Headline April 18th, 2012 / "Chemistry Sets"

"Chemistry Sets"

 Respectful dedication Tom Hanks - Annie Leibovitz - Dev Patel

Tom Hanks

Annie Leibovitz

Dev Patel

Not finance! Not strategy! Not technology! It is the team, it is the teamwork that will help build the ultimate honour, the real competitive advantage for the Students of the world : Student Angel Mother. The great sage, P Lencioni in his lectures, would often provide a brilliant illustration : ''If you could get all the people in anyorganisation rowing in the same direction, you could dominate anything. You could overcome any obstacle, at any time.'' 

And whenever i repeat this adage to the SAM founders, they go abstract and immediatly nod their heads, but in a desperate sort of way. They seem to grasp the truth of it while simultaneously surrendering to the impossibility of making it happen. And that is where the 'rarity' of teamwork comes into play. 

So, the fact remains that teams, because they are made up of imperfect human beings are inherently dysfunctional. But that is not to say that teamwork is doomed. Far from it. Infact building a strong team is both possible and remarkably simple. But it is painfully, painfully difficult. Thats right. 

Like so many other aspects of life, teamwork comes down to mastering a set of behaviours that are at once theoretically uncomplicated, but extremely difficult to put into preactice day after day after day. Success comes to only those groups or teams that overcome the all too human behavioural tendencies that ''corrupt'' teams and breed dysfunctional politics within them.

These are the universal behavioral pitfalls that plague every great undertaking and Leaders. And then, not to miss out on any action, between 7pm and midnight, as if by a divine order, Wi-Fi begins degrading its signals. Some team player that!!! This continues well past our publishing time! And then toppings are normal on the text msgs that are in a circle of no joy and delivery report announcing ''Service Rejected!!?'' Big brother it seems never sleeps?? Hahaha! And within the group level clutter of SAM facebook, chatter continues without a lightbox!!? 

Sometime Blend. But it is painfully, painfully difficult as I discovered. Moreso, in these horrid hallucinating times!! As Dr Kissenger would agree, and so would the Pakistan CRICKET team Captain. Like so many other aspects of life, teamwork comes down to mastering a set of behaviors that are at once theoretically not so complicated, but extremely difficult to put into practice day after day after day! 

And the lesson often lost or ignored is that 'corrupt-teams are a black tragedy!!' And everyday around 7pm our Wi-Fi signals degrade. We have to publish before midnight. A nightmare sets in. Big brother it seems never sleeps!!?? So early morning hours, with roosters waking up, founders doze down. I return to content of WSSCIW - !W O W! One more day has begun.

Goodnight & God bless. 

SAM Daily Times - The Voice Of The Voiceless

State's Proposal To Legalize Pot Gets Big Push

On Monday, the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol announced that the Colorado Democratic Party officially endorsed Amendment 64 at its state convention and assembly in Pueblo over the weekend.

In a press statement, Cindy Lowery-Graber, chair of the Denver County Democratic Party, said this about the Democratic support of pot legalization:

This is a mainstream issue. Polls show that more than 60 percent of Democrats and a solid majority of Independents believe marijuana should be treated like alcohol. A broad coalition is forming in support of Amendment 64 and I am proud to say that it now includes the Colorado Democratic Party.
The support should come as no surprise, earlier in March, after the Democratic Caucus, the Denver County Democratic Party released a document outlining the planks of its current platform which stated a support of not only "well-regulated, taxed, medical marijuana facilities" but also the decriminalization of marijuana, "allowing its sale, regulation and taxation similar to alcohol, subject to local control."

Amendment 64 seeks to legalize marijuana for recreational use for adults and will appear on Colorado ballots this November. This will be the second time Coloradans will vote on recreational pot legislation -- state voters considered and rejected a similar recreational pot legalization initiative in 2006. But Mason Tvert, co-director of the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, told The Huffington Post that Colorado has come a long way since 2006:

More Coloradans than ever before are aware of the fact that marijuana is not as dangerous as they have been led to believe and is actually far less harmful than alcohol. They have also seen firsthand via our medical marijuana system that it is possible for the state and localities to regulate and control the production and distribution of marijuana. They have read stories that quote law enforcement officials acknowledging that it has not contributed to crime or caused any significant problems. The environment here has changed dramatically.
While the feds continue their crackdown on medical marijuana shops in Colorado, the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol is on a bit of a roll. Prior to Colo. Democrats announcing their endorsement, fifty-six percent of the delegates at the Denver County Republican Assembly voted in support of Amendment 64. Tvert's group also put up their first billboard in Denver to raise awareness of the issue. The billboard depicts a smiling woman with the quote, "For many reasons I prefer... marijuana over alcohol. Does that make me a bad person?"

The support from both Republicans and Democrats appears to echo the findings of a December 2011 poll released by Public Policy Polling which showed that a large group of Coloradans believe that marijuana should not just be legal medically, but fully legalized. From the Public Policy report:

Coloradans are even more strongly in favor of legalizing marijuana, and they overwhelmingly believe it at least should be available for medical purposes. 49% think marijuana use should generally be legal, and 40% illegal. But explicitly for medical use, that rises to a 68-25 spread. Just five years ago, a referendum to legalize simple possession by people over 21 failed by 20 points. On the medical question, Democratic support rises from 64% for general use to 78%; Republicans rise from 30% to 50%, and independents from 54% to 75%.
"In just the past couple months, support for Amendment 64 has been expressed by everyone from Pat Robertson to Howard Stern and from the Colorado Democratic Party to a majority of Republican county delegates in Denver," Tvert went on to tell The Huffingotn Post. "We expect the list of supporters to continue growing as we move forward, and with such a broad base of support we are confident we can make history in Colorado this November."  (Huffingtonpost.com)

Napping pilot thought Venus was a plane 82

(Canada) - 14 passengers and two crew were injured as airliner dived when an Air Canada pilot initially mistook the planet Venus for an aircraft while he awoke from a nap.

The Air Canada Boeing 767 made a sudden descent in January 2011 on an overnight flight from Toronto to Zurich, Switzerland.

The sleepy first officer initially thought Venus was an aircraft and then sharply nosedived to avoid what he thought was a plane heading straight for them, the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) report released Monday stated.

"The captain made a position report, causing the first officer to wake up. At roughly the same time, another aircraft was approaching from the opposite direction a thousand feet below," reads the report.

"The captain, who was the pilot in control of the aircraft, had visual contact with the oncoming aircraft. Under the effects of significant sleep inertia - when performance and situational awareness are degraded immediately after waking up - the first officer perceived the oncoming aircraft as being on a collision course and began a descent to avoid it."

