New market watchdog to spell out approach to industry

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's new market watchdog will spell out on Tuesday how its sharper teeth to ban products and challenge business models should make the 26,000 firms it will supervise think twice about ripping off consumers again.

Martin Wheatley, the head of the Financial Conduct Authority being launched in early 2013, will tell a Thomson Reuters event at 9:00 a.m. British time how powers to take harmful products off the market would work in practice.

"We will make the intervention first and then we will carry out the consultation and the cost/benefit analysis," Wheatley told an industry event last week.

The new approach aims to draw a line under 20 years of mis-selling in Britain and make sure consumers are offered products that are suited to their needs.

The cost to banks of compensating people mis-sold loan protection insurance alone will top 10 billion pounds.

The FCA will take on the conduct, enforcement and consumer protection operations of the Financial Services Authority when the unitary supervisor is scrapped early next year.

The FSA's broader supervisory powers over banks and insurers will be handed to a new unit at the Bank.

This "twin peaks" set-up seeks to increase the intensity of supervision which was found wanting ahead of the financial crisis.

The dual regulatory approach has already been introduced on a "virtual" basis by splitting up the FSA staff into conduct and prudential units ahead of a formal switchover next year.

Wheatley is expected to say that many of the changes made by the FSA, in particular the "credit deterrence" policy of taking a harder line against insider dealing and market abuses, will continue under the FCA.

The FSA has been collecting record fines from financial firms, in particular Barclays for rigging the Libor interest rate.

The government has just announced that fines in excess of enforcement case costs will in future go to the treasury, a step which may make the watchdog pause before taking on complex cases that require many resource-intensive months to probe.

The financial industry will study the document Wheatley publishes on Tuesday to see how it will pursue three core aims of trustworthy markets, promoting effective competition and requiring firms to put consumers at the heart of their business.

The industry is already alarmed the FCA can tell the public far earlier if it is taking action against a financial firm.

(Reporting by Huw Jones; Editing by David Cowell)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/market-watchdog-spell-approach-industry-053738881--finance.html

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Avett Brothers offer free online concert to reward troops, charity-minded civilians

The Avett Brothers and Cheerwine want to give something back, and servicemembers will be among the main recipients.

The folk-rock band and the soft-drink brand, sons of the South born in North Carolina, are teaming up for The Legendary Giveback, a concert benefiting three family-aid charities: Big Brothers Big Sisters, University of Virginia Children?s Hospital and Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit that assists military families.

The Oct. 19 show at nTelos Wireless Pavilion in Charlottesville, Va., has been sold out for weeks. But you can still see it ? online, that is.

The organizers hope you do so, because anyone who pledges to volunteer service to a charity or community organization (it doesn?t have to be one of the three chosen charities) through cheerwine.com/giveback or Facebook will be given a web link to watch the show through Livestream.com. The goal, in addition to fundraising, is to trigger a nationwide ripple effect of community service.

If you are a member of the military, consider yourself covered. The Avett Brothers and Cheerwine say you have pledged your service, and they want you to have the link. (See accompanying box for details.)

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Neighbors helping others

The Avett Brothers, led by Seth and Scott Avett, hail from Concord, N.C., while Cheerwine was founded 95 years ago just down the road in Salisbury, N.C. The neighbors already had a relationship, begun when multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Scott Avett did voiceovers for a Cheerwine radio campaign. During a meeting, they agreed on a desire to do something more significant ? something legendary, even.

?We were very conscious from our very first meeting to say, ?This isn?t about selling more soda. It?s really not about selling more music. It?s all about what can we do together to give back,??? Tom Barbitta, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Cheerwine, said during a recent telephone interview.

The benefit concert was an easy sell for the band, which is riding a surge of popularity that includes a performance with Mumford & Sons and Bob Dylan on the 2011 Grammy Awards telecast.

?As shows get bigger and there are more and more people at shows, I do have the benefit and the fortune to have folks look up to me and to look up to us, and that?s something that we don?t take lightly,? multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Seth Avett said by telephone during a recent tour break. ?It seems like a no-brainer that you should take that and use it for something good if you can. And if you somehow parlay that into a charitable cause ... if I can get a 10-year-old kid who thinks I?m like the coolest thing ... if they see me doing something like that, then maybe they?ll think that?s the coolest thing, too.?

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Learning from a legend

The Avetts also had positive role models. In addition to his parents, who instilled a ?share if you can? philosophy, Seth Avett found a positive example in another entertainer.

