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Research made available to Marketing Week has identified a small but influential group of ‘taste setters’ that food and drink brands need to get on board before a product launch. By Lou Cooper

Ever wondered how a food or drink product becomes cool? Or what makes a new chocolate bar or soft drink fly off the shelves? According to a new study, it is down to the 7% of UK consumers who are "taste setters".

The Oxford Research Agency (TORA), which advises retailers and manufacturers on how to successfully develop new products, polled 1,500 people from six countries to find out what makes people buy new food and drink products and the factors that persuade them to try something new.

The research suggests that food and drink marketers should concentrate their efforts on this small group of influential consumers because they affect the attitudes of the rest of the population.

Taste setters are often the first to buy new brands or products and tell their friends and family about them. They will often talk about food-related TV programmes or magazine articles and are frequently asked for their opinion. So, although they are a small group, they can be highly influential.

A product launch that gets 60% distribution in the first few weeks of launch will see "taste setters" buying the brand, says TORA chief executive Chris Sinclair.

"As well as talking to their friends, taste setters also like to tell the world when they’ve discovered something new and social media is a fantastic avenue through which they can do that."

Unilever-owned Marmite is a product that has used social media platforms to target taste setters, with its recent campaign for Marmite XO, says Sinclair. The variant is a limited edition, extra strong, extra mature version of the yeast spread.

It used just 30 people to launch the product via social media, and did no other advertising. "They really found the people that would evangelise about the product," Sinclair says.

"Taste adopters" are the second group to purchase new food and drink brands, buying these products a month or so after seeing them on the shelf, with 21% of UK consumers belonging to this category. "Members of this group will need three or four exposures to the product in store before they really start considering it,tiffany bangles," Sinclair says.

While they are early advocates of a new product, these adopters may need a recommendation from a friend to buy it,tiffany, adds Sinclair. "These are people who need a bit of reassurance that the new product is worth the investment. They will usually have had a personal recommendation, generally from a "taste setter" or a celebrity, TV programme or magazine article. This will give them the confidence to take that first step," he continues.

UK consumers are more willing to try new food and drink products, compared with those surveyed from the US, China, France, Germany or Brazil. More than three-quarters of those polled in the UK really enjoy trying new foods and drinks,tiffany cuff Links, which means there may be scope to transform more people into taste setters.

"Marketers that can convert taste adopters into taste setters will get a quicker traction in the market and the brand’s product will stay in the market a lot longer than others," says Sinclair.

Taste followers

However, the largest group is the "taste followers", which accounts for more than 70% of UK consumers, according to the research. Many people in this group like to try new food and drink products, but typically only do so if they come with a personal recommendation.

Recommendations from family and friends carry considerably more weight than other traditional and more expensive forms of communication, according to the study.

Personal recommendations of new products are important to 51% of us, ahead of TV, radio or press adverts (22%) or online ads (17%).

Although identifying and targeting key advocates is important,tiffany earrings, Sinclair warns that price is still a major factor in a consumer’s decision to purchase. This is particularly the case among the 45% of UK consumers who have been actively trying to save money when buying food and drink over the past six months.

"Price is very important. Own-label products, such as Waitrose Essentials have changed people’s perceptions over the past couple of years," says Sinclair. "They have satisfied their current consumers and stopped them going elsewhere. They gave them a real choice."

Control costs

About two-thirds of those surveyed who are in employment prepare lunch at home and take it into work, a further indication of UK consumers’ desire to control costs. Just 11% go out to eat and 14% buy food and eat it at their desks. This is in contrast to people surveyed in China, where a third prepare lunch at home and take it to work and 38% go out to eat.

When choosing products, healthy eating is also high on many people’s list of concerns. About a quarter of those in the UK have been on a diet in the last year, but only 16% of people say they weigh less than a year ago. However, the UK is top of the five-a-day day league table, with 72% eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day either very or quite frequently.

Almost 30% of UK consumers are spending less on food overall, so the growth target for marketers in 2010/11 may be the taste setters, especially in areas such as healthy eating. People in every category in this study are also prepared to spend money on good nutritional food.

If marketers can convince the trendsetters and early adopters to spend even more in these areas, it could well help the food and drink industry to successfully launch new products over the next 12 months.

11% of UK consumers who are working go out to eat lunch

45% of UK consumers have been actively trying to save money when buying food and drink in the past six months

72% of UK consumers very frequently or quite frequently eat five portions of fruit and veg a day

According to a study from Romania, "African Burkitt lymphomas (BL) are highly aggressive lymphomas mainly affecting children and young adults in Africa (see also <http://www.newsrx.com/library/topics/Lymphoma.html> Lymphoma). This lymphoma was marked by its high sensitivity to chemotherapy in comparison to Sporadic Burkitt lymphoma."