The TSB notes that mid-flight naps are not unusual for pilots. It's called a "controlled rest period" and is a "common method of combating fatigue where one flight crew member takes short naps at certain times during a flight."

But the first officer was too fatigued to fly to begin with, napped at the wrong time and for too long, and didn't follow proper controlled rest procedures, the report notes.

"The first officer's level of sleep inertia was magnified by prior fatigue. Also contributing to the significant sleep inertia was napping during a period of the night that made deep sleep more likely, and napping longer than allowed by the company's controlled rest procedure," reads the report.

"The investigation also found that crews did not fully understand the risks associated with fatigue or the procedures for conducting controlled rest."

Air Canada and its pilots' union have since taken measures to make sure staff are aware of the proper protocols, the report said.

"This occurrence underscores the challenge of managing fatigue on the flight deck," said lead investigator Jon Lee. "It also shows that in-flight passenger injuries can be prevented by wearing seatbelts at all times while seated."

PLAYING MUSIC CAN CUT YOUR CLEANING TIME IN HALF

There are very few of us who actually enjoy cleaning. And, let's face it, most of us would probably rather be doing something else most of the time. However, instead of procrastinating, try to make cleaning a little bit easier with fun, upbeat music to get you going.
"Music causes the brain to release dopamine, a brain chemical key to addiction and motivation," according to a recent Los Angeles Times article. And, although, the research supporting the direct correlation between music and productivity has yet to be proven, the theories make sense.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that listening to music increased work output by almost 7 percent, according to Lifehacker. And, "generally speaking, faster music helps us feel more energized and heightens our awareness," according to Psychology Today. For instance, a slow 50-beat-per-minute song may be the perfect tune to lull you to sleep. But, a song with 139 beats per minute, like in Michael Jackson's 'Beat It', can actually make you move quicker, getting the job done in less time. Apparently, the rhythmic sounds in music engage the parts in our brains that control movement and "in particular synchronize different muscle groups," neuroscientist Robert Zatorre tells NPR.
So the next time you're putting off your cleaning chores, turn up the base or put in earphones and let the music move you. (Huffingtonpost.com)

Would you set yourself on fire to get a job?

Mahmoud, 26, lies in the Ibn Roch hospital in Casablanca unable to move and barely able to speak, his head and neck are bandaged from a recent skin graft operation.

He is an unemployed law graduate who, along with four other men, set fire to himself earlier this year in Morocco's capital Rabat - as a warning, he says, to the government.

One of the men died. Mahmoud was lucky to survive.He said the Moroccan government has let him and his fellow protesters down.

He claims police stopped supporters from supplying bread to them while they were occupying a government building.

Although the frustration is the same, Mahmoud's case is very different from Mr Bouazizi's in Tunisia. Mahmoud and his colleagues have been fighting to get a public sector job.



Struggling to speak clearly, he explains:

"We are highly qualified unemployed people in Morocco.

"Our protests are legal because we ask for the number of qualified graduates to be given priority for work."

Is data overload freezing your brain?

When we feel overwhelmed we start to delay making decisions.We've really seen this incredible amount of information flooding us constantly. The problem with information overload is really new to the human brain. This ultimately has huge implications for us both personally, and in terms of business - with obvious implications for productivity.

When we're in a stressful situation, cortisol, the stress hormone rises. One of the jobs of cortisol is to work with the neurotransmitters. So when it is up we experience memory loss, depression, high blood pressure.And the rate at which we are bombarded with data on a daily basis is increasing exponentially.

According to Cisco's Visual Networking Index, average global IP traffic in 2015 will reach 245 terabytes per second, equivalent to 200m people streaming an HD movie at the same time every day.Within the next three years, there will be nearly 15bn network connections via devices and nearly 3bn internet users, which constitute more than 40% of the world's population.

So short of switching off the PC and going out and doing something more interesting instead, what can we do about it?

One option solution is to present data visually. If you present data visually it has much more impact and the brain finds it much easier to process. 

The visual brain is this incredibly flexible and adaptable design to help us see and remember and make sense of everything around us.If we can stop feeling overwhelmed ... we can actually start enjoying this information, and by enjoying it we might be able to increase our brain capacity because we're using it better.

China increases its US debt holding for second month

China has increased its holding of US debt for the second month in a row as its foreign exchange reserves continue to rise.

Beijing bought $12.7bn (£8bn) of US bonds to increase its holding to $1178.9bn in February, latest data by the US Treasury department showed.

China's foreign exchange reserves, the largest in the world, rose 3.9% in the first quarter from a year earlier.

China is the largest foreign buyer of US government debt.

"There are not many avenues, other than government bonds, where one can invest billions of dollars every day," Charles Chaw of China Consulting told the BBC.

'Safer bet'
Analysts said the ongoing debt crisis in the eurozone and hopes of a recovery in the US economy have also played a part in China's increased purchase of US Treasuries.

There are fears that the eurozone's debt crisis may be spreading to the region's biggest economies.

On Monday, the cost of borrowing for Spain jumped above 6%, raising concerns about the ability of the government to repay its debts.

"Given the situation in the the eurozone, the US Treasuries are a much safer bet," said Mr Chaw.

On the other hand, the US economy has seen some positives in recent months. Data out on Monday, showed that retail sales grew at a faster-than-expected pace in March.

At the same time, unemployment rate in the world's biggest economy has also been coming down, falling to a three-year low, raising hopes of a sustained recovery. (BBC.co.uk)

Microsoft announces 3 versions of windows 8

Windows 8 will come in three versions: Windows 8, for home PCs and laptops, Windows 8 Pro, for enthusiasts and professionals, and Windows RT, for devices running low-power Arm processors, such as tablet devices and lightweight ultrabooks.

Windows RT is the first version of Windows designed with tablets in mind, and indicates Microsoft's commitment to moving into touchscreen devices. It will come pre-installed on computers and tablets powered by Arm processors and will include a touchscreen-based version of Microsoft Office as standard. British company Arm own the licence for most of the processors used in tablets and mobiles, although Intel is also aiming to enter the space.

Windows 8 is the standard, consumer-based model which will be run on most new home computers, while Windows 8 Pro will include extra features such as file encyption, virtualisation of operating systems and domain management. The announcement of three editions indicates a simplified approach from Microsoft, which released five different versions of its previous operating system, Windows 7.

Doctors struggle to save baby with 6 legs

Pakistan: An infant born to the wife of an X-ray technician in Sukkur has 6 legs. A doctor at the National Institute of the Child Health in Karachi said the extra limbs were a rare genetic condition which would affect only one in a million or more babies.

Doctors in Pakistan are fighting to save the life of a baby boy born with six legs because of a rare genetic condition.


"The doctors are examining the infant to plan for necessary treatment to save the baby's life and ensure he lives a normal life," said a statement from the provincial health department. Imran Shaikh, baby's father said he was grateful his son was being treated as they were a poor family.

