Wednesday, October 31, 2012

My Short Halloween Fiction Story ? that multi-tasker. rar.

?But I?m scared.? said the little boy who?s afraid of the dark.

?We?ll be right next to your room, sweetie. Good night.? His mother smiled, gave him a kiss on the forehead turning off the lights before she left the room.

Jimmy just moved into the new house with his parents. It was his first night. The house was small but big enough to accommodate two adults and a 6-year-old boy.? His parents loved the house but not Jimmy. He could never understand why his parents wanted to move.

?Jimmy, you have to understand that daddy and I love this place. But we have to move to another better place.?

?But why mummy? Now I can never play with Dilly and Nick. I like Mr. Frank he?s the best teacher in the world! I don?t want another person to teach me Science!? Jimmy pouted his mouth. His eyes were wet.

She let out a deep sigh. She kneeled down next to Jimmy, running her hands through his hair. ?I?m sorry, my dear. It?s something that you will only understand when you grow older.? Then she kissed his head. ?We can always come visit them.?

Jimmy?s face was already wet. His tears continue to trickle down as his mother hugged him tight. He could not accept the fact that he might never see his friends ever again. Mr. Frank told him that his new place is 6 hours drive from here. There was absolutely no way he could drive or take a bus because he doesn?t know how to.

The yellow blue moon light shined through the high windows in the room. He laid down on his bed looking through one of the windows. The moon was the roundest he has ever seen and also the brightest blue moon he can ever imagined. His eyes got used to the darkness in his room.

He could not sleep. He was not even sleepy. His room was dusty and drafty. He could even hear creaks sometimes if he paid enough attention. He wondered if monsters would come through his door. The thought of that shuddered him. He flicked open the lamp beside his bed. He rummaged through his stash of books in the paper box. He picked out his all time favorite book, jumped onto his bed and hid underneath his blanket. He flipped open the first page and read it aloud but soft enough so his parents could not hear him.

As he reached the third page his eyelids became heavier and his voice became softer. Slowly he rested his head on his open book. He fell asleep.

Creak!

He jerked from his sleep.

Creak!

This time he knew his door room was open. He was still underneath his blanket and he was silent. He tried his best not to move a limb. He could hear footsteps coming into the room. And it?s not just footsteps. It was as if someone was dragging something heavy across the floor. His heart started to beat really fast. The footsteps were getting closer now. Underneath his blanket, he could see shadows moving. He hope the thing would just leave him alone.

The footsteps stopped. The noises stopped.

He could only hear his own breath and his heart beating fast.

He heard the footsteps and dragging noise again but going distant this time.

Creak!

He jerked a little and heard the door closed. He was still underneath his blanket. He did not dare to move even a bit. His lamp was still flickering and his heart was still beating fast. That lasted for the longest time and Jimmy fell asleep.

Jimmy opened his eyes and realised that it was already morning. The sun was shining brightly through the window and birds were chirping outside. It took him a minute to realise that he was at his new house and figured out what happened the night before.

His room was completely normal. It still smelled dusty.

He heard a knock on his door and his mother peeped in.

?Ah you?re up. Good morning sweetie. Go get washed up.? She said with a smile before closing the door.

He headed over to the bathroom. He slowly walked down the flight of stairs. Each step he took gave out a loud creak.

?Good morning mum. Good morning dad.? He said as he stepped into the kitchen.

His mother was at the stove cooking and his father was behind the newspaper. His mother turned her head around and asked him if he would like pancakes or waffles. He replied waffles.

He took a sit next to his father.

?Did you sleep well last night?? His father asked, still behind the papers.

He nodded, hesitantly.

?You?ll get used to it, boy.? He said.

Jimmy could not resist so he asked, ?Do you believe in monsters??

His father choked on his coffee and his mother laughed.

?Monsters don?t exist! Don?t worry, son. You?ll be fine.? His father said giving out a small laugh.

?You must had a bad nightmare, sweetie.? His mother said.

His father closed and folded the papers. ?I have to go. See you later.? He bent down and kissed Jimmy and his mother before leaving.

Jimmy heard the car engine started, then left. His mother placed a plate of waffles in front of Jimmy and he took a small bite. His mother sat opposite him, looking at Jimmy. ?Where do you want to go today?? She asked.

School only starts the next day for Jimmy so he was free for the day. He shook his head and replied, ?Nowhere.? Still chewing his waffle.

?Are you sure??? She asked.

He nodded silently, taking another bite.

?I?m sorry Jimmy but I hope you?ll love this town soon enough.? And then she walked away towards the kitchen sink and started cleaning the utensils.

Jimmy took the last bite and passed his plate to his mother.

He walked over to his backyard and there were witted plants all over. Even the tree looked creepy. It was a gloomy day and the weather was a bit chilly. He hanged around in the backyard until lunchtime.

After lunch, he explored the front porch this time and saw his neighbour, an old woman carrying a bucket of water. He ran over and asked her, ?Do you need my help? I can help you carry that.?

The woman smiled and replied, ?That?s so sweet of you darling but I think this is too heavy for you.? Then she poured the bucket of water into the drain. ?You?re new here aren?t you? Saw a big truck in front of your house a few days ago moving in stuffs into the house.?

He nodded and told the woman, ?I don?t like moving here. I don?t like this place.?

The woman laughed while carrying her empty bucket and headed to the main door. ?I?ve baked some cookies. Come in, young boy.?

He hesitated but went in anyway realising that an old lady can do nothing to him.

The house smelled of incense. The type of smell that Jimmy would smell every time he goes to church with his parents. The floor creaked every time he took a step. The woman guided him to the kitchen. She took out the freshly baked chocolate cookies from her oven and placed them on the table.

Jimmy took one and munched on it. It had different taste to the ones that his mother usually bakes. It tasted richer. He loves chocolate so he munched on more. The woman made tea and sat opposite him.

?You love them don?t you?? She said.

Jimmy grabbed another cookie and nodded. He asked the woman, ?You stay here alone??

The lady nodded, ?All my life.?

He then let out a yawn.

?Didn?t sleep well last night did you?? She asked, smiling at the boy.

