(CBS News) WASHINGTON – On the heels of the governments embarrassing scandal in Las Vegas involving the General Services Administration, or GSA, comes word that a high-ranking Homeland Security official has pleaded guilty in a travel fraud ring that defrauded taxpayers out of at least $600,000.
Forty-eight-year old James Woosley headed Intelligence for Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under Homeland Security (DHS). Justice Department officials say that, among other crimes, Woosley faked expense reports for more than a dozen trips, and helped others do the same in exchange for kickbacks. Woosley used $5,000 of the taxpayers money to buy a boat, and nearly $16,000 for a real estate investment.
Officials say Woosley got help from several ICE employees, including his personal assistant Lateisha Rollerson with whom he developed a close, personal relationship. The two lived together and often traveled together on business trips. Rollerson pleaded guilty earlier to creating the fraudulent travel vouchers and documents to support Woosleys fake expenses.
Bribes, kickbacks in GSA scandal?
In some instances, other ICE employees stayed at Woosleys Virginia home when travelling to Washington, DC on business, then created false hotel receipts. Woosley then took a kickback from their receipts.
Woosley abused his sensitive position of trust to fleece the government by submitting phony paperwork for and taking kickbacks from subordinates who were also on the take, said US Attorney Ronald Machen, Jr. who helped prosecute the case.
Besides Rollerson and Woosley, three others also plead guilty earlier in the scheme. They include ICE supervisory intelligence research specialist 64-year old Ahmen Adil Abdallat, ICE intelligence research specialist 53-year old William Korn, and ICE contractor 61-year old Stephen Henderson.
Woosley faces 18-27 months in prison and a fine. He has agreed to forfeit the stolen money.
The headlines out of Europe are downright nasty. In Spain you have 23% unemployment and 50% of young workers without a job. Draconian austerity plans are taking shape with tax increases implemented and a drastic reduction of the government’s budget is planned.
You have to wonder if this approach to fixing the nation’s problems will actually work, or whether a Keynesian perspective (more spending, not less) is better suited to cure the country’s ailments. In time we will find out.
Alas, the question of which economic policy might be best to solve the problems in Europe or within our own country for that matter is secondary to determining outstanding investments and wonderful buying opportunities. Western Europe has its problems but stocks of companies domiciled there have plenty of value.
Government policy decisions and central bank maneuvers are important to understand, but when real value stares you in the face, all that matters is the price you pay. The value investor I am sees a depressed market and a terrified investor class that sees nothing but trouble ahead. This is when opportunity is found not in the consensus, but by being contrarian!
If you look at world P/E ratios, you will find the lowest of them all in Europe. Europe trades at 8x next year’s estimates while the US is 12x. The Asia Pacific region outside of Shanghai and the Hang Seng are priced similarly to the US Basically you can enter Europe at one-third of the value of anywhere else.
Take Telefonica (TEF) as an example. The company has lost more than ½ of its market cap since its peak back in 2007 and has not recovered. It is trading at multi year lows. This is a firm with half of its revenues from Latin America. It is likely the market has already discounted the Spanish business and its exposure to the rest of Europe as if it’s falling hard and going to zero! Well, it’s not. You can buy these shares at 7.5x earnings and get a nice dividend in the meantime. TEF is unique in that it has significant exposure to Latin America, a 9.5% stake in China Unicom, and is selling at radioactive prices due to its headquarters in Madrid!
TEF is not alone. Another global telecom giant that is getting mixed up in European mess is Vodafone (VOD). VOD shares have been moving sideways for 18 months, but while you wait for a recovery in Europe that could be years away, you can bank a 7.5% dividend, bask in the company’s 45% stake in Verizon Wireless, and plan for the firm to achieve payback from its massive $20B investment in India.
Although VOD has a large presence in Western Europe, its emerging market portfolio including Central Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific has helped it compensate for a slowdown in Europe.
If telecom is too risky, try Swiss-based healthcare giant Novartis (NVS). Here’s a superbly managed global firm with nearly half of its sales in non-pharmaceutical business lines. For 10x earnings and a 4.5% dividend yield, in addition to its pharmaceutical division, you get Alcon, the giant eye-care outfit, and Sandoz, the #2 player in generic drugs behind Teva Pharmaceutical Industries.