Microsoft makes Windows 8 name official, three editions only

Those hoping for fewer Windows editions than in previous versions, your prayers have been answered.

It's official as of today, April 16: Windows 8 is the name for the next version of x86/64 edition of Windows. And there will be three SKUs only.

According to a blog post on the Windows Team Blog, there will be two editions of Windows 8 for x86/64 processors: Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro.

Windows 8 is the consumer SKU. It will include the updated Windows Explorer, Task Manager, better multi-monitor support, and the ability to "switch languages on the fly," which previously was only available to those purchasing the Enterprise and Ultimate Editions of Windows .

Windows 8 Pro is for tech enthusiasts and business/technical professionals, and adds features for encryption, virtualization, PC management, and domain connectivity. The Windows Media Center functionality will be available as an add-on to Windows 8 Pro, known as the "Media Pack."

Here's the complete feature chart from Microsoft as to which features will be included in which SKU. The WindowsUnleaked.tk site revealed previously the details of these new Windows 8 SKUs.

Microsoft is naming the Windows on ARM (WOA) version Windows RT. Yes, another WinRT -- which is the Windows Runtime (WinRT), the new Windows Runtime which is at the heart of the Metro-Style side of Windows 8. The WinRT version is for WOA tablets and PCs only. I guess that means Windows 8 on Intel and AMD processors fall under the two SKU rule: it will be either Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro if you are gravitating toward one of those devices due out later this year.

Source

Nokia can't compete with Apple, Android, say European carriers

Nokia's Lumia phones are already facing an uphill battle trying to gain attention and sales in a market dominated by Apple and Android.

Four of the major telecom carriers in Europe told Reuters that the Lumia smartphones were not good enough to compete with the iPhone or Samsung's Galaxy phones. As a result, carriers seem to feel little incentive to push the phones over the competition.

At one French telecom store cited by Reuters, Lumia models were not displayed prominently, and one salesperson steered a potential customer toward an iPhone and a variety of Android phones over Nokia's devices

Lack of customer awareness is also hurting Nokia.

"No one comes into the store and asks for a Windows phone," one executive an a European carrier told Reuters.

Nokia has tried to get the word out with a marketing blitz. Ads mocking its rivals and touting the Lumia phone as unique and different have already hit the market.

Despite the snub of the Lumia lineup from European sellers, the Lumia 900 seems to be doing well in the U.S.

Carried by AT&T, the phone was at the top of Amazon's mobile-phone best sellers list last week. AT&T even ran out of available stock at some of its outlets and its online store.

A Nokia spokesman told CNET yesterday that the reaction to the 900 has been very positive, and so some of the retail outlets have sold out. "But we are producing more units as quickly as possible, and new devices are being continually shipped out to fulfill the demand," he added.

But just as in Europe, retailers in the U.S. seem reluctant to push a Nokia phone over the ever-popular iPhone and Android devices. A recent and informal CNET survey of a few AT&T stores in Manhattan found no sales people willing to recommend the Lumia 900.

"Windows Phone is alright," said one associate in a store on the Upper West Side. "But it's no iPhone."

Greg Sullivan, senior product manager at Microsoft for Windows Phone, told CNET that both Microsoft and Nokia have worked closely with AT&T to train sales representatives. But educating them on the features and benefits of the Lumia lineup is something that's going to take time.

The appeal of the iPhone and Android, both among consumers and retailers, remains strong and will be difficult to counter. Nokia faces a huge challenge not just promoting its new phones but changing that ever stubborn public perception.

Source

Canoe Club Paddles Its Way To 6th National Championship!

Albion College continued its dominance in the American Canoe Association’s National Collegiate Canoe and Kayak Championships on the Tuckasegee River in Dillsboro, N.C. March 31-April 1 as Britons placed first in five of the six events. Albion has emerged as the national champion every year since the event’s inception in 2007.

Jake Lane was victorious in three events, while Zaak Havens and Zane Havens paddled their way to first place in two events. All three were members of the winning relay team, along with David Huggins, Holly Williams and Alli Wilburn.

Zaak Havens posted the fastest time in the one-man kayak, and Lane won the one-man canoe and also teamed with Zane Havens to win the two-person canoe race. Albion was especially strong in the canoe events.

Albion students took six of the top seven places in the one-man canoe. There were 19 competitors in the event and following Lane were Zane Havens in second, Pat Wagner in third, Thor Person in fourth, Chris Omerza in sixth, and David Huggins was seventh.

Five of the top six place winners in the one-woman event came from Albion. Amy Bell won the race with a time of 12 minutes, 27 seconds and she was followed by Kayleigh Harvey in third, Wilburn in fourth, Williams in fifth and Kaitlyn Pospiech in sixth.

There were 30 boats in the two-man canoe event, and Albion swept the top four places led by Zane Havens and Lane with a time of 12 minutes, 23 seconds. Emily Stephens and Zaak Havens were second, Williams and Huggins took third, and Danielle Crittenden and Pat Wagner placed fourth.

Canoe Club adviser Keith Havens (back left) has led Albion to national championships every year since 2007.“Albion’s team paddled extremely hard, and represented the college well.” Canoe Coach Keith Havens commented. “Although we will be losing several paddlers to graduation, the strength of our returning canoeists and kayakers bodes well for Albion’s team in the future.”

Havens will be retiring after the spring semester, but he hopes that the team’s momentum, and the fact that several faculty and staff have expressed an interested in helping with the program, will enable this success to continue.

Read article at the original source here.

Rollins College: Points of Contention

As the Trayvon Martin case continues to dominate the news media, a national dialogue about gun control, racial profiling and the highly controversial Stand Your Ground law has begun to hit a fever pitch. Nowhere was that more evident than at Tuesday’s debate at Valencia College when the Rollins debate team faced off against Cambridge University on arguably the most contentious topic in the country.

The exhibition debate, one of several organized during the Cambridge Union Debating Society’s five-day invitational to Central Florida, was designed to give attendees of taste of parliamentary debating, a style that invites jeers and cheers from the audience as the debaters deliver their arguments for or against the resolution.

On this night, Rollins debaters Melissa Fussell ’13 and Rebecca Wilson ’15, ranked #2 and #3 in the nation, argued in favor of Stand Your Ground while Cambridge Matt Hazell and Alex Gordon-Brown argued for its repeal.

Falecia Williams, president of Valencia’s west campus, set the tone of the event with her introduction. “Tonight is really about an opportunity to challenge our assumptions and presumptions as they relate to the Stand Your Ground law,” Williams said. “It’s good to see that we can engage with our emotions as well as our intellect, and have our thoughts and beliefs challenged in a scholarly way.”