Jimmy put down his cookie and asked the lady, ?Do you believe in monsters??

The lady looked at him intensely. She did not smile and said, ?There are other creatures and living things that live amongst us. Only a certain of us can see them. They only come out in the dark and especially during full moon. They come and hunt us humans at night.?

Jimmy was quiet. He was waiting for the woman to finish her story.

She continued, ?They don?t eat us nor kill us.? Jimmy let out a deep breath. ?But, if they find us, they will break our arms and then the legs, alive. I don?t know what they will do with them but our body they will let it decay, slowly, making sure you can feel the maggots eating your flesh, alive. And when only your bones are left, then only they will let you die.?

Jimmy looked at the woman after she was done. He found his voice and asked, ?H-h-have you seen them before??

The woman answered, ?Yes, once. When I was little. But I was lucky. I got away.?

Jimmy asked her how.

?I was hiding inside my blanket when the thing came into my room. I could hear the footsteps coming nearer to my bed. Then the thing stopped and left my room. I was safe.?

Jimmy asked why. His heart was beating fast.

?They don?t attack those who believed in them.?

Jimmy was speechless, couldn?t make up the words he wanted to ask inside his head.

?The next day when I woke up I told my family what happened the night before and no one believed in me. Everyone thought I had a bad dream. The next thing I know, my whole family disappeared the next day. Nobody knew where they went. The police searched up and down the town and no trace could be found.?

Jimmy choked. He was not feeling well so he asked if he could leave.

?Of course my dear. Come back anytime.? The woman said happily. And before he left, she whispered, ?They are everywhere.?

He went back to his house trying to forget what the woman told him. He had very little dinner because the story made him really sick.

During bedtime he asked his mother and father if he could sleep with them.

?Monsters don?t exist. Don?t be silly!? His mother kissed his forehead and left his room.

Jimmy quickly flicked open his bedside lamp. He was awake for the longest time and then he fell asleep. He had a really great sleep.

The warm sunlight woke him up from his sleep the next morning. He washed up and climbed downstairs. There was no one to be found. He ran upstairs to his parents? bedroom. There was no one to be found as well. He walked towards his parent?s window and looked down.

In his backyard, he could see the old lady standing there looking up at him. Her lips curved showing her yellow teeth. It was the most scariest and creepiest grin he had ever seen in his life. And outside the room, he could hear the staircase creaked, as if someone or something was climbing up the stairs, leaving a loud echo in the empty house.

Happy halloween everyone!!

Source: http://krisss86.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/my-halloween-story/

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Monday, October 29, 2012

Narendra Modi: the Indian leader who came in from the cold

AHMEDABAD/ALINA, India (Reuters) - For many Indians, Narendra Modi is the man of the moment, a possible prime minister. Others see the chief minister of western Gujarat state as a Hindu zealot who did not stop the massacre of Muslims in religious riots a decade ago.

As the 62-year-old moved from village to village on the campaign trail this month, he was greeted by ecstatic crowds, surging forward to catch a glimpse or to touch him as though he were a living god.

Not only expected to win a fourth consecutive term as chief minister in December polls, Modi is also seen as a serious contender to take on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in national elections due in 2014 if he wins convincingly in Gujarat.

"Look at how many people are here," Modi said in an interview in his campaign bus, pointing and waving at a crowd of thousands assembled in Alina village. "They're even standing on the rooftops in this heat," he said, tapping a Reuters photographer's shoulder, indicating to him to take more snaps.

In many parts of India and overseas, however, Modi is remembered for being in office during the Gujarat riots in 2002 that killed more than 1,000 people by official count, mainly Muslims. NGOs and other groups put the death toll around 2,000.

His administration was seen as culpable, and for years Modi was a political pariah, vilified at home and shunned by the West.

His slow rehabilitation has been thanks in large part to projecting the administrative efficiency that the rest of India seems to lack. Gujarat is an investor favourite, attracting global firms such as Ford Motor Co, while Modi has benefited from a concerted image makeover.

In a sign of his growing clout, the British ambassador to India went to Gujarat to visit Modi last week. It was a policy turnaround on London's part, and a major boost in Modi's quest to be accepted as a mainstream political leader.

The question now is whether Modi can build on this momentum and use Gujarat's high growth to overcome the deep distrust and fear of many Indians, especially Muslims.

"Narendra Modi may be the darling of India's entrepreneurs and he's perhaps the only person who a whole bunch of well-heeled industrialists have openly said that they would like to see as the prime minister of India," said political analyst Paranjoy Guha Thakurta.

"Despite his best attempts to refurbish his image, I don't think he's ever going to live down that particular phase of his administration where Muslims were systematically targeted and massacred in Gujarat."

Critics accuse Modi of not doing enough to stem the violence in 2002, or even quietly encouraging it - allegations he has strenuously denied and have never been proved in inquiries.

A former member of Modi's state cabinet, Maya Kodnani, was sentenced to 28 years in jail for the violence. Kodnani, a gynaecologist, handed out swords to Hindu rioters and exhorted them to attack Muslims, according to witnesses.

VINDICTIVE STREAK

Interviews with officials in Modi's government and local business leaders paint a picture of a man with a phenomenal memory, great attention to detail, unflagging energy and a flair for publicity.

But they also show a man with a vindictive streak, capable of holding grudges for years and intolerant of dissent.

Critics see Modi as a divisive figure who may struggle to win the backing of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the country's main opposition, in a general election.

"If you are on the dislike list, then you're finished," said one government source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

A company executive, who has met the chief minister several times, recalls leaving one of Modi's functions early - only to be reminded about this when they met again, months later.

"He remembers every little detail," the executive said. "Nothing escapes him."

Narendra Modi was born to lower middle class parents in northern Gujarat. As a youth, he worked in his family's tea stall, according to a sympathetic biography.

After some years wandering through the Himalayas on a journey of spiritual discovery, Modi rose through the ranks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a Hindu nationalist organisation that is the ideological parent of the BJP.

