Saturday, November 24, 2012

Gadgets worth buying ? even if they're not on sale

4 hrs.

Black Friday's over, but the shopping frenzy continues. Even so, there are some?gadgets that never seem to end up on discount table. These are?the best products of the moment, and you can?buy them ? even if they're not on sale ? without feeling an ounce of regret.

We've selected these gadgets (and gift-worthy?premium?services) through our own?firsthand experience, along with insight from fellow technology reporters and other tech-savvy colleagues.?Most are options that make sense in any circumstance, but a few recommendations?are better suited for certain people (for instance, Android fans, T-Mobile customers, etc.). The goal is for you to have a "safe" list: These are indisputably the best tech options of the moment for your loved ones ? or yourself.?

Apple iPhone 5
The iPhone 5 is the best smartphone choice on the market right now. (And good thing too, because?if you favor iOS, it's really your only option.) It's ridiculously slender and light, but makes no compromises when it comes to performance and battery life.

Samsung Galaxy S III
Those who prefer Android should feel comfortable snagging a Galaxy S III. While the phone would have been even better if Samsung hadn't slapped so many embellishments?on top of the pure?Android OS,?it's a solid device with a large, bright screen and a snappy processor.

Google?Nexus 4?by LG
You can find the Samsung Galaxy S III on all U.S. carriers, but the?impressive Nexus 4 only runs on T-Mobile and AT&T in this country. Google's newest?smartphone has the latest, purest version of Android, 4.2 Jelly Bean, with features like Photo Sphere panoramic shooting and wireless display video streaming.?And since it's Google's own baby,?it's bound to be first in line for the next Android?operating system upgrade, too.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
NBC News' Wilson Rothman declared the Kindle Paperwhite "the new king of e-readers" when he reviewed it.?It has great contrast that comes as a result of an innovative integrated lighting system. You still get the easy-on-the-eyes readability and impressively long battery life, but no more need for an Itty Bitty Book Light. ($119 for Wi-Fi-only model, $179 with Wi-Fi and 3G.)

Apple iPad (4th generation)
Though the iPad Mini has received most of the attention this season, we're not recommending it for now?because ? as lovely as the new size and shape is ? the screen should have higher resolution. We are recommending the newest iPad, however: It?maintains all the clever design touches and excellent battery life?of the prior generation, but runs even faster. Pricing starts at $499.

Google?Nexus 7?by Asus
The Nexus 7 is a lightweight,?high-performance tablet that delivers a pure Android experience to people who prefer that platform. While we don't feel that there are enough tablet-specific Android?apps to make any of those devices viable competitors to the iPad, this 7-inch tablet, starting at $199, is a best-in-class vehicle for Web, email and all of?Google's own services.?

Amazon Kindle Fire HD
For $199, the Kindle Fire HD makes a lot of sense for?media consumption,?especially if you're already in love with Amazon and its $70-per-year Prime media service. (Just don't?expect to be editing photos and?working on spreadsheets on this, like you can on an iPad.)?The 7-inch?tablet's a decent improvement on its predecessor, and the all-new?8.9-inch version is a solid step up for just $299.

Apple 13-inch MacBook Air
Choosing a laptop can seem difficult, but for most people, an ultra-light device with speedy guts is the way to go. Unless you're someone who does incredibly processor-intensive work ? or desperately needs a DVD drive ? the 13-inch MacBook Air, starting at $1,199, is the best bet. (Why else would so many PC makers try to copy it?)

AirPort Express
The router provided by your Internet service provider is typically a pain in the rump to deal with. If you're finally ready to accept that it's time to look elsewhere, then Apple's $99?AirPort Express is the router you should pick up. It's ridiculously simple to set up and you won't have to think about it much after the day you unbox it.

Spotify subscription
You want music. And you want lots of it. Instead of purchasing songs a la carte or forking money over for every album you download, you should sign up for a premium Spotify subscription for $9.99/month. You'll have access to millions and millions of tracks, instantly, and even be able to store them locally on your mobile device or computer for off-line play.

Amazon Prime subscription
Purchasing movie or TV show downloads quickly leads to a long credit card statement, but with a $70-per-year Amazon Prime subscription, you'll have access to a huge library of streaming video. On top of that, you'll also get free shipping on most items. If you own a Kindle, Prime also gives you "free"?book borrowing, including bestsellers like the Harry Potter series.