To Wilson’s surprise, the audience genuinely weighed both arguments. “I was a little scared that people weren’t going to listen or that I might offend someone,” said Wilson, who believes Stand Your Ground needs to be repealed. “But this audience was wonderful. I feel like they really listened to what we said. And the fact that we won, even on the unpopular side of the issue, showed that they listened to the other side.”

After the 90-minute debate, which included a question and answer period, audience members cast their vote for the night’s champions as they exited the room. The total score was 80 to 53, with several abstentions.

“I think the media tends to focus on random, isolated details of the case that are largely irrelevant just for the sake of making more news,” said Fussell. “We need to examine what occurred that night, the police actions after the fact, and the factual issues at hand.”

“I feel like we did something important,” said Wilson, a philosophy and English double major. “It’s good to get people thinking about the real issue. And personally, I’ve discovered that I can argue a horribly unpopular opinion and still win. It’s definitely increased my confidence.”

Rollins debated Cambridge several times during the Brits’ stay in Central Florida, including the only competition debate in the series, which was held in Tiedke Hall on April 5. The Rollins team was not so fortunate that evening, and ended up relinquishing the coveted Rollins Cup to their adversaries after losing the debate on U.S. military intervention in Iran’s nuclear program.

Currently ranked second nationally in novice parliamentary debate, the Rollins debate team participates in several competitions and exhibitions each season, which officially runs from September to March. “We have international debate exchanges with many schools,” said Assistant Professor of philosophy and religion Eric Smaw, who coaches and directs the Rollins debate program “The best schools always want to travel to debate each other.”

Smaw recently accepted invitations from the Fudan University in Shanghai, Beijing Foreign Studies University in Beijing, and PKU in Beijing to come to China and debate their national teams. As a result, Wilson and Fussell, along with Smaw, will travel to China this May for a two-week tour, which will include several exhibition debates with some of the best universities in China.

“I joined the debate team because I love good academic discourse, and because I think that personal values should have a solid, rational foundation. Having your opinions or preconceptions challenged is the best way to form these sorts of values,” said Fussell, who plans to go to law school after graduation. “A college education, especially a liberal arts education, should be a growing experience. Debating keeps you from becoming apathetic or stagnant; new challenges foster personal growth.”

Read details here.

Ryan Carter Named a Truman Scholar

Ryan Martin Carter '13 has been named a 2012 Truman Scholar. He is one of 54 exceptional college juniors in the United States and one of only two from Virginia to be chosen for this honor.

Ryan is majoring in economics and commerce. With a passion for education, he has worked with the W.E.B. DuBois Scholars Institute at Princeton University and participated in the Institute for Responsible Citizenship in Washington, DC. He also founded the Hampden-Sydney branch of Visible Men, a non-profit organization that mentors black male students.

A Davis Scholar, Ryan serves at Hampden-Sydney as a Head Resident Advisor, as a Peer Mentor, and as Captain of the varsity baseball team where he plays catcher and outfield. He is a member of the Society of '91 (leadership program), the national honor societies Phi Beta Kappa (academics) and Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership), and was selected for Who's Who Among Students in Universities and Colleges. Ryan has received the Sophomore Academic Excellence Award, the President's Award for Scholarship and Character, the Samuel S. Jones Phi Beta Kappa Award, and the All-ODAC All-Academic Award. A graduate of Thomas Dale High School, Ryan is the son of Russ and Brenda Carter of Chester.

The 54 new Truman Scholars were selected from among 587 candidates nominated by 292 colleges and universities. They were chosen by sixteen independent selection panels on the basis of their academic and leadership accomplishments and their likelihood of becoming public service leaders. Recipients must be U.S. citizens, have outstanding leadership potential and communication skills, be in the top quarter of their class, and be committed to careers in government or the non-profit sector. There have been 2,844 Truman Scholars selected since the first awards were made in 1977.

Original source here.

Halo 4 launching November 6

Something is brewing on the Halo 4 front, and Conan O'Brien's Team Coco will be announcing what that is.

Larry Hryb, director of programming for Xbox Live, and best known as "Major Nelson," wrote on his Twitter account yesterday that Team Coco will be delivering Halo 4 news at some point today. The Verge followed that up with a report last night, citing sources who said Team Coco will announce that Halo 4 will launch on November 6.

Halo 4 is one of the most anticipated game launches this year. The title will feature Master Chief, the hero of the original Halo trilogy, and kick off a new trilogy in the series. However, this time around, the games are being developed by Microsoft's 343 Industries, and not Bungie, which created the Halo franchise.

Details on Halo 4 have been leaked out from time to time, but according to the game's official Web site, the title will ask Master Chief to "confront his own destiny and face an ancient evil that threatens the fate of the entire universe." Microsoft has so far only said that the game will launch in 2012.

Source

Bowdian College: Music apps for music practice

For the past 2.5 years I have been the Music Librarian at Bowdoin. Prior to coming to Bowdoin, I worked as a librarian, professional cellist, and instructor in cello and graduate music research at a university outside of New Orleans. I received both a Masters of Library Science and Masters of Music from Indiana University and have been fortunate to pursue and combine both of my career paths.

Along with my instrument, case, and bows, my regular arsenal of equipment for practicing included scores or printed music, a tuner, a metronome, and recordings. When approached to speak about music apps for a monthly Library/IT iPad User Group, I looked at the applications I was already using and discovered I may be able replace the heavy music equipment I have been carrying around with iPad apps.

With just with the iPad, a cello, bow, and music stand, I was ready to test this out. I uploaded a pdf of the music I was practicing to Avid Scorch, used Cleartune to tune my instrument, used Metronome PRO to work out some tricky rhythmic passages, and to get an idea of tempo and interpretation possibilities, used the NML (Naxos Music Library) app to locate multiple performances of some of the pieces I was working on. It was a success. The tuner, metronome, and recordings apps were an excellent substitution with many features and options. In addition, the apps were only a $7.00 investment; I had invested over $160.00 in just the stand-alone tuner and metronome. Although Avid Scorch is a wonderful app for popular music and Sibelius-created scores containing a number of features including transposition, playback, and one-touch page-flipping, I found it limited for my everyday use.

The Bowdoin Library currently subscribes to eight streaming music databases with tracks ranging from traditional “classical” and contemporary art music to World and American vernacular music. Streaming services provide access to over 120,000 albums and over 1.5 million tracks of music from major and independent record labels. There is an iPhone/iPad app available for NML (Naxos Music Library), a database of traditional “classical” music, and Naxos Jazz Library (NJL). With the Naxos applications and a wireless connection, you can search and stream over 1.0 million tracks and access personal and class playlists. The Alexander Street databases, the remaining streaming databases minus DRAM, provide mobile links to individual tracks and albums that can be played on the iPad.

