'Counter-Terror' Policy Targets Uyghurs

2011-04-07
A new report says China uses the threat of terrorism to crack down on Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

AFP
Uyghur men and women chat outside a mosque in Urumqi, July 17, 2009.

China's anti-terrorism policy deliberately targets ethnic minority communities such as Uyghurs and Tibetans struggling for greater autonomy, according to a white paper by a rights group.

The policy equates terrorism with groups pushing for more self-governing rights, is too broad in scope, and shirks international human rights commitments, said the Hong Kong and New York-based Human Rights in China (HRIC).

The paper looked into human rights concerns within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional intergovernmental organization which includes China and five other member states-Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan-with a total population of 1.5 billion people.

It said the SCO approach to counter-terrorism, modeled on China'sThree Evils doctrine, and highlighting principles of territorial integrity, noninterference in internal affairs, and social stability, contributes to supporting repressive regimes at the expense of human rights.

A failure to demand accountability from the SCO undermines the effectiveness and integrity of the international system in countering terrorism and advancing rule of law, peace, and security, HRIC said.

"China's approach to counter-terrorism is the Three Evils doctrine, and it links terrorism with separatism and extremism," HRIC director Sharon Hom said in an interview.

"This Three Evils approach is overbroad, highly politicized, and while not exclusively applied only to ethnic minority groups, it is regularly applied to Uyghurs and Tibetans in its practice."

Hom said other SCO member states follow China's lead by recognizing Xinjiang and Tibet as inalienable territories of China and repatriating its ethnic minorities who seek asylum within their borders.

"China has enormous clout in the SCO, and you can also see it in the ways in which the other SCO member states and the SCO will completely parrot China's line and China's policy on these two so-called autonomous regions."

Treatment of Uyghurs

The HRIC white paper said it found "serious issues" concerning China's treatment of Uyghurs, including the principle of non-refoulement and potential use of torture during interrogations.

Regulations specific to Xinjiang became part of China's domestic counter-terrorism legal framework in December 2009 when provincial-level lawmakers revised the region's Comprehensive Management of Social Order.

Through the revisions, Chinese authorities were ordered to specifically crack down on the three threats of "terrorism, separatism, and extremism" in the aftermath of the July 2009 ethnic violence in Urumqi which left hundreds dead, according to official media reports.

HRIC called the amendments "unique" to Xinjiang, adding that "such singular focus by the Chinese government ... suggests that the concept of terrorism has been applied in a biased fashion, with the Uyghur community the subject of intense scrutiny and suspicion."

It noted that while China does face real threats of terrorism, "the limited involvement of Uyghurs in terrorist acts cannot serve as justification of widespread repression throughout [Xinjiang] or the labeling of peaceful Uyghur activists under the rubric of the Three Evils."

Adherence to rules

But despite its reliance on the Three Evils doctrine, HRIC wrote, China continues to claim that it is acting to "firmly uphold and fulfill the resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council," according to a statement by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security (MPS).

Under U.N. rules, China pledged to oppose the "arbitrary widening" of the scope of fighting terrorism and identifying terrorism with any specific ethnic group or religion.

"The Three Evils doctrine undermines this principled approach and, in doing so, compromises human rights guaranteed under international law, and international counter-terrorism efforts as a whole," HRIC said.

HRIC recommended that Beijing narrow its "Three Evils"-based approach to national security and reformulate its definition of terrorism.

On June 24 last year, Chinese authorities announced they had broken up a "terrorist" ring of a Uyghur separatist group, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), after arresting more than ten of its members involved in an alleged major plot against China.

The announcement said that information leading to the arrest had been obtained through the investigation of 20 "individuals of Chinese citizenship" who had been deported to China on December 20, 2009-the exact date that Cambodia deported 20 Uyghurs seeking asylum following the July 5 ethnic unrest in Urumqi.

The statement also indicated that several of the alleged ETIM members had confessed to participating in a wide array of terrorist activities during interrogation.

Human Rights Watch said in February that the Cambodian government has a "dismal track record" of deporting refugees granted asylum status by the UNHCR, particularly those from neighboring countries such as China and Vietnam.

Ethnic tensions

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

Ethnic tensions between Uyghurs and majority Han Chinese settlers have simmered for years, and erupted in riots in July 2009 that left some 200 people dead, according to the Chinese government's tally.

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.

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

Reported by Mamatjan Juma for RFA Uyghur service. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Copyright © 1998-2011 Radio Free Asia. All rights reserved.