When the anxiety of buying out of favor European names and waiting patiently to reap the rewards gets a bit much, Novartis’ consumer division produces Excedrin, Theraflu, and Gas-X, which may come in handy!
Consider this happy fact: The Riviera Maya in Mexico, our southern neighbor, is a safe haven for tourists. The Mayan coast stretches along the Caribbean Sea from Puerto Morelas to Punta Allen and claims 125 miles of coastline, cultural riches, luxe hotels, pristine beaches, marine life, caves, cenotes and archaeological sites. Its Mesoamerican Reef System stretches from Quintana Roo all the way to Honduras and is one of the largest barrier reefs in the Northern Hemisphere.
We set off to explore Tulum, the most beautiful archaeological site of the Riviera Maya whose construction began in the pre-classic period (1800bc-250 ad). Its name means fortified wall in Mayan and it is the only walled city along the coast built to defend itself against attacks. The city was still inhabited during the first year of the Spanish colonization, but abandoned at the end of the 16th century and discovered again in 1842. The Maya called Tulum Zama, Dawn, because of its geographic location facing the sea and the commanding views of the rising sun.
Here the beautiful House of Chultun was a dwelling of an influential person; it has a two columned portico at the entrance and an inner sanctum with a small altar. At another site, a fortified wall used as defense, outlined the three sides of the town, west, north and south (the sea was to the east). The Temple of the Wind is outstanding with its many frescoes, altars, a ceremonial center and a dance platform. In the distance was Nohoch Mul, whose pyramid is the tallest in the Yucatan measuring 138 feet. The staircases leading to the various temples looked daunting, but it was well worth the trek. El Castillo is the most significant building in Tulum. It is a single-structured building containing an altar and overlooking the sea — a spectacular spot that made a powerful impression on the invaders in the 16th century.
Immersion, Both Cultural and Aquatic
Where the Sky Begins, what a lovely meaning for the Mayan words Sian Kaan and also for the 1.3 million-acre Biosphere Reserve. Our van took us to a specified meeting place where Pastor, our Mayan guide, directed us to this magical jungle reserve populated by jaguar, spider and howler monkeys, deer, tapirs, green and loggerhead sea turtles and much more including 900 species of flora and rare birds such as the great blue heron, the brown booby, toucans, egrets and aquatic birds. Crocodiles too. However, the Pastor assured me that if I wanted to jump into a fresh water lagoon I would be fine.
The day was sweltering hot and the water looked cool and inviting so, throwing caution and good sense to the wind, I actually believed him. Im glad I did. This is just about the most fun thing you can possibly do at Sian Kaan because you immerse yourself both figuratively in a Mayan tradition of floating the lagoon and literally. Slow currents carry you through the narrow waterway with sky high mangroves on one side and tall reeds towering above on the other.
Pastor said, with pride:Welcome to my office.
The man clearly loves his work. All too soon, a half hour later, our watery journey ended and we reluctantly climbed out of the lagoon — cool, calm, and very happy.
The Riviera Maya is a dream place to celebrate a wedding or honeymoon. At Dreams Tulum, the property hosts 450 weddings a year so you know youll be in fine and experienced hands. While there, I watched a wedding take place on the beach. As the bride walked a white carpet spread on the sand, a warm breeze caught her gauzy lace veil. Twirling it high in the air, it seemed to come alive, creating a very happy prospect for this celebration.
When you need a break from all that , get yourself to Playa del Carmen, a dynamic little nearby town known for its cosmopolitan nature: lots of artists, painters, musicians and dancers. Its a multi-cultural community with some great shopping so you can follow this places example and have it all.
The new Catalogs category in the iPad App Store drives shoppers to Catalogs.com.
Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) March 12, 2012
In just 24 hours, Catalogs.com for iPad has already seen a big lift in shopping activity with its inclusion in the new “Catalogs” category in the Apple iPad iTunes store.