?Professionally, or at least in terms of legends, Paul Newman, Paul Newman, Paul Newman, Paul Newman, Paul Newman,? Avett said. ?... The more years pass, the more people are going to know his legend as the guy that did that. Not as that incredibly talented, handsome actor. The more decades that pass, he will be known for what he did for people. In my mind, he?s the ultimate example.?

The beloved, Academy Award-winning actor, who died in 2008, lives on through his philanthropy. In 1982 he co-founded Newman?s Own, a food company from which Newman donated all net profits and royalties to charity. To date, those donations have exceeded $330 million, according to newmansown.com.

They won?t generate that astronomical amount in Charlottesville, but The Avett Brothers and Cheerwine will be helping a diverse group of people in need.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation?s largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network.

Throwing their support behind University of Virginia Children?s Hospital, located in Charlottesville, is a cause near and dear to the band. Bassist Bob Crawford?s daughter, Hallie, was diagnosed with brain cancer last year at the tender age of 2.

Operation Homefront provides emergency financial aid and other assistance to the families of deployed servicemembers, and to wounded warriors during their healing and transition.

?

Giving back to the military

Barbitta said that supporting the military was important to him, given the number of servicemembers who hail from or pass through Cheerwine country ? at bases such as Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune, N.C., and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C.

Operation Homefront president and CEO Jim Knotts appreciates the support of the Avetts and Cheerwine.

?We rely on the support of the American people, even the corporations, that obviously care so much about our servicemembers. And we simply wouldn?t be able to do what we do without their support,? Knotts said during a telephone interview.

That help couldn?t come at a better time.

?Since 2008, when the economy started tanking, we as an organization have seen a 500 percent increase in the number of military families coming to us asking for food assistance,? Knotts said. ?So our focus is working with as many great companies and organizations and individuals as we can find who want to help these military families who are in a unique and emergency situation where we can help them over that rough patch and put them back on the path to self-sustainability.?

?

Ready to rock

The Avetts are very much on their feet. ?The Carpenter,? their second full-length album with super-producer Rick Rubin, debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Top 200 last month, and they?re playing to packed houses. They band is eager to face that capacity crowd on Oct. 19, and spreading the goodwill.

?Really, this is on par with the record release as far as a buildup and waiting for the date,? Seth Avett said. ?The moment where we?re able to walk out on stage and we?re able to get that show crankin?, it?s gonna be formidable.?

mooress@stripes.osd.mil

Source: http://www.stripes.com/military-life/avett-brothers-offer-free-online-concert-to-reward-troops-charity-minded-civilians-1.193190?localLinksEnabled=false

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Weekly Horoscope 2012: October 15 to 21 | Relationships | iDiva.com

powered by

Indiatimes Astrospeak

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Want to know what this week holds for you? Check out the astro predictions for both, your personal and professional life, as per your Zodiac sign. It will help you plan the days ahead.

Aries: This is a sensitive week for you. You may find yourself very wrapped up in your own affairs. You have many small problems to sort out that concern you, but still and all, you must not be indifferent to the feelings of other members of your family.? Some extra responsibilities will be conferred upon you in the second half of the week. Do not allow negative feelings to affect you performance on the job. Your lucky numbers are 2 and 4 and winning colours are turquoise and navy blue. Your lucky days are Wednesday and Sunday.

Taurus: This is a fair week for you. The early days of the week will be just the kind of time that you need. You will be able to get on with the chores in and around the house. Influential people will be expecting quite a lot from you this week. There will not be much opportunity to earn bonus payments. But those who are self-employed will have better opportunities to increase business profits. Your lucky numbers for the week are 5and 8 and winning colours are Pearl and rust. Your lucky days are Thursday and Tuesday.

Gemini: This is a pleasant week for many of you. Your energy would be best spent on domestic matters. Family members will be helpful and understanding. Sharing a project will be more productive that going it alone. Bring your loved ones on a mutual effort as it may make a job fun. Take things easy towards week?s end. Your lucky numbers are 4 and 8 and winning colours are beige and indigo. Your lucky days are Monday and Wednesday.

Cancer: This is a bit confusing week for some of you. You should not take on any additional responsibilities that will make your feel uptight or tense in any way. Too much rushing about will merely result in exhaustion. Perform your duties carefully and thoroughly. The second half of the week is normal. Spend time with family members. Your lucky numbers are 4 and 8 and winning colours are off-white and red. Your lucky days are Sunday and Wednesday.