 

Vancouver Roofing Problems

Vancouver Roofing

In Vancouver extra care is required whenever obtaining a estimate for any home. The roof covering contractor in Vancouver needs to know exactly what they are dealing with whenever getting your roof off. Unforeseen costs really are a common situation within Vancouver and each owner ought to be prepared

Heritage- being among the oldest places in the GVRD you can realize that there are some pretty aged houses. Having a high pitch roofing, probably in the vicinity of 12/12 message that essentially means 45 degree angle roof. The initial roof had been cedar tremble sitting on strapping. I don't know whether it had been lazy or even the tradition, in the event that everyone was attempting to save money but if you've this roofing you most likely got several coating on the roof. The initial is still upon and 2 additional levels sit above the actual cedar tremble. I've come across house where 5 levels sitting along with the home. According to creating signal now days the Vancouver Roofing company must eliminate all layers if a new roof is to be placed above. A person folks often spend much more due to the steepness, the actual few levels of roof, the actual plywood deck and the trouble. You are probably two ft from your neighbors

Vancouver Roofing

Low Slope - Vancouver unique houses run all through East Vancouver. The actual minor trouble with these types of homes in regards to roof covering is the fact that fewer and fewer roof covering companies out there do tar and gravel. The choice you have is actually torch upon or even metal. Asphalt shingles cannot go on these houses. Your own pitch would be to reduced as well as asphalt probably wouldn't last ten years. Vancouver Roofing companies that have been in the commercial of torch upon in excess of 10 years are most likely dependable. Snow and ice build up upon these types of roofs trigger mini swimming pools to build up on your roof as well as cause major seeping, keep the actual rain gutters as well as downpipes obvious.

Reduced Downward slope or even High Downward slope cedar shake - In Vancouver this really is typical on the West aspect. There is not a lot to say of Cedar in Vancouver. There is a long time period with the 60's, 70's as well as Eighties when Vancouver Roofing companies weren't installing cedar. The majority of Cedar rooftops tend to be new building. cedar may be the one creation that the majority of problems can be determined before the function begins

Reduced Downward slope or High Slope Asphalt roofing - If you have asphalt roofing also it hasn't been changed within the last 10 years then you have a solid deck. Since the 1970's asphalt came into the market. With new building shiplap or also known as tongue and groove was the only real choice of a strong deck. Shiplap techniques a great deal during the cold months as well as in summer therefore plyboard ought to be layered down by the roofer

 

Roofing within Burnaby

Roof covering within Burnaby might have it's challenges and the best way to go through them all is to function through North in order to Southern beginning at the very top associated with Burnaby. Within North Burnaby the hillsides start to incline as well as decrease to some fairly strong perspectives. The large problems I find listed here are driveway steepness and use of the house, although this might not appear to be the problem to you it's a really major problem for any roofer that has at hand have your aged roof upward a slope as well as hands have your new roofing lower the slope.

Hard, a downward slope region in this area stored creating contractors away and for that reason you've houses that were just about all built by individually employed construction companies. There are several portions of North Burnaby which have small groups homes all built together however to the degree which Main Burnaby offers. Northern Burnaby offers more fascinating built styles and roofs creating a ball recreation area determine estimate in this area pretty difficult.

Burnaby Roofing

Main Burnaby is how large building companies having a standard architectural method of creating the house had been fairly hectic during the 70`s as well as earlier 80`s. Having a shiplap deck being the only option as well as asphalt tiles becoming the option and placed on a home. These days shiplap is the roofers enemy due to the fact the tiles of today are not designed to work with shiplap. Attempting to convince central Burnaby they need to re-deck the roof with plyboard offers frequently been ignored and for good reason.

The quality of shiplap has elevated levels of this region with many of it which i know of being in between Six and 8 inches which is perfect. Other than that this particular a part of Burnaby is fairly easy to roof along with access not a problem everything often and a obvious design within sloped roofing that's clear to see. Lots of Vancouver special offers centered right here to along with flashlight on being the number one choice from the original tar residue as well as gravel option. Cedar roofs tend to spread the actual east side of this area with most converting to asphalt

Southern Burnaby has a tendency to possess bigger roofs that are sprinkled along with asphalt and cedar shake. Cedar tremble roofs in this area are generally from houses around 20 years aged. This house has a tendency to convert into a asphalt roofing and many possess okay entry however, many do not and also the rooftops aren't everything to high. A few asphalt rooftops down right here actually have plyboard patio's which is usually a big saving idea for any home owner

 

Roofing West Vancouver

West Vancouver is really a region of valley's as well as ridges, high driveways as well as concealed roofs. This is often a roofing contractors headache but there are roof covering companies that work in the region and understand what these people probably might be coping with. Unlike additional metropolitan areas within the City Vancouver area, big building businesses didn't purchase large tracks of property and build designed suv cul-de-sacs. They are doing can be found however to some much smaller degree than additional metropolitan areas. As a result you'll find in one road 20 homes just about all built in a different way. I suppose because of the land landscape this was the only way to obtain houses built in some areas.