Richard Linevsky, co-founder of Catalogs.com, says, “The addition of this new Catalogs category is really the first true shopping department that has been introduced in the iPad app store and we are delighted that it is focused on catalog shopping. It demonstrates just how relevant, important and active online catalog shopping is today.”
In 2010, Catalogs.com was the first company to launch an iPad app for creating, viewing and shopping catalogs. Catalogs.com for iPad is also the only app that can build an iPad optimized catalog for stores that do not have a print catalog. This technology makes an iPad friendly catalog technically and economically feasible for e-retailers and catalogers alike.
“Brands such as Footlocker, Bebe, Perry Ellis, Coors and Company, Hot Topic and Things You Never Knew Existed are engaging customers on Catalogs.com for iPad as a key part of their multi-channel marketing strategies,” says Linevsky. “Although the medium is changing, catalogs are more pertinent and compelling than ever, giving shoppers what they desire: a way to discover new products with every turn of the page.”
About Catalogs.com
Since 1996, shoppers have universally recognized Catalogs.com as a trusted premier shopping service, attracting more than 1,000,000 unique visitors each month. The comprehensive Catalogs.com website, newly launched Catalogs.com for iPad and Catalogs.com online catalogs feature over 740 major and specialty retailers and provide shopping access via web, iPad and mobile phone platforms.
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prwebCatalogscom-for-iPad-app/Apple-Catalogs-category/prweb9265389.htm
WR Jabar Gaffney says Redskins are shopping him
By
Jabar Gaffney, the Washington Redskins’ leading receiver in 2011, said Wednesday that the team plans to trade or release him and he has been told not to show up for the team’s offseason conditioning program in Ashburn.
Gaffney (10) hauls in a touchdown one-handed against the Minnesota Vikings last season. (Photo by Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post)Gaffney, a 10-year veteran who recorded 68 catches for 947 yards and five touchdowns last season, said Redskins General Manager Bruce Allen delivered the news to Gaffney’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, Friday. That was a day after a series of obscene messages directed at Gaffney’s wife and Oakland Raiders defensive back Lito Sheppard was unleashed on Gaffney’s Twitter account.
Gaffney has tweeted that his Twitter account was hacked.
“That wasn’t me. I’m a man. Taking to Twitter to handle business is childish,” Gaffney said in an interview Wednesday. “But it’s strange that I hear about this the day after that Twitter mess happened. They say it has been in the works for a couple weeks now, though. But it’s odd that I didn’t hear about it until the day after the Twitter.”
“I don’t know what happened,” he added. “Last year, I did everything I was asked, and ended up leading the receivers in every category. Leaving at the end of the season, I was their guy, and even after they made these deals to bring in [free agent wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan ], I was told I was still in their plans. I just took the signings as moves to make our receiver unit deeper. This is all confusing to me.”
The Redskins, through senior vice president Tony Wyllie, declined to comment on the matter.
Gaffney said he was told that if the Redskins can’t find a trade partner, they will release him. Gaffney is due to earn $2.65 million in 2012, and the Redskins have less room under the salary cap after receiving a $36 million penalty over two seasons from the NFL for the way they restructured some player contracts in the uncapped 2010 offseason.
After learning of the salary cap hit, the team restructured center Will Montgomery’s contract, but hasn’t reworked any other deals. Gaffney said he hasn’t been told whether creating more room under the cap is the motivation behind the Redskins’ decision to move him.
“I don’t think that’s why,” Gaffney said. “I’ve never been a dude to ask for a whole ton of money. And there’s ways to rework deals if that’s what they need.”
Gaffney, whom Washington acquired last summer via trade, said he intended to play for the Redskins in 2012, even after the team signed Garcon and Morgan. He says he was set to report for the team’s voluntary offseason conditioning program, which started Monday.
Gaffney said while the news that the team is shopping him stings, he hopes to remain with the Redskins.
“I’m 100 percent on board with the Redskins,” he said. “I hope I can stay here. I just like the locker room, the direction we’re headed. I love the offense. This team traded for me last year, and I’m grateful for that, and want to build on last season.
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05:13 PM ET, 04/18/2012
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BENICIA — Southampton Shopping Center merchants are going green this month, and its not just because Earth Days on Sunday.