Leo: This is a good week for you. Some improvement is indicated in the early days of the week. You will find it easier to get on with other members of your family and to communicate meaningfully with them. In the second half of the week, try to sort out any financial problems that have been worrying you. Women should cut down their expenses on shopping this weekend. Your lucky numbers are 5 and 8 and winning colours are white and black. Your lucky days Wednesday and Saturday.

Virgo: This is a mixed week for you. You will not have very much trouble finding the right way to approach your superiors. Home life may be a little unsettled. Get your mate or partner to understand your true motives. Friends may pay you a surprise visit in the second half of the week. Your lucky numbers are 1 and 9 and winning colours are maroon and pink.

Libra: This is an earnest and promising week for some of you. Recreational and sporting activities can be useful in the early days of week. This will also be favorable for communicating with people at a distance. You will be able to get on top of routine matter that you do not want to have to deal with later in the week. Loved ones will be available to you especially in the weekend. Your lucky numbers are 2 and 5 and winning colours silver and black.

Scorpio: This is an easygoing week. The early half of the week will probably get off to a slow and uneventful start. You will be able to impress influential people who want to deal with routine matters. The second half of the week is good time to catch up with backlogs and bring overdue projects to close. Your lucky numbers are 1 and 3 and winning colours are orange and turquoise.

Sagittarius: This is a harmonious week for you. Family members should be given every consideration. Continue to do what you can to improve your relationship with your beloved. Superiors may be glad to assist you in turning your creative enterprises into commercial propositions. Your lucky numbers are 6 and 9 and winning colours are red and black.

Capricorn: This is a good week for many of you. Promotion or recognition should mean an increase in real terms. Take opportunities that arise this week. Private pleasure and hobbies as well as social pursuits may be rather costly when you look at them as a whole. Your lucky numbers are 3 and 9 and winning colors are Grey and brown.

Aquarius: This is a general week for you. During the first half of the week romance can play a big part in your life. Happily married couples should be able to enjoy new interests together. Your mind can be fully made up during the week. The second half of the week is spontaneous and action packed for some of you. Your lucky numbers for the week are 1 and 8 and winning colors are olive and purple.

Pisces: This is a mixed week for you. During the first half of the week you will have to be really careful about your performance at your work place. Personal income can be increased most of the week. You could find yourself in a more responsible position after mid-week. Your lucky numbers are 6 and 4 and winning colors are peach and black.

Source: Astrospeak Panel

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previous '; //----------To Hide login div and the comment box $("#logindiv").hide(); $("#maincommentdiv").hide(); // $("#facebooktwitteruserdetails").html(embededlogeddetails12); $("#SiteLoginDiv").html(embededlogeddetails); $("#CommonLoginDiv").hide(); $("#SiteLoginDiv").show(); //-To Show the Twitter Post Box T("#maincommentdivfortweeter").tweetBox({ height: 100, width: 600, defaultContent: "http://toi.in/liiU9b", onTweet : function (data){ //--------------Function to Post data to the insert2dbfile var whihcflag = $("#whichcontype").val(); var first_name = $("#first_name").val(); var last_name = $("#second_name").val(); var screenName = $("#userscreenname").val(); var profile_url = $("#userprofilelink").val(); var profileImage = $("#userprofileimage").val(); var loginusertypeid = $("#loginusertypeid").val(); var comment_text = data.replace("http://toi.in/liiU9b",""); var comment_parentid = $("#comment_parentid").val(); var content_id = $("#content_id").val(); $.post("http://idiva.com/2db/comment2db.php",{'login_type':'twitter', 'whihcflag':whihcflag, 'first_name':first_name, 'last_name':last_name, 'screenName':screenName, 'profile_url':profile_url, 'profileImage':profileImage, 'loginusertypeid':loginusertypeid, 'comment_text':comment_text, 'content_id':content_id, 'comment_parentid':comment_parentid},function(data){ //alert(data); if(jQuery.trim(data)=='error'){ $("#showerrorComment").html('User and password did not match.'); document.getElementById('showerrorComment').style.display="block"; }else if(jQuery.trim(data)=='BadName'){ $("#comment_text").focus(); $("#commentBoxRes").html('Please enter a valid name.'); document.getElementById('commentBoxRes').style.display="block"; }else if(trim(data)=='BadWord'){ $("#comment_text").focus(); $("#commentBoxRes").html('Whoa... 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STOP right there! 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Source: http://idiva.com/news-relationships/weekly-horoscope-2012-october-15-to-21/16698

