February 23, 2012 15:48 PM

Audit Of Use Of Zimbabwe's Constituency Development Yields First Scalp

HARARE, Feb 23 (BERNAMA-NNN-NEW ZIANA) -- Investigations into the use of the US$50,000 granted to each member of Zimbabwe's Parliament under the Constituency Development Fund have claimed their first scalp with the Member of the House of Assembly for the St Mary's constituency, Marvelous Khumalo, being charge with converting US$27,350 to his personal use.

Khumalo appeared before Magistrate Anita Tshuma at the Rotten Row Court here Wednesday and was remanded out of custody until March 7 on US$300 bail.

St Mary's constituency is in Harare's dormitory town of Chitungwiza and was won on an Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) ticket.

The State, led by Prosecutor David Magwegwe, alleged that some time towards the end of 2010, the government unveiled a Constituency Development Fund (CDF) which was meant to cater for development projects to benefit communities of all the constituencies in the country.

Magwegwe said the purpose, objective and administration of the fund was outlined in the constituency and accounting officers instruction, copies of which were issued to every MP, including Khumalo.

Magwegwe told the court in November 2010, the St Mary's CDF committee opened a bank account at the Metropolitan Bank main branch in Harare.

During the period Nov 12, 2010 to Dec 30 the same year, the Treasury transferred US$50,000 in trances of US$19,000, US$19,000 and US$12,000, respectively into the St Mary's CDF bank account.

On Jan 2, 2011 Khumalo, in his capacity as the MP and chairman of the constituency, allegedly corruptly used some of the money to purchase a Bedford truck from United Tyre Service without the knowledge and approval of both the St Mary's CDF committee and the National Management Committee.

Investigations revealed that Khumalo was hiring out the truck for his personal gain at the expense of the community which never benefited from its use and it was not registered under the constituency.

Magwegwe said between Nov 17, 2010 and Feb 8, 2011 Khumalo made the councillors to sign blank withdrawal slips and he made various withdrawals from the St Mary's CDF account. He withdrew US$5,000 which he converted for his personal use.

When auditors from the Ministry of Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs went to audit the constituency account, Khumalo produced a quotation from Madedale Enterprise Pvt Ltd which he inscribed the word "receipt" to purport that a payment of US$5,000 was made to the company for sinking of boreholes.

However, investigations by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission established that Madedale Enterprise did not sink any boreholes in St Mary's constituency and no payment was made to the company by the St Mary's CDF committee.

Khumalo gave US$3,000 each to five councillors and retained US$3,000 which was meant for Councillor Adam Puzo of Ward 1 who was not present. It is alleged that Khumalo converted the money that was meant for Puzo to his own use.

Magwegwe said during the audit that the Ministry of Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs carried out Khumalo in a bid to cover up for his offence forged some receipts to prove that the money was used towards the development of the constituency.

Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Eric Matinenga recently named 10 MPs who are yet to account for the CDF and said he had since the referred the cases to the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Anti-Corruption Commission.

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Audit Of Use Of Zimbabwe's Constituency Development Yields First Scalp

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

With the advent of social media and blogs, personal storytelling is becoming part of the American conversation with an audience of thousands willing and eager to follow the lives of once unknown authors. Today, Cygnus Business Media’s Public Safety group launched Responder Media at Firehouse World, a targeted publishing imprint created specifically to serve the First Responder community. The company plans to roll out Responder Media to its entire public safety audience which includes law enforcement, EMS, security and the fire service industries.

“Self-publishing is a great way to produce a book, because it allows the author more creative control,” says James Capo, director of digital development for Cygnus’ Public Safety group. “Partnering with Author Solutions gives authors access to experts who can not only help to guide the process, but also provide access to distribution channels.”

Several opportunities are available for public safety professionals interested in self-publishing through the Responder Media imprint at special negotiated rates. Packages include:

Personal Histories - Responder Media’s Tribute Book and Video offerings are the best way to memorialize the life of an individual. Responder Media offers interview, editorial and production services to create a timeless keepsake that can be cherished by family and friends. Group Histories – With Responder Media’s group interview options, it’s easy to capture the legacy, traditions and camaraderie of an entire unit or department. DVDs and collectors books make great private memoirs or fundraising tools. Book-2-Screen Development Services – Responder Media can assist in developing a treatment to present to various studios. This service also includes guidance on submission for film or TV development consideration.