Thanks to a screen and keyboard that is larger than most mobile devices and many useful apps, every day I discover new ways to use the iPad. The iPad has saved many trees by dramatically decreasing the need to print out materials in preparation for meetings. It has also enabled me to easily organize notes, documents, and websites for meetings and future access. Because of the portability and immediate wireless access, I find that I am able to check and reply to email more effectively and I am able to read and have immediate access to more professional literature and news. I regularly bring the iPad with me to the library stacks to find materials and to assist our patrons.

I am currently excited about experimenting with several camera scanners and citation management apps to collect and organize citations and bibliographies. If you are interested in learning more about how to manage citations on an iPad please feel free to contact me!

Read details about application usage here.

Students meet with legislators to talk college funding

Day at the Capitol

While tuition increases each year, students ask for help to fund their college education. On March 22, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University students traveled to the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul to talk with state legislators about the importance of the Minnesota State Grant program in the hopes of keeping it off the chopping blocks during state budget discussions.

The Minnesota State Grant program is a source of money for more than one out of four Minnesota college students. This funding helps students at both public and private universities, targeting low- and middle-income families. Over 1,000 CSB and SJU students are receiving State Grant aid this year.

"Our presence sends the message that we believe in the school we go to and that anyone should be able to come here too, without being financially restricted," Kate Paul, CSB sophomore, said.

Students reached out to inform lawmakers, to share their personal stories, and to keep college affordable for thousands of students. Throughout the day, they met with lawmakers either one-on-one or in small groups. Roughly $3.5 million in State Grant awards are given to CSB and SJU students each year.

"It was important to meet with legislators about the Grant Program because it is establishes a more intimate connection between legislators and the students who are directly affected by the program," Paul said.

A total of 29 CSB and SJU students attended "Day at the Capitol." To help give others the Bennie and Johnnie experience, these students took the initiative to make college more affordable.

Read article at the original source here.

Oakley eyeing Google Glass rival

Oakley may be hoping to out-glass Google with its own brand of eyewear that can display information directly on the lenses.

The company's CEO Colin Baden told Bloomberg that it's creating technology to tie smartphone features into eyewear. The project is still in the experimental stage, and Baden wouldn't confirm if Oakley plans to launch its own such eyewear. But he did reveal a few features he'd like to see in the product.

The eyewear would work on its own to display information but also team up with a smartphone through Bluetooth. The device could even be controlled via voice, similar to Apple's Siri. Such a product would be pricey at first, initially aimed at athletes. But the CEO envisions a similar product for the U.S. military as well.

Baden also told Bloomberg that the market was ripe for this type of smart device and claimed Oakley would edge out its rivals since it could create stylish accessories.

Oakley's smart glasses would bump into one major rival in the form of Google's Project Glass. The search giant recently revealed that it's testing a prototype of glasses designed to stream information into the user's eyes.

A Google video of the futuristic augmented-reality glasses showed the wearer receiving messages and other data in real-time and being able to respond by voice. Walking around the streets and stores of Manhattan, the wearer was also able to access directions, subway schedules, the locations of friends, and other local info.

Questions remain as to whether consumers will want to wear such glasses and how they'll navigate their day with even more data overload. But Oakley's CEO for one seems optimistic.

"As an organization, we've been chasing this beast since 1997," Baden told Bloomberg. "Ultimately, everything happens through your eyes, and the closer we can bring it to your eyes, the quicker the consumer is going to adopt the platform."

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Three 'flavours' for Microsoft's Windows 8 OS

Microsoft's next operating system will come in just three different flavours, the company has announced.

For those with Intel-compatible machines, the OS will be available in two versions - Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro.

And for those with devices, largely tablets, powered by ARM-designed chips there will be a Windows RT version.

Microsoft wants to simplify how it markets Windows 8, which is expected to launch in autumn 2012.

The complex flavours of past Windows - from basic to home, premium to ultimate - have become something of a joke among tech experts.

Microsoft has called Windows 8 the most significant redesign of the Windows interface since its groundbreaking Windows 95 OS.

The ARM version of the OS is the newest edition and reflects Microsoft's desire to unify the engine known for running desktop computers with that for tablets and smartphones. Windows RT will sit alongside Apple's iOS and Google's Android operating systems.

It announced the new flavours on its Windows blog. Many of those reacting to the announcement were unimpressed by the name for its ARM version.

"You guys are doing a phenomenal job with Windows Phone, Windows 8, etc, which makes the naming of 'Windows RT' all the more maddening. You're trying to simplify the rest of the 'Windows Live' properties, which I applaud, but then you go with Windows RT? Does. not. compute," said Michael Jenke, summing up the views of many responses to the blog.

 

No 'start'

In an earlier 8,600-plus word blog post Windows president Steven Sinofsky detailed the "energising and daunting" challenges in developing Windows on ARM.

A preview version of Windows 8 launched late last year and more than 100,000 changes had been made since the developer version went public.

For the first time since its inception, the trademark Windows "Start" button will no longer appear - instead being replaced by a sliding panel-based menu.

In a footnote in its blog, Microsoft said that there would be an adapted version of Windows 8 Pro for businesses.

BBC

Smartwatch breaks record for Kickstarter funding

An electronic paper watch designed by a Canadian entrepreneur to work alongside smartphones has raised more than $3m (£1.8m; 2.2m euros) in less than a week on net funding site Kickstarter.

It is a record for the site which crowdsources cash to fund start-ups.

Eric Migicovsky initially sought $10,000 over a five-week period but the total, six days in, now stands at $3.4m.

It is the fifth Kickstarter project to make more than $1m.

The Pebble watch reached the $1m mark in 28 hours. The firm behind the device, which has been designing smartwatches for three years, said that it was "blown away" by the support.

The watch has an electronic paper screen and connects via Bluetooth with iPhones or Android powered devices to allow users to customise the watch face and download apps. 

The display stays on at all times and is backlit for night viewing. The firm says that the rechargeable battery will last a week.

It can display distance and speed for runners and cyclists, control a smartphone's music, and show emails, messages and reminders.

The watch will go head to head with an Android-compatible device released in April by electronic giant Sony Corp. The Sony Smartwatch costs $149.99.

 

New engineers

Mr Migicovsky said that he turned to Kickstarter after failing to raise interest among more traditional Silicon Valley investors.

"We tried to raise money, it was impossible. No-one really wants to fund hardware projects right now, except for the people that want to buy them," he said.

He said he would use the cash injection to boost Pebble's team of six by several more engineers to develop new features for the watches.

Under the Kickstarter model, a project's developer must set a deadline for reaching its funding goal.