A stocky, bespectacled man with a trimmed white beard, Modi is known for his ascetic lifestyle and enthusiasm for yoga. Local media say he married at a young age, but he has never publicly acknowledged this. He has no children.

Modi first became chief minister in October, 2001, just months before the religious riots.

Washington denied him a U.S. travel visa in 2005 for religious intolerance, although this year the U.S. consul-general in Mumbai joined Modi at a public event, seen as a sign of a possible rapprochement.

DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH

Modi's star has steadily risen in the past decade, and he could represent the BJP's best chance to defeat India's ruling Congress party.

"Gujarat is in such a position where I don't have to make any special effort to build investors' confidence," he told Reuters. "Gujarat has already won a huge amount of confidence, not only nationally, but globally too."

While national economic growth has slowed sharply, Modi's Gujarat has achieved the double-digit expansion to which India aspires as a rising global power. In contrast to huge power shortages that plague most of India, the state boasts uninterrupted electricity supply.

Companies have lauded Modi for the ease of doing business in Gujarat, the speed with which land can be acquired for factories and a comparative absence of bureaucratic delays that can throttle projects elsewhere.

Rasesh Desai, managing director at the $112 million-a-year tea group Wagh Bakri, praised Modi's energy and how quickly his government processed clearances for expanding an existing plant.

"If you meet him at six o'clock in the morning and again at eleven o'clock at night: same Modi," Desai told Reuters. "He'll not feel tired."

Sceptics have questioned how much Gujarat owes its prosperity to the current administration, arguing that the state has long been known as one of India's growth drivers.

But even Modi's critics acknowledge his ability to pitch Gujarat as a go-to destination for new businesses, holding investor summits every two years that attract some of the country's biggest business tycoons.

Modi has also made concerted efforts to project himself as a moderate. He is trying to promote religious harmony and has toned down his speeches, shifting their focus from Hindu revivalist rhetoric to trumpeting investment.

Modi's critics have dismissed his efforts.

"If a man like him can even be chief minister for this long, there's something seriously wrong with our society," said M Hasan Jowher, head of a Gujarat-based NGO.

"Somebody who ought to have been languishing in jail, behind bars, or tried for culpable homicide if not genocide, he is presiding over a large state and is being viewed by a large mass of people as a messiah."

(Editing by Ross Colvin and Raju Gopalakrishnan)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/narendra-modi-indian-leader-came-cold-034119551--sector.html

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Thursday, October 25, 2012

MetroPCS Communications Inc Third Quarter Earnings Sneak Peek ...

S&P 500 (NYSE:SPY) component MetroPCS Communications Inc (NYSE:PCS) will unveil its latest earnings on Tuesday, October 30, 2012. MetroPCS Communications is a wireless communications carrier that offers broadband mobile services in the United States.

MetroPCS Communications Inc Earnings Preview Cheat Sheet

Wall St. Earnings Expectations: The average analyst estimate is for profit of 26 cents per share, a rise of 36.8% from the company?s actual earnings for the year-ago quarter. During the past three months, the average estimate has moved up from 16 cents. Between one and three months ago, the average estimate moved up. It has risen from 24 cents during the last month. Analysts are projecting profit to rise by 2.4% versus last year to 82 cents.

Last quarter, the company came in at net income of 41 cents per share against a mean estimate of profit of 22 cents per share, beating estimates after missing them in the previous quarter. In the first quarter, it missed forecasts by 11 cents.

Earnings season is back and more important than ever. Get our newest CHEAT SHEET stock picks now

A Look Back: In the second quarter, profit rose 76.5% to $148.8 million (41 cents a share) from $84.3 million (23 cents a share) the year earlier, exceeding analyst expectations. Revenue rose 5.9% to $1.28 billion from $1.21 billion.

Stock Price Performance: Between July 31, 2012 and October 24, 2012, the stock price rose $2.02 (23.1%), from $8.76 to $10.78. It saw one of its worst periods between November 15, 2011 and November 25, 2011 when shares fell for eight straight days, dropping 14.6% (-$1.28) over that span.

Wall St. Revenue Expectations: On average, analysts predict $1.25 billion in revenue this quarter, a rise of 3.3% from the year-ago quarter. Analysts are forecasting total revenue of $5.11 billion for the year, a rise of 5.4% from last year?s revenue of $4.85 billion.

Key Stats:

On the top line, the company is looking to build on four-straight revenue increases heading into this earnings announcement. Revenue rose 18.1% in the third quarter of the last fiscal year, 16.2% in the fourth quarter of the last fiscal year and 6.9% in the first quarter before increasing again in the second quarter.

There has enjoyed solid performance recently heading into this earnings announcement with profit rising by a year-over-year average of more than twofold for the last four quarters.

Analyst Ratings: There are mostly holds on the stock with 14 of 20 analysts surveyed giving that rating.

Balance Sheet Analysis: The company?s current ratio of assets to liabilities came in at 3.9 last quarter. Having a ratio above 2:1 is usually considered a good indicator of a company?s liquidity and ability to meet creditor demands.

Stocks with improving earnings metrics are worthy of your extra attention. In fact, ?E = Earnings Are Increasing Quarter-Over-Quarter? is a core component of our CHEAT SHEET investing framework for this very reason. Don?t waste another minute ? click here and get our CHEAT SHEET stock picks now.

(Company fundamentals by Xignite Financials. Earnings estimates provided by Zacks)

Don?t Miss These Additional Hot Stories:

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To contact the reporter on this story: staff.writers@wallstcheatsheet.com
To contact the editor responsible for this story: editors@wallstcheatsheet.com

Source: http://wallstcheatsheet.com/stocks/metropcs-communications-inc-third-quarter-earnings-sneak-peek.html/

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Horizon Wine and Spirits Holiday Trade Show (Nashville, 10/30/12 ...

Posted on October 25, 2012

Are you interested in carrying the world?s best tequila? There?s never been a better time to start!

We would like to invite all Nashville area businesses out to the Horizon Wine and Spirits Holiday Trade show next Tuesday, 10/30/12!

Check out our specials! And remember, Cuesti?n is imported right in your backyard, drink local!

View the archives.