To begin publishing your manuscript or to schedule an interview with a Responder Media consultant, visit http://www.respondermedia.com.

About Responder Media

Responder Media is a strategic self-publishing alliance between Cygnus Business Media’s Public Safety group, and indie publishing world leader, Author Solutions, Inc. (ASI). Through this partnership, authors in the public safety field benefit from direct access to Cygnus’ targeted audience of millions of readers and the speed-to-market advantages of the ASI self-publishing model. For more information about Responder Media, please visit respondermedia.com. For the latest news, follow us @respondermedia on Twitter or “Like” us on Facebook.

About Author Solutions, Inc.

Author Solutions, Inc. (ASI) is owned by Bertram Capital and is the world leader in indie book publishing. ASI’s leading self-publishing imprints—AuthorHouse, AuthorHouse UK, iUniverse, Palibrio, Trafford Publishing and Xlibris—have helped more than 140,000 authors self-publish, promote and bring to market more than 175,000 new titles. Through strategic alliances with leading trade publishers, ASI is making it possible to develop new literary talent efficiently and provide authors with a platform for bringing their books to market. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, ASI’s global reach includes imprints developed specifically for authors in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit http://www.authorsolutions.com, and follow @authorsolutions on Twitter for the latest news.

About Cygnus Business Media

Cygnus Business Media’s Public Safety group reaches more than one million professionals each month through Officer.com, Firehouse.com, SecurityInfoWatch.com, EMSWORLD.com, Law Enforcement Technology, Law Enforcement Product News, EMS WORLD, Security Dealer & Integrator and Security Technology Executive. As one of America’s top business-to-business media companies, Cygnus is leading the way in providing targeted content to top decision-makers and organizations. The company’s corporate initiatives and organizational architecture are built with one goal: fully engaging audiences in aviation, building & construction, public safety & security, and agriculture vertical markets, as well as diversified industries such as transportation, printing, accounting, and vending.

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STORIES TO TELL: Firehouse Partners with Author Solutions to Launch Responder Media at Firehouse World

NEWPORT BEACH, CA--(Marketwire -02/21/12)- NVISION Laser Eye Centers' CEO Todd Cooper announced today the appointment of James Pereyra to Vice President of Business Development.

"We are thrilled that James has joined NVISION Laser Eye Centers. His experience in developing strategic partnerships, acquisitions and business integration will be instrumental in supporting the strategic initiatives to drive our growth," said Cooper.

Prior to joining NVISION, Pereyra was head of the Personal Care division at Solta Medical, a global leader in the aesthetic medical device industry. While at Solta Medical, he spearheaded the company's entry into the personal care market by establishing strategic partnerships with leading retailers and global consumer product companies.

Prior to joining Solta Medical, Pereyra was Chief Marketing Officer at CLRS Technology, a pioneer in the home-use medical device industry. In 2010, he played a key role in positioning the company for its eventual purchase by Solta Medical.

Before joining CLRS Technology, Pereyra served as CEO, Chairman, and Co-Founder at Fenix Cosmetics from 1999 to 2007. During his tenure, Fenix Cosmetics experienced explosive growth and was profiled by national print and television media outlets. Pereyra successfully orchestrated the sale of the company in 2004 and remained in place as CEO until 2007.

Pereyra received his MBA from the University of Southern California, and also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of California at Los Angeles. He is an advisory board member at the Chief Marketing Officer Council.

About NVISION Laser Eye Centers

NVISION Laser Eye Centers has ten locations throughout Southern California from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. NVISION Laser Eye Centers is the first provider in California to offer LASIK eye surgery with the Swiss-engineered Ziemer Femto LDVD Crystal Line™ Laser -- the highest level of laser vision correction available today. NVISION is also the first provider in California to offer the bladeless, computer-controlled LenSx laser, unquestionably the most technologically advanced option for refractive cataract patients.