If time runs out, no money changes hands which Kickstarter says protects both parties as buyers do not pay until developers have adequate funds to develop their project.

The site's first $1m project was Double Fine Adventure, a San Francisco-based video games developer.

By the campaign's end it had reached a total of $3.4m from more than 87,000 supporters for its point-and-click adventure game, making it the first games firm to be bankrolled by internet-pledged cash.

Pebble looks set to raise a lot more. The watch will go on sale to the general public at about $150, according to the firm, although those pledging cash will get discounts.

BBC

Google rolls out a new design for its campus bike

The Web giant picked its new GBike, created by a team of Google engineers, from among nearly three dozen submissions in a company-wide design competition. It debuts later this month.

When it came time to redesign the colorful bikes scattered about Google's massive Mountain View, Calif., campus, the company knew exactly who to turn to for next generation of its GBikes: Googlers themselves.

Last fall, the company launched a competition among employees to replace the 2-year-old fleet of bikes available to workers at the Googleplex to pedal from one building to another. The idea was to come up with a user-friendly, low-maintenance bike.

"We've got an entrepreneurial and innovative culture," said Brendon Harrington, Google's transportation operations manager. "We said, 'You tell us what you think is a cool design.'"

The company listed four design criteria. The bike had to be easy to produce. It needed to be affordable. The bike had to be both comfortable and secure. And, in a nod to its culture, the bike had to be Googley, using novel components, structure, and appearance.

The company got about three dozen designs, every thing from a BMX-style bike to a modern take on the old Penny-farthing high-wheel bike from the 19th century. It chose a far more conservative model -- something of a beach cruiser with coaster brakes and hand brakes. The steel bike comes with a basket and bell. And it features fenders to keep spray off cyclists' backs in the rain, and a case covering the chain to protect their clothes from grease.

"Our design motto was 'Build a user-friendly, safe and reliable, low-maintenance new GBike,'" said David Fork, a renewable energy technologist at the company, who was on the four-person team that won the competition.

Fork said he's fond of the current GBike, a cute and colorful bike that Googlers have been riding for two years. But the bikes aren't universally loved. The 20-inch wheels, which enhance the aesthetic, make them uncomfortable for taller riders.

"We love the GBikes -- especially the Googley colors -- but have also heard from many Googlers about things they wish were different," Fork said.

In their free time, the group tinkered with different component combinations.They built a couple of prototypes, all with 24-inch wheels. They tested different braking and gearing systems. They even tried airless tires, which would have eliminated flats. But the ride quality wasn't particularly good.

"We're all engineers so we've designed lots of mechanical things before," Fork said.

Google debuted its first fleet of GBikes in 2008. That model was a beach cruiser, all blue, and an entirely functional way to pedal around campus. Google introduced the current GBike with 20-inch wheels in 2010.

For their efforts, Fork's team won a $500 gift certificate to a local bike shop.

"We're still trying to figure out how to spend it," said Fork, who commutes to Google on his own bike from his Mountain View home.

Google intends to order enough of the new bikes so the more than 10,000 employees at its Mountain View campus can always find one to ride.

"We shoot for about a thousand," Harrington said. "When people want a bike, we want them to have a bike."

(CNet)

Rising temperatures, rising hotel prices in Europe

With summer holiday planning in full-swing, European hotel prices are seeing a rise in April

Rising temperatures, rising hotel prices in Europe

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Atheneum Marriott Hotel, Romania

With temperatures on the rise, hotel prices in Europe are beginning their climb into the summer season.  Prague (104 pounds, up 50 per cent) and Venice (196 pounds, up 52 per cent) are experiencing the greatest rise in prices; Istanbul (131 pounds, up 35 per cent) also experienced an unusual spike in its average hotel price. Amsterdam (143 pounds), Rome (135 pounds) and Barcelona (130 pounds) on the other hand all experienced price increases of 26 per cent. Venice has experienced the greatest price increase- 52 per cent, followed closely by Prague with an increase of 50 per cent. These are the findings of the trivago Hotel Price Index (tHPI) prepared each month by the hotel price comparison website trivago.co.uk.

UK and Ireland Hotel Prices Report
The most expensive cities in the UK and Ireland this April include London (164 pounds, up 7 per cent), Edinburgh (102 pounds, up 8 per cent) as well as Brighton (107 pounds, up 5 per cent). Blackpool, despite reporting a relatively low price comparatively, 58 pounds on average per night for a standard-double room, matched Edinburgh for greatest increase in price - 8 per cent. Birmingham (71 pounds, down 8 per cent) and Dublin (78 pounds, down 7 per cent) on the other hand are the best value destinations to visit in April, as both reported not only the greatest price decreases compared to March, but also within the top 5 cheapest destinations.

Most Expensive Cities in April 
In comparison with last month, Venice (196 pounds, up 52 per cent) experienced both the greatest price increase and also tied with Geneva (196 pounds, down 9 per cent) for Europe’s most expensive city to visit this April. London, although with only a 7 per cent increase in price, came in as the third most expensive city this month with an average of 164 pounds per night. Paris (151 pounds, up 9 per cent) and Amsterdam (143 pounds, up 26 percent) also reported prices within the top 5.

Least Expensive Cities in April 
On the opposite end, the least expensive city and best value destination to visit in Europe this month is Bucharest, reporting an average price of only 63 pounds per night, 3 per cent lower than in March 2012. Dublin also made the list of best value destinations, with an average night costing only 78 pounds-7 per cent lower than in March.  Warsaw (up 5 per cent) and Budapest (up 26 per cent), despite both reporting price increases this month, still tied for second cheapest European city in April- with 67 pounds per night on average. Athens (75 pounds, up 11 per cent) also made the list.

 

 

source: traveldailynews

Pakistan's cricketers take turn on the catwalk

KARACHI: Former Pakistan cricket captain Younis Khan and paceman Umar Gul turned heads at a bridal fashion show this weekend with a rare turn on the catwalk.

Wearing a blackish grey shirwani -- a long suit worn by grooms in Pakistan -- Younis smiled all down the runway in his first-ever appearance in a fashion show in Karachi on Saturday, while Gul wore an off-white shirwani.
Fashion show regular Hina Sheikh gave the players a resounding thumbs up.
"It was delightful to watch cricketers on the ramp," said Ms Sheikh.
"Younis was more confident and although Gul was a bit reserved and shaky at the start, he finished the job well.

"Both looked stunning."

Gul said he enjoyed the experience but had no intention of swapping the wicket for the catwalk.

"A friend had invited me to walk on the ramp and although I enjoyed it but I have no plans to join modelling in future because my focus is only on cricket," he said.
Popular allrounder Shahid Afridi was also invited but was unable to attend.