? Tequila Dinner at Sapphire Bar and Restaurant in Knoxville

Source: http://cuestionspirits.com/horizon-wine-and-spirits-holiday-trade-show-nashville-103012/

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ? Sul? UK | The Grocery Trader

Sul?, Europe?s number one manufacturer of sugar-free confectionery, has been producing premium-quality sugar-free products for more than 40 years and now produces 70% of Europe?s sugar-free boiled sweets.

Sugar-free sweets currently have a 4.5% share of total UK confectionery sales, which is very low compared to Spain for instance, where the figure is more than 20 times greater. Hence Sul? is now offering UK retailers the opportunity to make the most of the sugar-free opportunity in their stores with its latest range of products for the UK market, offering exciting new flavours and modern packaging.

Backed by record breaking levels of advertising and promotion, Sul??s completely revamped range of sugar-free sweets features six mouth-watering and traditional flavours appealing to British tastes, presented in convenient, pocket-sized 42g flip-top click boxes featuring clean and simple new packaging designs that will maximise on-shelf impact.

Tanja H?ke?Woltering, Area Sales Manager for the UK and Ireland at Sul?, spoke to The Grocery Trader.

The Grocery Trader ? Tanja, to bring our readers up to date, can we start by asking you to tell us a little about the history of the Sul? company and its expertise and experience in the sugar-free confectionery market?

The Suwelack brothers founded Sul? in 1950 in Metelen, Westphalia, Germany. Initially the company?s main focus was on the production of hard caramels. In 1967 they started manufacturing moulded fruit drops of a very high quality, with natural ingredients such as aromas and fruit juices.

GT ? When did you move into sugar-free?

After a visit to the USA in 1970, one of the Suwelack brothers returned with the knowledge to start the production of sugar-free sweets. These sweets, which were produced using the sugar substitute Sorbitol, were initially only sold on the local market in Germany as sweets for people suffering from diabetes.

GT ? When did you start offering sugar-free sweets to consumers generally?

Sugar-free Sul? sweets for mainstream consumers were launched both nationally in Germany and internationally in 1988.

GT ? Who owns Sula now?

The Italian company Perfetti took over a 100% share of Sula in 1996, and then in June 2002 Sul? GmbH was taken over by the Dutch Group van Mook.

GT ? And now Sula is Europe?s leading manufacturer of sugar-free sweets?

Sul? has been established for more than 60 years and has been producing premium-quality sugar-free sweets for more than 40 years. We now produce 70% of Europe?s sugar-free boiled sweets.

GT ? Where do you develop and manufacture your sugar-free confectionery?

Our production facilities are located in Metelen in Germany. Significant investment in recent years has significantly increased the size of the facility and the production capacity.

GT ? What standards are your factories accredited to?

Since May 1997, our factories have been certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001. Since July 2006, Sul? GmbH was the first German sweets manufacturer to be certified in accordance with the new DIN ISO 22000 standard.

GT ? What do your sweets contain instead of sugar?

Since 1999 we have been specialising in the production of sugar-free sweets, using the sugar substitute Isomalt, which is derived from sugar beet. We also produce sweets with other sugar substitutes such as Sorbit and Stevia.

GT ? How do your sweets compare with ?normal? confectionery?

All Sul? sweets are free from artificial flavours, preservatives, hydrogenated fat and Aspartame and are a natural choice for a healthier lifestyle. The sugar-free sweets are suitable for diabetics, vegetarians and perfect for people wishing to reduce their calorie intake without sacrificing confectionery treats, as each Sul? sweet contains only 7-9 calories.

GT ? I appreciate all that, but here?s the crunch. Do Sul? sugar-free sweets taste as good as traditional boiled sweets?

Sul??s manufacturing process delivers superior sweets with a smooth, appetising look and a high-quality flavour that is so good consumers would never know the sweets are sugar-free.

GT ? How many countries are you operating in worldwide?

Sul? products are available in more than 29 countries worldwide, including Eastern Europe, South Africa, North and South America, Australia and Japan.

GT ? How big is the UK market for sugar-free confectionery?

Sugar-free sweets now account for 4.5% of total hard candy sales in the UK, but this compares to a 63% share for sugar-free sweets in Spain, for example. The UK market for sugar-free confectionery is still very small but it is growing steadily. I think the encouraging thing for Sul? is that there is increasing recognition from retailers that sugar-free sweets are a natural choice in a market increasingly driven by a demand for healthier products. And people only have to look at other key European markets to fully understand the enormous potential and opportunity for sugar-free confectionery in the UK market.

GT ? Sugar-free confectionery is clearly a more developed market in Europe, and sales are much larger there than in the UK. Why do you think that is?

The sugar-free confectionery market is much more established in other European countries and perhaps, here in the UK, we still find consumers who believe that ?no sugar means less taste.? We have to convince the consumers with the quality and taste of Sul? products, because we know that people who try our sweets will love the taste. This is the reason we are investing heavily in a major new marketing campaign that features a wide range of sampling activities. It really is exciting to see the reaction of consumers when they have the chance to try our Sul? sweets, because they really seem to love the flavours.

GT ? Turning specifically to the UK, how big is the potential UK sugar-free market?

Sales of sugar-free sweets in the UK are booming, and the opportunity for future growth is absolutely massive. Products such as soft drinks and chewing gum have demonstrated the enormous potential for sugar-free in the UK market and confectionery is set to be the next big growth sector for sugar free products.

GT ? So, sugar-free could be the next big thing in the UK confectionery market?

Yes, there?s no doubt about it. We believe there is a fantastic opportunity for UK retailers. There is increasing demand for healthier, natural products and this trend is set to continue. So Sul? certainly seems to fit the bill.

GT ? What range of Sul? products is available in the UK?

Sul??s completely revamped range of sugar-free sweets features six mouth-watering and traditional British flavours. The new range introduces tasty and classic new Butterscotch, Mint Humbugs, Rhubarb & Custard and Strong Mint varieties to sell alongside Sul??s established and ever-popular Strawberry & Cream and Fruit Mix flavours. The new products will have a retail price of around 95p for a 42g pack.