Netflix subscription
If you're not prone to shopping on Amazon and couldn't care less about getting free shipping with your video streaming service, then the $7.99-per-month?Netflix is the choice for you. Besides, its movie library is more impressive than Amazon's, at least for now.

Canon PowerShot S110
Canon's S-series cameras have gained a reputation for being the best point-and-shoot devices on the market. If you're not content with the photos your phone spits out and want the kind of manual control usually reserved for DSLRs, then the latest PowerShot S110 (between $400 and $450 retail) is?ideal. (And?if you can live without the S110's touchscreen and the built-in Wi-Fi, you can find the otherwise identical PowerShot?S100 on sale now.)

Canon EOS Rebel T4i
Canon's T4i represented a big jump ahead for the affordable?Rebel series of DSLRs. Its new processor ?delivers speed and low-light performance previously seen only in pro cameras, and its?HD video shooting is the best in its price range (it's around $800 retail). Unless you have a bunch of Nikon lenses, there's really no reason not to pick up one of these.

Nikon D600
Speaking of Nikon, the D600 is just right?for dedicated amateur photographers who want a full-frame DSLR but don't want to pay through the nose (the camera plus 24-85mm lens retails for around $2,500). It has all the features you'd want from a higher-end DSLR and a nifty viewfinder which offers 100 percent coverage (unlike many cheaper models).

Panasonic Lumix TS4
While you take most of your pictures with your phone, you get nervous taking it out at the beach or at the pool. One grain of sand or drop of water, and it's "bye?bye, smartphone." That's where the TS4 comes in. Whether you're way into extreme sports or just have kids, a rugged camera like this?is a great thing to have on hand. (Retail price between $200 and $250.)

Want more tech news?or interesting?links? You'll get plenty of both if you keep up with Rosa Golijan, the writer of this post, by following her on?Twitter, subscribing to her?Facebook?posts,?or circling her?on?Google+.

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/technolog/gadgets-worth-buying-even-if-theyre-not-sale-1C7208005

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Death on the Family Tree (Family Tree Mysteries No. 1) | Moultrie ...

With grown-up kids and a husband always on the road, Katharine Murray?s nest would be empty if it weren?t for her Aunt Lucy?until the elderly woman dies. Now Katharine?s saddled with her Aunt?s worldly belongings?mostly knickknacks destined for the dumpster. But there?s a priceless Celtic necklace among the dross?and a diary written in German, neither of which Katharine?s ever seen before.

Determined to find out where these objects came from, Katharine unwittingly discovers a branch of her family tree she never knew existed?namely Aunt Lucy?s brother Carter, murdered more than fifty years ago after a mysterious trip to Austria. And when Lucy?s artifacts are stolen, and the main suspect turns up dead, Katharine realizes she must solve a burglary and?two?unsolved homicides separated by a half-century . . . before more than her family secrets end up dead and buried.

DETAILS

  • Author: Patricia Sprinkle
  • Publisher: Harper Collins ? October 2009
  • Formats: Print ? $6.99, Kindle ? $5.99, NOOK ? $6.99, iBooks ? $5.99

Related posts:

  1. Daughter of Deceit (Family Tree Mysteries No. 3)
  2. 101 of the Best Free Websites for Climbing Your Family Tree
  3. Trace Your Roots with DNA: Using Genetic Tests to Explore Your Family Tree
  4. Cankered Roots

Tags: fiction, mystery

Source: http://moultriecreek.us/books/death-on-the-family-tree-family-tree-mysteries-no-1/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=death-on-the-family-tree-family-tree-mysteries-no-1

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Shopping and Product Reviews: Top 10 Indian Wedding Decor Trends

Diagram the d?cor much in advance keeping in mind the weather, theme, colours and current trends to ensure that it is perfect. While richness does not always mean opulence, the key to a perfect d?cor can lie in innovation. Explore all options before making the final choice.

The wedding d?cor must explore the colourful, vast, vibrant and rich culture of boundaries of Indian weddings. It is the one aspect that can make or break the look and feel of that special evening. It is ideal to know what's exactly trending before deciding. But before setting out on this journey, just clear your mind of all fixed ideas. This doesn't mean that you can't set preferences and expectations, but the way forward is to not be rigid.

1. Flower Power

Flowers continue to be the popular choice this season. They genuinely spread cheery vibes all around. While roses are classics, tulips are refreshing, and lilacs breathe elegance. Flowers must be used in tandem with other aspects like the stage d?cor, theme of the wedding. Different types of flowers including artificial ones can be combined beautifully using ribbons and then be strategically placed. Ask the florist for a mock setup!