The shopping center is the citys first to sign up for newly required, free recycling services for businesses. A state law mandating commercial recycling programs takes effect in July, but Benicia has adopted the rule early.
One merchant initially skeptical of the requirement says hes warmed up to it.
The free part was the watershed moment, said Gene Pedrotti of Pedrotti Ace Hardware. We and other merchants here generate a huge amount of trash that was sent to landfills. To pass a law requiring recycling might be portrayed as heavy-handed but city officials wisely included the incentive of including recycling pick-up at no additional charge.
The city adopted its commercial recycling ordinance last year when it extended its garbage contract with Allied Waste through 2020. The updated contract also expanded the residential recycling programs. Overall, the changes are meant to help the city divert 75 percent of its waste from landfills by the end of 2016, officials say.
Getting shopping centers on board with the new requirement has been a slow process, requiring coordinated participation of property owners and managers as well as their tenants. Marie Knutson, Allied Wastes recycling coordinator, said Southampton Shopping Center was the first in town to come into full compliance.
Knutson recently trained the merchants on
HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo., April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –
New Colorado-based Internet Company, J & D Enterprises LLC, today announced the launch of an online fitness store available at
www.janddfitnesssupplements.com .
“Dedication to personal fitness is a great quality to have, and is the basis for an overall healthier life,” explains Founder of
www.janddfitnesssupplements.com , Jay Hummer. “For the dedicated individual who is continually looking for new forms of working out and training, the equipment and accessories can be very expensive. Also, many people do not have the opportunity to develop that dedication due to lack of access to facilities and equipment. Others want to do their training in the privacy of their own home, and have limited resources to purchase equipment.”
The new Web site operates as an e-commerce store, offering a vast array of fitness equipment and accessories within the following categories: balance, benches, dumbbells, exercise mats, kettlebells, medicine balls, plates, resistance training, steps, workout accessories, and workout systems.
J & D Enterprises LLC plans to add more products to the site in the future, and is committed to providing customers with easy to find, quality items at great prices. The site will soon host a blog for additional information on personal fitness and the featured products.
Items purchased can be shipped anywhere in the United States and all major credit cards are accepted. Customer service can be contacted by filling out a form on the Web site.
For more information on J & D Enterprises LLC, and its newest online personal fitness store, visit
www.janddfitnesssupplements.com .
SOURCE J & D Enterprises LLC
Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved
Financial Glossary
Words used in this article:
Internet auction powerhouse eBay on Wednesday reported that quarterly revenue and profit boomed due in large part to its PayPal online financial transaction service.
The San Jose, California-based company said that net income climbed 20 percent to $570 million on revenue that soared 29 percent to $3.28 billion in the quarter to March 31.
The first quarter was a strong start to the year for us with momentum continuing in our Marketplaces, PayPal and GSI Commerce (interactive marketing) businesses, said eBay Inc. chief executive John Donahoe.
We believe that innovation in retail today is technology driven, and consumers are embracing smarter, easier, better ways to shop.
PayPal ended the quarter with 109.8 registered accounts in a 12 percent increase from the same period a year earlier. Revenue at the service was 32 percent greater than the same three months in 2011, according to eBay.
PayPal handled $34 billion worth of transactions in the quarter.
EBays Marketplaces business grew to $16 billion, not counting car sales.
The price of eBay stock rose more than six percent to $38.18 in after-market trade that followed release of the earnings results.
AFP
NEW YORK, April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –
Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen’s social commerce brand, StyleMint, announced today its inaugural live online shopping event in partnership with Ustream, R to Z Studios, Revlon, and STORY. Mary-Kate Olsen will be joined by style influencers to offer viewers an exciting, interactive shopping experience that includes expert style advice, product sneak peeks and exclusive deals. The two-hour event will stream live on StyleMint’s Facebook Fan Page and Ustream Friday, April 20, 2012 at 12pm ET/9am PT. StyleMint’s Facebook application will enable real-time, interactive shopping and exclusive promotions.