There was certainly the boom during the 70's through the shear quantity of shiplap patio's available. Most roofs within West Vancouver that require an upgraded are asphalt roofs which take a seat on the shiplap outdoor patio. They shingle is generally the interlock shingle which was made for shiplap however no more available in the higher Vancouver region. Most property owners within West Vancouver are learning they right now require a plyboard outdoor patio to pay for the actual shiplap.

A few Cedar rooftops appear in West Vancouver but not much that needs replacing. Most 20 year old cedar tremble rooftops within West Vancouver have been changed which means you find a cedar roof in some places. Replacing cedar with cedar isn't a just about all in order to typical practise and many Cedar roofs are in new construction.

West Vancouver Roofing

Vancouver specials are not all in order to typical in West Vancouver. Flashlight upon and tar and tiny rocks can be obtained but not suggested. The actual rain as well as wind is commonly a bit more severe within West Vancouver, with the large quantities associated with trees and the possibility of huge snow drop metal is a high suggestion.

Getting a roof estimation within West Vancouver can be quite diverse from the individual living right on the doorstep. for those who have the steep driveway, have a roofing that is steeper compared to Thirty levels and over 2000 sq ft than you are able to spend a lot more than $ 2000 compared to your own neighbour. The kind of roofing and quantity of pulsating can make a big difference. Within West Vancouver it's very hard to golf ball park a price for this very cause. I suppose you can state based on the small land you reside upon and also the style of the roofing could make a big difference from a high estimation along with a reduced estimation. Roofing access is a huge issue with some roofers having to hands have the old roofing over 100 ft than hands carrying the new roofing one hundred feet to the home.

Obtain 3 estimations to check apples with apples and for the exact same item, provides you with a chance to become knowledgeable and get the best concerns. Most roofs within West Vancouver is actually below ventilated therefore make sure when you get your homes roof estimate you can see if every estimation you receive may upgrade your air flow or even your new roof won't final. The extra ventilation isn't the add-on price therefore the more the actual merrier, you cannot possess a limit upon ventilation. Tree particles is a problem so maintain your roofing without damaging the rooftop item. leak blower has become the greatest type of maintenance.

 

Victoria roofing Companies -- Altering Several roofs

Victoria roofing companies can save a little bit of money when working on your roofing in addition to a number of your own neighbors. There are many cul-de-sac's out there within Victoria in which the houses were built at the same time and all having a cedar or asphalt roof with the same warranty as well as environmental conditions. The house are usually built with exactly the same design and have the exact same ventilation issues so when it's time to replace your neighbors then it is time for you to replace yours..

New construction roofing Victoria two decades ago included in regards to a twenty 12 months guarantee. The majority of roofs begin to drip shortly after the actual twenty year tag as well as all of a sudden the entire street is getting their rooftops replaced. Whenever a Victoria roofing estimator involves your home and you're simply on good conditions with your neighbors you may could persuade your own neighbours to get a roof estimation as well. Most Victoria roofing companies can offer two estimations. One is the estimation if only you were to replace a person home on it's own on the street. The other estimate is for you and also the neighbors that have chosen a estimate too, for those who have convinced your neighbors to do this.

Victoria roofing Contractors can help to save profit 2 major places whenever several roof covering. One in the actual shipping cost of the materials is reduced whenever a roofing organization can get three homes in one delivery. The second is the wastage, movement of waste is exactly what is expensive as well as ensuring the wastage is relocated collectively allows the actual Victoria Roofing Company to lessen the price of your brand-new roof. Whenever neighbors get a new roof covering project carried out together this gives future home owners to complete the same in thirty many years whenever your new rooftops obtain aged.

Find a very good Victoria Roofing Contractor

I live in Victoria as well as understand how difficult it's to find a good contractor to operate on your home. All of them seem real very first and they just about all promise the globe. Regrettably there are a few that really provide on these types of guarantees.

Roofing companies are no exception and want to do your research in order to discount the great ones in the bad ones.

The roof is a vital component of any kind of house. Here's your primary hurdle of numerous of the elements discovered outside. For those who have a leaking roofing you could find your self placing lots of pans and pots all through your house to catch the water. In case your roof will get really bad you also risk it caving in at some point.

Fortunately if your roofing is constructed the right way it'll last for several years. You can even find some rooftops that are both so good they are able to are fifty years.

Getting a reliable roof covering company within Victoria and also you need this kind of function carried out is extremely important. You want someone who's likely to provide you with a fair bet, get the job done in a timely manner, and use standard or over typical materials.

This is actually the objective you just need to good the roofing to have an region who is willing and able to get it done.

Here are a few things that Personally, i might look for and will make an application for not only Victoria, however every area in the country:

When i first like to begin with recommendations. I know I am not alone who has a home and I wish to request others their opinion but had roofing work done prior to me. Friends, members of the family, coworkers, acquaintances, and folks you know will usually not really drive you wrong. They are able to make use of a direct you to definitely an individual who has done a fantastic job for them. Unless a person isn't keen on a person they were not often recommend a roofing organization in Victoria that has done shoddy function.