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Regional variation in pesticide concentrations in plasma of delivering women residing in rural Indian Ocean coastal regions of South Africa

Exposure to pesticides places pregnant women and the developing foetus at the highest risk. The objective of this study is to obtain an exposure assessment by investigating levels of pesticides in blood plasma of delivering women. We report on the concentrations of ?, ?, ? HCH, endosulfan, HCB and the pyrethroids: cis-permethrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin and deltamethrin found in the maternal blood plasma of delivering women (n = 241) in three coastal sites of KwaZulu Natal. ?-HCH and endosulfan 1 and 2 were the most dominant pesticides in all three sites. Significantly, higher levels of ?-HCH and endosulfan were found in site 3 (vicinity of Empangeni) compared to the other two sites (p < 0.05). The GM levels for ?-HCH, endosulfan 1 and 2 were 956, 141 and 21 ng g?1 lipids in site 3, respectively. The pyrethroid pesticides, HCB, ?-HCH and ?-HCH were detected in less than 31% of the samples in all sites. ?-HCH correlated positively and strongly to both endosulfan 1 and 2 (r > 0.47), indicating a common source of exposure. The high levels of ?-HCH and endosulfan in maternal plasma samples in site 3 indicate the current and on-going exposure, which is of great concern for reproductive health and prenatal exposure.

Source: http://feeds.rsc.org/~r/rss/EM/~3/VQcjpGUySos/C2EM30264K

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The Average Twitter User Is a 28-Year-Old Female with an iPhone That Loves the Color Purple [Twitter]

Here are the stats on the average Twitter user: she's a 28 years old American girl who has an iPhone, has 208 Twitter followers while following 102 people, tweets a lot about fashion and family, likes the color purple and uses "love" quite frequently in her Tweets. Did I just describe someone you know? More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/ZbuBciiKpvM/the-average-twitter-user-is-a-28+year+old-female-with-an-iphone-that-loves-the-color-purple

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Site Retargeting With Facebook - Automotive Advertising

Does your Facebook strategy include retargeting?? With search and social marketing becoming more integrated, now is the best time to evaluate your strategy and make sure you?re on the cutting edge. In this week?s Think Tank Tuesday, I?ll discuss new technologies offered by Facebook that allow you to attract better qualified customers. If you?re looking for help with a social strategy, call Samantha at 518-478-2042 or email her at samanthac@ppadv.com.

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Paul Potratz is the COO of Potratz Advertising, headquartered in Schenectady, NY. Potratz is a full service automotive advertising agency that specializes in integrating the power of digital marketing strategies for retail automotive dealers and dealer groups across the United States. Join us each week for tips and strategies on Think Tank Tuesday.

Source: http://exclusivelyautomotive.com/thinktanktuesday/site-retargeting-with-facebook/

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Virgin Mobile eyes $100 million fund raising to spur expansion: FT ...

Coordinates17.47???N77.43???N
nameVirgin Mobile plc
logo
typeSubsidiary
foundation
defunct
location cityLondon
location countryUnited Kingdom
industryWireless communications
parentVirgin Group
homepage
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Virgin Mobile is a wireless communications brand used by eight independent brand-licensees worldwide. Virgin Mobile branded wireless communications services are currently available in Australia, Canada, Chile, France, India, Poland, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Virgin Mobile branded services were formerly offered in Singapore and Qatar.

Each Virgin Mobile branded entity acts independently from the others, thus the handsets, service plans and network radio interfaces vary from country to country. In a given country, the Virgin Mobile wireless entity is typically a partnership between Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and an existing mobile network operator or mobile virtual network operator.

Current brand licensees

Virgin Mobile Australia

Virgin Mobile Australia (VMA) is a telecommunications company based in Sydney, Australia. They sell through over 3500 retail outlets, including flagship stores in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, as well as via telesales and web-based stores.

In Australia, Virgin Mobile operates on the Optus network.

Virgin Mobile Canada

Virgin Mobile Canada experienced substantial growth in 2008, launching approximately 60 'Virgin Mini Stores' (VMS) across the country. VMS are kiosks usually located in shopping malls that especially target the 18?35 year old demographic. For four years running, Virgin Mobile Canada has received J.D. Power and Associates' annual award for Highest Customer Satisfaction for Prepaid Wireless. Post-paid plans were introduced to Virgin Canada in February 2008.

