meritocratic colorization: July 2012

Monday, July 30, 2012

Wall Street reacts to Facebook's first earnings announcement post IPO

by Elizabeth M Young

Created on: July 28, 2012

The Facebook, Inc. initial public offering (IPO) was troublesome enough to call the whole issue of IPOs into question. The world's most successful social networking site has now reported less than stellar first quarter earnings results. The IPO started with a $38 offering price which quickly sank to $25.52 and has now hit a low of 39% below the IPO price, according to

Timesleader.

Revenue grew 32 percent in the first quarter, but growth was disappointing.The company also increased spending on hiring and technology, which drove up expenses. 84 percent of Facebook's revenue comes from advertising and the rest comes from payments and other fees associated with games and applications.

What do investors think of this? The problem actually started with inflated analyst expectations. When the expectations were lowered, Facebook exceeded them by a small amount. The Mercury News points out that investing analysts want to see growth in revenue combined with controls over spending. As for spending, a one time cost of $1.3 billion took Facebook into the loss column by $157 million. Capital spending went up 213 percent to $413 million.

Investors also look for growth in users, something that may be a useless measure when much of the available user market has been exploited or when there is competition in specialty areas. Facebook users will also use Google +, Twitter and/or Pinterest instead of staying exclusively at Facebook. It is also important to see growth in revenue from the ads and from applications fees.?

It might be time for the entire investment world to stop pushing growth for no better reason than its own sake, and to get smarter about other tech services indicators like sound and steady revenue from savvy advertising schemes, keeping up with technology by hiring and making capital investment, and maximizing existing customer satisfaction.

At least one analyst, Colin?Sebastian?of Baird, sees the stock as an "out performer" because Facebook has gotten increased revenue from advertising and from paid services related to the site's applications. More users are accessing Facebook apps from tablets and smartphones, and it appears that mobile account holders have become more willing to use Facebook. The wide array of mobile operating systems requires more capital investment, but will reap more revenue from mobile advertising and application use. Add in the increased revenue from new mobile users in developing countries,?and the picture may not be as dismal. ?

Citi analyst Mark Mahaney says that the results are neutral, neither encouraging nor discouraging. He looked at user engagement and making money from mobile user markets. Facebook was once known for attracting huge numbers of users, but getting a tiny proportion of them to actually do anything with their accounts. This is not such a problem anymore, given the growing number of ways that users can interact with Facebook from linked sites and mobile devices. New features, like "Timeline" and shared music are making Facebook a favorite for people who want to play games and interact with family and friends.?

WebProNews thinks that upstart competitor, Google + is doing fine on a global basis. In June, Google + had over 110 million unique visitors, which represented a 66 percent growth rate. Google + now has 250 million accounts, 150 million monthly users and 75 million daily users, Google + has become very attractive to science, arts, professional and student users who are not always interested in the fun and games of social networking. Google can also integrate Google + into its dominating search service, which may siphon off a few more Facebook users.

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth M Young.
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Wall Street reacts to Facebook's first earnings announcement post IPO

Source: http://www.helium.com/items/2353859-what-does-wall-street-think-about-facebooks-first-quarter-earnings-report

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Sunday, July 29, 2012

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Mali's interim president sidelines PM Diarra

Mali's interim president Dioncounda Traore sidelined his controversial prime minister Cheick Modibo Diarra on Sunday by announcing the creation of new bodies tasked with ending the crisis.

In a televised address to the nation, he announced he would be in charge of a High Council of State, lead talks for a unity government himself and create a committee to negotiate with the Islamists controlling Mali's north.

The High Council of State is designed to "complete the country's institutional architecture" and "adapt it to socio-political realities."

It will be made up of the interim president and two vice-presidents, one of whom will be in charge of defence and security and handling the four-month-old crisis in the north. The other will represent the various non-political forces in Mali.

Traore also announced a government of national unity, with consultations being led by himself and not by Prime Minister Diarra, who has been in the post since April 17 by who has come under fire by a broad front of political parties, unions and civil organisations.

A unity government has been demanded by west African neighbours who set a deadline of July 31 for its creation, otherwise sanctions would be imposed.

Traore said a "national negotiating committee" would be set up to "engage in peace talks so as to seek through dialogue negotiated solutions to the crisis" in the north.

Traore returned to Bamako on Friday amid tight security after a two-month stay in Paris for medical treatment after he was attacked by a mob in his office.

"I forgive my attackers," the 70-year-old said at Bamako airport after he landed in the west African nation, which is in a worse state of crisis than when he left it.

Armed, masked men kept watch on roofs to secure Traore's arrival, and he was greeted at the airport by Diarra.

Ex-junta leader Captain Amadou Sanogo, who led a March 22 coup which plunged the previously stable democracy into crisis, was also present.

"The Malian people are going through a very difficult period, starved for unity. I will apply myself to that," Traore said.

Traore said he was getting "better every day" after suffering a head injury when a mob of protesters against his appointment burst into his office on May 21 and beat him. He had been recovering in Paris ever since.

The interim president has a heavy workload awaiting him.

Hardline Islamists have strengthened their hold on the vast desert north of Mali, which they seized after the coup. The interim government which took over from the junta has proved powerless to deal with the occupation.

Diarra is trying to cobble together a wider unity government on the orders of mediators from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional bloc to deal with the mounting crisis.

ECOWAS wants to send a 3,000-strong military force to Mali, but is waiting for United Nations approval and a formal request from Bamako from a more inclusive government.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/malis-interim-president-sidelines-pm-diarra-220239503.html

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Thursday, July 26, 2012

Scientists: Pop music too loud, all sounds same

By Chris Wickham, Reuters

LONDON -- Comforting news for anyone over the age of 35, scientists have worked out that modern pop music really is louder and does all sound the same.

Researchers in Spain used a huge archive known as the Million Song Dataset, which breaks down audio and lyrical content into data that can be crunched, to study pop songs from 1955 to 2010.

Live Poll

Do you agree that pop music is too loud, all sounds the same?

188330
I agree, music isn't what it used to be.
89%
188331
Sounds like junk science. I love modern music!
11%

VoteTotal Votes: 179

A team led by artificial intelligence specialist Joan Serra at the Spanish National Research Council ran music from the last 50 years through some complex algorithms and found that pop songs have become intrinsically louder and more bland in terms of the chords, melodies and types of sound used.

"We found evidence of a progressive homogenization of the musical discourse," Serra told Reuters. "In particular, we obtained numerical indicators that the diversity of transitions between note combinations -- roughly speaking chords plus melodies?-- has consistently diminished in the last 50 years."