With more than 1,300 eye doctors who refer their patients and trust their own eyes to NVISION surgeons, NVISION Laser Eye Centers is the Eye Doctors' #1 Choice, and serves the counties of San Luis Obispo, San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Ventura and San Bernardino.

For more information, visit http://www.NVISIONCenters.com or call 1-877-91NVISION (1-877-916-8474).

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NVISION Laser Eye Centers Hires New VP of Business Development

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18-07-2011 07:35 MITA 3 Park Villas The Green Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE28 7NW +44 (0) 191 645 1539 mindinternational.co.uk Matt Hudson demonstrates the use of gaining rapport with the unconscious mind and aligning self sabotage to create more effective change. Matt is an NLP coach in Newcastle (North East of England). This is an exercise from his upcoming book "The Saboteur Within"

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How we all self sabotage - Inline with life coaching and personal development - Video

Adam Lynch

Attorney General Jim Hood warns Mississippians that a recent email scam, claiming to come from the Ford Foundation, may target them.

by Jacob Fuller
Feb. 21, 2012

Hood Warns of Email Scam

Attorney General Jim Hood has warned that Mississippians may be the target of a email scam claiming to come from the Ford Foundation.

The email claims people are "final recipients" of a cash grant or donation for their personal business development or education. Recipients are instructed to send their "full data and contacts" to an included email address to claim their grant or donation.

"This is clearly not an email from the Ford Foundation, and anyone receiving this email should delete it," Hood said in a statement. "The Ford Foundation does not award random or unsolicited funds, nor do they ask for donations or membership dues."

Hood warned that scam artists often use the names of respected organizations to get personal information of potential victims. A few safeguards, he said, include never responding to emails or popups that ask for personal information, always contacting organizations with phone numbers known to be correct, and being cautious about opening email attachments.

Patty Peck Honda Donates Civic for Raffle

Patty Peck Honda and Friends of Children's Hospital will raffle off a brand-new Honda Civic at this year's Zippity Doo Dah Weekend. The raffle will raise money to benefit the Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital.

Tickets are on sale now through Zippity Doo Dah Weekend, March 22-24, at a cost of $25. Patty Peck will draw a finalist each week and choose the last finalist Saturday, March 24. So the earlier you purchase your ticket, the better your chances of winning.

Finalists will each receive a key. Immediately following the BankPlus Zippity Doo Dah Parade, finalists will get a chance to see whose key will unlock the Civic, and the winner will drive away in the car.

Business Professionals Roundtable to be Held Wednesday

Jackson business owners and development professionals are invited to attend the Jackson Business Development Professionals Roundtable at the Mississippi e-Center at Jackson State University at 1230 Raymond Road in Jackson from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.

According to a press release, the roundtable's goal is to "improve exchange of information and mutual support" among local businesses, as well as "build consensus for a community-based strategy for small business development in Jackson."

Space is limited, so those planning to attend should confirm their attendance with Michael Harris at 601-540-5415 or by email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Duling Hosts Meeting for "Arts, Eats & Beats Festival" Merchants

Fondren business owners and merchants who wish to be included in the "Arts, Eats and Beats Festival" will need to attend one of two meetings the Fondren Association of Businesses is holding at Duling Hall on Feb. 28. The first meeting is at 8:30 a.m. The second-chance meeting will be at 5:30 p.m.

The meeting will help businesses and merchants work collectively to draw crowds to their shops' vicinity. Participating merchants will be listed on the Zippity Doo Dah master calendar and official map. The deadline for inclusion in the calendar and map is Feb. 28.

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Biz Roundup

One of the UK’s largest colleges, City of Bristol College is recognised as a leading educator providing high quality teaching and promoting overall personal development. The institute, renowned for its work with adults, young people and employers, has a mission of “achieving potential and creating prosperity” among students and the community. It offers a range of tailored courses that train students to successfully enter either further higher education or the jobs market equipped with industry-specific skills. These approaches have made it a popular choice among employers.