2. Lighten Up

Candles and lanterns add the much-needed softness to an otherwise grand affair. It not only lights up the place, but also looks beautiful. Special arrangements are created to fill up empty places.

3. Fab Fabrics

Multi-coloured and different fabrics draped together create a dramatic effect. Just be sure of not using cheap quality fabric that might rip apart damaging the look.

4. Match-much!

The decor of core areas like entrance, stage, seating, photo-opt, lounge areas and the linens is colour-coordinated. This is upped a notch when the bridegroom's outfit matches the colours of the locale.

5. Tent It

Shabby shamianas are history! Tented weddings do not mean cutting down the cost or capacity anymore but widening the chances of customization. Depending on the weather, choose to have a transparent or covered roof, and then the choice of fabrics, crystals and flowers.

6. Stylish Seating

Make sure there is ample seating for your guests, and it is stylish! Be sure to dress up the banquet chairs with nice linen, which is not torn or damaged. Pretty it up with coloured sash, ribbons, flowers or crystals. It can be made more interesting by adding tassels and brooches is a good idea!

7. Colour It

Pastel and soft colours are really in! Using different shades of one colour look very nice. From invitation cards, floral balls to fabrics being used, ensuring that the colour is the same for all can perfect the Indian wedding decor like nothing else.

8. The Central Point

With proper seating plans, centrepieces catch all the attention. Regular floral or crystal ones are the usual choices; but edible options like a fancy chocolate candles or fresh fruits look great too! Innovation genuinely begins where convention ends!

9. Food Layout

Laying out the food, and displaying it well is an art. Make sure that the display of food, ingredients and chef's techniques is superbly creative so it engages the guest more.

10. Sweet Nothings

Vanity vans for guests to refresh or touch-up before entering the venue is really helpful. A grand welcome with sweets, fresh petal shower and other such gestures add the finishing touch to the otherwise perfect setup.

The author of this article is associated with BollywoodShaadis.com, a one stop destination for online wedding planning tips in India.

Source: http://mysoupbaby.blogspot.com/2012/11/top-10-indian-wedding-decor-trends.html

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Friday, November 23, 2012

R2 Live Stream: NetHui South 2012 ? Video Stream 2 ? Business ...

Written by Selwyn Manning on Friday, November 23rd, 2012

R2 Live Stream: Video Stream 2 ? Business and Innovation

Welcome to the live webcast from NetHui South 2012, held at Otago University and Otago Museum. 23-24 November 2012.

Stream 2 ? Business and Innovation. Cloud Computing, Big Data and always connected devices. Otago Museum ? Kakapo Room.

Courtesy of R2.co.nz and InternetNZ ? NetHui South has two simultaneus stream sessions during the break-out sessions. Stream 1 ? Dunedin Digital Strategy ? Opportunities and Challenges. Otago Museum ? Hutton Theatre.

  • Click here for live stream 1 on LiveNews.
  • InternetNZ states: NetHui South is a unique two-day conference focussing on the economic, social and cultural opportunities the Internet provides New Zealand. for more and the programme, click here.

    You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

    Source: http://livenews.co.nz/2012/11/live-stream-video-stream-2-business-and-innovation/

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    Preparation for the Great Critical Incident: First Aid Emergency ...

    By J.W. Caesar

    Hosea 4: 6 (KJV) My people perish from a lack of knowledge.

    Knowledge is power for survival when it comes to overcoming disasters. It is vital to get educated on how to survive in the event of a myriad disaster scenerios. Many people die or get injured because they did not adequately plan, prepare or mitigate for unseen emergencies. In order to win the war on disasters; American citizens must take disaster preparation seriously and strengthen themselves mentally, spiritually, and physically to overcome the challenges in the future.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency states on their website that there are actions that should be taken before, during, and after an event that are unique to each hazard. Each person or group should identify the hazards that have happened or could happen in their area and plan for the unique actions for each hazard. They further note that mitigation can be defined as actions to reduce loss of life and property by decreasing the impact of disasters.? What this means is??taking action now??before the next disaster?to reduce human and financial consequences later (analyzing risk, reducing risk, insuring against risk).? Effective mitigation requires that we all understand local risks, address the hard choices, and invest in long-term community well-being. Without these actions, people jeopardize their safety, financial security, and self-reliance and quality of life.