The song remains the same on mix of modern pop music

They also found the so-called timbre palette has become poorer. The same note played at the same volume on, say, a piano and a guitar is said to have a different timbre, so the researchers found modern pop has a more limited variety of sounds.

Intrinsic loudness is the volume baked into a song when it is recorded, which can make it sound louder than others even at the same volume setting on an amplifier.

The music industry has long been accused of ramping up the volume at which songs are recorded in a 'loudness war' but Serra says this is the first time it has been properly measured using a large database.

The study, which appears in the journal Scientific Reports, offers a handy recipe for musicians in a creative drought.

Old tunes re-recorded with increased loudness, simpler chord progressions and different instruments could sound new and fashionable. The Rolling Stones in their 50th anniversary year should take note.

More music news:

Source: http://entertainment.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/07/26/12973700-researchers-find-pop-music-is-too-loud-and-all-sounds-the-same?lite

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Nelly Admits To Jimmy Fallon He Unwinds By Watching 'Bridezillas' (VIDEO)

"The Bachelor"

"The Bachelor," ABC Status: Renewed Why: You really think we've seen the last rose handed out? Not in a million years. ABC has already tapped their next "Bachelorette," and we know they'll have their eyes peeled for a hot rejected man from that spinoff to be the next "Bachelor."

"The Bachelorette"

"The Bachelorette," ABC Status: Likely to be renewed Why: "Bachelor" Brad's also-ran Emily Maynard is getting her turn as the rose giver for the seventh season of "The Bachelorette" this summer. As long as there are people willing to look for love on reality TV, this show will keep on trucking.

"Body of Proof"

"Body of Proof," ABC Status: Renewed Why: "Body of Proof" has been falling below its timeslot competitor, CBS's "Unforgettable," but it still draws a decent audience and its fans are very vocal. ABC has decided it deserves a third season.

"Castle"

"Castle," ABC Status: Renewed Why: This show's ratings have definitely suffered without "Dancing With the Stars" airing beforehand, but it is a consistent performer. And now that Castle and Beckett's relationship is evolving, a fifth season of "oh yes they will" is a no-brainer.

"Charlie's Angels"

"Charlie's Angels," ABC Status: Canceled Why: Not really a shock for anybody, but "Charlie's Angels" is cooked. Flimsy story, bad remake, questionable casting.

"Cougar Town"

"Cougar Town," ABC Status: Renewed -- for TBS! Why: The Season 3 ratings weren't boosted much by holding this show until midseason, but ABC's wonky air schedule also didn't help ... which is why the news that TBS has picked up the show for a fourth season is huge. Cheers with your Big Carl!

"Dancing With the Stars"

"Dancing With the Stars," ABC Status: Renewed Why: "DWTS" may have lost its luster in the ratings, but if the viewers are still coming.

"Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23"

"Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23," ABC Status: Renewed Why: ABC's new bleep-worthy comedy starring Krysten Ritter, Dreama Walker and James Van Der Beek is a funny one, and definitely embraces the quirk (Beek Jeans!), so we're excited to see what they do with a second season.

"Desperate Housewives"

"Desperate Housewives," ABC Status: Canceled Why: After countless deaths, murders, betrayals and natural disasters on Wisteria Lane over the show's eight seasons, the ladies of "Desperate Housewives" will say goodbye forever this May.

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," ABC Status: Canceled Why: After a whopping nine seasons, the do-gooding show came to an end in January. But worry not, it will continue to have a few specials to make viewers cry tears of joy.

"GCB"

"GCB," ABC Status: Canceled Why: This "Desperate Housewives"-esque dramedy premiered to less than 8 million viewers, and the phenomenal cast (Kristin Chenoweth, Annie Potts, Leslie Bibb) couldn't bring in a Texas-sized audience, so ABC canceled it.

"Grey's Anatomy"

"Grey's Anatomy," ABC Status: Renewed Why: Shonda Rhimes' medical drama is a ratings juggernaut, even in its eighth season, and with most of her <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/10/greys-anatomy-ellen-pompeo_n_1506113.html?ref=tv" target="_hplink">big stars signed on for more</a>, ABC gave the go-ahead for a ninth season.

"Happy Endings"

"Happy Endings," ABC Status: Renewed Why: This show is way too "ca-yute" to bubble it, and obviously someone high up at ABC agrees. After its first season was moved around and aired all out of order, the network still gave it another chance to find its audience in Season 2 ... and it has, and hopefully will continue to in Season 3.

"Last Man Standing"

"Last Man Standing," ABC Status: Renewed Why: Ratings for Tim Allen's return to sitcoms have been very strong, making it Tuesday's most-watched comedy. If you can beat "Glee" and "The Biggest Loser," a second season is a given.

"Man Up!"

"Man Up!," ABC Status: Canceled Why: ABC pulled the show after eight episodes.

"The Middle"

"The Middle," ABC Status: Renewed Why: Now in its third season, "The Middle" is still holding onto its middle position in the ratings on Wednesday nights, and that seems just about right. It doesn't do "American Idol" or "Survivor" numbers, of course, but with over 7 million viewers, it's a strong comedy for the network that easily beats anything NBC is offering.

"Missing"

"Missing," ABC Status: Canceled Why: Ashley Judd lead this drama about a former CIA agent whose son goes missing, kicking her back into action to find him. The series was only set to air 10 episodes, miniseries-style, with the potential for more, but a cancellation means that's all they're getting.

"Modern Family"

"Modern Family," ABC Status: Renewed Why: "Modern Family" remains ABC's biggest sitcom success story of the last decade, both in ratings and awards love. This critical darling is getting a fourth season of hijinks with the hilarious Pritchett-Dunphy clan.

"Once Upon A Time"

"Once Upon A Time," ABC Status: Renewed Why: "Once Upon a Time" has gotten praise for being one of the more family-friendly dramas on TV, and it's been pulling in close to 10 million viewers each week because of it. We're excited by the almost endless possibilities for new fairy tale-inspired stories to tackle in Season 2.

"Pan Am"

"Pan Am," ABC Status: Canceled Why: Poor "Pan Am" just never quite took off. The series' vintage look actually worked against it, much like NBC's swiftly canceled "Playboy Club" -- guess when you're being compared to award-winning shows like "Mad Men," it makes it more than a little tough to live up to the hype.

"Private Practice"

"Private Practice," ABC Status: Renewed Why: "Private Practice" has never gotten "Grey's Anatomy"-level ratings, and things got shakier when ABC bumped it to Tuesday nights to make room for creator Shonda Rhimes' other new show, "Scandal," but they've given the show a sixth season order.