Subsequent, you need to reach minimum three estimates. Roof covering work is expensive by nature and also you desire a service provider who is going to give you a fair and sensible cost. Bear in mind a fair as well as reasonable quotation is going to be higher. Understand as well that roofing companies spend some of the highest insurance rates from any business in the country. Because the work carried out roof covering Contractors workers comp prices are regarding five times higher than additional like companies. It's not out of the ordinary with this type of organization to pay for $30 in workers comp premiums for every hundred dollars these people shell out in pay-roll. These costs need to be passed on to the customer. So, when you are getting an offer from a roofing company understand that a minimum of 30 in order to 40% of what he's charging you is just to cover administrative as well as insurance charges. An individual who submits to you and extremely reduced bid is most likely without insurance were not covered whatsoever.

Every thing ought to be created about the contract. This includes the materials to be used in your house and also the time it will take to install them. Do not leave something as a spoken contract. You need to be able to precisely evaluate that which you were obtaining for the cost you're having to pay and make an informed choice. When the estimators arrive they'll attempt to lure a person in to signing some thing immediately. Do not do it. You'll need 3 estimations, side by side in your table, and also you have to take the time to read all of them each carefully such as the small print.

Lastly, check up on a Victoria's roofing Contractors encounter and reputation. You would like them to have enough experience in order to get the job done. Optimally, you'll need a company that's been neighborhood and absolutely nothing can surprise them. If they have been around for at least five years they will have the trustworthiness of possibly doing excellent work are being people. Some of the best people to ask our local companies. Even when it is their own competitor a business proprietor had been usually not speak poor about an additional organization unless he or she truly seems he is doing treatment terrible function. You can also ask roofing suppliers who believe that is the greatest. These people use hundreds the roofer's each month and are inside a excellent placement to give you inside info.

Fundamental essentials 3 products I'd look for when selecting my personal roofer. I'm fussy concerning the people I choose to work along with and you should be picky as well. You can't depend on the Contractors yellow-colored page ad to inform a person what they're regarding. Every company says of their the very best. Roofing companies aren't any exception and often go with what the largest phone book advert of the biggest criminals.

Do your homework and you ought to be able to find a good Victoria roofing company. Take your time and don't allow anybody rush you. Go with your own stomach and do not spend your hard earned money with anyone you are feeling uncomfortable with

The best roofer Victoria is right at your doorway step should you choose your own research as well as thoroughly check the corporation's background and reputation. This will make sure you do not get sold on some thing you do not need or using the services of a disadvantage designer.

Please click here for more info regarding Victoria roofing contractors.

 

Roofing Vancouver evaluation, price estimates and prices

Roofing can be described as probably the most important phase of building while creating any building or even home. From the past many years different roof covering techniques as well as materials happen to be used based on the climatic conditions and requirements of the residents. Using the amazing growth as well as enhancement in the field of building there are various roofing vancouver choices accessible today. You will find various roofing contractors Vancouver and roofing companies Vancouver, that offer Vancouver roof covering providers. Roofing Vancouver choices provided at this time fulfill the needs of the occupant, function well for the purpose of roofing and look attractive also.

The initial step in direction associated with changing of roofing vancouver must include a substantial research produced on the web or by going to numerous roofing vancouver providers. With this 1 may acquire information on unique facets of changing a roof and get one of the most affordable estimations. Roofing Vancouver providers provide essential abilities and engineering techniques for the replacing an existing roof. For the replacing roof pick a contractor or a company that is nicely respected in Vancouver and it is certified to provide providers. Obtain different estimations to check the expense supplied because there may be a difference in roofing vancouver costs and estimations of several companies. You will find a number of components which determine the actual cost of replacing a roof, therefore getting some precisely hand might be truly useful.
When the roofing of the structure has been carried out appropriately bearing in mind the latest techniques as well as components a roof helps in handling:


Air flow

Drinking water ingress

Drinking water fumes diffusion

Surface area protection

Warmth blood circulation


Roofing insulation essentially works well for developing a hurdle, which does not permit the outer atmosphere to combine using the atmosphere associated with within. For this purpose there are many types of energy insulations being utilized today during the process of roofing.

To obtain one of the most appropriate and practical roofing vancouver materials, you need to carry out an extensive study and maintain in mind your requirements as well as monetary price range.

Roofing Vancouver designs obtainable

There are lots of roofing vancouver designs accessible inside the market nowadays, a few being pricey and even though some becoming common or even inexpensive. One of the most well-known roofing vancouver designs contain:

Gabled- This specific form is given through creating a triangle about the entrance aspect and providing inclines upon each side of the form.

Side Gabled- In this make up the no gabled attributes encounter the leading generally and contain the entrance doorway.