GT ? Why did you select these particular flavours?

We have developed the new range and flavours following extensive consumer research. We?ve chosen these traditional British flavours for our delicious and indulgent new products because they bring back fond memories of favourite childhood sweets.

GT ? You?ve also introduced new packaging to go with the new flavours. Can you talk us through that?

The new products are presented in convenient 42g flip-top click boxes featuring clean and simple new packaging designs to improve on-shelf impact. The packs are pocket-sized, so they are very easy to carry around. Once again, we have received very positive feedback about the new packaging from the trade and consumers.

GT ? Where should these products be merchandised in store for best results?

Sul? flip-top click boxes are perfect for all types of stores. Consumers are interested in healthier products, so displaying the different flavours close to the till in convenience stores and forecourts creates excellent impulse sales. Our products are also creating a lot of interest in the multiple grocery sector because they have a great USP which combines indulgence and low calorie. Confectionery retailers are always looking for fresh, innovative products ? especially if they give consumers a healthier option ? so Sul? really is the natural choice for all retail sectors.

GT ? looking at your web site, you also have many other products that we haven?t touched on in this conversation. Are there any plans to bring any of these out here?

You?re right, Sul? has a very large range of products, which are many and in other markets. We manufacture an extensive range of sweets and toffees, with and without sugar. Our efforts in the UK at present are concentrated on developing the interest in sugar-free confectionery and we believe we have a superb range of quality products with exciting new flavours, which will allow us to do this. Our desire and our longer-term plan is certainly to launch other sugar-free products in the UK but we will take this step by step.

GT ? How do you plan to support the new Sul? sugar free products in the UK?

The new range and flavours will benefit from record-breaking levels of advertising and promotional support in 2012.

GT ? Trial is crucial with sugar-free confectionery. Is consumer sampling also an important part of the support programme?

Very much so! One of the key elements of the marketing campaign will be to demonstrate to consumers the great taste of Sul? sweets? with no need for sugar. A national consumer sampling campaign will take place in leading supermarkets and at major events, supported by an advertising campaign featuring national and regional press plus women?s interest, lifestyle, health and fitness magazines.

GT ? These are clearly exciting times in the UK market for sugar-free confectionery and for Sul? in particular. How do you see the sugar-free confectionery market developing in the UK?

Sugar-free sweets offer a very exciting opportunity for UK retailers. We are delighted to be launching a great-tasting range of classic flavours, which will give further impetus to a dynamic, fast-growing market category. We strongly believe that sugar-free is the next ?big thing? in the UK confectionery market and Sul? is delighted to be leading the way with an exciting product range and record-breaking levels of support.

Sul? UK

Tel: 0208 123 9672

email:Click here to email this company? ?

www.sula.com

Source: http://grocerytrader.co.uk/?p=14740

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The AJ Scandal: Did AJ have an affair?

All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, logos and copyrights are the exclusive property of WWE, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. ? 2012 WWE, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This website is based in the United States. By submitting personal information to this website you consent to your information being maintained in the U.S., subject to applicable U.S. laws. U.S. law may be different than the law of your home country. WrestleMania XXIX (NY/NJ) logo TM & ? 2012 WWE. All Rights Reserved. The Empire State Building design is a registered trademark and used with permission by ESBC.

Source: http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-10-22/aj-scandal-did-aj-have-affair

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Loren Brichter talks about his new game, Letterpress for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad

You're Loren Brichter. You worked at Apple on the original iPhone. You created Tweetie for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, including the now ubiquitous "pull to refresh" gesture, and sliding panels that first showed off what tablet software could do. You're relaunching your company, Atebits, and getting back into indie iOS development. What do you do?

Release a game, of course. But not just any game. You take the word-style games you love, make them two-player, add animations that would delight Pixar, and introduce a strategy that elevates it to something close to Tower Defense for word finder, and then you unleash it with full on Game Center support as universal app for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. And you call it Letterpress.

I had the chance to talk to Loren briefly about why he zagged into game development rather than sticking with the zig that is utility apps, where the idea came from, how the mechanics evolved, how he managed to hide the tinted status bar, and even some of his ideas about where Letterpress might go next. (Spoiler: In-game trash talking. You're welcome.)

It's an audio-only interview but I put it up on YouTube because a) that's what I'm used to and b) it let me add a little bit of gameplay video on top so you could see what we're talking about even though c) I assume you've downloaded the app already because d) it's free.

Enjoy. Now back to playing...

(If you haven't read our Letterpress review yet, go do that now.)



Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/3mbbdtcIbK4/story01.htm

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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

South Africa police: Blast kills 2 prisoners

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Acupuncture Could Play Role In Treating Parkinson's Symptoms ...

Acupuncture may help a wide range of conditions, from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, to chronic pain, to dry mouth in cancer patients, studies have shown. And it could even help people quit smoking!

Now, in a small new study first reported by Medical News Today, it seems it could also play a role in improving symptoms of Parkinson's disease patients because of its effect on particular regions of the brain.

Specifically, the study, published in the journal CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, shows that acupuncture boosts the responses of neurons in brain regions known to be impaired by Parkinson's disease.

"Although more randomized controlled trials on the topic will be needed, this study shows that acupuncture may be helpful in the treatment of symptoms involving PD," the researchers, from Kyung Hee University in Korea, said in the study.

The study included 12 people with Parkinson's disease, as well as 12 people without the condition. Researchers conducted fMRI brain scans on all of them at the start of the study, and then the study participants underwent acupuncture treatments. After the acupuncture, researchers conducted fMRI brain scans on them again.

Researchers found that post-acupuncture, the brain regions of the putamen, caudate, thalamus and substantia nigra all had increased neural activity. These brain regions are known to be affected by Parkinson's disease, they noted.