"In this study,tiffany bracelets, we evaluated the treatment response and survival of patients with CMA protocol. Eighty-five of the 105 children registered were evaluated for response; there were 46 boys and 39 girls, whose age at diagnosis ranged from 3 to 18 years (median 11 years), admitted to the Hematology National Teaching Hospital of Abidjan in the period 1998-2008 with a diagnosis of BL on histological review and who were given CMA chemotherapy with curative intent are included in this analysis. CMA protocol is a low intermediate regimen of 3 drugs [Cytarabin (ara-C), Methotrexate (MTX), and Cyclophosphamide] with CNS-directed treatment by intrathecal MTX, ara-C and corticosteroid. Fifty-five of 85 patients obtained CR after induction therapy and 10 after 3 supplementary cycle because of partial response. The overall complete remission was 76%. Fifty-three of patients were alive in first CR at a median survival rate period of 2 years (range 82 days to 9 years) and are continuously disease free from Burkitt lymphomas. Twelve patients relapse after CR and died of lymphoma progression. More than 32 patients died, as a result of lymphoma progression. Among the 32 dead, 10 were in Murphy stage IV and all the patients who presented bone marrow involvement died. The projected 5-year overall survival rate was 62%," wrote D. Negrea and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: "CMA protocol shows the high sensitivity of African Burkitt lymphoma. This can be considered as a successful result for people living in poor socio-economic conditions with no health insurance."

Negrea and colleagues published the results of their research in the Journal of Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials (Microstructural characterization of hydroxyapatite-alendronate nanocomposites. Journal of Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials, 2010;12(5):1194-1199).

For additional information, contact I.N. Mihailescu, National Institute Lasers Plasma & Radiation Physics, Lasers Department, Magurele Ilfov, Romania.

The publisher of the Journal of Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials can be contacted at: National Institute Optoelectronics, 1 Atomistilor St., PO Box MG-5, Bucharest-Magurele 76900, Romania.

Keywords: Country:Romania, Alendronate, Apatites, B-Cell Lymphoma, Burkitt Lymphoma, DNA Viruses,tiffany, Diphosphonates, Electronics, Emerging Technologies, Epstein-Barr Virus Infections, Hematology, Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases, Herpesviridae Infections, Hydroxyapatites, Immune System Diseases, Immunoproliferative Disorders, Lymphoproliferative Disorders, Nanocomposite, Nanotechnology,tiffany earrings, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Oncology, Optoelectronics, Pediatrics, Phosphates, Phosphoric Acids,tiffany cuff Links, Phosphorus Acids, Tumor Virus Infections

Research findings, ‘Anterior or posterior sagittal anorectoplasty without colostomy for low-type anorectal malformation: how to get a better outcome,’ are discussed in a new report (see also <http://www.newsrx.com/library/topics/Colostomy.html> Colostomy). According to a study from Netherlands, "Usually, anorectal malformations (ARM) are treated in 2 or 3 stages for fear of disturbed wound healing and subsequent damage to the anal sphincter complex. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, advantages, and follow-up of an anterior or posterior sagittal anorectoplasty in low-type ARM (rectoperineal or rectovestibular), performed without colostomy."

"Prospective collection of data regarding demographics, VACTERL (Vertebral-, Anal-, Cardiac-, Tracheo-Esophageal-, Renal-, Limb malformations) screening, perioperative measurements,discount tiffany, surgeons, and complications. In 35 consecutive children (13 boys, 22 girls), repair of a low-type ARM was performed without colostomy. There were 13 boys and 10 girls with a rectoperineal and 12 girls with a rectovestibular fistula. The median age at operation was 4 months (range, 0-73 months); 34% being performed in the newborn period. Seventeen children had one or more other congenital anomaly. Preoperatively, all patients had rectal washouts with oral and rectal neomycin, and perioperative antibiotics, either 24 h (prophylaxis) or for 2 to 5 days. An anterior or posterior sagittal anorectoplasty was performed. Postoperatively, 9 children had no enteral feeding and total parenteral nutrition (TPN). All children had postoperative anal dilatations according to the Pena scheme. Two children (both with rectoperineal fistula) had a wound abscess; in the first child (with renal insufficiency), a colostomy was performed and in the other child a successful correction of the anoplasty was done. In 7 children (4 rectoperineal, 3 rectovestibular fistulae), the anus eventually healed after minor wound dehiscence. There was 1 anal stricture, after a median follow up of 14 months (range, 1-84 mo). After therapeutic antibiotics (2-5 days), 11% (2/18) had some degree of wound infection, versus 41% (7/17) after either no antibiotics or after prophylactic antibiotics (24 hours). Patients with TPN did not seem to profit with regard to wound healing and one patient experienced a central line related sepsis. At last follow-up, 12 children needed regular laxatives and/or enemas. Anal dilatations were well accepted above 6 months, and a trend was seen towards less need for laxatives when dilatations were continued longer," wrote C.F. Kuijper and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: "Repair of a low-type ARM without colostomy, with therapeutic antibiotics, and followed by a long period of postoperative anal dilatations has low morbidity and good outcome, which does not seem to be improved with TPN."