"Revenge"

"Revenge," ABC Status: Renewed Why: With a clever mix of drama, mystery and serious revenge-ing, this is hands down one of the most addictive new shows on TV, and we can't wait to see where they take things in Season 2.

"The River"

"The River," ABC Status: Canceled Why: The promise of "Paranormal Activity"-like scares each week quickly fizzled after this show premiered, along with the ratings. The first season's eight episodes came and went, and ABC has nixed any plans for more.

"Scandal"

"Scandal," ABC Status: Renewed Why: Shonda Rhimes' latest show isn't about doctors at all -- and that's why we're glad it's sticking around. Kerry Washington is amazing as Olivia Pope, a Washington, D.C. fixer with a crack team of specialists helping make bad headlines vanish before they're ever written. Here's hoping for more than seven episodes in its second season.

"Shark Tank"

"Shark Tank," ABC Status: Renewed Why: Now in its third season, this reality competition show is unlike any other on network TV and ABC is keeping it around for more for that very reason.

"Suburgatory"

"Suburgatory," ABC Status: Renewed Why: It's smart, quick and not too cute -- "Suburgatory" is consistently named the sitcom you should be watching, but probably aren't. The great cast makes this one a no-brainer, and the ratings have stayed pretty consistent, too. We're thrilled it's getting a second season to shine!

"Work It"

"Work It," ABC Status: Canceled Why: Let us count the ways ...

"2 Broke Girls"

"2 Broke Girls," CBS Status: Renewed Why: At first, people balked at the racist supporting characters, but now it seems that audiences are all over "2 Broke Girls" -- it's ratings have seen a steady increase, and it won the People's Choice Award for Favorite New Comedy.

"A Gifted Man"

"A Gifted Man," CBS Status: Canceled Why: "A Gifted Man's" total viewer numbers were OK for a Friday night, but a 1.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic is especially bad for CBS. Another bad sign: star Patrick Wilson tweeted about the end: "I had a great time. Thanks to my fans. So happy it's done." And done it is.

"The Amazing Race"

"The Amazing Race," CBS Status: Renewed Why: Voted the best reality show on TV several times (albeit years ago), "The Amazing Race" isn't going anywhere. Ratings have dropped a bit, but are still solid.

"The Big Bang Theory"

"The Big Bang Theory," CBS Status: Renewed Why: Nothing seems to be able to make a dent in this show. With fantastic ratings (it beat "Idol"!) and a rabid following, we'll be seeing plenty more "Big Bang" before its run is over.

"Blue Bloods"

"Blue Bloods," CBS Status: Renewed Why: The anchor of Friday nights on CBS, "Blue Bloods" has performed well, pulling in around 11 million viewers an episode. The show might not have the youngest audience, but it's still enough for CBS to keep it on the schedule.

"Criminal Minds"

"Criminal Minds," CBS Status: Renewed Why: Paget Brewster might be checking out, but "Criminal Minds" is here to stay. In Season 7, the procedural is still a consistently strong ratings performer for CBS.

"CSI"

"CSI," CBS Status: Renewed Why: Whenever the time comes, the "CSI" mothership will end with a lot of fanfare, but not this year. With new faces Ted Danson and Elisabeth Shue around, there is going to be at least one more season.

"CSI: Miami"

"CSI: Miami," CBS Status: Canceled Why: Out of the three (!) "CSI" programs on the air, "CSI: Miami" is the one to say goodbye first. The one-time ratings giant has been affected by football overruns (just as "The Good Wife" has) and "CSI: NY" has the edge in terms of total viewers, meaning a "Miami" sunset was inevitable.

"CSI: NY"

"CSI: NY," CBS Status: Renewed Why: Of the two "CSI" spinoffs, "CSI: NY" is the stronger -- pulling in more than 10 million viewers on a Friday night is no easy task -- and with "CSI: Miami" canceled, "CSI: NY's" renewal was a no-brainer.

"The Good Wife"

"The Good Wife," CBS Status: Renewed Why: This critical darling suffered after its move from Tuesdays to Sundays thanks to sports overruns. The viewers are frustrated, but given its strong cast and Emmy love, the show is still coming back for more.

"Hawaii Five-0"

"Hawaii Five-0," CBS Status: Renewed Why: Despite the scheduling setback as Alex O'Loughlin seeks treatment, Season 2 is still doing well for CBS in a very competitive timeslot.

"How To Be a Gentleman"

"How To Be A Gentleman," CBS Status: Canceled Why: Not even having "The Big Bang Theory" as a lead-in could save this David Hornsby project, which only lasted three episodes.

"How I Met Your Mother"

"How I Met Your Mother," CBS Status: Renewed Why: CBS renewed "How I Met Your Mother" for two more seasons in March 2011, so fans can look forward to being strung along about the titular mother's identity for a bit longer.

"The Mentalist"

"The Mentalist," CBS Status: Renewed Why: Although the show hit a season ratings low in the middle of February, its fanbase and overall ratings were enough to have it return for another season.

"Mike & Molly"

"Mike & Molly," CBS Status: Renewed Why: Thanks to an Emmy win and Oscar nomination, Melissa McCarthy is a Hollywood power player and CBS is keen to keep her around. Just look at the multiple pilots she has in the works as a behind the scenes player! "Mike & Molly" will be back for a third season.

"NCIS"

"NCIS," CBS Status: Renewed Why: The long-running procedural has become a ratings juggernaut at a time when most shows start shedding viewers. Season 10 is now happening.

"NCIS: Los Angeles"

"NCIS: Los Angeles," CBS Status:Renewed Why: This show has gone up in the ratings over the last couple of years, and people can't get enough of L.L. Cool J and Chris O'Donnell.

"NYC 22"

"NYC 22," CBS Status: Canceled Why: This "Rookie Blue" clone from executive producer Robert DeNiro didn't really move the needle when it premiered midseason; CBS officially axed it with three episodes left to air.

"Person of Interest"

"Person of Interest," CBS Status: Renewed Why: With ratings matching juggernauts like "Grey's Anatomy" and fans popping up everywhere, we'll be seeing another season of "Person of Interest."

"Rob"

"Rob," CBS Status: Canceled Why: "Rob's" spot after ratings juggernaut "The Big Bang Theory" probably went a long way in helping it survive to see the end of its first season, but that's as far as it'll get.

"Rules of Engagement"

"Rules of Engagement," CBS Status: Renewed Why: This show has moved around so much it's hard to remember when it's on, and with six seasons under its belt it's had quite a nice run. Despite slipping ratings and the aforementioned constant switcheroos, there's still a future for "Rules of Engagement."