Hillary Kerr, WhoWhatWear’s Editorial Director and Co-Founder, will host a notable roster of style mavens including Rachel Zoe, makeup artist Gucci Westman for Revlon, Erica Domesek of P.S. I Made This, Glamour’s Contributing Style Editor Tracey Lomrantz and Rachel Shechtman of STORY. Throughout the program, designer Mary-Kate Olsen will answer viewers’ questions, offer styling tips and talk about her vision for StyleMint. “I’m excited to interact with StyleMint’s online community through such an innovative platform,” says Mary-Kate Olsen.
Leading up to the event, questions for Mary-Kate can be submitted to
www.facebook.com/StyleMint . During the event, questions can be submitted via Twitter to @StyleMint #StyleMintLIVE.
“Ustream’s mission is to bring people together around shared interests for amazing live, interactive experiences that build and maintain relationships,” says Suzanne Tran, Sr. Director of Marketing at Ustream. “We’re excited to partner with StyleMint to empower shoppers to connect directly with tastemakers and shop exclusive deals.”
The interactive shopping experience continues after this week’s LIVE event. Through May 22, NYC retail location STORY offers consumers their first opportunity to shop StyleMint product in a brick and mortar environment.
About StyleMint: StyleMint is an exclusive lifestyle collection designed by Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen in partnership with Beachmint. StyleMint offers quality on-trend designs, perfect fit and effortless style. Members receive personalized selections from each collection matched to their StyleProfile along with videos and style tips, showing customers the versatility of each design.
About Beachmint: Beachmint is a venture backed e-commerce company for designer-curated direct to consumer sites, founded by serial tech entrepreneurs, Josh Berman (Co-Founder MySpace) and Diego Berdakin. Beachmint launched their first brand, JewelMint.com, with Kate Bosworth in October, 2010, StyleMint.com with Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen in July, 2011, BeautyMint.com with Jessica Simpson and celebrity skincare expert, Nerida Joy, in October, 2011, ShoeMint with Rachel Bilson and Nicole Chavez in November 2011, and have just announced HomeMint with Justin Timberlake and Estee Stanley, set to launch this Spring.
About Ustream, Inc: Ustream, Inc. is the leader in live and interactive video streaming. The interactive platform connects broadcasters and viewers of unlimited size through innovative technology including co-hosting video features, IRC chat, Facebook, and Twitter. Ustream’s free and premium solutions allow any broadcaster to create their own customizable channel with robust social and notification features to enhance visibility and virality across multiple platforms.
In addition to activating the embeddable features on external websites, users are able to broadcast and view content while interacting in real-time directly from mobile phone devices, tablets, streaming players, smart TVs, and more. The company attracts millions of users ranging from music artists, celebrities, politicians, athletes, corporate executives, animal enthusiasts, and gamers, which has contributed to Ustream’s Guinness World Record for the “Most Content Ingested by An Online Video Service”. For more information about Ustream, visit
www.ustream.com and follow us on our socials: Twitter (@Ustream); Facebook (facebook.com/Ustream).
About R to Z Studios: R to Z Studios creates and captures social moments. Founded on the belief that social begins with incredible experiences and compelling content, R to Z Studios helps organizations and individuals engage with audiences in ways never before possible. R to Z offers a range of services from event and experience production to video marketing and social strategy. R to Z Studios was founded by former Facebook marketing executive, Randi Zuckerberg.
About STORY: STORY is a new concept in retail- a space that has the point of view of a magazine, changes like a gallery and sells things like a store. Every four to eight weeks, STORY will change out all its merchandise, design, fixtures and reinvent the store around a different story-based theme. STORY follow the successful launch of Rachel Shechtman’s widely-launched beta exhibit A Startup Store. For more information about STORY, visit
www.thisisstory.com .
SOURCE StyleMint
Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved
Updated: March 13, 2012 10:45PM
Airline tickets? Check. Hotel accommodations? Check. Hold the mail? Check. Made plans for your pet?
Heading out of town for a long-awaited vacation takes a lot of planning. If you’re a pet owner, you have the added task of ensuring that Heathcliff or Sasha is fed, exercised and well cared for while the rest of the pack is away.