Front Gabled- In this situation the actual gabled attributes usually face the front and can include the leading doorway.

Mix Gabled- In this particular condition the actual perpendicular wings are usually added to the main part which forms 2 individual components getting their own gabled façade.


Top covers tend to be essentially installed for that protection of below roofing supplies from numerous UV rays and physical damage. Top addresses come in variations such as: liquid coating, factory nutrient, metal surface, pavers as well as gravels.

Learn more about Vancouver roofing on roofing companies Vancouver website

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Surface Encounters

LeBron James of Miami Heat delayed by Cleveland Cavaliers garage parking security

LeBron James was delayed in getting into the arena for the Miami Heat's shootaround Tuesday morning when he arrived with a driver and with a second car at the entrance for the Cavs' underground garage parking lot.

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Atari readies new Warlords remake <b>News</b> - Page 1 | Eurogamer.net

Read our news of Atari readies new Warlords remake.

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LOTS OF BAD <b>NEWS</b> AND STOCKS STILL SURGE: Here&#39;s What You Need To Know

The news only seems to be getting worse at Fukushima. There doesn't appear to have been progress at the nuke plant in ages. TEPCO stock got crushed again, and there are even rumors of the CEO fleeing. That dragged Japanese stocks down ...

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Titles from major book publisher Random House will now appear in Apple’s iBooks store. The news was one of many talking points covered earlier today at Apple’s media event. Random House had previously been the only major publisher not represented in Apple’s popular iOS book store, as it was not willing to grant Apple the 30% cut taken on titles sold through iBooks. The addition of Random House is a major coup for Apple as it looks to compete with the likes of Amazon’s Kindle bookstore and other popular offerings. Hit the break for Apple’s full press release.

Random House, Inc. Makes Entire US Catalog of 17,000 ebooks Available on Apple’s iBookstore

iBookstore Now Features More than 2,500 Publishers, Including All Six Major Trade Publishers

SAN FRANCISCO—March 2, 2011—Apple® today announced that Random House, Inc., the largest trade book publisher in the US, has made its full catalog of 17,000 ebooks available on Apple’s iBookstore℠, including bestsellers by Stieg Larsson, John Grisham, Dan Brown, Danielle Steel, Laura Hillenbrand, Cormac McCarthy, Lee Child and many more of the world’s preeminent authors. Starting today, customers can pre-order upcoming releases from Random House including Lisa Gardner’s “Love You More,” Suze Orman’s “The Money Class” and Jean Auel’s “The Land of Painted Caves.” With the addition of Random House, the iBookstore now offers ebooks from all six major trade publishers and thousands of independent publishers.

“We are delighted that Apple’s iBookstore now will be carrying Random House’s US ebooks for the first time,” said Markus Dohle, Random House’s Chairman and CEO. “And we look forward to bringing our 17,000 ebooks to Apple customers.”

“We’re thrilled to offer Random House on the iBookstore,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of Internet Services. “iBookstore customers have already downloaded more than 100 million books in less than one year, and we think they’ll love being able to choose from Random House’s incredible selection of titles to enjoy on their iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.”

iBookstore customers can choose from a wide selection of illustrated and video-enhanced books that look incredible on iPad™, including Jay-Z’s memoir “Decoded” and Bing West’s “The Wrong War”; bestselling children’s series such as Magic Tree House and Junie B. Jones; and cookbooks by Martha Stewart, Rachael Ray, and the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten. Random House, Inc. comprises more than 80 adult and children’s US publishing imprints including Alfred A. Knopf, Doubleday, Crown, Pantheon Books, Vintage, Ballantine and Bantam.

The iBookstore, included in Apple’s free iBooks® app, is the best way to browse, buy and read books on your iPad, iPhone® and iPod touch®. iBookstore offers ebooks from more than 2,500 publishers in more than 20 categories, including Mysteries & Thrillers, Biographies & Memoirs, Cookbooks, Children’s & Teen, Humor, Romance, Business and Travel.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork, and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple is reinventing the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.

Tags: announcement, Apple, books, e-books, e-reader, ebooks, eReader, Event, iBooks, Random House

With few surprises, techies were underwhelmed with Apple’s iPad 2 announcement, but I’m confident that consumers will be thrilled with the product. Apple already had a massive lead in the consumer tablet market it created, and these “underwhelming” upgrades should keep the company comfortably ahead. Apple has given competitors an opening by sticking to 3G, and it did not further pressure them with a lower entry price point or higher-resolution display. However, Apple has three critical advantages.

1. Brand: When consumers are thinking about tablets, they say they are buying an “iPad,” not a “tablet.” The iPad was already the category and volume leader, and the iPad 2 builds on that. In this respect, Apple actually benefits from the crowd of new tablets hitting the market. If there were only one or two strong competitors, consumers would be able to weigh the pros and cons of each offering, but with dozens and dozens of options hitting the market over the next few months, decision paralysis can set in and many consumers will throw up their hands and make the “safe” choice: the iPad.