"Survivor"

"Survivor," CBS Status: Renewed Why: Of course we have "Survivor" coming back for another season. Where else are we going to see petty squabbles and insane behavior on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world?

"Two and a Half Men"

"Two and a Half Men," CBS Status: Renewed Why: Despite a less-than-favorable critical response, the revamped "Two and a Half Men" keeps pulling in respectable numbers every week. Ashton Kutcher, Jon Cryer and Angus T. Jones will all return for a Season 10.

"Undercover Boss"

"Undercover Boss," CBS Status: Renewed Why: The inherent addictiveness of this show has gone a long way in securing loyal viewers -- it has been on top of the ratings several times this season alone.

"Unforgettable"

"Unforgettable," CBS Status: Likely to be renewed Why: In its timeslot, "Unforgettable" keeps emerging on top, beating out "Parenthood" and "Body of Proof." Leading lady Poppy Montgomery has been called "the female version of 'The Mentalist,'" another top-rated show, so things are looking positive.

"90210"

"90210," The CW Status: Renewed Why: While its ratings have plummeted since last season, the Beverly Hills crew is still doing better than "Supernatural," "Hart of Dixie," "Nikita," and "Gossip Girl" on average.

"America's Next Top Model"

"America's Next Top Model," The CW Status: Renewed Why: Tyra Banks' reality show is in the early stages of its 18th cycle with a Brit vs. U.S. installment. Cycle 19 will be the show's inaugural "college edition."

"Gossip Girl"

"Gossip Girl," The CW Status: Renewed Why: Fans will get to say goodbye to the Upper East-Siders in a sixth and reportedly shortened final season.

"H8R"

"H8R," The CW Status: Canceled Why: Apparently, the opposite of MTV's former series "Fanatic" proved people don't love to hate Kim Kardashian and Snooki as much as we thought. It lasted four episodes.

"Hart of Dixie"

"Hart of Dixie," The CW Status: Renewed Why: Josh Schwartz and Rachel Bilson return for a sophomore season of "Hart of Dixie," hopefully so they can make more viral videos.

"Nikita"

"Nikita," The CW Status: Renewed Why: We're shocked the show is coming back for another season, but its hard-core fans will certainly be happy.

"One Tree Hill"

"One Tree Hill," The CW Status: Canceled Why: After nine seasons, it's time to say goodbye to "One Tree Hill." After subpar ratings, the network decided to pull the plug on its long-standing teen soap. Thankfully, the CW gave "One Tree Hill" a final 13 episodes to wrap up all of the drama.

"Remodeled"

"Remodeled," The CW Status: As good as dead Why: Not only has "Remodeled" already been replaced on the CW schedule, but it debuted with one of the CW's lowest-rated premiere ever, scoring a terrible 0.3 in the coveted 18-49 demo.

"Ringer"

"Ringer," The CW Status: Canceled Why: Sarah Michelle Gellar's double-life proved too complicated and poorly-produced for viewers to care much about.

"The Secret Circle"

"The Secret Circle," The CW Status: Canceled Why: Somewhat of a surprising development given its decent ratings, but it never quite lived up to its lead-in, "The Vampire Diaries."

"Supernatural"

"Supernatural," The CW Status: Renewed Why: This fan favorite will return for Season 8.

"The Vampire Diaries"

"The Vampire Diaries," The CW Status: Renewed Why: "Vampire Diaries" is The CW's golden child ... the vampires and witches and werewolves of Mystic Falls aren't going anywhere.

"Alcatraz"

"Alcatraz," Fox Status: Canceled Why: "Alcatraz" -- and almost every other recent J.J. Abrams TV project -- proves that slapping "from J.J. Abrams" on a show does not equal ratings success. The series debuted strong, but fizzled in the ratings, leading Fox to pull the plug.

"Allen Gregory"

"Allen Gregory," Fox Status: Canceled Why: Jonah Hill's animated series only lasted seven episodes. The Oscar nominee should probably just stick to movies for a while ...

"American Dad"

"American Dad," Fox Status: Renewed Why: Fox gave out early renewals to "American Dad" and "The Cleveland Show," keeping its Sunday night animation block intact.

"American Idol"

"American Idol," Fox Status: Likely to be renewed Why: The show's declining ratings have been widely reported this season, but it's hard to imagine TV life without "Idol."

"Bob's Burgers"

"Bob's Burgers," Fox Status: Too soon to tell Why: The sophomore season of this quirky animated comedy kicks off this month (Sun., Mar. 11), so don't expect to hear about a Season 3 just yet.

"Bones"

"Bones," Fox Status: Renewed Why: The show got a ratings boost thanks to its lead-in "The X Factor." With the floundering state of Fox's dramas (see ya, "House"), Fox is holding on to this one.

"Breaking In"

"Breaking In," Fox Status: Canceled Why: After a last minute revival, "Breaking In" returned for a second season with Megan Mullally in tow, but it wasn't enough to revive this D.O.A. comedy.

"The Cleveland Show"

"The Cleveland Show," Fox Status: Renewed Why: Fox gave "The Cleveland Show" and "American Dad" early renewals and this spinoff will be back for a Season 4, but no word on a fifth season.

"Family Guy"

"Family Guy," Fox Status: Renewed Why: Fox handed out early renewals to the Seth MacFarlane animated comedies.

"The Finder"

"The Finder," Fox Status: Canceled Why: "The Finder" hit the benches for a bit before moving to Fridays, and the numbers never improved. Averaging less than 6 million viewers an episode (not so hot for a Fox drama), it was only a matter of time ...

"Fringe"

"Fringe," Fox Status: Renewed Why: This fan favorite has struggled in the ratings, but Fox has agreed to give it a 13-episode order for a fifth and final season to wrap up all the mysteries of both universes.

"Glee"

"Glee," Fox Status: Renewed Why: The hit teen series is breaking records in music sales, but its overall viewership has slipped. After a bit of a PR debacle about graduating characters that ended with spinoff plans being squashed, "Glee" will get another season.

"Hell's Kitchen"

"Hell's Kitchen," Fox Status: Renewed Why: Last year at this time, Fox renewed the Gordon Ramsay series for two more seasons, so it's all set.

"House"

"House," Fox Status: Canceled Why: After eight seasons and countless unsolvable medical cases solved, this Fox medical drama is coming to an end.

"I Hate My Teenage Daughter"

"I Hate My Teenage Daughter," Fox Status: Canceled Why: As if getting panned by critics wasn't enough, "I Hate My Teenage Daughter's" shrinking ratings had the show marked for death, then Fox benched the sitcom for three months after only four episodes and then ... yep, buh-bye forever. No shock there.