Kuijper and colleagues published the results of their research in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery (Anterior or posterior sagittal anorectoplasty without colostomy for low-type anorectal malformation: how to get a better outcome? Journal of Pediatric Surgery, 2010;45(7):1505-8).

For additional information, contact C.F. Kuijper, Pediatric Surgical Centre of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Keywords: Country:Netherlands, Anorectal, Antibacterial,tiffany cuff Links, Antibiotics, Antimicrobial, Colostomy, Gastroenterology, Kidney,tiffany bangles, Nephrology, Pediatrics,tiffany earrings, Surgery, Therapy, Treatment.

The 4th annual New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show today reported it had a ten percent increase in attendance year-over-year and a substantial uptick in sales. This four-day show, which opened one day prior to the JA New York Summer Show, was held July 23-26, 2010, at New York’s Metropolitan Pavilion.

The show’s more than 100 domestic and international retailers and dealers, which featured the finest selection of antique and vintage pieces, gemstones and watches, were thrilled by the quantity of attendees and quality of purchases.

"We were cautiously optimistic about the luxury retail and antiques market until we saw the uptick in attendance and purchases first-hand at our New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show," said Andrea Canady, fair director for the New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show. "We couldn’t be more pleased with the turnout and the positive response from exhibitors and consumers alike."

Exhibitor comments on the last day of the show were favorable.

"This show has been his best show since its inception. The most popular items sold were – signed pieces, pieces from the 40′s through 70′s, antique diamond rings, art deco and interesting collectible pieces," said Harvey Kessler,tiffany key rings, with Harvey Kessler Inc. based in Toronto.

"This is a great show! The promoters did a great job promoting this show,tiffany bangles, there were crowds every day and all day long," said Susan & Dan Tenenbaum, with D. Tenenbaum, Inc. based in San Francisco, "The buyers were qualified and knew what they were looking for. This is an amazing show; it is an antique and estate treasure box with many unusual and interesting things in found in one place."

Jared Nadler, with Levy’s Fine Jewelry based Birmingham, Alabama, said, "There was a lot of dealer activity and a lot of high dollar private sales. We’re very happy with the turnout of buyers and attendance. We sold a Victorian bangle bracelet, art deco engagement rings and chunky yellow gold treasures."

The 2011 New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show is scheduled for July 22 – 25, 2011. The next show on the U.S. calendar for US Antique Shows is the Miami Beach Antique Jewelry & Watch Show being held October 15-17, 2010, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Tickets can be purchased online at www.antiquejewelrymiami.com for a one-time admission of $15 valid for all three days of the show.

For additional show information, please call (239) 732-6642 or visit www.nyantiquejewelry.com.

About The New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

The New York Antique Jewelry & Watch Show is produced by GLM(R). GLM is a leading producer and marketer of consumer product tradeshows in North America, serving industries as diverse as giftware, home furnishings, social stationery, home textiles,tiffany earrings, tabletop, gourmet housewares, contemporary furniture, personal care,tiffany necklaces, antiques, jewelry, art, surf, skate, water sports, swim and resort. GLM also manages business expositions and conferences on behalf of others, within the hospitality industry. Additional information about GLM is available online at www.glmshows.com. Follow us on Twitter at: MiamiAntiquShow or Facebook at: www.facebook.com/OMBAS. For additional information, visit www.usantiqueshows.com.

The fashionable crowd of the city, read the fresh youngsters about to enter college, are all set to make a new style statement. So what if they don’t score perfect marks in their exams, they still manage to leave an indelible mark in the field of fashion. Each year GenX sets the tone for the coming year. This time, get ready for a more bold bohemian look that’s sure to make heads turn.

Glamourous, yet being comfortable in their skin, is what youngsters in Punjab prefer. "No matter what time of the year it is, jeans will always be a part of my wardrobe," says Neha Sharma, an applicant of S.D. College, Chandigarh. But there is still no dearth of students who don’t shy away from experimenting and setting trends that will be followed by others.