City of Bristol College hosts 8 faculties that offer more than 1,000 full-time, part-time and evening courses across four campuses – College Green Centre, Ashley Down Centre, Soundwell Centre, and South Bristol Skills Academy. This makes it the educator with the widest choice of programmes in England’s South West. Home to 30,000 students, City of Bristol College also provides a popular foundation degree programme in partnership with leading institutes across the country, such as University of West England (UWE), University of Plymouth, Bath Spa University and University of Bristol. This is an attractive option for international students who receive the necessary academic, English language and soft skills training to help them secure seats at some of Britain’s finest universities.

Pic: City of Bristol College

Head of International Business at City of Bristol College, Kath Tudor, tells Asian Correspondent: “All our lecturers are professionally trained with expertise and links to their relevant industries. This increases our students’ employability as they develop contacts that they receive during their training.”

Employers find that graduates from the College are industry-trained and add value to their business. Providing a vast array of bespoke programmes designed to meet employer needs, the City of Bristol College is educated students in professional knowledge and development for career success. High profile training contracts with top companies such as Airbus, NHS, HSBC, DAF Trucks and Porsche cars, and an 84% satisfaction rate among employers (2007 Employer Satisfaction Survey), have secured the College a spot as one of the best-value colleges in the country with a high return on investment.

“Our students choose us because we have a very good reputation in employability,” Kath says. “We not only prepare students in academics but also train them in soft skills. We understand the market and with 20 years experience in teaching international students, we know how to create a supportive environment, with a classroom-based personal interaction among students and teachers. We train students to be more analytical, encouraging independent participation and presentation skills. These are essential skills to securing a seat in university.”

Academics
The College offers a range of full-time, part-time, and evening courses, along with the availability of training packages for employers. A selection of programmes on offer is outlined below:

Business and Management: These courses include specialisations in Business Management and Business Studies, offered at Ashley Down centre campus and the College Green Centre campus. Students can choose their qualification level from HNC, Foundation Degree, BTEC Diploma and BTEC Extended Diploma to suit their requirements.

Computing and Information Technology: Courses include Computing & IT, General Computing, Networking & PC Maintenance, and Programming.  Specialisations are available in IT (Software Development), Forensic Computing (leading to BTEC Extended Diploma); IT (leading to Diploma); and Computing and Information Technology (Foundation Degree) among others. These courses are spread across the College’s 4 campuses.

Creative Arts & Media: Students interested in Art & Design, Fashion & Clothing, Graphic Design and Media Production can study at one of the College’s many programmes to gain industry-specific skills. Several courses in Music (Music; Music Production; Music Technology), Performance (Dance Theatre Performance; Performing Arts – Acting; Theatre Media Performance) and Photography (including Professional Photography) are also available to offer a choice to students.

Ashley Down campus, City of Bristol College

Life in Bristol
“There is always something to do in Bristol,” says Kath. “There is always a lot going on for every interest. The city has a proud heritage with beautiful architecture and cultural programmes and draws in national and international theatre groups. Boasting some of Britain’s best nightlife, Bristol is also home to some of the country’s biggest shopping centres. In spite of all this activity, Bristol still remains a safe city, making it a popular choice among international students.”

City of Bristol College is home to a diverse community of students who participate in a range of activities to maximise their UK experience. Student support teams are available to help international students adapt to a foreign environment, with advice on a range of topics from choosing the right course, finding suitable accommodation to help on personal matters. This helps Asian students integrate into the British culture and find their footing to get the most from student life.

Student Event Teams are integral to campus life at the College, organising parties, trips, road shows and other activities to create truly memorable student days.

You can connect with City of Bristol College on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

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Alice Korngold: Nonprofit Boards: Boot Camp for Corporate Executives

Synopsis - Feb 17, 2012

General Information

Solicitation Number: NNJ12426521L
Posted Date: Feb 17, 2012
FedBizOpps Posted Date: Feb 17, 2012
Recovery and Reinvestment Act Action: No
Original Response Date: Mar 06, 2012
Current Response Date: Mar 06, 2012
Classification Code: A -- Research and Development
NAICS Code: 541511
Set-Aside Code: Competitive 8(a)

Contracting Office Address

NASA/Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston Texas, 77058-3696, Mail Code: BH

Description

NASA/JSC is hereby soliciting information about potential sources for Research Development and Advanced Technology Support (RDATS).