"Kitchen Nightmares"

"Kitchen Nightmares," Fox Status: Renewed? Why: In early February, Fox signed on for a?16-episode fifth season of this other Gordon Ramsay series. They're in the Gordon Ramsay business, and they're not going anywhere.

"MasterChef"

"MasterChef," Fox Status: Likely to be renewed Why: No official announcement has been made regarding a third season, but there was a casting call issued during episodes throughout Season 2. And if Gordon Ramsay's track record with Fox is any indication, it's as good as renewed.

"Mobbed"

"Mobbed," Fox Status: On the bubble Why: It started with a ratings bang, but things have only gone down from there for Fox's flash mob reality show with Howie Mandel at the helm. It's not on the schedule in any regular timeslot though, so it's possible they'll continue producing a few episodes a year.

"Napoleon Dynamite"

"Napoleon Dynamite," Fox Status: On the bubble Why: After a decent debut, "Napoleon Dynamite" dropped about half of its audience to about 4 million viewers per episode. It could go either way.

"New Girl"

"New Girl," Fox Status: Renewed Why: "New Girl" was the first new Fox show to get a full Season 1 order and the show has continued to perform well in the ratings and in the 18-49 demographic. America loves that adorkable charm.

"Q'Viva: The Chosen"

"Q'Viva: The Chosen," Fox Status: Too soon to tell/Not their call Why: Shortly after the Latin American-based show -- starring J. Lo and her ex-husband Marc Anthony -- debuted on Univision, Fox picked up an English-language version that debuted in early March. Though the reality series underperformed in its Saturday night timeslot, it's not Fox's decision whether or not we'll see more "Q'Viva."

"Raising Hope"

"Raising Hope," Fox Status: Renewed Why: Thanks (or no thanks) in part to the success of "New Girl," the sophomore season of "Raising Hope" has moved around timeslots, but it has retained about a 2.1 score in the adults 18-49 demo.

"The Simpsons"

"The Simpsons," Fox Status: Renewed Why: After a very tense contract standoff, the voice actors of "The Simpsons" and the studio agreed to new terms and the show was renewed through Season 25.

"So You Think You Can Dance"

"So You Think You Can Dance," Fox Status: Too soon to tell Why: Season 9 of "So You Think You Can Dance" won't debut until this summer and when it does, there will be changes: Fox has nixed the results show entirely. If the fanbase is still there, the cheaper production could save the show for another few seasons.

"Terra Nova"

"Terra Nova," Fox Status: Canceled Why: Fox pulled the plug on this very expensive dinosaur drama, but reports indicate producers are looking to keep the show alive on a different network.

"Touch"

"Touch," Fox Status: Renewed Why: The Kiefer Sutherland drama had a sizable audience (about 12 million viewers) for its preview and has remained somewhat steady since its premiere. Fox showed faith in the series, giving it the post-"American Idol" slot, and it paid off.

"The X Factor"

"The X Factor," Fox Status: Renewed Why: Fox has already renewed the singing competition for a second season and boy will there be changes: two new hosts and two new judges will join Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid at the table.

"30 Rock"

"30 Rock," NBC Status: Renewed Why:"30 Rock" is showing its age, but the star power of Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin can't be denied -- NBC has renewed the show for a seventh and final season of 13 episodes.

"America's Got Talent"

"America's Got Talent," NBC Status: Likely to be renewed Why: NBC's top-rated summer show is moving to New York for this upcoming season, but it's most likely not going anywhere. Unless, of course, the new judge -- shock jock Howard Stern -- really messes things up somehow.

"Are You There, Chelsea?"

"Are You There, Chelsea?," NBC Status: Canceled Why: With just over 3 million viewers an episode, it wasn't not exactly a strong performer, even by NBC's standards. Even Chelsea Handler and NBC's fondness for funny ladies couldn't save this show.

"Awake"

"Awake," NBC Status: Canceled Why: "Awake" had gotten some great promotion, but its numbers were pretty middle of the road and only went down further -- genre shows with heavy serialized elements are always tricky.

"Bent"

"Bent," NBC Status: Canceled Why: The Amanda Peet comedy premiered in late March and had six episodes to prove itself, but NBC didn't give it much of a chance, airing them back-to-back.

"Best Friends Forever"

"Best Friends Forever," NBC Status:Canceled Why: The female buddy sitcom starring and co-created by Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham was yanked from the schedule and then axed for good.

"Betty White's Off Their Rockers"

"Betty White's Off Their Rockers," NBC Status: Too soon to tell Why: Even though Betty White isn't doing the pranking, "Off Their Rockers" could still make a comeback.

"The Biggest Loser"

"The Biggest Loser," NBC Status: Likely to be renewed Why: NBC's weight loss competition show has been around for years, and despite sagging overall ratings, its 18-49 rating (a recent episode got a 2.0) is still one of NBC's highest.

"Celebrity Apprentice"

"Celebrity Apprentice," NBC Status: Likely to be renewed Why: Series low ratings probably won't kill this franchise. But are there any D-listers left who haven't competed for Donald Trump's approval?

"Chuck"

"Chuck," NBC Status: Canceled Why: The Josh Schwartz spy dramedy ended its five-season run in January.

"Community"

"Community," NBC Status: Renewed Why: Beloved by (a very vocal) few, ignored by many -- that's "Community" in a nutshell. After getting benched in January, "Community" returned to NBC's schedule with a vengeance, getting it a fourth season pick-up for 13 episodes to air on Fridays. Cool, cool, cool -- you can pop, pop! that champagne now.

"Fashion Star"

"Fashion Star," NBC Status: Renewed Why: The high-style reality series with Nicole Richie, Jessica Simpson, Elle Macpherson and John Varvatos has certainly been confusing, but it's still a smart business model: The winning designs each week are for sale in stores the next day, and those stores just happen to be covering a large portion of production and advertising costs.

"Fear Factor"

"Fear Factor," NBC Status: Likely to be renewed Why: Despite the donkey semen scandal that cut this season of "Fear Factor" a bit short, <a href="http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/13/fear-factor-returns-and-makes-a-ratings-splash/" target="_hplink">"Fear Factor" boosts NBC's ratings</a> ... and can a scandal really compete with that?

"The Firm"

"The Firm," NBC Status: As good as dead Why: The show hasn't officially gotten the axe yet, but "The Firm" was moved to Saturdays after turning in an incredibly poor performance (less than a 1 rating in the 18-49 demo) on Thursday nights.