2. iTunes: The iPad is still the only tablet on the market with a huge digital marketplace for movies, TV shows, and music. Some competitors are taking steps in this direction (e.g., Samsung’s Hub), but iTunes remains a significant competitive advantage.

3. App Store: If all you want to do is browse the Web and check e-mail, any tablet will probably suffice. However, Apple has an enormous lead in purpose-built apps. The Android ecosystem is strong and app availability should improve significantly over time, but the iPad 2 is considerably more versatile than any of its competitors right now, and it appears unlikely to lose its lead any time in the near future.

So if you are competing with Apple, what should you do? Rather than copying Apple’s products, copy its old advertising tag line and Think Different.

Apple’s brand is focused on creative types (or those who aspire to be), which is why it spends so much effort creating things like GarageBand. Competitors should target IT managers, knowledge workers, outdoorsy people, or some other group and build software and hardware combinations better suited to those use cases. Of course, this will take imagination and the ability to tie hardware, software, and services together to build unique experiences. There are some companies thinking outside the box (HTC and RIM have clearly differentiated products on their roadmaps), but for the vendors who are trying to out-Apple Apple… good luck. Here are some pointers, you’re going to need them:

• Based on Apple’s financials, it is clear that the iPad with WiFi is Apple’s volume product and 3G versions are merely gravy. Why is the competition only targeting the gravy?

• iTunes remains a significant competitive advantage for Apple – I cannot easily explain to novices how to get a movie onto the XOOM. Rivals need an “iTunes” of their own, but having one just achieves parity with Apple, so partnering is an acceptable approach. However, half measures are not enough; digital media stores must include movies (including rentals) and TV shows and music. If multiple partners are used, the tablet vendor still needs to provide a common interface and single account/billing relationship.

• Nintendo has a significant base of game developers targeting the 3DS; if you cannot muster equivalent resources (for gaming, media playback, or some other use), adding 3D to your tablet is just a gimmick.

• Apple’s rivals can compete on 4G, higher-resolution displays, or a lower price. Even speed is a potential differentiator from a technical perspective; NVIDIA has quad-core processors sampling this month, so rivals could build even faster tablets for this holiday season. However, I must still caution vendors that all of these factors are irrelevant if consumers do not want your product.

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Surface Encounters

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 media as a marketing, customer service, and, yes, even sales tool. But if you haven’t thought about how social media can define your brand, you are probably missing a HUGE part of what social media tools can do for your business. Here’s more…

Tools & Techniques

Creating a great brand with these blog tools. Tools that improve the look and functionality of your blog also improve your brand. A well-maintained small business blog is one of the most obvious and least expensive branding tools at the entrepreneur’s disposal even more so than social media channels like Facebook and Twitter because of how a blog can be customized to fit your needs and personality. This list of tools is a great way to start. EpicLaunch

What Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi can teach you about social media. One of the stars of the hit reality show “Jersey Shore”, “Snooki” is a perfect example of personal brand, but social media entrepreneurs could also learn much about building their own online presence from Snooki. Being yourself and using a simple, short tag to indelibly brand your identity are also great techniques in social media. One site is already trying to apply the starlets techniques in the social media space. Brand-Yourself

Tito Philips doesn’t want your comments on his blog! At least, not if they’re the wrong kind. And the wrong kind would be comments left for no other purpose than to get the blogger and his/her readers to visit your blog and perhaps comment on it in return. Why is comment trading bad? Don’t get Tito started! There are many ways to engage in social media marketing. Be sure you understand and respect some of the attitudes you may face. Blogging Bookshelf  

News & Trends

The best of the best. Want to get a look at arguably the 20 best Facebook fan pages for business on the planet? By now you should know the value of a Facebook fan page to your branding efforts. What’s also true, however, is that not all Facebook sites are created equal. If you want to take your social media marketing to the next level, have a look at this list of cream of the crop sites. Inc.com

Even churches use social media marketing! In this article on the growing market for tech services among religious organizations, we learn that many churches have also already entered into the social media space. As houses of worship, particularly huge mega-churches, expand and build congregations, it’s easy to see how social media can work as a marketing tool here as well. Is your religious organization using social media for branding? WSJ

Tips & Tricks

20 tips that will make you a Twitter star. Among the tools popular in the new digital space is Twitter. The microblogging platform can be used for business or non-business purposes and it can be the key to your small business’s success. Learn how to use Twitter like a pro and you may be surprised at the benefits your small business gains as a result. Global Copywriting

