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U.S.A. (July 15, 2010) – The implementation of learning management system into the business and training processes of various organizations ensures standards and performance compliance. The electronic management system oversees the proper management of elearning courses delivered to learners in an online environment. Its main purpose is to provide training and education to learners from various fields and industries efficiently and effectively.

A significant benefit of a learning management system or LMS is how it is able to establish a compliant and transparent education system. There is increased insight when it comes to learner performance because results are displayed online. This allows the students to review their records and progress, allowing them to discern the areas requiring improvement. Similarly, they are able to better understand themselves, and their learning style, therefore allowing them to determine their individualized learning paths. Organizations are able to keep track of students and system effectiveness when it comes to compliance to standards and regulations. Such transparent operations prevent untoward legal activities as a result of non compliant employees or team members.

According to Wikipedia, a learning management system is defined as “a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking and reporting of training programs, classroom and online events, elearning programs and training content”. An LMS is a software solution package that effectively delivers elearning courses and packages to users in all parts of the globe. It features multiple benefits that allows for better delivery, reception and digestion of relevant course information and details. However, its most significant features focus on convenience, accessibility, customization, and efficiency. Its many benefits resulted in its steadily rising popularity. It is a very coveted training or teaching alternative in the different industries of today, be it educational institutions or corporate organizations. Corporations now find it be an indispensable component of their training programs because of the ease and convenience by which it shares the necessary training modules to improve employee performance and productivity.

Enrollment and studying is easy because everything is completely accessible and manageable online. Since majority of today’s society are extremely familiar with the internet, its process and use, elearning inevitably became the education method of choice for a many people. It is not bound by time and location, allowing users to go over their courses any time and anywhere. Moreover, users can easily customize it to suit their preference, capability and learning level.

The innovation is set to undergo more developments and improvement to cater to the quick turnover of technology and societal expectations and needs.

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Washington DC (June, 2010) – The Obama Housing Bailout Plan is giving new hope to struggling homeowners. While the program failed in preventing the foreclosures of majority of the applicants, new data shows the rise in permanent loan modification status. The 30 percent increase in permanent mortgage modifications is an encouraging sign of the program’s viability.

Unfortunately, looking at the overall picture, there is still a lot work to do. Out of the 1.2 million homeowners who had undergone the trial modifications, only 295,348 were granted permanent modifications. Last year, a quarter of the trial modifications granted were canceled.

The temporary modifications are granted by banks and lenders to their borrowers for a period of 90 days. In that span of time mortgage servicers will reduce the borrower’s monthly payment by an average of $500. Permanent modification is granted if the borrower pays on time and if they submit additional required documents. The government encourages lenders, mortgage services and banks to make modification instead of foreclosing homes through cash incentives from the allotted project budget of $75 billion.

The highest concentration of permanently modified mortgages can be found in Orange County in Los Angeles. Under the Obama housing bailout plan that includes loan modification, there were 57,758 active trial and permanent loan modification in the county surpassing New York City; that’s 6.2 percent of the applicants facing or already in foreclosure.

From the Treasury Department, statistics show a problem with the program. There were 277,640 canceled trial loan mods in April, which means there was a significant increase from the 155,173 canceled trial modification last year. Aside from trial modification an additional 3,744 permanent loan modification were canceled due to nonpayment. Only 81 of these were paid up loans. In summary, from the total loan modifications including temporary and permanent, about 23 percent resulted to cancellation.

The underlying causes of these failed loan modifications lie with mortgage servicers wanting to get the government incentives so they grant trial loan modifications without properly evaluating the borrowers’ capacity to pay. To remedy the situation, starting on June 1, lenders and servicers will require the borrower to submit their income statement to prove they can pay the new terms of agreement.

Assistant Treasury Secretary, Herbert Allison said that they will be expecting a lower cancellation rate of trial modifications as they require the submission of proof of income before granting one.

The Obama Housing Bailout Plan has faced a lot of critics from both left and right wings because of the slow pace of progress. At this rate, it is doubtful that they could reach the goal of permanently modifying 3 to 4 million mortgages by 2012.

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Orlando, FL (June 9, 2010) – IBM Corp. recently rolled out a new licensing model for its Rational software portfolio. Some of its channel management solutions, software and systems development tools have been moved to the cloud. The company announced the move during the newly branded Rational Software conference, IBM Innovate.

channel management solutions

The company’s new licensing option is referred to as “token term pricing” which it claims would provide various organizations incredible flexibility when accessing IBM cloud-based software development and delivery capabilities. The company customers can use these so-called “tokens” to gain access to the products and services that are most suitable for their projects at the right time. In addition to that, the tokens will be interchangeable among services and customers, and this implies they can simply transfer them over to another product or service when it is no longer necessary for them to access a certain product and move on to the next phase in the development cycle.