"Free Agents"

"Free Agents," NBC Status: Canceled Why: This show just didn't have much life in it. It was canceled after just four episodes, despite its awesome lead actors Hank Azaria and Kathryn Hahn.

"Grimm"

"Grimm," NBC Status: Renewed Why: The supernatural fairy tale drama has been doing well for NBC on Friday nights -- it hovers around the 5 million viewers mark, which is pretty solid by NBC standards and why the network gave the drama an early renewal.

"Harry's Law"

"Harry's Law," NBC Status:Cancelled Why: While earlier this year "Harry's Law" was one of NBC's top players, after a three-month break between January and March, the Kathy Bates drama saw mediocre ratings and failed to hold on to viewers.

"Law & Order: SVU"

"Law & Order: SVU," NBC Status: Renewed Why: The only "Law & Order" left, "SVU" has been an NBC power player for 13 years and will return for a 14th.

"The Office"

"The Office," NBC Status: Renewed Why: It's hard to imagine a long-running, fan-favorite show like "The Office" going away without a big promotional push. The numbers are still good (by NBC standards) and "The Office" will return for a Season 9.

"Parenthood"

"Parenthood," NBC Status: Renewed Why: The perpetual bubble show has done pretty consistent numbers for NBC this season, but three seasons in and no signs of growth is both a good and bad sign ... luckily for fans, NBC gave it a Season 4 all the same.

"Parks and Recreation"

"Parks and Recreation," NBC Status: Renewed Why: Just like the rest of NBC's Thursday comedy block, "Parks and Recreation" has serious ratings blues. Can critical acclaim keep "Parks" around for a Season 5? The answer is yes! "Parks" will return for Season 5.

"The Playboy Club"

"The Playboy Club," NBC Status: Canceled Why: Apparently fictional slutty bunnies and real-life homewrecker Eddie Cibrian do not a successful show make. It only lasted three episodes. "The Girls Next Door" did it better.

"Prime Suspect"

"Prime Suspect," NBC Status: Canceled Why: Maria Bello's gruff detective failed to capture the audience NBC hoped. At least we had all those hat jokes.

"Smash"

"Smash," NBC Status: Renewed Why: After a huge promo blitz, "Smash" debuted nicely, but started losing viewers quickly. A handful of episodes in, it stabilized, becoming NBC's #1 drama in the 18-49 demo, and NBC announced it was getting a second season.

"Up All Night"

"Up All Night," NBC Status: Renewed Why: The critical favorite of NBC's new comedy offerings, "Up All Night" debuted strongly to more than 10 million viewers, but has since dropped to less than 4 million viewers an episode. It will return for a Season 2.

"Whitney"

"Whitney," NBC Status: Renewed Why: The show is one of the better performing freshman offerings on the Peacock network -- and NBC chief Bob Greenblatt told members of the press at TCA that he is "hopeful Whitney will be a long-term player for us." Looks like Season 2 is a good start, with the show moving to Friday nights.

"The Voice"

"The Voice," NBC Status: Renewed Why: We may not even be at Season 2's live shows yet, but NBC is already up for more of "The Voice." Hopefully, Cee Lo's cat "Purrfect" will return for Season 3 as well.

"Who Do You Think You Are?"

"Who Do You Think You Are?," NBC Status: Likely to be renewed Why: The celebrity-centric family tree series has helped NBC on Friday nights and hit its ratings high in March.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/25/nelly-talks-bridezillas-with-jimmy-fallon-video_n_1700838.html

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Inflatable heat shield could be used to land humans on Mars, NASA says

After its successful test launch of the Inflatable Re-entry Vehicle Experiment 3, NASA says that this technology could be used to land humans on Mars.

By Denise Chow,?Space.com / July 24, 2012

The IRVE-3 undergoes complete inflation system test under vacuum conditions in the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel at NASA?s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va.

Langley/Kathy Barnstorff/NASA

Enlarge

NASA successfully tested an inflatable heat shield prototype Monday (July 23), a technology that could one day be used for future space exploration missions, including landing humans on Mars, its builders say.

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The Inflatable Re-entry Vehicle Experiment 3, or IRVE-3, was conducted at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Va. During the test flight, a small capsule was launched atop a suborbital rocket, and an inflatable heat shield was deployed in space before it plummeted back through Earth's atmosphere at hypersonic speeds to splash down in the Atlantic Ocean.

The demonstration flight helps pave the way for new re-entry systems on future spacecraft, said Neil Cheatwood, IRVE-3 principal investigator at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va.

"As far as the applicability of the technology, [we were] originally motivated to do this to allow us to potentially land more masses at Mars," Cheatwood said in a press briefing after Monday's successful test flight. "Mars is a very challenging destination. It has a very thin atmosphere ? too much of an atmosphere to ignore, but not enough for us to do the things we would at other planets. That was our motivation about nine years ago when we started doing this stuff."??[Photos: NASA's Inflatable Heat Shield for Spaceships]

Since the inflatable heat shield is designed to withstand hypersonic speeds and extreme temperatures, the IRVE-3 technology could give mission managers more options for where to land future spacecraft or rovers on Mar, such as touching down at higher latitudes on the Red Planet.

"We want to go to higher latitudes at that mass, or use this technology for larger payloads, such as humans," Cheatwood explained.

The heat shield technology could also be used to tackle the issue of "garbage" on the International Space Station, Cheatwood said. Robotic spacecraft that are sent to deliver fresh supplies, food and experiments to the orbiting outpost could then be re-packed with unwanted materials to return to Earth.

"When we send up re-supply [spacecraft] to the station, there's no portable on-demand storage up there," Cheatwood said. "When they bring up 'x' number of cubic feet of stuff, we need to get rid of that much as well."

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/science/~3/kCLkS566lys/Inflatable-heat-shield-could-be-used-to-land-humans-on-Mars-NASA-says

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Eat the crumbs | Lelia Chealey

This past weekend I attended the annual writers and speakers conference, She Speaks, in Concord, North Carolina. This was the third time I have been to this conference and each time I return home overwhelmed from what God has done in my heart. So overwhelmed that in the past I have temporarily ceased the work God had begun in my life. Sometimes I?ll stop writing for a while and label it as writer?s block.

If you have ever attended any conference, whether it be Living Proof with Beth Moore, Women of Faith or She Speaks, you can leave the conference on a high from the aroma of being surrounded by godly activity and women. Then within a few days, suddenly plummet down the side of your mountain top experience into the awaiting arms of your real life. Somehow, the high you were on quickly disappears like an ice cream cone in the hand of a child. Recently a 4-year-old neighbor girl was at our home playing with our granddaughter the same age. They were munching on a pile of chips for a snack and our granddaughter ate every crumb on her plate. Our neighbor girl sat at the table with some chips left untouched, until she finally asked my husband, ?Can I be full??