"Cigarette fits have become the norm. You see every other girl in college wearing them. I personally cannot stick to one perticular trend and that’s why you’ll see me in flared bottoms as well as straight fits," says Simmi Kaur, who suggests that everyone must have at least a pair of flared jeans in their wardrobe. "They are universally flattering-everyone from petite to broad frames can pull this trend off," adds Kaur.

With temperatures soaring outside, breezy yet youthful couture is what everyone seems to be settling for. A short subtle denim skirt with flashy silver sandals will look swanky and make you feel comfortable. "I prefer wearing denim shorts paired with a nice halter top, as it helps my skin breathe in this scorching heat," says Nandita Thakur, a student of fashion technology, Panjab University, Chandigarh. Thakur adds, "In this day and age, everybody is busy making style statements of their own. Nobody wants to follow fashion blindly-certainly not me."

Fashion has taken a turn and youngsters can be seen adorning bold tantalising colours. They are often seen wearing pocket tee dresses with colourful accessories. Leggings, teamed with long tops, are also the flavour of the season. The colours that succeed in grabbing all the attention are the loud colours like fuchsia, red, ecru, magenta, purple and even lavender.

When matched with the right kind of top, they look stunning. A number of fashion-forward girls and boys have been adorning scholarly glasses despite of having a 20 by 20 vision. On being asked the reason, one of them explains. "It not only makes me feel good but also protects me from the harmful UV rays," says Shivani Gupta, a student of G.C.G, Sector 11, Chandigarh.

"Unlike last season that witnessed a huge fad for lavish neck and hand accessories, this time attractive hair embellishments are in. I have a pair of matching hair clip with almost all my dresses," says Gupta.

For those who prefer sticking to the traditional Indian attire, kurtis with harrem pants or crop leggings have given way to run-of-the-mill salwaar kameez. "It is in vogue,Tiffany necklaces, and gives me a break from the traditional suits. It also saves me the hassle of carrying a dupatta," says Kanika, a student of Panjab University, Patiala.

The over-sized glasses are here with a bang. These 70′s inspired glares in chromatic shades-hot red, funky purple, and classy white are seen on many faces on campus,Tiffany earrings, especially those of girls. For boys, it’s mainly aviators.

Bags are an inevitable part of a girl’s attire. This time the big humongous bags are making the rounds. The over-sized bags talks of some serious fashion, so much so that every one, from big names like Prada to Hogan are out flaunting larger and more structured bags. "When buying bags I go in for colours that are likely to go with a lot of dresses in my wardrobe. White and black are universally liked but I think these days red is also being picked up frequently," says Gupta.

These bags, also called ‘totes’,Tiffany bracelets, are extremely spacious and comfortable to carry and is best if picked from one of the local street markets, as they are relatively inexpensive there. Also, they are found in many colours-from pinks, blues, greens, mauves and even yellow. "They can accommodate almost everything-books, registers, files, stationery and also my makeup kit," says Poonam, a Ph.D. applicant in Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Going further down, the gladiator sandals are back. Be it the colour or the style, youngsters are spoilt for choice. This year expect to see variations of these in different shades. Not only are they the hottest thing around, they are extremely comfortable and can be worn all day long.

Heels are much sort after too, whether they are short, stacked, wedge, platform or stilettos. As long as it adds a few extra inches, it’s welcome. In addition to the gladiators, back with a vengeance are the wedge sandals. It is a practical choice for students who have to walk huge distances on campus.

Men too are beginning to explore areas of the colour palette hitherto labelled as feminine. Fashionably turned out boys can be seen thronging the corridors of the colleges looking quite chic. Others are seen supported a semi casual look. The more style conscious are seen wearing smart casuals, with their hair neatly gelled and combed back.

But of course even the guys need to beat the heat so the most preferred choice is a simple kurta coupled either with jeans or the traditional pajama. When asked as to what kind of footwear would go with this traditional look, prompt comes the reply, "I prefer wearing a Punjabi jutti or a simple chappal or maybe, a slip-on," says Sameer, a student of D.A.V college, Sector 10,Tiffany pendants, Chandigarh.

One thing is for sure-the young today have a lot of confidence and the requisite attitude to match and carry off any outfit, however bold they are. Also, they don’t shy away from experimenting with colours, clothes, trends, et al. So to keep abreast of what’s in and what’s out in the fashion world, there’s no better way other than visiting a college campus once the session starts.

The fashion that is

Colourful bits: Fashion is been redefined and girls are ready to experiment. Bright nail colours with a lot of detailing is in vouge this season. Pick one to complete your edgy look.

