Free Slurpees!
Description: 7-Eleven is kicking off summer early with free Slurpees tomorrow.
Page Content:

DALLAS ? To help launch its first sugar-free Slurpee, Slurpee Lite, as well as kick off the unofficial Slurpee season in the wallet-friendliest way, 7-Eleven is giving away free 7.11-ounce Slurpees tomorrow between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time at participating stores across the United States as part of its SlurpFREE Day

And just in case you?re traveling tomorrow to a 7-Eleven-less locale, you can take advantage of a new freebie offer on July 11, when the retailer celebrates its annual birthday by giving away free Slurpees again.

Earlier this month, Slurpee Lite Fanta Sugar-Free Mango debuted in U.S. 7-Eleven stores, the first national low-calorie version of the popular frozen carbonated beverage.

"For Slurpee fans who want to try our new Slurpee Lite drink, SlurpFREE Day is the perfect time to do so," said Laura Gordon, 7-Eleven vice president of brand innovation. "Slurpee Lite Fanta Sugar-Free Mango flavor is a delicious preview of what's in store this summer."

Content Subject: Marketing/Merchandising
Formatted Article Date: May 22, 2012

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ND0525125

Title: Support for California Tobacco Tax Increase Looses Steam
Description: With the June 5 vote just days away, a new survey has found dwindling support for raising the state?s cigarette excise tax.
Page Content:

SAN FRANCISCO ? Support for a bill that would boost the California state excise tax on a pack of cigarettes by $1 is faltering, Reuters reports. With June 5 less than two weeks away, a new survey found that potential voters are not in favor of Proposition 29.

The Public Policy Institute of California survey discovered that more than half (53%) of possible voters said they supported the increase?down sharply from 67% in March. Forty-two percent surveyed indicated a no vote, and 5% were undecided.

If approved by voters, the bill would raise the state cigarette tax to $1.87 per pack, with the proceeds going to tobacco-use medical research and smoking cessation programs. ?One would have to assume that the ?no? campaign has been successful in raising doubts about this particular measure,? said Mark Baldassare, president/CEO of the Public Policy Institute.

Voters last increased California tobacco taxes in 1998, when a ballot measure was approved raising the cigarette tax by 50 cents per pack. That money went to smoking cessation and childhood development initiatives.

Content Subject: Operations
Formatted Article Date: May 25, 2012

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SpaceX Dragon Transports Student Experiments to Space Station

The SpaceX Dragon capsule, which on Tuesday became the first commercially developed and built spacecraft to launch to the International Space Station, is carrying among its cargo a suite of 15 science experiments designed by students.

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Baseball on the BBC

How to listen to baseball commentary on BBC 5 live sports extra

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VIDEO: Watch the BBC Euro 2012 trail

Watch the BBC trail for the 2012 European Championship, which kicks off on Friday 8 June.

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VIDEO: Alan Shearer's top Euro goals

With Euro 2012 fast approaching, former England striker Alan Shearer looks back at some classic goals from past European Championships.

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ND0522123

Title: Tucson Gas Station Shakeout
Description: Industry challenges and increased competition lead to the shuttering of about two dozen mostly independent area stations.
Page Content:

TUCSON, AZ ? ?Across Tucson, the service-station industry is going through a shake-out,? writes the Arizona Daily Star, a result the newspaper attributes to the sobering economics of fuel retailing, coupled with the arrival of QuikTrip, which opened its first area store in 2010 and now operates 12, with another three under construction.

"We're coming in with a new prototype. We never stand still. We're always looking for a way to better or enhance ourselves," said company spokesperson Mike Thornbrugh.

QuikTrip?s innovations have enabled it to succeed during difficult times for fuel marketers. Indeed, since it arrived in town, two dozen gas stations have closed, a trend that reflects shrinking fuel margins and other industry challenges.

"It's just so competitive," said Tom Cooley, who closed his independent station last month. "People like Fry's will sell [gasoline] at about my cost on fuel. They'll give 10 cents a gallon off, and you can't compete with 'em. Circle K is building like crazy, and so is QuikTrip."

As the economy soured, land values also decreased, which made it more difficult for independent operators to obtain financing. As a result, many ended up owing far more than their properties were worth.

Additionally, the recent rise in gasoline prices has made it difficult for independent retailers to compete.

"When there's $4 per gallon fuel, people don't have disposable income they did at $2 per gallon fuel," said Troy Little, president of Tucson-based Quik Mart. "They won't come in to get that soda and a bag of Fritos."

As a result of the closures, many residents are finding vacated lots, an unfavorable aesthetic that they hope will be reversed as soon. While some said they would like to see the stations converted to other commercial uses, that seems unlikely, as the costs of removing underground storage tanks are steep.

"The preferred way for the owner is to sell it as a gas station, because in doing so he's going to sell his gas-station business," said Michael Green, a local real-estate broker who runs MJG Gas Station Specialists.

Content Subject: Petroleum Retailing
Formatted Article Date: May 22, 2012

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Students protest tuition hikes

Tens of thousands of protesters unhappy with planned tuition hikes in Quebec took to the streets Tuesday afternoon in Montreal to mark 100 days of demonstrations.

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