This notice is issued by NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) as a Request for Information seeking capabilities from industry. This document is for information and planning purposes and to allow industry the opportunity to verify reasonableness and feasibility of the requirement, as well as promote competition, subject to FAR Clause 52.215-3, entitled "Requested for Information or Solicitation for planning purposes." It does not constitute a Request for Proposal, Invitation for Bid, or Request for Quotation, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to enter into a contract.

This effort is a follow-on to an existing contract awarded under the Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) set-aside program. The NAICS Code for the proposed acquisition is 541511 and the small business size standard is $25,000,000. The maximum award value is anticipated to be under $15,000,000 over a 5-year period of performance.

No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized in FedBizOpps and on the NASA Acquisition Internet Service. It is the potential offeror's responsibility to monitor these sites for the release of any solicitation or synopsis.

Summary:

It is anticipated that JSC will issue a solicitation for the Research Development and Advanced Technology Support (RDATS) contract. NASA/JSC is seeking potential Offerors/Contractors that are in the SBA's 8(a) program to provide managerial, administrative, and technical support needed to provide the functions, products, and services in support of the Mission Operations Directorate (MOD) and NASAs human spaceflight programs at JSC in Houston, Texas. The work will include custom software engineering and development applications and advanced technology solutions into mission control operations, computer simulation and modeling, data visualization and virtual reality, intelligent systems, training systems, flight crew operations, and information technology.

The work will also include the infusion of advanced information technologies into the mission operations Mission Control Center (MCC) infrastructure for improving the information sharing effectiveness and efficiency as it relates to performing mission operations as it pertains to NASA programs. This includes unique technical information technology (IT) and programming support, computer-based training (CBT) techniques and crew on-orbit support system (COSS) development, and web-based technologies designed to integrate various complex data sources and support for existing manual workflow process using a central data repository for the analysis and reporting of MOD project information.

The contractor must possess knowledge of spacecraft operations and interactions with spacecraft systems including capabilities and limitations, skills in communicating with numerous highly specialized and different technical disciplines, and the ability to reconcile differences in an operationally practical way.

Technical expertise is required in the following areas:

-Aerospace Engineering and Mission Control Center Systems.

-Web based user interface connected to a database.

-Development languages including JAVA and JAVA Script.

-Databases such as Oracle, Structured Query Language (SQL) and Multi-Tiered Architectures.

-The ability to find open source tools and expertise in using these tools for advanced technology projects.

-Expertise in .Net, ColdFusion, Active Server Pages (ASP), Winchill, and Extensive Mark-up Language (XML).

Some targeted operating systems are New Technology (NT), Linux, UNIX and Windows.

Examples of developed functionality are a portal search feature, edit windows, and regular expression parsing and replacement.

The development environment is C programming language on a personal computer (PC).

Small business concerns that are capable of performing as prime contractors that meet the requirements of the synopsis are asked to submit capability statements. Capability statements must include the following information:

Name and address of firm

Number of employees

Ownership

Company size and note each category: Small Business (SBs), Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs) 8(a), HUBZones, Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSBs), Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs), Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs), and Historically Black Colleges and/or Universities (HBCU/Minority Institutions (MIs)

Number of years currently in business

Affiliate information such as parent company or joint venture partners

In addition, capability statements must address the following:

1) A list of customers covering the past five years. Highlight relevant work, contract numbers, role (prime or subcontractor), contract type, dollar value of each procurement, and point of contact (address and phone numbers). If work was performed as a subcontractor, please indicate percentage of work/subcontract dollar value.