    Building an emergency kit with first aid equipment and taking medical classes are best practices in mitigation that can assist in reducing risk and loss to families and the community.? It is important to analyze what type of hazards would affect the community during a disaster, as well the decision to shelter in place or evacuate to a safe location.? By following this risk analysis process, it would help clarify what type and size of container or bag to place first aid items inside, the quantity, what too and what not to pack, where to pack it, the environment, hazard scenario and number of people it can provide care too. Your first aid kit or emergency supplies should be designed around an all hazards approach that insures against the risk of not being able to treat or prevent hazards from overtaking you and your group. These hazards can cause temporary or permanent damage to the critical infrastructure of this nation. Therefore everyone should be a stakeholder in public safety and security of this nation. As a result, many are designing their first aid kits around temporary disaster events where there is a short recovery period, while others are preparing their kits for a total collapse of the system where medical resources will be hard to find.

    Caution: for medical legal and health safety reasons-Disaster Preparers should think about:

    1. Preparing physically, mentally, and spiritually now to adapt to changes caused by impact of disasters and?continuity of civil and infastructure recovery.
    2. Familiarizing with their local, state and federal laws on the boundaries of giving care to humans, pets and livestock.
    3. Getting prior training on how to use the items in the first aid kit.
    4. Working as a trained and covenant group, not loner.
    5. Trying to get written certification or medical authority to perform certain procedures.
    6. Not going beyond their scope of practice or their medical certifications.
    7. Abiding by the local laws of what is allowed in your first aid or medical kit.
    8. (Personal, Force, Asset?Protection)Avoiding making themselves a target for thieves, murderers, drug addicts that use false emergency scenes or requests for help.

    A first aid kit can be purchased at many stores, disaster preparedness organizations and online merchants. Medical supplies can also be purchased individually to build your own kit.? Some have also combined the two as one mitigation measure. Others have crafted their own replacement first aid products by improvising. They use tampons for bleeding, card board for splints, and other homemade items, or pet supplies for their kit?s inventory. The real issue is finding the right items and kit skin for your needs. There are many questionable claims to first kits such as the number of people that it can actually treat in an emergency, the quality, sterility and durability of items, the protective covering of the container or bag and excessive prices for minimal supplies. This is why it is vital to do a risk analysis and make appropriate mitigation decisions for your own needs from an all hazards approach.

    ?Non exhaustive Example of items for Emergency First aid Survival Kit:

    Airway Control Kit

    _____ Pocket Mask kit

    _____ Breathing Barrier with gloves kit

    Diagnostic Instruments/Tools

    _____ First aid booklet _____Trauma/Bandage scissors _____Protective Face masks

    _____12 hour Cyalume Lightsticks _____Candles_____Straws

    _____ Scissors, fine point_____ Splinter Forceps _____Nail clippers ____Tweezers

    _____ Disposable Penlight or flashlight _____Head Lamp _____ Flashlight

    _____Permanent Markers_____Pen _____Pencil_____Writing Paper Tablet _____

    _____ Disposable Gloves_____ Splints_____Trash bags ______Ziploc bags

    _____Duct Tape_____Clear tape____Painter?s tape____Scotch tape

    _____Lockman tool_____Knife_____Razor_____ Box Cutter

    _____Cable ties______Rope______String_____Plastic Wrap______Foil

    ______Belts______Straps____Batteries____Heavy protective gloves

    Circulation/Bleeding Control Shock Kit

    _____ Triangular Bandages(Cravats)______Rubber Latex gloves_______ Eye protection

    ______Military Field Dressing bandages______Abdominal bandages___Burn Kit

    ______ Large Absorbent pad dressings _____ Elastic Bandages

    ______Gauze Roll Bandages______ Adhesive Bandages

    ______ Tourniquets______ Gauze Pads, 4?x4?______ Gauze Pads, 2?x2?

    ______ Bandage tape_____ Disposable Rescue Blanket for shock

    Sickcall /First Aid items

    ____Band Aids____Salt____Pepper____Sugar____Ammonia Inhalents

    ____Tongue depressors____Tempa-dots Thermometers____Eyewash kit____Eye drops

    _____Eye pads_____KY-Jelly ____ Aspirin____Tylenol____Cough drops

    _____Cold Med.Tablets_____Nasal spray_____Immodium Tablets ____Anaphalaxis kit

    ____Anti-biotic Ointment______Antifungal cream______Iodine wipes._____Betadine wipes.

    _____Alcohol wipes._____Cleaning wipes. ______Anti-bacterial Soap solution

    Alcohol Bottle. ____Hydrogen Peroxide Bottle. _____Hand cleaning solution Bottle.