The news was released during the newly renamed annual event for Rational Software users, Innovate Conference, which was held in Orlando, Florida. In the past, these Rational Software conferences narrowly centered on the Rational product line. However, this year was different because the event featured other IBM services such as cloud computing and security.

According to Scott Hebner, the Vice President of Marketing and Channel Management for IBM’s Rational Software group, the newly presented pricing model is cost-effective for all of their customers. The offering is especially developed for organizations with multiple software development projects and teams. He added that their consumers are getting their money’s worth because the company products they purchase are guaranteed to be useful and efficient. This emphasized the savings opportunity that the pricing model presents to IT shops. Additionally, the pricing package now offers a term licensing option.

Accompanying these changes is how the entire Rational product portfolio is now available via the cloud.  Inclusive of this is the Rational Software Delivery Service for Cloud Computing support for the company’s Cloudburst offering. This prepackaged service delivery platform will especially benefit data centers that intend to access production cloud services. It departments can likewise benefit from these services as they use the cloud to develop and test their software across multiple platforms.

IBM is also looking to address the problems and challenges that companies have encountered in building software and implementing it into actual, physical products. In line with this, its has developed and unveiled its Integrated Product Management offering which claims to bundle more than 30 different company hardware, software and services like channel management solutions that will manage the whole spectrum of product development and integration.

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U.S.A. (May 2010) – Upside Learning, a recognized leader in elearning online training outsourcing, custom elearning development & LMS solutions, has renewed its partnership with MindLeaders, a leading provider of elearning catalog courses yesterday. The renewed business relationship will continue an alliance that provided that best-in-breed catalog courses in the market. The extension is expected to allow Upside Learning to continue to promote and sell MindLeaders’ updated collection of products and services.

Upside Learning’s tie up with the catalog course provider dates back to February 2009 and is an effort to bring a world-class ‘content-as-a-service” model to both the Indian and international markets.  The renewed collaboration will be the 2nd year in which MindLeaders will be a major affiliate to the company. The relationship allows the development of a new “flavor” with the updated collection of courses which it is currently distributing.

The collection of catalog courses are comprised of more than 2,400 course titles that cover a wide variety of categories such as Technical Business, Compliance, Health and Safety, French-Canadian and many others. Newer additions include CompTIA A+ 2009 Edition, Oracle Database and PC Application. Furthermore, these are all available on any major web standards-compliant browsers such as Internet Explorer, Firefox and Apple’s Safari.

According to Amit Gautam, Director of Technology Solutions at Upside Learning, they are extremely delighted to be in partnership with MindLeaders for two years in a row. Their business relationship clearly depicts a mutually advantageous journey and a strong commitment to take both businesses forward into the future to grow, evolve and thrive. The catalog courses from MindLeaders that are served by their own flagship Learning Management System or LMS produces an effective and engaging amalgamation for both entities.

President of MindLeaders, Paul MacCartney, in view of the positive client responses from the alliance, expressed that they are similarly satisfied to continue their partnership with Upside Learning. The overwhelming number of positive feedback from last year makes them eager to collaborate again for another profitable and successful year ahead.

Upside Learning is a globally recognized leader in elearning online training outsourcing, customer elearning development, and LMS solutions. It has consistently been honored and recognized every year for its flagship LMS and aims to continue in the endeavor of developing advanced and innovative solutions.

MindLeaders boasts of over 25 years of experience in the design and creation of electronic learning programs for the promotion of the success of individuals and corporations. Their courses cover a wide range of topics such as software skills, leadership, workplace safety, programming, network administration and many others.

During a taping of Ellen this week, Robert Pattinson was his usual charming self, joking with the host and laughing with the audience and…

… who cares?!? The Twilight Saga stud had short hair! That’s the real story here.

Asked why he cut his lovely locks, Rob kidded: “I got a terrible infestation of nits and I had to shave it all of.”

The real story? This jarring event took place three days ago due to Pattinson’s role in Water for Elephants, an upcoming drama the actor will star in alongside Reese Witherspoon.

Among other topics discussed on the show – it airs today, check your local listings and get extra excited: Adam Lambert also performs during the hour – was Rob’s fear of, well, thinking.

“I just like doing things where you have a little time to think about what you’re saying,” he replied when asked why he’s hesitant to do talk shows. “I’ve always had a problem actually thinking before I open my mouth.”