Bell Mobility acquired Virgin Mobile Canada in May 2009 for CAN$142 million. Since early 2010, Virgin Mobile Canada launched the iPhone 3G, 3GS and 4 post-paid service in Virgin Mobile Retail Stores and online, all around Canada. Virgin Mobile became the fifth brand offering the iPhone in Canada, after Fido, Rogers Wireless, Telus and Bell Mobility.

In conjunction with the launch of the third-generation iPad, Bell Mobility will allow Virgin Mobile Canada customers to access its LTE network.

Virgin Mobile Chile

Virgin Mobile Latin America (VMLA) launched operations in Chile in April 2012, having received regulatory approval from Chile?s telecommunications regulator as well as signing an agreement with Movistar, one of the country?s leading mobile network operators. VMLA announced in June of this year its plan to become Latin America?s leading mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). Since then, the company has made significant progress towards its goal of beginning commercial operations in many countries. Chile will be its first commercial operation in early 2012. Richard Branson commented: "We are excited to have made such good progress towards launching our first mobile business in Latin America in Chile."This is an exciting project for Virgin and we believe Virgin Mobile Chile customers will be delighted by the services we will be offering them at launch." ?We are very appreciative of Subtel?s (Chile?s Subsecretar?a de Telecomunicaciones) prompt approval of our application," said VMLA?s chairman Phil Wallace.

Virgin Mobile France

Virgin Mobile France is the French division of Virgin Mobile. It is a mobile virtual network operator, and a subsidiary of Virgin Group.

Launched in France on 3 April 2006, Virgin Mobile is the fourth mobile operator on the French market with over 2 million customers. Chaired by Geoffroy Roux de B?zieux, Virgin Mobile is commercialized by OMEA TELECOM, a joint venture between Virgin Group and Carphone Warehouse.

It is known to be the first operator to have launched a plan with unlimited SMS in France.

Virgin Mobile India

On 1 March 2011, Virgin launched the Mobile brand in India through a franchise arrangement with NTT DoCoMo. This is Virgin?s seventh launch globally and its largest. However on 29 March 2008, the Department of Telecom (DoT) cleared the deal after clarification from Tata Teleservices indicated that Virgin had not entered India as an MVNO.

Virgin Mobile South Africa

Virgin Mobile South Africa (VMSA) is a joint-venture between Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and Cell C. Virgin Mobile South Africa launched in 2006. In February 2011 it was reported that Cell C's 50% stake in Virgin Mobile is to be sold to Virgin Group of the UK and Calico Investments of the Bahamas.

Virgin Mobile UK

Virgin Mobile UK is a mobile phone service provider operating in the United Kingdom. The company was the world's first Mobile Virtual Network Operator, launched in 1999. Being a virtual operator, Virgin Mobile does not maintain its own network, and instead has contracts to use the existing network of Everything Everywhere. Virgin Mobile was bought by NTL:Telewest on 4 April 2006 before joining the quadplay of Virgin Media services when NTL:Telewest rebranded into Virgin Media on 9 February 2007, with a new logo in-line with Virgin Media.

Initially, Virgin Mobile in the UK used the network coverage of Mobile Operator T-Mobile and have been doing so since their establishment, however, following the merger of T-Mobile and Orange UK to form the brand "Everything Everywhere" in Britain, customers could begin to take advantage of Orange's broadcasting signals in addition to those of T-Mobile from Autumn 2011.

Virgin Mobile USA

Virgin Mobile USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sprint Nextel. Founded in 2001 as joint venture between the Virgin Group and Sprint Corporation, Virgin Mobile USA began offering service as a mobile virtual network operator in 2002 via the Sprint CDMA 1900 MHz PCS digital network. On 28 July 2009, Sprint agreed to pay US$483 million to the Virgin Group for the portion of Virgin Mobile USA, LLC that Sprint did not already own.

There is no roaming to other networks in the United States.

In June 2009 Virgin Mobile announced and started a pay-as-you go mobile data program called Broadband2Go in the United States, using Novatel Wireless hardware, and available exclusively through the Best Buy chain of stores originally, but now available at other retailers including RadioShack in the United States. It uses a small USB modem for internet connectivity.