Valuable lessons in social media. Gary Vaynerchuk, author of The Thank You Economy and a successful social media entrepreneur in his own right, has many insights to share with small business leaders seeking a new way to define their brands in an age of social communications. Read some of the takeaways Vaynerchuk shares with those trying to define their businesses with social media. E-Marketing Associates

Success Stories

Doubt the power of FB to create brand for almost anyone? You won’t after you read the story of Princeton English Professor Jeff Nunokawa and “Jeffbook”, a collection of 3,221 brief literary essays on Facebook, that have created an incredible cult status for Nunokawa in the process. His motivation? Not too different from those of most marketers. Nunokawa simply started sharing where he knew his audience already spent lots of their time. The results speak for themselves. Fast Company

Increase exposure with niche social media. Blogger Mavis Nong talks about the importance of niche social media sites including social bookmarking sites as a key method of creating exposure for your online business. Mavis talks about her experience with our sister site BizSugar.com (thanks for the shout out! ) and explains how smaller more focused social sites can sometimes have a surprising impact even larger than the big guys. Attraction Marketing Online

Opportunities

Sponsors wanted for new SugarTone Sweet Business Blogging Contest. Put the power of social media to work for your brand. We’re looking for sponsors to help with a brand new blogging contest involving two of the fastest growing small business communities on the Web, BizSugar.com and Bloggertone.com. Learn more about the contest by reading the full announcement and get in touch today! BizSugar Blog

The major legislative item on the agenda in the Senate this week will be The Small Business Reauthorization Act (S. 493).  Republicans plan to use this bill as a platform to promote critical pieces of legislation through the process of non-germane amendments to the bill.  Here are some vital amendments that will be debated and voted on throughout the week:

• Senator Mitch McConnell is offering an amendment (S. AMDT 183) to prohibit the EPA from promulgating any regulations on greenhouse gas emissions.  There is perhaps no force that is more destructive to our prosperity, consumer freedom of choice, and job creation than onerous cap and trade schemes.  There are many red state Democrats who are up for reelection in 2012 and will be hard pressed to go on record as supporting policies that are an imprecation to the interests of their states.  Make sure to call Senators Claire McCaskill, Joe Manchin, Ben Nelson, Bill Nelson, and Jon Tester in particular.

• Senator David Vitter is offering an amendment (S.AMDT. 178) forcing the federal government to sell off unused and underused property.  This is a serious issue.  The federal government owns over half of the land in some western states and has been using it to stifle energy development.  Selling unused federal lands would also serve as a prudent means of generating revenue without raising taxes.

• Senator Rand Paul is using the SBA bill as a platform to offer his signature budget bill (S.AMDT 199) which would slash $200 billion in spending for fiscal 2011.  Paul’s plan slashes funding by 50% to the Departments of Energy, Education, and HUD.  This amendment represents real limited government and budget austerity and will separate the men among the boys in the ranks of the Republican Conference.

• Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison is forcing a vote (S. AMDT 197) to delay the implementation of ObamaCare until a final resolution is reached in pending lawsuits.  Unlike other bills that are designed to merely ameliorate ObamaCare, this amendment would completely halt it during the ensuing legal battles.

• Senator Tom Coburn has filed an amendment (S.AMDT.184) to force federal agencies to compile comprehensive lists of all of their programs

Make sure that all of your Republican senators are on record supporting these amendments, especially Rand Paul’s budget proposal.  Also, let’s see which faux moderate Democrats will commit to supporting anyone of these commonsense initiatives.  Needless to say, I didn’t waste time calling my senators; Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin!

Surface Encounters

Japan Nuke Accident Seen From Seattle - Science <b>News</b>

Clues to events at crippled plant found in traces of radiation reaching Pacific Northwest.

Surface Encounters

Surface Encounters

Surface Encounters

Japan Nuke Accident Seen From Seattle - Science <b>News</b>

Clues to events at crippled plant found in traces of radiation reaching Pacific Northwest.

Surface Encounters

personal finance manager

In New York, Tuesday marked the beginning of the long awaited trial of hedge fund manager Raj Rajaratnam, who ran the $7 billion Galleon Group and whose personal wealth is estimated at $1.3 billion. He is being prosecuted by the SEC for insider trade deals. Rajaratnam is said to have made $45 million in illegal profits. He has denied the charges and is free on $100 million bond. If he is convicted he could go to prison for as long as 20 years. The SEC historically has been such a handmaiden of the finance business that it's hard to imagine anything serious coming out of its prosecutions, but one never knows.

Whatever happens to Rajaratnam, it  would be simple enough to prosecute many of the high rollers on first civil, then criminal charges, fining them millions of dollars and taking them out of circulation for up to 20 years.