2) Ability to meet the 50% requirement of work to be performed by the prime contractor as set forth in FAR 52.219-14 "Limitations on Subcontracting." Provide examples of three (3) past projects of relevant work experience with emphasis on work performed on a Federal installation. The provided examples are to indicate that the potential offeror is capable of performing the primary and vital functions of the contract in accordance with the Ostensible Subcontractor Rule, 13 C.F.R.121.103(h)(4)(2005).

In order to facilitate teaming arrangements, NASA intends to release the names, addresses and points of contacts of all respondents on the NASA website for this acquisition, unless specifically requested not to do so by the respondent. Again, this is a request for information only.

RESPONSES DUE: Interested parties having the capabilities necessary to meet or exceed stated requirements are invited to submit appropriate documentation and references as requested. Responses are required by 2:00 p.m. Central Time on March 6, 2012 Please reference NNJ12426521L in any response.

In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The Government is under no obligation to issue a solicitation or to award any contract on the basis of this synopsis. The Government will not pay for any information solicited. No evaluation letters and/or results will be issued to the respondents.

Potential offeror's are responsible to monitor these sites for the release of any future solicitations or synopsis. The Government intends to review the responses submitted by Industry. This data will not be shared outside the Government. The Government may use this data to refine requirements and develop a request for a proposal. Data that is submitted as part of Industry's response that is marked "Proprietary" will not be reviewed.

Point of Contact

Name: Cynthia W. Maclean
Title: Contract Officer
Phone: 281-244-5903
Fax: 281-483-3694
Email: cynthia.w.maclean@nasa.gov

Name: Chrystal D. Nevels
Title: Contract Specialist
Phone: 281-792-7842
Fax: 281-244-5331
Email: chrystal.d.nevels@nasa.gov

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NASA JSC: Research Development and Advanced Technology Support "RDATS"

By James Brumley - February 18, 2012 | Tickers: AMZN, AAPL | Comments

James is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network -- entries represent the personal opinions of our bloggers and are not formally edited.

A week ago I shared a less-than-enthusiastic view of Amazon.com's (NASDAQ: AMZN) future. I didn't bring the proverbial hammer down. But, I didn't pull any punches either, observing that the company's heavy spending on the development of the Kindle Fire and the establishment of new fulfillment centers (aka warehouses) was starting to take a real toll on earnings. That's no problem if the investment is (1) a temporary outlay, and (2) produces a decent return. The problem - my problem - was simply that I had my doubts on both fronts.

That opinion sparked several, shall we say 'colorful disagreements'? That's ok. In fact, I like healthy debates... especially ones where both sides of the table can gain some perspective and knowledge.

Well, having had a week to think about all the feedback I got after sharing my side of the story, I can now say...

...I haven't changed my mind about Amazon. It's still a fine company, but gone are the days where that triple-digit (or at least well above the 80's) P/E ratio can be justified by admittedly-impressive revenue growth. I have, however, better defined my argument thanks to some help from Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) that couldn't have been better scripted.

One of the things I specifically said in the last write-up: "Perhaps we've finally reached the point where Amazon can't fruitfully out-size and out-spend the competition." I followed that up in the comments section with "The plan for now is to reel in spending by 2013, but what happens when Apple and other hard-goods retailers up the ante and Amazon has to upgrade the Kindle Fire to something else and start the R&D and expansion game all over again."

Keep the key words "fruitful" and "out-spend" in mind for a moment.

Like clockwork, between then and now Apple did the very thing I warned about. Yes, the world's biggest consumer technology is rumored - though it's one solid rumor - to be developing a 7 inch iPad that will be able to compete head-on with Amazon's Kindle Fire. The device is likely, though not absolutely certain, to cost at least a little more than the Kindle Fire, but it's also sure to cost considerably less than the lower-end iPads currently priced around $500.

So now what does Amazon do to stay competitive against the most competitive technology company in the world? That was my point all along - there is no endzone.