Cut it short: Get ready to show some leg.These denim shorts will beat the heat and keep you cool, inside out.

Strappy affair: The strappier the better. These gladiators will add a lot of funk and style to a boring outfit. The best part-they are available in all bright colours.

Quote it: A T-shirt with slogan or cartoon characters scores high on the fashion metre for freshers. It’s all about wearing your emotions on your sleeve, quite literally.

Bigger the better: This versatile tote bag can be teamed up with any attire-modern jeans and a T-shirt or a traditional salwar kameez. Take your pick.

Book the look: The aviators aren’t just sported by the captains and lieutenants of the Army. They have successfully made their way through the wardrobes of many youngsters.

Flash them: These designer cell phone covers will not only shield your expensive phone from dust and heat, it will also set you apart from the crowd. You can get them in various prints. So what are you waiting for? Go and get one today and enjoy flaunting it.

Figure hugging: These skinny jeans come at affordable price, great styles and a variety of colours. Get one in a daring colour with studded waists and metallic shimmer.

A lot of what a college freshman needs to know about campus

fashion, she knew in kindergarten, such as …

Clashing is a figment of parents’ imaginations.

Cute socks, often ruffled, should be worn with skirts, dresses, shorts and Mary Janes (kindergarten) or clogs (collegians).

All you need for grownup glamour is bright, almost garish, lipstick.

The bigger the hair bow, the better.

A backpack can be the height of sophistication.

Clogs declare to the world, "I have arrived" — in terms of noise (kindergartners) or fashion awareness (collegians).

Those are some of the style statements that young women have made lately on college

fashionista.com, a photo-driven site launched a year ago with 12 writers and Big Ten aspirations. It got so much buzz that it has expanded to 150 writers and 72 campuses, some in the United Kingdom. When its founder, Amy Levin, 23,Tiffany Sets, finishes her graduate work at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, it will be her full-time occupation, thanks to investors.

One explanation for the site’s popularity is a rise in the style IQ at campuses:

"Sweats and jammies aren’t really big anymore," Levin said. "People really want to be comfortable — but fashionable."

There’s an art to that combination, partly because of budget limitations.

"Jeggings," a cross between leggings and jeans, have replaced sweats as a comfortable staple that, unlike sweats, can cross over to a night out.

As part of students’ thrift, cutoff shorts from summer also will remain in rotation for fall, said Stephanie Boridy, 27, a graduate of McGill University in Montreal who blogs about fashion (lecheapcestchic.com) and is the Web and social media editor at louloumagazine.com.

"In the early fall, cutoffs work so well with a vintage T or casually dressed up with a blouse," Boridy said, recommending thrift store jeans cut to individual specifications. "And in the winter months they pair really effortlessly with opaque tights."

Here, a fashion syllabus for fall 2010,Tiffany earrings, starting with core requirements.

The freshman 4

1. Good jeans: Mandatory. Baggy "boyfriend" or skinny jeans dominate for women; boot-cut jeans are for an "older generation,Tiffany rings," Levin said. Stylish guys are wearing pairs that are "a little tighter" than in the past. But, Levin said, "You want to be comfortable, trendy or not trendy."

2. Great white T-shirts: A basic school supply. Levin cites shopnastygal.com as one of her favorite sources for the boxy styles she currently prefers, to contrast with snug leggings and skinny jeans.

3. A stylish book bag: A backpack in leather or faux leather (see us.topshop.com) works day to night, Levin said.

4. Game-day apparel: For women, Victoria’s Secret Pink sweat pants and sweat shirts, including the brand’s college-specific apparel for football games, seem to be a freshman prerequisite. Levin also likes Redjacketshop.com and Shopschoolhouse.com. But wear sparingly. If you must flaunt school pride, a vintage college shirt of your dad’s, or a shirt from your friend’s faraway campus, is cooler than your own new one.

Upperclasswomen

1. Clog-style ankle boots: These earn extra credit for stability plus style. These and other heels are being worn with socks, Levin said. (See freepeople.com/shoes-clogs/solvang-clog.)

2. Maxi-dresses: A summer one can transition into fall. "Put a blazer over it when it’s cooler," Levin said. (See the T by Alexander Wang line at shopbop.com.)

3. Military-style jacket: Great for in-between weather, Levin said. (See the BDG cinched anorak at urbanoutfitters.com.)

4. Accessories: Levin and Boridy said many college women wear barely more than a swipe of bright lipstick by day. That doesn’t mean they’re plain. Hair bows and head bands are huge at the moment. Forever 21 remains a go-to for cheap jewelry.