"Contrary to prevailing propaganda, there is a fairly straightforward case that could be launched against the CEOs and CFOs of pretty much every US bank with major trading operation," writes Yves Smith in her popular Naked Capitalism blog. "I'll call them 'dealer banks' or 'Wall Street firms' to distinguish them from very big but largely traditional commercial banks.’’ She proceeds to lay out the case, the key points of which I have excerpted below:

Since Sarbanes Oxley became law in 2002, Sections 302, 404, and 906 of that act have required these executives to establish and maintain adequate systems of internal control within their companies. In addition, they must regularly test such controls to see that they are adequate and report their findings to shareholders (through SEC reports on Form 10-Q and 10-K) and their independent accountants. “Knowingly” making false section 906 certifications is subject to fines of up to $1 million and imprisonment of up to ten years; “willful” violators face fines of up to $5 million and jail time of up to 20 years.

• • • • •

At Daily Kos on this date in 2009:

It is difficult to muster any sympathy whatsoever for the goddamned banks. This is a crisis entirely of their own manufacture. Yes, the housing market went down -- which anyone with an ounce of sense could have predicted, and did. Any bank betting the entirety of its assets many-times-over on that not happening deserves to fail as spectacularly as possible, its corporate leadership condemned to no greater future responsibilities than bussing tables. ...

We are aware of Japan's "Lost Decade", a period of real estate collapse and economic stagnation. We have, though, been in our own Lost Decade since the turn of the millennium, and only now that the higher echelons of our society have found themselves in as unpalatable a situation as the rest of us have been in has anyone important deigned to notice. We have had a decade of doing nothing, and two decades of offshoring our every competence, leaving us to putter in our financial closets and declare ourselves kings of all we could see.

These child tax credits and deductions can mean a tax refund for you!

There are many money-saving tax credits and deductions that can reduce the tax burden on families with children. The Child Tax Credit, Child Care Credit and the Earned Income Credit can all mean tax savings for families with one or more children.  Remember, a tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction of the taxes you owe.

Child Tax Credit

The maximum Child Tax Credit is $1,000 each qualifying child under 17.  Because this is a partially refundable tax credit, even taxpayers who do not owe taxes are eligible if they have earned at least $3,000 in 2010.  If you have four children, the credit can cut your tax bill up to $4,000.

Income Requirements: When income exceeds $110,000 (married filing jointly), $55,000 (married filing separately) and $75,000 (all others) the child tax credit begins to phase out.  If parents are divorced or separated, the parent who claims the child as a dependent is eligible to claim the child tax credit.  This is true even if the parent’s filing status is married filing separately.  The Child Tax Credit Table can help you determine if you are eligible for the full credit amount of $1,000.

To maximize the benefit of each credit, you must take the nonrefundable credits in a specific order.  (You must sometimes calculate other credits first to properly apply the child tax credit.)  You can complete your taxes online at home using H&R Block tax prep software that automatically identifies all the tax savings you are eligible for, and it guarantees you’ll get the maximum refund.

The Earned Income Credit can be worth up to $5,666 off your taxes

The Earned Income Credit (EIC) is a valuable credit for lower-income taxpayers who work.  It provides a tax credit for one child of up to $3,050 and a maximum of $5,666 for three or more children.  This Earned Income Credit Table for 2010 can help you determine how much you take off your taxes.  The EIC reduces the amount of tax you owe and may also give you a refund—it can mean money back to you even if you $0 in taxes!

Dependent Child Exemption

The $3,650 qualifying child exemption allows taxpayers to claim a dependent exemption for their child, stepchild, adopted child, eligible foster child, sibling or step-sibling, or a descendant of one of these.  Children must be under age 19 or under age 24 and a full-time student, and younger than the taxpayer, live with the taxpayer for more than half the year; and not provide more than 50% of their own support for the year.

Child and Dependent Care Credit

The tax credit for child and dependent care expenses allows taxpayers to claim a credit for expenses paid for the care of children under age 13.  There is a limit to the amount of qualifying expenses.  The credit can be up to 35% of your qualifying expenses, depending upon your adjusted gross income.

By H&R Block’s Leigh Mutert, CPA and hrblock.com Community Manager (Think you may have missed out on tax credits in past years? H&R Block will review your tax 2007-2010 tax returns to see if you should get money back. This is free at any H&R Block office through March 31st.)

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Pawlenty Announces His Money Team - FoxNews.com

Republican Tim Pawlenty's exploratory committee has announced the key players who will make up Pawlenty's national finance team. The announcement comes as Pawlenty's team gears up for a major-donor fundraising effort.

URGENT: Plutonium detected in soil at Fukushima nuke plant: TEPCO <b>...</b>

Plutonium has been detected in soil at five locations at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Tokyo Electric Power Co. said Monday. The operator of the nuclear complex said that the plutonium is believed to have been ...

How to create a Facebook <b>news</b> feed for a journalist (or anything <b>...</b>

I've been enjoying The Independent's individual Facebook feeds for journalists, football teams and other 'entities' of their news coverage. So much so that.