Amazon probably did "out-spend" (relatively) the competition with the development and prep-work for the Fire, but with Apple now talking about a 7 inch tablet, Amazon's Kindle Fire work isn't going to be nearly as "fruitful" as first imagined. So, Amazon is forced back to the drawing boards to work on its next great idea.... not to get ahead, but just to keep up. The effort will likely cost another big chunk of money, and it will also take time. That's not to say the effort won't work, but let's face it - Apple's got a lot more experience with product development than Amazon does, and with one swift blow just kiboshed a big chunk of Amazon's proposed future. Ugh. Yet, it's likely to keep happening again and again; that's just business.

The other point I made a week ago was that although the establishment of several new fulfillment centers was a customer-centric action from Amazon, it wasn't necessarily a fiscally sound one.

Geographically speaking, yes, the more FCs that are, out the lower the distance-based shipping costs get. That's not just for the customer's benefit, however. With the heavily-pushed 'Amazon Prime' program (at $79 per year) offering free shipping, anything that can help lower Amazon's costs is a good thing.

There's a flipside to that coin though... will it actually save Amazon any money? Assuming a bunch of pickers/packers making $10 per hour plus a fulfillment center management team plus utility bills plus rent or mortgage payments, there may not be a significant fiscal net benefit. One also has to wonder if free shipping will spur a whole lot more purchasing, which is great from a retail sales perspective, but how many items can Amazon afford to ship for free before eating those costs is no longer 'worth it'? That $79 per year may not go far when it also includes access to a ton of digital content like TV shows and e-books. [I don't think anybody really knows the answer, including Amazon.]

Again, I don't think Amazon is a bad company. I just don't think it's a great company anymore now that it's all grown up and has to get this creative - something it's not got much experience with - to continue pumping up its top line. Apple just undid a year's worth of work on the Kindle Fire, which was the necessary centerpiece for Amazon's budding digital content ecosystem that was hoped to rival Apple's. Now what?

Yeah, the party's over. Now Amazon is just another e-commerce stock with a rather high P/E, no clear competitive advantage, and no clear end to the need for development-spending. You can find plenty of those, and at a much lower price.

jbrumley

James Brumley

James Brumley is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network.

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Amazon's Still Facing an Identity Crisis

Mr Blair thanked Mr Mitchell for the “support” he “always” receives from officials on his visits to Africa. In a handwritten section he added: “We are really excited by our capacity building work. I think it is a major part of a successful future for Africa.”

The letters were obtained by The Sunday Telegraph under the Freedom of Information Act.

AGI, which employs 29 people, was set up by Mr Blair in 2008. Run by Kate Gross, a former Downing Street aide, it has staff in Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

Its aim is to help the four governments to run more effectively and it intends to expand into other African nations.

Mr Blair’s office is adamant that his commercial activities are not in conflict with his charitable work and that he does no business in countries where AGI operates.

The precise details of the applications made by Mr Blair’s charities were not disclosed.

AGI applied last year to become part of DfiD’s tendering process to carry out “public sector governance” work — helping to improve governments in 28 countries across Asia and Africa.

Last year DfiD spent £787 million on “government and civil society” schemes and its budget will rise in total to £11 billion by 2015, having escaped the Government’s austerity drive.

In a separate bid — which was also unsuccessful — the charity sought a grant from the Government’s Global Poverty Action Fund, which distributes £40 million a year to organisations proposing to help reduce poverty in dozens of countries, including the four states where AGI is active.

The correspondence obtained from Dfid shows that as a result of separate discussions, Elizabeth Carriere, the head of DfiD’s Rwanda and Burundi office, agreed to attend meetings with AGI’s backers, including Lord Sainsbury, a prominent Labour donor who was a minister under Mr Blair.

A DfiD spokesperson said: “In 2011, the African Governance Initiative applied to DfiD for a Global Poverty Action Fund grant and to become eligible to compete for contracts on public sector governance.

"Both applications were conducted on an open and competitive basis. Neither application was successful.”

A spokesman for AGI said it was “completely normal” that Mr Blair should write to and meet both the Secretary of State and DfiD officials to brief them on the charity’s work.

“As patron of AGI, Tony Blair provides his time on a pro bono basis. Tony Blair has not raised the AGI proposals for partnership to which you refer with the Secretary of State or any other government official,” he said.

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Tony Blair's charity refused aid funding