If you are a writer or speaker who attended She Speaks this past weekend, there is a ton of information on the plate in front of you from the sessions you attended. You have much to digest and apply to the area of ministry God has given you. Some can take what was learned and instantly apply their new knowledge. Then there are women who might begin to question their ability to be all God wants them to be and let the lies from Satan rip their writer and speaker dreams to shreds.?

Sisters, let?s not give Satan an inch into our hearts. This past weekend you were at She Speaks not because you wanted to be, or your momma wanted you to be, or your friends wanted you to be. This weekend you filled a seat at She Speaks because God Almighty wanted you to be in Concord, North Carolina and nowhere else on the map.

So today, instead of asking if we can be full and getting up and walking away from our writing and speaking dreams, let?s do what my granddaughter did and eat the crumbs. God has greatness planned for each one of us and persevering is what will get us to the next step of His plans.

Here are some questions to ask yourself.

*What session was the one that stuck out the most to you?

*How can I apply it to my writing and/or speaking?

*What steps do I need to take to embed this information into my life?

Blessings,

Source: http://leliachealey.com/2012/07/24/eat-the-crumbs/

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Wednesday, July 25, 2012

HBT: Red Sox send Lillibridge to Indians

Brent Lillibridge is on the move again.

Traded from the White Sox to the Red Sox in the Kevin Youkilis deal and then almost immediately designated for assignment by Boston, Lillibridge has now been dealt to the Indians for minor leaguer Jose De La Torre.

He?s expected to join the Indians? active roster and will serve in his usual utility man role. De La Torre is a 26-year-old Double-A middle reliever, so this is pretty close to a giveaway deal.

Lillibridge had an out of nowhere power surge for the White Sox last season, but he?s a 28-year-old career .212 hitter with a .630 OPS in 295 games overall.

Source: http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/07/24/indians-acquire-brent-lillibridge-from-red-sox/related/

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Police contain gunman at Conn. university

By NBC News staff and wire reports

Police at the University of Connecticut's Avery Point campus were negotiating early Tuesday with an armed man who crawled beneath a dock on the premises.

Police said that they set up a perimeter around the man, who is alone, at around 2:15 a.m. ET.

Earlier, an alert was posted on the university's website and police ordered an evacuation of the campus after someone reported they had seen a man with a gun.

"He doesn't appear to be a threat to others, but we want to secure his safety," University of Connecticut spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz said. She said it was not clear whether he was connected to the university.

Several local police departments and a state police emergency services unit were on the scene.

Reitz said very few people were believed to be on campus because of summer vacation.

Avery Point is about 50 miles southeast of Hartford, Conn.

NBC Connecticut and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Source: http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/24/12919468-police-contain-man-with-gun-on-university-of-connecticut-campus?lite

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China plays cards close to chest in military transparency bid

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Source: http://news.yahoo.com/china-plays-cards-close-chest-military-transparency-bid-071930398.html

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Monday, July 23, 2012

Africa's entrepreneurs driving continent forward | AFRiTORIAL

In a continent where ?every street corner boasts an entrepreneur,? entrepreneurship is not only encouraging profound economic growth, but bettering lives of its people.

Whiz Kids Workshop co-founder Bruktawit Tigabu

While it?s true far too many Africans lack access to decent healthcare, education, food, and water, and that governmental corruption and instability continues to stagnate the economic growth of some countries, the success of a new generation of sub-Saharan business leaders is bringing positive changes to the region. ?The rise of an indigenous, often brilliant, brand of social entrepreneurialism is increasingly providing local solutions to local problems.? says Elsie Kanza, head of Africa, for the?World Economic Forum on Africa. ?There is still much work to be done,? Kanza continues. ?But transformation is truly under way.?

Examples of the kind of entrepreneurship Kanza is referring to are plentiful and varied; there?s?Whiz Kids Workshop, a children?s educational media organization based in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, that creates television programs for pre-K through high school aged students,?soleRebels, an internationally recognized and again, Ethiopian-based footwear company whose shoes are made entirely from recycled, local materials and designed by local artisans, and?Mad?casse Chocolate, who makes gourmet chocolate ?from bean to bar? entirely at the source on the island country of Madagascar.

According to the International Monetary Fund, over the next five years,?Africa will have the world?s fastest growing economy of any continent. Seven of the world?s 10 fastest growing economies will be African, including Ethiopia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Congo, Ghana, Zambia, and Nigeria. The rise of commodity prices, including cocoa, cotton, copper, and oil, is partly responsible for the region?s current economic picture. But high priced commodities are not the sole reason for Africa?s rise, nor can they, being a temporary boom, sustain it. What is currently driving sub-Saharan Africa?s economy forward are?small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), including wholesale, retail, transportation, telecommunications, and manufacturing companies, which constitute the majority, up to 90 percent, of the region?s businesses operations, and over 50 percent of its employment.

The women and men behind these businesses are categorically positive in their outlook; they don?t dwell on challenges that many in the West might find completely insurmountable. Their attitude and spirit is fueling the region?s economic growth.

Whiz Kids Workshop

Whiz Kids Workshop co-founder Bruktawit Tigabu (bottom row, center) with some of her Whiz Kids.

Self-taught filmmaker and television producer?Bruktawit Tigabu?grew up and taught elementary school aged children in Addis Ababa. Many of her students were orphans, abandoned by parents unable to care for them, or had lost a parent to AIDS. To help these children process their feelings of confusion and grief, and address the fact that over half of Ethiopian children grow up illiterate, Tigabu and her husband Shane Etzenhouser created Whiz Kids Workshop, a media company the produces shows for national television and schools.

Whiz Kids Workshop?s popular show?Tsehai Loves Learning?features an Amharic speaking and singing giraffe named Tsehai, who learns the things any preschool aged kid needs to know, such as the importance of washing your hands,?why it?s important to tell the truth, and the value of being patient. But other episodes show Tsehai confronting serious grown-up subjects, including malaria, AIDS, and the child-slave trade, subjects the show?s young Ethiopian audience are all too aware of.

Whiz Kids Workshop is only somewhat similar to the Children?s Television Workshop (now Sesame Workshop), home of Big Bird and Elmo. ?We are similar to them in the sense that we create educational media for children,? explains Tigabu via email. ?We operate like a not-for-profit, but our legal structure is that of a social enterprise.? Whiz Kids Workshop is a for-profit venture, and not a children?s advocacy organization, although its mission is to engage and educate Ethiopia?s young people.