Younis, Gul and Afridi all hail from the deeply conservative northwest province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where modelling and acting in films are not seen as decent occupations.

All three have modelled in various advertisements in Pakistan, with Afridi commanding the highest fees among recent and former players, advertising products ranging from soft drinks to mobile phones and shampoo. (APP)

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

A searing, postapocalyptic novel destined to become Cormac McCarthy’s masterpiece.

A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. It is cold enough to crack stones, and when the snow falls it is gray. The sky is dark. Their destination is the coast, although they don’t know what, if anything, awaits them there. They have nothing; just a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless bands that stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavenged food—and each other.

The Road is the profoundly moving story of a journey. It boldly imagines a future in which no hope remains, but in which the father and his son, “each the other’s world entire,” are sustained by love. Awesome in the totality of its vision, it is an unflinching meditation on the worst and the best that we are capable of: ultimate destructiveness, desperate tenacity, and the tenderness that keeps two people alive in the face of total devastation.

Brainiac by Ken Jennings

From the Publisher:
One day back in 2003, Ken Jennings and his college buddy Earl did what hundreds of thousands of people had done before: they auditioned for Jeopardy! Two years, 75 games, 2,642 correct answers, and over $2.5 million in winnings later, Ken Jennings emerged as trivia's undisputed king. Brainiac traces his rise from anonymous computer programmer to nerd folk icon. But along the way, it also explores his newly conquered kingdom: the world of trivia itself.

Splendor of Silence by Indu Sundaresan

Book Description:
When Sam Hawthorne, a twenty-five-year-old U.S. Army captain, arrives at the princely state of Rudrakot in May of 1942, it is on a personal quest to find his missing brother. But Sam's mission is soon threatened by the unlikeliest of sources -- he falls hopelessly in love with Mila, daughter of the local political agent. And Mila, unexpectedly attracted to Sam, finds herself torn between loyalty to her family and the man she loves.

A sweeping and poignant story of forbidden love, The Splendor of Silence opens twenty-one years later with Olivia, Sam's daughter, receiving a trunk of treasures from India, along with an anonymous letter that finally fills the silences of her childhood. She finally learns the heartrending story of her parents' passionate and enduring love affair -- throwing them in the path of racial prejudice, nationalist intrigue, and the explosive circumstances of a country on the brink of independence from British rule.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a 2007 horror musical film directed by Tim Burton. It is an adaptation of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's Tony Award-winning 1979 musical. It re-tells the Victorian melodramatic tale of Sweeney Todd, an English barber and serial killer who murders his customers with a straight razor and, with the help of his accomplice, Mrs. Lovett, processes their corpses into meat pies.

Having been struck by the cinematic qualities of Sondheim's musical while still a student, Burton had entertained the notion of a film version since the early 1980s. However, it was not until 2006 that he had the opportunity to realize this ambition, when DreamWorks announced his appointment as replacement for director Sam Mendes, who had been working on such an adaptation. Sondheim, although not directly involved, was extensively consulted during the film's production.

It stars Johnny Depp as Sweeney Todd and Helena Bonham Carter as Mrs. Lovett. Depp, not known for his singing, took lessons in preparation for his role, which producer Richard D. Zanuck acknowledged was something of a gamble. However, Depp's vocal performance, despite being criticized as lacking certain musical qualities, was generally thought by critics to suit the part.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street was released in the United States on December 21, 2007, and in the United Kingdom on January 25, 2008, to largely enthusiastic reviews. The film won a number of awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and the Academy Award for Best Art Direction. Helena Bonham Carter was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, and Johnny Depp was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor. Although not an outstanding financial success in the U.S., it performed well worldwide, and has spawned a soundtrack album and various DVD releases.

Darling Companion (2012)

Darling Companion is an upcoming comedy film directed by Lawrence Kasdan starring Diane Keaton and Kevin Kline. Filming took place in Utah in 2010 for a 2012 release.

Synopsis: In Darling Companion, Beth (Diane Keaton) saves a bedraggled lost dog from the side of the freeway on a wintry day in Denver. Struggling with her distracted, self-involved husband Joseph (Kevin Kline) and an empty nest at home, Beth forms a special bond with the rescued animal. When Joseph loses the dog after a wedding at their vacation home in the Rockies, the distraught Beth enlists the help of the few remaining guests and a mysterious young woman (Ayelet Zurer) in a frantic search. Each member of the search party is affected by the adventure, which takes them in unexpected directions – comic, harrowing, sometimes deeply emotional and ultimately towards love.

The film will be released on April 20, 2012.

To The Arctic 3D (2012)

To The Arctic is a 2012 3D documentary film from Warner Bros. Pictures, MacGillivray Freeman Films, and IMAX Corporation, is an extraordinary journey to the top of the world where a family is struggling for survival.

To The Arctic takes you on a never before seen journey into the lives of a mother polar bear and her two seven-month old cubs as they navigate the changing Arctic wilderness they call home. Captivating, adventurous, and intimate footage brings you up close and personal with this family’s struggle to survive and thrive in a frigid environment of melting ice, immense glaciers, spectacular waterfalls, and majestic snow-bound peaks.

Captivating, adventurous and intimate footage brings moviegoers up close and personal with this family’s struggle to survive in a frigid environment of melting ice, immense glaciers, spectacular waterfalls, and majestic snow-bound peaks.

Two-time Academy Award® winner Meryl Streep will narrate To The Arctic, releasing exclusively to select IMAX 3D and IMAX theatres starting April 20th, 2012

Adidas teams up with US designers Coco and Breezy for customizing project

Adidas has enlisted the help of US design duo Coco and Breezy for the US edition of its international project encouraging consumers to embrace their inner creator and customize their own unique designs.

The project is part of the sportswear brand’s Originals White Space Project, which sees “white spaces” set up in cities across the globe including New York, Berlin, Milan, Beijing, Tokyo, Oslo, São Paulo, Athens and Bogota for shoppers to express themselves.

For the New York edition on April 24, twin sister design team Coco and Breezy, whose designs have been worn by the likes of Kelly Osbourne and Nicki Minaj, will be on hand to offer styling tips. Watch them showcasing some of their customized creations at http://youtu.be/26g0748cBd4

Shoppers will receive a trefoil T-shirt to customize with crystals, studs and garments, with photo booths set up to allow consumers to share their designs via social networking sites -- the most impressive creations are posted online at adidas.com. To find out more, visit http://adidasoriginals.tumblr.com/.

Adidas isn’t the only brand to embark on a global project aimed at inspiring self-expression this spring; on May 15 beauty giant The Body Shop launches its Beauty With Heart movement. The campaign aims to empower people across the globe to "Look Good, Feel Good And Do Good" via a new store experience called Pulse, where highlights will include free makeovers and inspirational bulletin boards.