As stewards of the cats and dogs under our care, we at NAHS are well aware that an individual pet’s temperament, personality and social skills need to be taken into account when determining the best environment for him. Some cats and dogs enjoy being around other pets, while others are stressed by changes to daily routines. Whether you decide to board your pet or use the services of a pet sitter, choose the option that best suits your pet.
Boarding facilities
Boarding a pet might conjure images of chain-link runs and outdoor kennels. While those places still exist, many of today’s facilities offer more open environments that encourage group play. At Paws in Time, the basic accommodations include an individual room with a cot and a clear door for visual stimulation.
For more “deluxe” accommodations, child-sized beds and even TVs are provided.
During the day, Paws in Time offers cage-free play in a 20,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor facility that includes full-time supervision, toys and swimming pools in warmer months.
Paws in Time founder and head trainer Julie Nelson recommends boarding for dogs that are “social, energetic, and appreciate the ability to run around and get fresh air.” She believes that most dogs benefit from the exercise and interaction offered at a boarding facility, especially when they are trained to board.
“I encourage people to train their dogs to board,” Julie says. “Before you go on vacation, board your dog with us. Drop your dog off on a Tuesday, and pick him up on a Thursday. Do it again a month later. By the time the vacation rolls around, the pet is conditioned to know that when his toys, food and other items are gathered, he goes to Paws in Time or another facility, and then he is picked up and brought back home. When this becomes a habit, it eases separation anxiety for your pet, and he looks forward to his time away as well.”
She also suggests dropping dogs off a day before the vacation.
“When suitcases start appearing, and pet owners are focused on last-minute preparations, dogs sense our emotions and become very anxious.”
Before making a reservation, Paws in Time requires an onsite visit. Trained staff evaluate your pet’s temperament and ability to interact with other dogs.
If considering a facility for boarding, visit beforehand to check for cleanliness, staff friendliness, adequate ventilation, and the condition of the rooms or kennels and yards or play areas.
Any reputable boarding facility will require updated immunization records.
Many facilities, like Paws in Time, also provide grooming services. After a week of romping with her furry friends, Sasha may need a bath before she comes home.
For heavy travel times such as spring break, Julie recommends that pet owners make their reservation a year in advance. During other times, she suggests that pet owners reserve a spot when the trip itinerary is set.
Pet-sitting services
Another option for vacation care is hiring a professional pet sitter.
While dogs and cats of all breeds, sizes and energy levels benefit from pet sitting, the services are a good option for those pets that prefer staying in the comfort of their own homes.
There are two options for pet sitting services: pet sitters can visit the home a few times a day or can stay overnight to provide round-the-clock care while you’re away.
In addition to caring for your cat or dog, pet sitting services also give your home the appearance of being lived in. Before accepting reservations for pet sitting or house sitting, Out-U-Go! Naperville schedules an in-home meet and greet with both the pet and pet owner.
During this visit, Out-U-Go! sitters meet with your pet, learn about your dog or cat, and get a firsthand look at the pet’s daily routine.
Besides feeding, watering and providing treats for dogs and changing litter boxes for cats, Out-U-Go! will walk or play with your pets, bring in mail, alternate lights and water plants. Pet owners can schedule between two and five visits per day at 25, 45 or 60 minutes each.
Out-U-Go! also provides a “Doggy Diary,” personalized notes about your pet’s day.
“Pet sitting allows dogs and cats to stay in the comfort of their own home, eat out of their own bowls and sleep in their own beds,” says Aschley Hopkins Yanda, owner and top dog of Out-U-Go! Naperville. “We treat each pet like our own and offer personalized care to meet each furry family’s specific needs.”
Out-U-Go! accepts reservations by phone, email and even through its website.
Aschley says that Out-U-Go! is available to support same-day reservation requests to meet the changing needs of busy pet owners.
For more information about Paws in Time, go to pawsintime.net, and for details about Out-U-Go! Naperville, go to Naperville.outugo.com.
Angie Wood is executive director of the Naperville Area Humane Society.
Contact her at 630-420-8989. Visit
www.napervilleareahumanesociety.org.