So how does Tigabu, named by?Fast Company?magazine as?one of the 100 Most Creative People in Business 2012, keep Whiz Kids going?

?Almost none of our income comes from charitable aid,? says Tigabu. ?We try to win grants and contracts to promote education in Ethiopia. The bottom line is we struggle to sustain our project and stretch ourselves thin and rely on volunteers to make the productions possible.?

soleRebels Footwear

?Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, CEO of soleRebels Footwear.

While growing up in the Zenabwork/Total area Addis Ababa, one of Ethiopia?s poorest communities,?Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu?saw that her country had plenty of what she calls ?charity brands,? but not the kind of grassroots, localized development that could provide sustained economic development. Unemployment was rampant, and the type of aid perpetuated by charitable and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) was actually stifling her community?s creative and business talent.

In 2004, inspired by recycled tire sole shoes worn by Ethiopians for generations, including rebel fighters who, in 1896, successfully defeated Italy?s attempt to colonize the country, Alemu founded soleRebels footwear, locally sourcing the raw materials for the shoes, and employing local artisans to design them. Since then, her company has become incredibly successful, selling what is a finished export product made out of a zero-carbon, eco-sensitive process, from 100 percent local inputs.

soleRebel sandals, shoes, and boots are hip, eco-friendly, and, unlike footwear made by some internationally known giants, not made by starving children working in inhumane conditions. Not surprisingly, soleRebels is the world?s first and only?World Fair Trade Federation (WFTO) fair trade certified footwear company.

To build on what has become the world?s fastest growing African footwear brand, Alemu recently launched Ethiopia?s first ?fully commerce enabled global website?-?solerebelsfootwear.co. The website is created and maintained in house, by their design team, and gives anyone with an internet connection ?the opportunity to have a soleRebels store on every type of web enabled screen on the planet.? She believes the current expansion of the soleRebels business, which includes partnering with several e-commerce companies, will create not only more jobs and economic growth for Africa, but for other countries as well, including Canada and those throughout the European Union.

Mad?casse Chocolate?

MadEcasse?s co-founders?Tim McCollum and Brett Beach

There are many examples of exports that are produced in Africa, such as cocoa, and then processed and packaged by companies in the West who ultimately profit the most from sales of the final product. Writer Daniel Bergner, who recently?profiled the founder of Ugandan company Good African Coffee for the New York Times Sunday Magazine, points out that while some argue coffee beans produced in Africa should be ?celebrated? as an export, ?most of the profit goes to the roaster (the Western roaster), even if the earlier aspects of processing are well carried out in Africa.?

Like soleRebels, Mad?casse Chocolate?s products are made, in this case, ?from bean to bar,? utilizing 45 cocoa farmers, a single factory, and several local businesses in the ecologically diverse country of Madagascar. The hand-wrapped chocolate bars are then shipped to retail stores all over the world. The company was co-founded by Tim McCollum and Brett Beach, two Peace Corps volunteers from the West who met and worked in Madagascar for over 10 years before creating Mad?casse Chocolate. Their business model is unusual in that they?ve taken every step possible to stimulate economic growth within the island nation they love.

?One of our goals is that we prop up and support local businesses in Madagascar to become our suppliers,? says McCollum via email. ?We have five independently organized and governed cocoa operatives that supply us. Our list of suppliers includes a local chocolate factory, a local printing press, a local box manufacturer, a local raffia producer, local sugar producer, local vanilla producer, local spice supplier, and a local vanilla extract company. All of these companies existed before us, but they are much stronger and stable now that they are working with us. Our growth is driving their growth.?

Madagascar, like Ethiopia and other countries throughout sub-Sahara Africa, is no stranger to?political upheaval. McCollum acknowledges Madagascar?s ?mismanagement of the government? is one of the biggest challenges to starting a new business in that country. And yet, as they and their local partners have shown, it can be done.

With the emerging world set to account for half of the world?s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the end of this decade, it remains to be seen if such growth will be attributable to business practices that stifle local entrepreneurship and instead encourage foreign ?investment? at the expense of jobs, public health, and human rights, or the kind of ?social entrepreneurialism? Elise Kanza speaks of and is practiced by Whiz Kids Workshop, soleRebles, and Mad?casse Chocolate.

One thing is certain; innovative entrepreneurship in sub-Sahara Africa is stimulating the economic health of not only that region, but of the world.

_______________________________________________

Source:

Re-posted on Afritorial.com by permission of author, Chris Becker, Consumer Media Network -?http://www.cmn.com

Chris Becker is a full-time writer for Consumer Media Network and a music and arts columnist for CultureMap Houston. He?s also written for the Houston Press, Option Magazine, and the contemporary classical music blog Sequenza 21. Before CMN, Becker was the director of public relations for the Houston-based new music and educational programming organization Musiqa. Find him on twitter ? @cbeckermusic. (103)?

Source: http://afritorial.com/africas-entrepreneurs-driving-continent-forward/

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Must See HDTV (July 23rd - 29th)

2012 London Summer Olympics
The Summer Olympics kick off this week in London, and you'll want to have your TV, computer and mobile devices at the ready. This time around NBC has made the laudable step of promising every sport will be available for streaming live on the internet, however the Opening Ceremony TV broadcast on Friday will be tape delayed until the evening. Hit the NBCOlympics.com site to sign in with your pay-TV account for streaming access and grab the necessary apps, as well as see full listings for every sport, the action will actually get started on Wednesday with a slew of soccer matches, so make sure you don't miss anything.
(All Week, NBC & Online)

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season One
The full remastered first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation debuts on Blu-ray this week, and as we've seen from the clips and teaser release earlier this year, the quality is top notch. Whether or not the first season of adventures with Picard, Riker, Worf, LaForge and company is worth buying is your decision, although the current Amazon price of $60 for the six-disc set doesn't seem terribly prohibitive.
($59.99 on Amazon)

Alphas
Last week we said goodbye to one excellent sci fi series in Eureka, and this week one of our new favorites Alphas comes back on the air. An X-Men-style drama focusing on people granted with super abilities of various types teaming up to take on evil doers the plot is familiar but managed to mix things up a little during the first season, we'll see if season two can keep the excitement going.
(July 23rd, Syfy, 10PM)

Continue reading Must See HDTV (July 23rd - 29th)

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Must See HDTV (July 23rd - 29th) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 19:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/23/must-see-hdtv-july-23rd-29th/

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