While we know readers would love to focus on Rob’s mouth, attention must be paid to the actor’s head.

A man has been arrested in connection with Saturday’s attempted car bombing in New York’s Times Square.

The suspect is Faisal Shahzad, a 30-year-old U.S. citizen of Pakistani descent. The Connecticut native was captured at JFK International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Dubai. The suspect was taken off the plane when he was arrested.

Statement from U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder:

Earlier this evening, Faisal Shahzad was arrested in connection with the attempted car bombing in New York on Saturday. Mr. Shahzad, an American citizen, was taken into custody at JFK Airport in New York as he attempted to board a flight to Dubai.

Since this plot was first uncovered on Saturday night, the FBI, prosecutors and intelligence lawyers in the National Security Division of the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorneys Offices in Manhattan and Connecticut, along with the NYPD have worked night and day to find out who was responsible for what would have been a deadly attack had it been successful. Over the course of the day today, we have gathered significant additional evidence that led to tonight’s arrest, which was made by agents from Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection.

This investigation is ongoing, as are our attempts to gather useful intelligence, and we continue to pursue a number of leads. But it’s clear that the intent behind this terrorist act was to kill Americans.

FBI agents are working with their state and local counterparts in New York, Connecticut and other jurisdictions to gather evidence and intelligence related to this case. We are also coordinating with other members of the President’s national security team to ensure we use every resource available to the United States to bring anyone responsible to justice.

We continue to gather leads in this investigation, and it’s important that the American people remain vigilant. The vehicle in Times Square was first noticed on Saturday by a citizen who reported it to authorities, and, as always, any American who notices suspicious activity should report it to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

This investigation is ongoing, it is multi-faceted, and it is aggressive. As we move forward, we will focus on not just holding those responsible for it accountable, but also on obtaining any intelligence about terrorist organizations overseas.

Because of the fast-moving nature of this investigation, I am not able to make any further information public at this time. But the American people should know that we are deploying every resource available, and we will not rest until we have brought everyone responsible to justice.

Barbados hotels, apartments, villas, and guesthouses are offering special discounted prices exclusive only for Barbadians, Caricom (Caribbean Community) residents and nationals. The program is called Barbados Staycation Package. Aside from accommodations, local activities and attractions are also offering special low prices to the residents.

Assistant to the Vice President of the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association, Michelle Smith-Mayers said that a staycation can help the island promote domestic tourism. The program encourages locals to spend their summer vacation at home or close to home in order to get the country’s economy back from the brink of the past years’ recession.

According to Barbados Central Bank, the island, whose economy is tourism dependent is actually in recession. Although globally, the recession is starting to lift, tourists are still hesitant about spending their hard earned money. The government needs Barbadians to start spending in order to get the economy moving again.

While tourism revenues from international guests are still on the trickling stage, domestic tourism is a viable alternative in augmenting the lost revenues. Staycation, which is a newly coined term from stay at home vacations, became popular during the height of the financial crisis in the United States in 2007. While a staycation in the states may include simple backyard activities, Barbados, on the other hand is blessed in that every location is a natural vacation spot.

When booking reservations, guests should keep in mind the booking code, Staycation 10A. The special rates are available until March 20, 2011. The packages rates are as follows: Budget Barbados, US$50 per night double occupancy; Simply Relaxed, US$75 per night double occupancy; Island Style, US$99 per night double occupancy, breakfast inclusive; Villa/Condo Experience, US$99 to $150 per villa per night for a minimum stay of 3 nights and 4 days; Exquisite Luxury, US$150 per night double occupancy including breakfast; and All Inclusive, US$200 per night double occupancy.

Participating establishments and activities included in the program are: Mount Gay Rum Tours, Island Safari, Tiami Catamaran Lunch Cruise, Tiami Sunset Cocktail Cruise, Harbour Master Lunch Cruise, Harrison’s Cave Exploration, Bajan Roots & Rhythms, Harbour Lights Beach Extravaganza, Barbados Golf Club, Atlantis Submarines, Barbados Concorde Experience, and Harbour Master Dinner Cruise.

Fees to gardens, parks and clubs are discounted too. Orchid World offers 50 percent discount on the entrance fee while Flower Forest is offering 25 percent off. The Cockspur Beach Club lunch package is BD$60 for adults and BD$30 for children. Guests are requested to book reservations for the beach club.

A staycation may just save the island from total economic collapse; so Bajans, book your Barbados hotel now and help save the island’s economy.