Former brand licensees

Virgin Mobile Qatar

Virgin Mobile Qatar was a brand licensing partnership agreement between Virgin Group and Qatar Telecom (as Qtel Group). The new brand was launched 13 May 2010 over the network of Qatar Telecom (Qtel). Virgin claims to be Qatar?s first youth-oriented mobile brand, and offers pre-paid-only, simplified all-day tariff plans (with no distinction between peak and off-peak), with a 180-day airtime validity ? which it says is the longest available in the country. Local calls are charged at QAR0.55 (USD0.15) per minute for the first five minutes used in each day, and QAR0.30 per minute after that, whilst mobile internet access costs QAR1 per 1MB. Richard Branson, chairman of UK-based Virgin Group, said: "Virgin Mobile [has] more than 15 million customers around the world ... I am proud to have partnered with Qtel to make Virgin Mobile Qatar our first mobile launch in the Middle East." The service is the eighth Virgin Mobile branded operation in the world, following on from launches in the UK, Australia, the US, Canada, France, South Africa and India. Branson added that Virgin Group is mulling further partnerships with Qtel, which has a group presence in 17 countries.

Virgin Mobile Qatar was being widely mistaken to be the third mobile network operator (MNO) in Qatar, in the form of a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), essentially a brand as reseller. It has been confirmed by the Qtel and ictQatar, the local telecommunications authority reiterating that its only a branding agreement.

This service has since closed due to a dispute with Vodafone. Customers will have ample opportunity to obtain their replacement SIM cards or seek a refund. Qtel will communicate full details of the migration programme and customer refund options to all of their QVMS customers and provide them with reminders before finally de-activating any remaining active Virgin Mobile branded SIM cards between the 1st and the 3rd of August 2011.

Virgin Mobile Singapore

Virgin Singapore was launched in October 2001 as a joint venture with Singtel. The operations were closed down by October 2002 after failing to attract a significant number of customers.

Failure of the joint venture was attributed to a saturated mobile market and Virgin Mobile's positioning as a "premium" brand.

References

External links

  • * Virgin Mobile Australia
  • * Virgin Mobile Canada
  • * Virgin Mobile Chile
  • * Virgin Mobile France
  • * Virgin Mobile India
  • * Virgin Mobile South Africa
  • * Virgin Mobile Poland
  • * Virgin Mobile UK
  • * Virgin Mobile USA
  • Category:Mobile phone companies Category:Mobile virtual network operators Category:Article Feedback 5

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    Source: http://article.wn.com/view/2012/10/15/Virgin_Mobile_eyes_100_million_fund_raising_to_spur_expansio_d/

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    North Georgia Fall Festivities

    Fall is upon us and what better way to enjoy the season than to experience some of the mountain festivities in North Georgia. Inexpensive yet filled with fun, the Blue Ridge Mountains offer not only vibrant colors, crisp air, and peaceful scenery but also pumpkin patches, corn mazes, apple farms, fall festivals, hay rides, and more! Only a little over an hour from Atlanta, Ellijay and Blue Ridge feature so many festive options, you can make a long weekend or a full vacation out of the trip!

    MOUNTAIN CABINS: The perfect place to stay during your fall fun is at The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort, which offers very affordable accommodations within close proximity of mountain attractions. The Villas offers one, two, and three bedroom cabins and villas, some of which feature hot tubs, lofts, river views, and mountain scenes. The Villas is located inside the Coosawattee River Resort off of GA Highway 382 and features 300+ miles of rambling roads to enjoy all the kaleidoscope patterns of fall foliage.

    THE GENERAL STORE CRAFTS: Now off to the local flavor! Just right outside of the Eagle Mountain Gate of the resort is The General Store that features a craft market every Saturday from 8am to 2pm. Step back in time to slower days of the old general mountain store where friends gather for special activities, every day needs, good food, good times, and arts and crafts. Enjoy shopping amidst the mountains and grab a bite to eat at The General Store while you are at it.

    HUCKLEBERRY HOLLER: From cow train rides, jumping pillow, corn maze, pedal carts, giant inflatable slide, haunted corn maze, pig races, hay rides, bounce house, haunted house, pony rides, and petting zoo, Huckleberry Holler has filled with fantastic fall fun! The location is very close to the main road and right on your way to the Ellijay apple orchards and the Georgia Apple Festival! Hours are Monday to Friday 11 to 6pm, Sat. 11 to 9pm and Sun. 11 to 6pm.