    _____Ice Pack______Heat Packs____Moleskin cover bandage

    Medical Supplies and their Skins

    Medical supplies for a first aid kit can be put inside of a various items that are all weather resistant, waterproof, durable, floatable, not previously had any toxic or corrosive materials stored inside of it, and clearly marked as a first aid or medical kit. Ziploc bags and plastic trash bags can give extra all weather protection and longetivity of items. The kit should also be easy to carry with straps or handles, have reasonable space or compartments for medical items, and easy to open or secure during an emergency. The size and type of first aid emergency kit may be based on varied factors such as the personal needs of the individual, group, or community, different hazards, ?medical training, number of sick and injured, terrain, response time, life cycle of disaster, use with vehicles, walking distance, evacuation, and weather.

    Examples:

    • Military Unfolding zippered Aid Bag M-3 & M-17
    • Military Chest with handles
    • Military Aid Station chest containers
    • Military hard plastic or metal containers
    • Nylon, Leather or Canvas Back Packs
    • Luggage with wheels and handle
    • Purse or designer bag
    • Lunch box
    • Square or rectangle storage containers
    • Tupperware containers
    • Plastic Ice Cream or used Food Containers
    • Hunting vests
    • Belt Pouches

    A well-stocked and well maintained list of items in the first aid kit should be kept up to date at all times by rotating and replacing items.? A best practice for maintaining the mitigation investment of life saving equipment is doing inventory and preventative maintenance checks before and after using the kit. It can take place on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly cycle. ?The outside and inside of the emergency kit should be inspected for damage such as cracks, tears or holes. Mitigations measures such as health safety inspections for spoilage and expiration dates of items are important also.? However, some questions have been raised about keeping items regardless of expiration dates because of future scarcity of items during extreme disaster periods. These questions should be addressed by medical authorities who are expert in disasters and laws of the land. ?In any case, some items can lose their shelf life, sterility, durability, and may become toxic because of the hot storage temperatures. Another temperature issue is freezing. ?Solutions can freeze causing the containers to crack and break causing contamination of other items or damaging the first aid container.

    The kit should work as expected: treat injuries and save life when you need it and cause no harm when it is not needed. It is vital to verify that the items consisting within the kit still function as expected, including the batteries in the medical equipment. The first aid kit should be stored in a place that is of the right temperature for medical supplies, in a safe location, away from pests, where no damage can occur, can be accessible to adults, but not to children or pets that can be poisoned and injured.

    In summary, disasters can happen at anytime and anyplace. The consequences of not preparing for them may be immeasurable. To minimize this risk, it is vital to mitigate these impacts by building an emergency first aid kit based on analyzing, reducing, and insuring against future risks. It would be wise to assemble an emergency first aid kit that is adaptable and maintainable for your needs, take first aid classes, get familiarized with medical ? legal laws, learn how to take protective measures in emergency situations, and establish mutual-aid and covenant partnerships well in advance of an emergency situation. All of these steps help reduce the impact of hazards associated with future events and improve the chances of winning the war over disasters.? Americans, must remember that everyone is a stakeholder in public safety, God given freedoms, continuity of civil government,?and protecting the critical infastructure and key resources of this nation.

    References:

    1. KJV
    2. ?http://www.fema.gov/what-mitigation

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    Source: http://ctable.wordpress.com/2012/11/22/preparation-for-the-great-critical-incident-first-aid-emergency-survival-kit-part-9/

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    USC hoping to extend dominance over Irish

    LOS ANGELES (AP) ? The Jeweled Shillelagh has been spending an awful lot of time in Hollywood over the past decade.

    Southern California has won nine of its last 10 meetings with Notre Dame in one of college football's best intersectional rivalries. The Trojans won a record eight straight over the Irish before a narrow loss in 2009, falling one dropped touchdown pass short of a perfect 10-year stretch with the bejeweled trophy.

    USC's dominance will be tested Saturday at the Coliseum, however. Top-ranked Notre Dame (11-0) needs a win to advance to the BCS title game, while the Trojans (7-4) have been reduced to spoilers after starting the year at No. 1.

    The series still resonates with players from both schools, although USC has dominated it for most of their youths.