Her name has definitely been coming up. I’m not sure how likely it is that President Obama would tap current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to fill the Supreme Court spot being vacated by Justice Stevens when he retires, or whether Clinton would be at all interested in taking it — she has said that after her current role ends she plans to retire. But, wow, it would be a fascinating pick, and one I imagine would have a much easier time getting Senate confirmation than…well, just about anyone else. Also, not that there’s really much likelihood of this, but should Clinton be harboring even the smallest ambition to run again in 2012 an appointment like this would take care of that, also. Moreover, it seems she’s a name on a couple of people’s list.

Teen girls everywhere are going to freak out when they see the three celebrity guests who will be stopping by American Idol tonight and tomorrow: Miley Cyrus, Joe Jonas, and Demi Lovato. The Disney stars will be appearing on the FOX singing competition this week as part of the Billboard #1 Hits-themed episodes airing tonight and tomorrow. Keep reading for more details on what to expect…

To the elation of tweens and teens everywhere, American Idol is welcoming Disney teen idols, Miley Cyrus, Joe Jonas and Demi Lovato to this week’s shows. Miley Cyrus will join the Top 11 contenders as their celebrity mentor for the week. The Idol hopefuls are taking on Billboard #1 hits for tonight’s show and Miley will be present to show them the ropes and give them some pointers. The song theme of the night was originally supposed to be Teen Idols, which explains why the three teen idols were selected, but FOX changed their minds over the weekend and shifted the theme to the Billboard #1 songs.

In addition to working with American Idol’s Top 11 contestants as a mentor, Miley Cyrus will also be appearing on Wednesday night’s results episode to perform her hit song, “When I Look At You.” She will also, no doubt, be promoting her new Nicholas Sparks-penned movie, The Last Song, which hits theaters nationwide next week.

Miley Cyrus isn’t the only star performing on Wednesday night’s show. Real life couple, Joe Jonas and Demi Lovato, will be taking the American Idol stage to sing their duet, “Make A Wave.”

Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC) will host a forum to focus on the industrial sector’s need to promote Renewable Energy.

The Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC) is the agency that develops and promotes the business activities in the island of Barbados. They assist entrepreneurs in establishing, and growing their enterprises.

BIDC’s mission-vision statement is “To be a dynamic Business Development Agency contributing to the successful and sustained development of the Manufacturing and Small Business sectors in Barbados.” Their goal is for a “Barbados with vibrant, competitive Manufacturing and Small Business sectors characterized by emerging and financially strong companies committed to originality and continuous growth.”

Barbados is not new to renewable energy. When sugarcane was introduced as a crop to the island, windmill technology was used by the colonizers to power the production of sugar. Today, solar energy is slowly gaining attention as an alternative to traditional power source. Businesses like Barbados apartment hotel are looking into solar energy to save on power consumption.

Studies, like “Barbados Renewable Energy Scenario Current Status and Projections to 2010″, have been done to provide scenarios and solutions to the issue of environment conservation by using efficient, environment-friendly energy sources. Studies like these need policies to implement its recommendations and policies start with a meeting of the minds from scientists, businessmen and lawmakers.

The theme of the forum, “Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Renewable Energy within the context of Barbados’ Industrial Policy” complements BIDC’s mission-vision with special emphasis on the environmental issue. The meeting will take place on Friday, March 5 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Experts and professionals from the Ministry of Energy, the National Council for Science and Technology, the Barbados National Standards Institution, the University of the West Indies and the private sector were invited to attend the event.

The National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) was included in the event because of their role as coordinator of local activities in Science and Technology. NCST’s experience in the development of technologies and scientific point of view would be invaluable to the success of the forum.

The Barbados National Standards Institution is the policymakers. They will be responsible for implementing new laws and policies relating to renewable energy.

University of the West Indies was invited to attend the event because there is a need to educate the youth on conservation and preservation of the island they would inherit.

The forum would not be complete without the support and cooperation of the private sectors. Businesses and industry representation is important because their influence extends to more than a few individuals. The policies that would result in this forum would affect their activities and how they do business.

The discussion will emphasize sustainable and renewable energy policies that are essential in preserving Barbados’ ecology. BIDC recognizes the need to establish standards and practices in the industrial sectors as well as small businesses like Barbados apartment hotels that will ensure the future of Barbados’ natural resources.

BIDC Chairman, Dr. Don Marshall is expected to give the opening remarks and Minister of Economic Affairs, Empowerment, Innovation, Trade, Industry and Commerce, Dr. David Estwick is slated to deliver the feature address.

Jeffrey Hoe Anderson