Upperclassmen

1. Loafers: Leave the ratty tennis shoes in high school.

2. Geek-chic glasses: An affordable way that guys are distinguishing their look.

Entire student body

1. Flannels: "I’ve found great flannels at Walmart that I wear and my brothers wear,Tiffany bracelets," Levin said. Bonus: They forgive novice laundry mistakes.

2. Blazers: A fall staple for both sexes in black or navy. "You can wear one dressy for a date and for something professional, like an interview," Levin said.

Toronto,tiffany, Canada (ABN Newswire) – Avalon Rare Metals Inc. (TSE:AVL) (PINK:AVARF) is pleased to announce the engagement of Roth Capital Partners LLC ("ROTH") as its new Principal American Liaison ("PAL") for regulatory matters related to the Company’s listing on the OTCQX International market in New York and exclusive OTCQX advisor for marketing the Company to U.S. investors. The Company has also retained Mr. Ron Malashewski, P.Eng. (Cliff Lake Capital) of Kenora, Ontario as a new full-time Investor Relations consultant. ROTH is a privately owned investment banking firm established in 1984 and based in Newport Beach, California that is dedicated to the small-cap public market and with a focus on emerging "CleanTech" companies. ROTH was one of the first U.S. investment banks to focus on financing small-cap Chinese companies, establishing an office in Shanghai in 2007, and is now looking to expand its presence in other international markets. ROTH offers its clients a full spectrum of investment banking services, including capital raising, research coverage, trading and market making,tiffany cuff Links, merger and acquisition advisory services, and investor conferences. Commented Avalon President Don Bubar, "I look forward to working with Roth Capital in introducing our rare metals story to the growing numbers of Clean Technology investors in the United States now recognizing that rare metals are vital to many of these new technologies."Mr. Malashewski has thirty years of professional experience as an engineer, investment advisor and investor relations consultant with additional experience in technical project management, operations management, strategic planning, and corporate development. He was previously Investor Relations Manager at another publicly-traded rare earth elements exploration company and his professional/industry memberships include the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists, and Geophysicists of Alberta, the CIM, and PDAC. Mr. Malashewski takes over as interim Investor Relations Manager for the next 12 months while Ms. Virginia Morgan is on maternity leave. Don Bubar commented "We are pleased to have a highly seasoned investor relations consultant with related experience in the rare earth elements business, join our team during this period of rapid growth. I look forward to working with Ron to continue building awareness in the international investment community about the exciting development opportunity presented by the Company’s world-class Nechalacho rare earth elements deposit".

About Avalon Rare Metals Inc.:Avalon Rare Metals Inc. (TSX:AVL, OTCQX:AVARF) is a mineral exploration and development company focused on rare metals deposits in Canada. Its flagship project, the 100%-owned Nechalacho Deposit, Thor Lake,tiffany bracelets, NWT,tiffany earrings, is emerging as one of the largest undeveloped rare earth elements resources in the world. Its exceptional enrichment in the more valuable ‘heavy’ rare earth elements, which are key to enabling advances in clean technology and other growing high-tech applications, is one of the few potential sources of these critical elements outside of China, currently the source of 95% of world supply. Avalon is well funded, has no debt and its work programs are progressing steadily. Social responsibility and environmental stewardship are corporate cornerstones. Avalon’s performance on community engagement in the north earned it the 2010 PDAC Environmental and Social Responsibility Award.

Source:Avalon Rare Metals Inc.

The National Center for APEC (NCAPEC) launched the APEC 2011 USA Host Committee last night, kicking-off a year-long series of programs to promote U.S. private sector engagement with the Asia-Pacific region in advance of the APEC 2011 meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii.

"APEC 2011 is a wonderful way,tiffany earrings, along with the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement and Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, to help improve our global economic engagement," said United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk. "It is critical that we all articulate to the American public how our economic future is tied to our partners in the Asia-Pacific region."

2011 will mark the first time that the United States will host the APEC Summit since its inception in 1993. NCAPEC is working on behalf of the U.S. private sector to provide the business community with a collective voice as the United States works with APEC member nations to improve trade and ultimately, the global economy.

"The government and the private sector must come together to open America’s doors for APEC 2011. This premier organization of 21 economies deepens trade and economic ties among its members. It fosters relationships among developed and developing economies. And it encourages its members to tear down their trade barriers and open their markets," said Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), Chairman of Senate Committee on Finance in his address at last night’s reception. "That’s why I am so proud that the United States is hosting APEC in 2011. And that’s why I worked so hard to bring the APEC Trade Ministers meeting to Big Sky, Montana."