Want to try acupuncture but not sure what to expect? Here are some tips for first-timers:

  • 1. Know What To Look For

    It can be tough knowing where to start when beginning any new kind of treatment. First things first: know what to look for in your practitioner. <a href="http://www.healthwithacupuncture.com/" target="_hplink">Moores</a> says "you should always check that [your acupuncturist is] licensed and in good standing." Visit <a href="http://www.nccaom.org/" target="_hplink">www.nccaom.org</a> to find someone reputable. He or she should be licensed in your state and also nationally by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). If you are turning to acupuncture to treat a specific condition, mention it ahead of time to your practitioner. Moores says to ask if he or she has any specific experience in treating that ailment. "Usually hearing the answer will give you a good idea of whether or not you can trust him or her," she points out. Since you will be working intimately with your accupuncturist, it is imperative to ensure you're comfortable together. Even if the accupuncturist is well-regarded, if <em>you</em> don't feel at ease, then Moores says "you are cutting yourself and your healthcare short." <em>Flickr photo by Kara Ally</em>son

  • 2. Come With An Open Mind

    In order to entirely reap the benefits of this treatment, try your best to come to the appointment with an open mind. Moores explains: "Acupuncture works whether you believe it in or not. However, people will say you have to believe in it to work." Moores says that the shifts that occur from acupuncture are "subtle changes," meaning that those who are more in touch with their bodies can more easily notice them, while those who are less in-tune may take a longer time to feel any differences. <em>Flickr photo by James Qualtrough</em>

  • 3. Come Prepared

    Prepping for an acupuncture treatment consists of many different variables: it's best to be conscious of when you arrive, what you eat and even how you smell! Food-wise, Moore suggests eating something light before your appointment. "If you don't eat anything before, you can feel weak after the treatment because a lot of energy is moving around," she says. It's also best to stay away from caffeine for the day, if you can. And consider skipping the coffee before your visit, since it acts as a stimulant. Acupuncture shouldn't be stressful (just the opposite -- it is meant to relieve stress!). Come to your session early so you can relax. "You do not want to be rushing though an acupuncture session," Fitzgerald notes. She also reminds us of the golden rule: use the bathroom before you go! Solid advice, as you may be on the table for a half hour or longer. If possible, do not wear any scented creams or fragrances the day of your appointment. Moores explains that "a lot of people are sensitive. I treat things like headaches ... plenty of patients say 'what's that smell? It's giving me a headache."' While <em>you</em> may not be affected by certain scents, it's best to be mindful of other patients who might be particularly sensitive. Lastly, the omnipresent question -- <em>what should I wear? </em> -- has an easy solution. While your acupuncturist will likely provide a gown, Dr. Fitzgerald suggests wearing loose-fitting clothing for comfort. <em>Flickr photo by nicolasnova</em>

  • 4. Be On The Record

    Both Fitzgerald and Moores recommend bringing medical records, even if you think they are unrelated to your treatment. "The acupuncturist will spend a lot of time asking questions that might not even seem related to your condition," Fitzgerald says. He or she may ask about digestion, sleep paterns, gynecological history, mental health issues and more. Chinese medicine looks at all conditions as "interrelated," even if there's no obvious connection in the Western view. Moores agrees: "If you have a history of medications, diagnostic tests, MRIs, always bring them; when you have any diagnostic test, blood test or anything, you should keep a copy. Those results can help us." <em>Flickr photo by breahn</em>

  • 5. Speak Up

    Even if you're a rookie to this old practice, make sure you're understanding everything that's happening. "Remember it is <em>your</em> visit and <em>your </em>health," Fitzgerald says. "Make sure you communicate your needs and everything you can about your condition so the acupuncturist can have as much information as possible for your assessment. If something is not clear, don't be shy to ask for clarification." Speak up to advocate for yourself. "Your practitioner could explain things in Eastern terminology," she continues. "Be sure to ask for clarification and don't hesitate to make sure you understand your treatment protocol." <em>Flickr photo by paparutzi</em>

  • 6. No Really, Open Your Mouth

    It's normal for the acupuncturist to check your tongue to assess the general health of your organs and meridians. Your practitioner will also check your pulse, which Moores says can reveal a lot. "It can tell you what's going on in the body as far as stagnation and stress," she explains. "We're not really checking for the rate." <em>Flickr photo by nathanmac87</em>

  • 7. They Call It A 'Zing'

    If you're Trypanophobic, we'll give it to you straight: more likely than not, your acupuncturist will be using needles. If you're feeling just a little wary, know that, as Moores puts it, "acupuncture needles are sterile, one-time use disposable needles." They are also incredibly flexible and not at all like those used to draw blood. But do they hurt? "That's the one big question," Moores says. "I don't think [it hurts]," she continues, "most people don't think so." But while it's not necessarily a painful experience, you may feel sensitivities on different areas of the body. "Sometimes you can feel a little qi sensation -- we call it a 'zing.' It's when the needle hits the nerve," she says, comparing it to the feeling you get when you hit your funny bone. Some spots may bleed once the needles are removed -- the ears are a particularly sensitive area. If this happens, the blood is usually less than a drop, and the bleeding will stop before you leave the office. <em>Flickr photo by SuperFantastic</em>

  • Before You Leave...

    After the session, be sure to rehydrate. "Definitely drink water because we're getting the energy to circulate because you want to be hydrated," Moores says. Once you leave, you should be a-OK to continue about your day. In fact, you may not feel a thing. "As you start getting regular treatments," Moores says, "you may notice feeling more uplifted. <em>Flickr photo by Svadilfari</em>

  • The Science Of Acupuncture

    This health video focuses on the different benefits acupuncture can provide for many different illnesses.

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/21/acupuncture-parkinsons-symptoms-brain_n_1982402.html

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Monday, October 22, 2012

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Sunday, October 21, 2012

5 things that could sink Windows 8

10 hrs.

The Windows?8 launch is finally upon us, and I guarantee you there are a lot of nervous people in Redmond right now. How could they not be?

You?re about to launch a new version of your operating system that is such a radical departure from what PC users have come to expect that it should be called "Windows We Hope You?re Ready for Something Really Different." Sheer inertia is certainly a concern. After all, the Live Tiles, panoramic Modern-style interface and new tools like the Charms menu all require a learning curve. But that?s not the biggest challenge Microsoft?faces. These are.