Dr. Martens Latest Shoes to get Liberty Treatment

Just last month sportswear giant Nike unveiled its latest teamup with iconic UK store Liberty London, and now another footwear institution has received a floral makeover with the Liberty London for Dr. Martens collection being revealed.

The Liberty and Dr. Martens collaboration sees two prints, Strawberry Thief and Martens Flower, adorning the traditional eight-hole and three-hole Dr. Martens boots and shoes, with the styles launching May 1.

Liberty’s famous floral prints have featured on footwear by labels including Repetto in the past, and for Spring 2012 Nike unveiled its Cortez, Air Max One and Nike FREE 5.0 styles dressed in Liberty’s most iconic prints.

Floral looks set to be this season’s most ubiquitous print, after colorful blooms adorned creations at Spring/Summer 2012 shoes including Christopher Kane and Louis Vuitton. Meanwhile, another UK label famed for its flower motifs, Laura Ashley, teamed up with high street store Uniqlo for a Spring 2012 collection comprising floral prints, T-shirts, stoles, and tunics.

Spring/Summer style dilemmas? Ask Rachel Zoe

Fashionistas from across the globe will have the chance to chat live with style guru Rachel Zoe as she shares her top Spring/Summer 2012 trends online April 17.

The Hollywood stylist-turned-designer, who achieved international fame thanks to television show The Rachel Zoe Project, will host the video chat on Facebook from 13:00 until 13:30 PDT Tuesday, and has appealed to her fans to submit any questions they have in advance of the event.

Zoe's eponymous fashion line already includes ready-to-wear, shoes and bags, and is currently sold in around 250 stores across the globe.

The fashion mogul has previously expressed her "constant mission to create a lifestyle brand" where women could wear "Rachel Zoe head to toe," and will expand this year into jewelry and cold weather accessories.

Her video chat initiative comes as brands increasingly attempt to interact with consumers -- designers including Burberry creative director Christopher Bailey and Mugler’s Nicola Formichetti are also well known for hosting live web chats with fans.

Wigan beats Arsenal

 Franco Di Santo celebrates the opening goal

Arsenal suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat from Wigan Athletic to risk their chances of a chmapions league place, while Wigan went five points clear of the relegation stage.
Wigan scored both the goals within 8 minutes from the start. The opener came from a counter attack when Wigan intercepted in Arsenal's corner and Di Santo all on his own in the middle, beat Szczesny, knocked it over him, taping into an empty net.
The second came when Moses on the left, beat his man, showing pleasing skill, crossed the ball into the box finding Gomez who had an easy finish.
Arsenal replied with their only goal in 21 minutes. Vermalen placed an excellent header  past Al Habsi, on Rosicky's cross from deep on the left.

Manchester United agree a deal to sign Benfica's Nicolas Gaitan for £20m plus Fabio and Federico Macheda

In demand: Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan (left) battles with
Chelsea's John Obi Mikel in the Champions League

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign the Benfica midfielder Nicolás Gaitán with both Fabio da Silva and Federico Macheda moving to the Portuguese club as part of the terms.

The details of the deal are likely to see Fabio going only on a season’s long loan while Macheda’s transfer could be a permanent one, with Manchester United then reducing some of the costs of acquiring the highly-rated Gaitán.

Although the figures involved are unlikely to be disclosed, and the deal will not be announced until the season is over, it appears United are valuing Gaitán at more than £20 million plus the players.

While it will be interesting to see where he fits into Sir Alex Ferguson’s plans United have been tracking the Argentina international for some time and are now understood to have made their move for a summer transfer. Gaitan, who can play as an attacking midfielder or left-sided winger, caught the eye in Benfica’s Champions League campaign this season when they faced both United and Chelsea.

The 24 year-old has a £38 million release clause in his contract and it had been thought that Benfica were attempting to hold out for the full amount to be paid. However, that was always going to be an unrealistic valuation for Gaitán, despite his undoubted talent which has also attracted the likes of Inter Milan and Paris St-Germain, and United have been in talks for several months to try to structure a deal.

Macheda, the 20-year-old Italian striker, is on loan to Queens Park Rangers but has failed to make an impression after a handful of appearances and has returned to United after suffering an ankle injury. It would now appear his days at Old Trafford are numbered with Macheda a makeweight in the deal while, more interestingly, Fabio also appears set to be included.

The inclusion of players would be an attraction for Benfica who have to pay Gaitan’s former club, Boca Juniors, 20 per cent of any transfer fee. United had hoped to agree a deal in January but will now conclude the transfer in June.

It had been thought that United might try to include Bebe as well as Macheda but the choice of Fabio has helped persuade Benfica to conclude negotiations. Gaitan is understood to be represented by the Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes who has close links with United having taken the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani to the club.

'Near enough not good enough' - Law

(Bangladesh) Stuart Law, who stepped down as Bangladesh coach, has said merely challenging the top teams in international cricket is "not good enough" for Bangladesh and that working hard was the only way to go to win more games. Law resigned for personal reasons after nine months with Bangladesh, the highlight of his tenure being their impressive show in the Asia Cup this year, when they beat India and Sri Lanka and went down by just two runs in the final against Pakistan.

"Near enough is not good enough," Law told ESPNcricinfo. "You're never good enough, you always try to be the best you possibly can. I will miss them a hell of a lot and I wish them all the best but there's no substitute for hard work."

Law started as coach on the tour of Zimbabwe in August 2011, when Bangladesh were beaten in the only Test that marked the hosts' return to the longest format after a period of self-imposed isolation. "As a coach you're not going to walk in and have success immediately," Law said. "You have to work out how the players respond in certain pressure situations. You have to work out how to treat them, you can't treat everybody the same. It is totally different to how you treat people in other parts of the world.

"I think to get trust between me and the players; there were a lot of things, not just one or two."

There was some disappointment, Law said, in him leaving at a time when "we started to see the plans come into fruition, what we talk about being acted out in the field. The boys are listening and responding and respecting the way we are talking about our cricket."

His focus, while with Bangladesh, was to create a strong collective unit, Law said, speaking from his experience in Queensland. "The culture we created in Queensland had everyone on equal terms. It was more of a family and that's what I wanted to create here.

"The way that superstars are treated in this part of the world, I've never seen it before outside this part of the world. To their credit, Shakib [Al Hasan] and Tamim [Iqbal] have gone out of their zone to be part of the team. We saw the rewards of that in the Asia Cup."

Law said he would continue his association with cricket. "It's not a done deal for me by any stretch of the imagination. I get a buzz out of watching players replicate what we've been talking about. I'm moving back to Brisbane, my hometown. I have applied for a position there so I am just waiting to hear on the outcome of that."       (espncricinfo.com)