The 21 member economies of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) include Australia,tiffany necklaces, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, the United States of America and Vietnam. APEC 2011 USA will gather 21 world leaders and more than 60 ministers. The meeting is expected to attract over 8,000 delegates and 2,000 accredited international media.

"I commend the Host Committee’s formation and was pleased to speak at its launch with Senator Baucus, Ambassador Kirk, and Under Secretary Hormats," said Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX), House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member and House APEC Caucus Co-Chair. "We must work together to make the most of the fact that the United States is hosting APEC next year and to increase our economic engagement in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific. Among other things, we need concrete deliverables. The most compelling would be a Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement by November 2011 to open more markets for U.S. goods and services. I look forward to working with the committee, the Administration, and my fellow Members of Congress to help ensure the United States hosts a successful APEC 2011."

"The inauguration of the Host Committee demonstrates the private sector’s commitment to APEC, and its readiness to partner with the U.S. government to ensure a successful APEC year,tiffany pendants," said Craig Mundie, Chairman APEC 2011 USA Host Committee; Chief Research and Strategy Officer, Microsoft Corporation. "This means taking our international engagements on economic issues to the next level, and spreading the word in the private sector here and abroad about the promise of greater engagement with our partners in the Asia-Pacific."

By hosting APEC 2011, the United States can spark discussions to strengthen the trade partnerships that are foundations of economic growth. A number of Ministerial meetings, the APEC Leaders Meeting and numerous other major related business events are expected to take place in a number of U.S. cities over the course of 2011.

"The APEC 2011 USA Host Committee’s theme is ’21 Economies for the 21st Century’, reflecting our core belief that future growth in America is tied to this region,tiffany bracelets," said NCAPEC President Monica Whaley. "We look forward to receiving the baton from this year’s host, Japan, in November 2010 to activate our partners and re-energize the U.S. private sector for a year of success." About the National Center for APEC The U.S. National Center for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (NCAPEC) is the only U.S. business association focused exclusively on facilitating American private sector input to the APEC process. The United States will chair APEC in 2011, and the National Center is coordinating the APEC 2011 USA Host Committee, the private sector host of business activities for the 2011 APEC Meetings. The National Center also functions as a conduit for U.S. businesses into APEC by serving as the Secretariat for the three U.S. executives who are appointed members of the APEC Business Advisory Council.

A woman upset with her ex-boyfriend after a hearing in small claims court on Tuesday hit him twice with her car in a parking lot, police say.

Clayton Police Chief Tom Byrne said the victim, a 40-year-old Florissant man, suffered serious injuries, including two broken legs, and was taken to Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

A 52-year-old woman has been arrested for first-degree assault and is in custody. Byrne expects to file charges against her today.

The woman hit the man once then hit him a second time, pinning him against another car about 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot at the corner of Carondelet and South Central avenues, Byrne said.

They had just come from a civil court hearing in which the woman was seeking $480 from the man,tiffany earrings, said Judicial Administrator Paul Fox. The man brought his fiancee to the hearing. She was inside the victim’s car at the time of the incident,Charm pendant, Byrne said.

"I think there were a lot of things that got her (the ex-girlfriend) riled up," Byrne said.

A third car was damaged during the incident.

Fox said court officials who had presided over the small claims hearing were shocked to learn of the assault.

"There was no altercation between them in the courtroom,tiffany necklaces, and as far as anyone could tell, it was a routine case," Fox said.

Rulings are not revealed during small claims court hearings, instead, the results are mailed. "If there was any animosity between them, it was not based on the judge’s ruling because he hadn’t ruled on it at the time this occurred,Charm bracelet," Fox said.

But court records show that the judge later ruled against the woman, ordering her to pay a $27 fee.

The Post-Dispatch is not naming the driver until charges are filed against her.

Credit: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

There’s poetry in a round number.

Think, for instance, of the moment when your odometer rolls over to 50,000 or 100,000; do you pull over to admire it?

Those fleeting symmetrical figures command a singular fascination. Not a bit under, not a bit over — exact. And, then before you know it, they’re usually gone.

There is the Perfect 10, the 100th anniversary, the 5,000th friend and the 1,000,000th served. Even editors assign 1,000-word stories.

And then there is sports.

In a culture that is numbers obsessed, fans throw around terms like 1,tiffany key rings,000-yard rusher or 100-RBI man all the time, but rarely do they mean that someone actually hit those statistical markers right on the nose. Usually athletes reach that milestone and then add on.

But a glance across the four major sports shows there are those rare times when players, for better or worse, didn’t make it any farther.

Perhaps the most well-known is also the most somber — Roberto Clemente’s 3,000 hits.