1. Hardware is too pricey
One of the biggest reasons ultrabooks haven?t sold as well as Intel and its partners expected is that prices haven?t come down fast enough. You can finally find some in the $699 range, but that?s still about $200 more than the typical budget laptop.

Now, shoppers will be asked to pony up $1,100 to $1,200 to enjoy touch-based convertibles like the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga, Sony VAIO Duo 11 and Dell XPS 12. Intel shared with us recently that its own studies show that consumers are willing to pay $150 to $200 more for touch, but I?m not sure that will fly in a down economy and a holiday season dominated by the cheap iPad mini, Kindle Fire and Nexus 7.

Windows RT devices like Microsoft?s Surface are more affordable at $499, the same as the iPad. But opting for the Touch Cover keyboard (the accessory being touted in Microsoft?s ads) brings the price to $599.

Windows 8-powered hybrids like the $749 Acer Iconia W510 (with keyboard) and Samsung Ativ Smart PC 500T (I swear I?m not making that name up) don?t have the same sexy industrial design as the Surface, but their Atom processors make these devices more versatile because users can run traditional desktop apps. You can get the W510 without a keyboard for a reasonable $499.

[MORE: Top 10 Windows 8 Hybrids]

2. Windows 8 vs. Windows RT confusion
Shoppers will have a tough time telling the difference between the two flavors of new Windows devices on shelves this holiday season, because they both feature the same slick Live Tile interface. But there is a huge difference between the two platforms.

In a nutshell, Windows 8 PCs can run any app downloaded from the Windows Store as well as all desktop applications. Windows RT tablets and hybrids (powered by ARM processors) will be limited to Windows Store apps and Microsoft?s Office 2013, even though you?ll still be able to access the desktop for things like transferring files?off a USB drive.

Sounds like a pretty simple delineation, but as The Verge proved with some undercover testing, Microsoft?s own store employees don?t know the difference between the two operating systems. Microsoft responded to this eye-opening report by saying that all of its sales reps will receive 15 hours of training before launch. The clock is ticking.

[MORE: 8 Windows 8 Annoyances and How to Fix Them]

3. Not enough apps
At last count there were nearly 3,500 apps in the Windows Store. And while there are a handful of compelling options so far, there are a lot more holes in Microsoft?s lineup than I would expect at this late stage. Where is Facebook? Twitter? YouTube? Dropbox? Angry Birds??

The good news: Microsoft will unveil plenty of high-profile apps either at the launch of its OS or shortly thereafter, hopefully filling in a fair number of these holes. But I still have serious concerns about the breadth of options that will be available. After all, Apple has 250,000 apps just for the iPad, thanks to its huge head start.

Microsoft also needs to prove that Windows 8 is a viable gaming platform and not just rest on the Xbox name, as it has done with Windows Phone. Shoppers need to see console-quality eye candy along with casual fare. I?m encouraged by the fact that the Unreal Engine III has been ported to Windows 8, however, which should help lead to Infinity Blade-style titles in the Windows Store. Titles based on the Unity engine will come after launch.

[MORE: Top 20 Windows 8 Apps]

4. Crappy touchpads
Sure, Windows 8 works best with touch, but the sweet spot for most shoppers right now is $500 clamshell designs that rely on touchpads. Based on previous experience, I?m very worried that these pointing devices won?t deliver the smooth gesture support that will add up to a good user experience. On a lot of pre-production samples I?ve tried the touchpad didn?t always respond when I swiped in from the left to switch apps. And most of them didn?t support the gesture to move in from the left and quickly back to the right to see all of your open apps.

If notebook vendors can?t make pinch-to- zoom work well or two-finger scrolling, they?ll have an even harder time getting Windows 8 gestures to work reliably. I?m really hoping Synaptics, Microsoft and OEMs get it right, but it will probably take a while.

[MORE: Crappy Touchpads Could Kill the Ultrabook]

5. Macs on the rise
Microsoft shouldn?t just be concerned about the iPad and the rumored "iPad Mini." It should take note that Apple is now No. 1 in notebook sales in the U.S. The 13-inch MacBook Pro is consistently the top seller at retail, and all you need to do is peek inside any coffee shop to see a sea of MacBook Airs. I?ve said this before, but the Mac's?OS X?Mountain Lion could prove more attractive than Windows 8?to those looking for a more traditional operating system this holiday, especially for those who own other Apple devices and like the idea of having iCloud keeping everything in sync.

[MORE:?10 Reasons to Drop Windows for Mountain Lion]

Bottom line
Microsoft is reportedly spending $1.5 billion to launch and promote Windows 8, and the company has never been under more pressure to make sure that shoppers get the message. But what is that message? Is it that you can have your cake and eat it too with a Windows 8 PC that runs mobile and ?legacy? apps? That you can get all-day battery life, iPad-like portability and Office productivity with a Windows RT device? It?s actually all of the above, which is a big part of the challenge.

Although Microsoft?having a hero device like the Surface tablet?helps, Windows 8 will succeed or fail not based on how well the Surface fares. Just as with every other Windows launch, Microsoft will once again rely on an ecosystem of app developers and hardware?makers to make its software sing. All of the above five obstacles are not insurmountable, but they?re very real.

LAPTOP?editor-in-chief Mark Spoonauer directs?online and print editorial content and has been covering mobile and wireless technology for over a decade. Each week Mark?s SpoonFed column provides his insights and analysis of the biggest mobile trends and news. You can also follow him on Twitter.

More?from LAPTOP:

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/technolog/5-things-could-sink-windows-8-1C6579394

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Lebanon on edge after car bomb kills security chief

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Protesters and gunmen blocked roads with burning tires in Beirut and other cities on Saturday as grief and anger over the assassination of a senior intelligence official opposed to the Syrian leadership kept Lebanon on edge.

Lebanese soldiers opened fire on a group who took over a road in the Bekaa valley, wounding two people, witnesses said.

Troops reinforced road junctions and official buildings in the capital but many roads, including the highway to the international airport, were cut by demonstrators.

The protests broke out in reaction to the killing of Brigadier-General Wissam al-Hassan in a car bomb explosion in central Beirut on Friday afternoon.