    HILLCREST APPLE PICKIN JUBILEE: The top apple farm that makes our list is Hillcrest Orchards. Hillcrest Orchards is located along apple farm alley and offers pick-your-fun. During the annual "Apple Pickin' Jubilee", visitors can pick their own apples, milk a cow, watch live pig races, visit the petting farm, take a wagon ride through the orchard, visit the Moonshine Museum and watch live bands & cloggers on the Hillcrest Stage. A giant slide and jumping pillow add extra fun for the kids! And before leaving, make sure to gather a bag of crisp apples to take with you! Hillcrest Orchards is located off of Highway 52 E.

    BURTS PUMPKIN PATCH: Then, just minutes down the road from the Hillcrest Orchards is the best pumpkin patch around: Burts Farm. One of the most impressive features of Burts Farm is the vast array of pumpkin types, winter squash, gourds and fall decorations. Indian corn, cornstalks and hay bales are also in never-ending supply. Don't forget to check the "barn" store for Burts fresh baked pumpkin pie and pumpkin roll, candied popcorn and a whole assortment of other goodies. And take a hayride through the mountains to soak in all of the autumn flavor. From 75 N, Burts is located 1/2 mile on your right from the highway 183/52 intersection on highway 52.

    Come and be part of the lively atmosphere of spectacular North Georgia! Youll gather as many happy memories as apples. Enjoy the colorful pumpkin patches, winding hayrides, and adventurous corn mazes. Don't forget all the extras that come along with the trip, such as The Villas 300 miles rambling roads with kaleidoscope patterns of fallen leaves, the Apple Pickin Jubilee at Hillcrest, and the fresh baked goods at Burts. All of this is only a short drive from Atlanta with a quaint and rustic rental from TheVillas at Coosawattee .

    About the Author:
    Come on out to the Blue Ridge Mountains this autumn and stay at The Villas at Coosawattee River Resort. Enjoy the resort with all its amenities as well as its close proximity to the fall festivities. For more information or to make reservations: visit http://www.onressystems.com/vendors/thevillasatcoosawattee/reservations.html or call (706) 276-1075 between 8am & 5pm EST.

    Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/North-Georgia-Fall-Festivities-/4214077

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    The Online Business Guide for Newbie | Jugglingart.Org

    Starting an internet business is not as difficult as one might imagine if you've got the right Online Business Guide, you will enjoy it and never imagined that so easy to start an internet business. Especially after a run and the results are starting your internet business to make money, Hemm ... you definitely will not want to work offline again.

    So, what? My advice, start from A before it gets to Z. Take your online business following sequence to start building your internet business.

    1. Define Business Objectives and Budget Fund.

    What is the purpose of your internet business? "Yes definitely make money!" You certainly answered that. I mean, what the purpose of your internet business to get new customers or to provide services and as a means of communication with existing customers? Or maybe Their purpose to educate the market target market? Or even perhaps to create an online community? Well in the early stages of this set also funds you will invest. Having a goal and a clear investment budget will make you more effective measures.

    2. Define Target Market

    Define the business segmentation to know the name or the intended target market. Well, clearly define who your target market. Are all the men and women? How old are they? How can social-economic conditions? What is their income? What keywords they used in the search engines?

    What needs as precisely that? Yes, more detail is better! The more you understand your target market, the easier it is for you to launch your marketing moves.

    3. Recognize The Competition

    Know and understand how to market an internet business that you shoot. How many players in there? How is their product? Which market untapped maximum? From there you can determine where the best position you for success in these markets. How to know your competitors, try to check on Alexa.

    4. Consider Your Marketing Strategy

    The successful Internet businesses usually have a reliable marketing strategy. That is, they have a marketing strategy that can make your product or service message they get to the target market as you want.

    5. Troubleshooting

    The main reason why people buy or use your services is to solve the problems they currently face. Keep in mind this! And ask yourself if the product you are able to solve their problems? How does your product do? And what is the solution you offer more value than your competitors?

    6. Branding your Internet Business

    An easy way to branding your business is from the domain name. This is the first time to distinguish your internet business with each other. In the selection of the domain, choose the ending my advice. "Com". Therefore, the internet is identical to the dot com world.

    In the selection of the domain names, there are three trends that I have seen. The first, usually the name of the owner of the business. Second, using the business name, and third, using the keywords most often used of internet users.

    The process of branding your internet business not only in terms of the domain name. But especially in the whole process of your internet business. Starting from the view (template or web site design, fonts, colors), content (copywriting, articles, podcasts, video), and services.

    Source: http://www.jugglingart.org/2012/10/the-online-business-guide-for-newbie.html

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