Following the 1972 season, Clemente boarded an airplane bound for Nicaragua. He was part of the relief effort to aid victims of an earthquake. But moments after the plane took off, it crashed, killing Clemente, and the other crew and passengers aboard.

Clemente’s impact on baseball went beyond his statistical prowess, but he never got a chance to advance past 3,000 hits when he died at the age of 38.

Of the major sports,tiffany money clips, baseball tends to draw the nerd — er, most cerebral fans, and baseball has an abundance of statistics to satisfy their geekiness, in a variety of categories. Rickey Henderson had 100 stolen bases in 1980. Darryl Strawberry finished his career with 1,000 RBI. Ellis Burks played in exactly 2,000 games. Bruce Sutter is 21st all time with 300 saves. Jim Bunning allowed 1,000 walks in his career.

Jeffrey Leonard and former Cub Shawon Dunston struck out 1,000 times. Leonard, who finished his career in Seattle, struck out in the fifth inning of his final game, which marked his last at bat. He was replaced in the field before his next turn in the lineup and he never played again.

Nobody has exactly 500 home runs. Chuck Klein, however, finished with 300.

New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez is within one home run of joining the 600 Club. But like a car’s odometer, this will likely be just a transitory figure. That doesn’t mean it will be easy for him to hit number 601. After Rodriguez hit No. 500, it took him nine games to hit the next one, and over those nine games, he hit .107.

For pitchers, 300 wins usually means automatic Hall of Fame entry. Both Lefty Grove and Early Wynn have 300 exactly.

A former White Sox player and broadcaster, Wynn struggled for his milestone, failing to achieve it in seven starts over nine months, the longest period ever between a pitcher’s 299th and 300th win. Finally, in 1963, pitching for the Indians at age 43, he pitched only five innings but got the win over the Kansas City A’s. "I was exhausted," he reportedly said.

In basketball, Wilt Chamberlain has the sport’s most notable round number, with the 100 points he scored in 1962. He hit 36 of 63 field goals and 28 of 32 free throws to do it. It took a minor miracle for Chamberlain to hit that many free throws, considering his lifetime percentage is just a shade over 51 percent.

But after that, basketball fails to produce many scintillating round numbers.

Walt Bellamy once had 1,tiffany necklaces,500 rebounds in the 1961-62 season for the Chicago Packers. Danny Manning finished with 1,000 steals, while Shaquille O’Neal, if he retired today, would finish his career with 3,000 assists.

As for the NHL, the late Bob Hopert, a former Blackhawk, sat for 3,300 minutes in the penalty box, fifth most all-time in the NHL. Lanny McDonald had 500 goals, but after that, no hockey stats of significance ended in a couple zeroes.

The NFL, meanwhile, yields more interesting cases. Franco Harris and Curtis Martin both finished their careers with exactly 100 touchdowns. Two quarterbacks, The Bears’ Jim McMahon and Washington’s Doug Williams each threw for 100, but that pales in comparison to Denver’s John Elway, who had 300 when he retired. In 1986, Minnesota quarterback Tommy Kramer earned a Pro Bowl spot and the comeback player of the year award for his 3,000-yard performance, the only time an NFL quarterback threw for that in a single season. No receiver has had exactly 1,000 yards, but Marcus Robinson did have 1,400 for the Bears in 1999. Hall-of-Famer Barry Sanders did have the NFL’s lone 1,500-yard rushing season. Willie Ellison in 1971, Mercury Morris in 1972 — in Miami’s perfect season — Greg Pruitt in 1976 and Ricky Williams in 2000 rushed for exactly 1,000.

So why can’t you say someone who rushed for 998 yards is also a 1,tiffany earrings,000-yard rusher? Well, try telling that to anyone who missed out on an incentive bonus in their contract for falling just short of that mark. And try telling that to former Atlanta running back Dave Hampton.

In the final game of the 1972 season, Hampton reached 1,000 yards in the fourth quarter. But on his next carry, he slipped and lost yardage, putting him back at 995. Even though there was plenty of time left in the game, a long scoring drive by Kansas City put the Chiefs ahead late, forcing Atlanta to throw to catch up. Hampton didn’t carry the ball again that game.

Then in 1973, fate tormented Hampton again — he finished with 997 yards. After an injury-riddled 1974 campaign, Hampton entered the fourth quarter of the final contest in the 1975 season needing 28 yards to reach 1,000. Even with the Falcons trailing, Atlanta coach Marion Campbell gave Hampton the ball. He got 30 yards on three carries, and was immediately removed with 1,002 yards. It was the only season Hampton could call himself a 1,000-yard rusher — but not if we’re exact.