Politicians accused Syrian President Bashar-al Assad of being behind the attack, deepening fears that the sectarian-tinged civil war in neighboring Syria is spilling over into Lebanon.

Hassan had led an investigation that implicated Syria and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri in 2005. Hassan had also helped uncover a bomb plot that led to the arrest and indictment in August of a pro-Assad former Lebanese minister - a setback for Syrian influence in Lebanon.

Lebanon's religious communities are divided between those that support Assad in Syria's civil war and those that back the Sunni-led rebels.

In Beirut's Sunni Muslim areas, where people are opposed to the Alawite Assad, cars mounted with loudspeakers cruised the streets issuing calls for the Lebanese government to resign.

Dozens of gunmen were in the streets and the mood was tense, witnesses said.

Squads of gunmen were also in the streets in the northern, mostly-Sunni city of Tripoli, where pro- and anti-Assad factions clashed earlier this year.

Rallies were also held and roads closed in the eastern Bekaa Valley and in the southern town of Sidon.

Soldiers and police guarded street corners in Beirut's Ashrafiyeh area, the mainly Christian district where the bomb exploded during rush hour, and at Martyrs' Square in the centre.

Lebanon's mufti, the senior Sunni religious figure, announced three days of mourning for Hassan. He will be buried with full honors on Sunday.

The Beirut Star newspaper said the perpetrators of the bombing - which killed at least eight people and wounded more than 80 - clearly aimed to push Lebanon into a new round of chaotic violence.

"If the goal was to divert attention from the events in Syria, then people should remember this well and head off any attempt to take Lebanon further into tension and civil strife," it said.

The late Hariri's son, Saad al-Hariri, accused Syria's Assad of being behind the bombing. Lebanon's opposition March 14 bloc called on Prime Minister Najib Mikati's government, which includes ministers from Hezbollah, to resign.

The head of Lebanon's Internal Security Forces, Major-General Ashraf Rifi, described Hassan's death as a "huge blow" and warned that further attacks were likely.

"We've lost a central security pillar," he told Future Television. "Without a doubt, we have more sacrifices coming in the future. We know that, but we will not be broken."

IRANIAN VISIT

More than 30,000 people have been killed in Syria since a Sunni-led popular uprising against Assad, a member of the Shi'ite-linked Alawite sect, broke out 19 months ago.

International powers fear the conflict could inflame rivalries across the region as it intensifies.

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi, whose country is a powerful backer of Assad and Hezbollah, condemned the bombing and said he planned to visit Beirut.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry suggested Israel was to blame for the attack. A senior Israeli official dismissed the suggestion as "beyond pathetic".

Hassan, who had returned to Lebanon on Thursday night from Germany, had helped uncover many assassination attempts against anti-Syrian figures in Lebanon and had himself escaped several attempts on his life.

Two Syrian officers, including General Ali Mamlouk, the head of Syria's national security bureau, were indicted along with Lebanon's former information minister Michel Samaha in August over a plot allegedly aimed at stoking violence in Lebanon.

The indictments were an unprecedented move against its more powerful neighbor, a dominant player in Lebanese affairs for decades. Syria sided with different factions during the 1975-1990 civil war and deployed troops in Beirut who stayed until 2005.

As well as being the brains behind the Samaha investigation, Hassan led the investigation into Rafik Hariri's murder seven years ago and uncovered evidence that implicated Syria and Hezbollah - a charge they both deny. An international tribunal accused several Hezbollah members of involvement in the murder.

"OUR PROTECTOR"

Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, whose party still formally supports Mikati's government though he is bitterly critical of Assad and Hezbollah, said Hassan's death left Lebanon unsafe.

"He was our protector. This is a harsh blow but we will not be scared and we should not accuse anyone inside Lebanon so we don't give Bashar (al-Assad) an excuse to seize the country," he said.

Despite the accusations from Lebanese politicians, both the Assad government and Hezbollah condemned the bombing. Syria's information minister called it a "terrorist act".

The bombing also heightened concern among Western powers - who have strongly criticized Assad and called on him to quit - that the Syria war could ignite conflict across the region.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Hassan's killing was "a dangerous sign that there are those who continue to seek to undermine Lebanon's stability".

French President Francois Hollande urged Lebanese politicians to stay united and prevent attempts to destabilize the country. The Vatican and the European Union also condemned the attack.

Augustus Richard Norton, a Middle East specialist at Boston University, said it was too early to say who carried out the bombing.

"However, there is no doubt that al Hassan's death will bring smiles to the face of Bashar al-Assad and his cohorts," he wrote in a commentary.

(Additional reporting by Laila Bassam and Dominc Evans in Beirut; Writing by Angus MacSwan; Editing by Andrew Osborn)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/beirut-bomb-kills-anti-syrian-intelligence-official-002426703.html

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An apple a day can keep heart disease away ? Health News ...

Tim Van Orden takes a bite out of heart disease.

Today, I want to discuss a new study that recently appeared in the Journal of Functional Foods. This study looked at the consumption of apples and it?s effect on heart disease factors such as the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream.

The results are quite exciting. Consumption of one apple a day for four weeks, can decrease the oxidation of LDL in the blood by 40%. This is very good news.

Here?s the link to this study ? http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464612001363

There is a lot of confusion in the media about the nature of heart disease and it?s causal factors, such as LDL ?cholesterol?. To help clear this up, I?ll give you a quick primer on LDL. It stands for Low Density Lipoprotein. It?s a type of protein-based transport molecule that delivers fats, lipids and cholesterol through the blood. LDL itself is not a bad thing. But when LDL becomes oxidized in the blood it becomes dangerous. So reducing LDL in the blood is not the best course of action, but reducing oxidation of LDL in the blood is a much better course.

Apples and other fruits and vegetables contain anti-oxidants. These anti-oxidant molecules reduce the oxidation of many components of our bodies, including LDL. So consumption of more fresh fruits and veggies is a great strategy for increasing the levels of anti-oxidants in your blood and reducing the chance for things like LDL to oxidize and become damaging.

The moral of the story ? eat your fresh fruits and veggies.

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