    Source: http://news.yahoo.com/usc-hoping-extend-dominance-over-irish-224918622--spt.html

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    EU leaders stake out positions over budget

    British Prime Minister David Cameron speaks with journalists as he arrives for an EU summit at the EU Council building in Brussels on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012. EU leaders begin what is expected to be a marathon summit on the budget for the years 2014-2020. The meeting could last through Saturday and break up with no result and lots of finger-pointing. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

    British Prime Minister David Cameron speaks with journalists as he arrives for an EU summit at the EU Council building in Brussels on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012. EU leaders begin what is expected to be a marathon summit on the budget for the years 2014-2020. The meeting could last through Saturday and break up with no result and lots of finger-pointing. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

    European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso jestures toward journalists as he arrives for an EU summit at the EU Council building in Brussels on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012. EU leaders begin what is expected to be a marathon summit on the budget for the years 2014-2020. The meeting could last through Saturday and break up with no result and lots of finger-pointing. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

    CORRECTS DESCRIPTION IN CAPTION A giant chocolate euro coin is seen in a shop in Brussels on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012. EU leaders begin what is expected to be a marathon summit on the budget for the years 2014-2020. The meeting could last through Saturday and break up with no result and lots of finger-pointing. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

    People walk in front of an information office outside of an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012. Leaders from around Europe are arriving in Brussels Thursday for what promises to be a turbulent summit on the budget for the 27-country European Union. And for once, Britain will be at the heart of the debate. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

    (AP) ? European leaders were staking out their strong positions as they gathered Thursday for what promises to be a turbulent and lengthy summit on the 7-year budget for the 27-country European Union.

    In a battle pitting several wealthy member states against those seeking a bigger aid budget, U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron led the charge for those demanding a reduction in the financial clout ? and political sway ? of the EU's institutions.

    As he arrived for a preliminary meeting with Herman Van Rompuy, president of the European Council of the 27 heads of state and government, Cameron said he was not happy with the latest budget proposals.

    "These are very important negotiations," Cameron said. "And clearly, at a time when we're making difficult decisions at home over public spending, it would be quite wrong ? it is quite wrong ? for there to be proposals for this increased extra spending in the EU. So we're going to be negotiating very hard for a good deal for Britain's taxpayers and for Europe's taxpayers, and to keep the British rebate."

    Facing an ever more vocal Euroskeptic electorate at home, Cameron is under huge pressure to veto any seven-year deal which would exceed the old 2007-2013 ?1 trillion ($1.28 trillion) budget.

    The budget primarily funds programs to spur growth in the bloc's less developed regions and farming and amounts to about 1 percent of the EU's gross domestic product.

    The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, backs more spending, arguing that cross-border initiatives will help to create the economic growth and jobs that the bloc of a half-billion people needs.

    Cameron is the main proponent ? alongside the Netherlands, Sweden and, to a certain extent Germany ? for imposing limits on EU spending. He will demand a real cut in the EU budget, claiming that is the only justifiable outcome at a time when almost every member state has to cut its budget to lower debt.

    Those opposing cuts to the budget say that European institutions need the means to implement their policies, which include creating jobs and economic growth, helping development in many southern and eastern nations, and closing the wealth gap between member states.

    "Certain countries want to make drastic reductions in the budget. That's a big mistake," said Elio Di Rupo, Belgium's prime minister.

    Sixteen of the EU's most financially and economically vulnerable countries have joined forces to oppose cuts to funds earmarked for economic growth and development. These countries include not only traditionally poorer member states, many in Eastern Europe, but also those hit hardest by the financial crisis, like Greece, Portugal and Spain.

    Going into the open-ended summit, which might well stretch into Saturday, Van Rompuy made a first compromise proposal that leaned toward Cameron's demands. It proposes a cut of between ?3 billion ($4 billion) and ?24 billion ($31 billion), depending on how the figures are read.

    "With less money, we cannot do the same as before," Van Rompuy wrote in the invitation letter he sent to the 27 leaders.

    Since each of the 27 member states has veto power over the budget, the outcome is a cliffhanger.

    Leaders from Denmark in the north to Spain and Italy down south have already threatened vetoes, sometimes for opposing reasons.

    If the summit fails to find a compromise, the issue could spill over into a new meeting next month, or into next year. There is no set deadline for a deal but the closer it gets to 2014, the tougher it will be for a smooth introduction of new programs. If there is no deal up to 2014, there would be a rollover of the 2013 budget plus a 2 percent increase accounting for inflation.

    ___

    Don Melvin and Carlo Piovano contributed to this story.

    Associated Press

    Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2012-11-22-EU-Budget%20Summit/id-04c8c1f3e88e452db6c85d78459ddd11

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