Under Sandro Rosell, Barcelona has won titles in La Liga, Cope del Rey, Champions League and the Club World Cup.

Luca Bruno/AP

This is the third installment of Inside the SuperClubs: Barcelona. This week's Sports Illustrated features an in-depth look at the club and its global appeal.

BARCELONA, Spain -- You never know who you might meet on the road. Sam Lardner is (among other things) a Dartmouth alum, a descendant of sportswriting legend Ring Lardner, a professional musician, a former FC Barcelona ice hockey player and a one-time board member of the foundation started by Bara soccer deity Johan Cruyff.

A full-time resident of Barcelona since 1997, Lardner is in an ideal spot to observe the bustling political scene at FC Barcelona, which is "owned" by its 180,000 members who vote in elections for the club president every four years. Lardner took his son to London last year for the Arsenal-Barcelona Champions League game, and on the way back, they saw Bara president Sandro Rosell, the man in charge of the storied club with the most successful soccer team of this era.

"Rosell flew back on easyJet," said Lardner, mentioning the European budget-airline equivalent of Southwest Airlines. "I was very impressed by that. Rosell to me is doing a discreet and serious job. I know what's going on in his mind. He's got to clean up a big old mess."

When Rosell was elected as Bara's 39th president in 2010 with more than 60 percent of the vote, the club had a net debt of $558 million, owing in part to bank loans to help pay for transfers. That figure may not be quite as scary as it looks, in part because Bara is such a big revenue generator (as noted in this excellent Swiss Ramble piece), but the debt was still out of whack compared to what it should be.

"When we won the election, the biggest criticism was the financial aspect of the club," said Rosell, leaning forward in a chair in his office at the club. "We had an enormous debt with the banks outside of the financial ratios that Bara needs. It was a priority getting the debt under control and in relation to revenue. We've worked hard to cut costs and increase revenue in order to repay the bank debt -- and without being less competitive, while still winning trophies, we've reduced our debt by 15.5 percent. In one season we went from being 430 million [$558 million] in the red to a 364 million [$472 million] net debt."

In addition to cutting costs, Rosell worked out a deal with the Qatar Foundation, which became Bara's first paid shirt sponsor in a $225 million transaction.

Rosell, 48, has the air of a big-time politician, which is exactly what you have to be as the Bara president. But he also has a connection to the club that goes back to childhood. Rosell's father, Jaume, was club secretary of Bara in the early 1970s, and young Sandro was a diehard fan who became a club social member at age 4.

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Barça's boss sees success beyond trophies

Nov. 18, 1931 - Oct. 1, 2012

For someone who worked for most of his life as an accountant, Carl Citron had an unstereotypically interesting life.

With his wife, Jane, he traveled the world -- Morocco, Greece, India, Thailand, Vietnam. Later, the couple rented apartments for monthlong stints in the south of France and in California's Napa Valley.

Much of this globe-trotting was driven by the fact that Jane Citron was a cooking teacher and food writer for The Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pittsburgh Magazine.

But Mr. Citron was a happy companion in all of it.

"I don't think anyone's ever eaten better," said one of his three sons, Alan, of Fox Chapel.

Mr. Citron died Monday of complications from Parkinson's disease. He was 80.

One of five children, Mr. Citron grew up in Beechview and then Squirrel Hill, where he was valedictorian -- at age 16 -- at Taylor Allderdice High School, now Pittsburgh Allderdice. At the University of Pittsburgh, he earned a bachelor's in business administration in 1951 and the next year a master's in accounting, which he loved.

His son Rodger of New York City said that watching him in his home office working the calculator keys "was like watching a concert pianist."

Mr. Citron married Jane Pachtman, whom he'd begun dating at Pitt, in February 1955, while he was on leave from the Army, which had drafted him near the end of the Korean War. The newlyweds moved to San Francisco for the rest of his Army stint, and it was the time of their lives, living -- and eating -- in an exotic city.

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Obituary: Carl D. Citron / Accountant enjoyed travels, taste of success

NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Success comes in many forms, and true icons know it's rarely achieved without the help of others. The makers of Johnnie Walker announced today the launch of My Label is Black, a nationwide program designed to celebrate the Hispanic community and give back by supporting and mentoring men on the journey to achieve their true potential. Involving several key elements, the Johnnie Walker My Label is Black platform will include engagement with iconic celebrity influencers, a large-scale advertising campaign, partnerships with leading charitable organizations in New York, Miami and Los Angeles, and consumer events.

(Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121004/FL86027-a )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121004/FL86027-b )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121004/FL86027-c )

"We have a history of connecting with our Hispanic consumer, whose achievements in this country inspire us every day," said Yvonne Briese, Vice President of Whisky for Diageo. "We wanted to continue our longtime support with some very special programs that give life to Latino successes in a uniquely Johnnie Walker way, with equal parts sophistication and celebration."

Celebrating Success One of the most critical measures of success for any program is its ability to inspire others to join the cause. With that spirit in mind, the Johnnie Walker My Label is Black program has partnered with some of the most renowned Latino celebrities in the country to get the word out, host events in key Hispanic markets, star in impactful advertising, affect positive social giving and celebrate success. These include:

"I've been fortunate over my 14-year career to experience success and reach the top of the charts," said Don Omar. "But I have never lost sight of the support I received and what truly put me here: my fans and those who stayed by my side along the way. Through this partnership with Johnnie Walker, I'm doing my part to return the support I've been shown all these years, and inspire that in others. I'm proud to say My Label is Johnnie Walker Black."

Giving BackAs part of the campaign, Johnnie Walker has forged partnerships with organizations that are equally committed to this important message to make substantial donations, working with them through the implementation phase of the funds, leading dedicated workshops and personal life / job skills coaching for Latino men.

"Our organization prides itself on making a tangible difference in the lives of men who need it most, and we often do that by partnering with like-minded companies," said Gary Field, Executive Director for Career Gear. "Johnnie Walker is one such partner that has created a fantastic program, and I'm honored to say that My Label is Johnnie Walker Black."

Career Gear (www.careergear.org) is the program partner for New York. This group is dedicated to assisting men who seek to better themselves against great odds. Career Gear and Johnnie Walker My Label is Black will provide a lifeline of ongoing support, providing underserved men the mentoring to move from poverty to self-sufficiency.

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Johnnie Walker Launches My Label is Black, Celebrating Latino Success By Unleashing Potential Of Men Nationwide

CHICAGO, Oct. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --While the men's global perfume and fragrances market remains strong-driven by celebrity endorsement and associations with success, until recently, perceptions have remained fixed in China associating fragrance as a female-only category. However, according to new research from Mintel on the perfume and fragrance market in China, perceptions are starting to change and the men's fragrance market is beginning to make a splash, showing 20% growth from 2008 to 2011.

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The value of the men's fragrance market stood at RMB 689 million in 2011 - up 20% in just three years. This compares with growth in the women's category standing at 10%, indicating that there is plenty more room for growth. Mintel's research also shows that a growing number of males are beginning to shift towards prestige fragrance usage. Prestige sales grew in value by 19% to RMB 422 million by 2011. Indeed, while mass fragrance annual percentage growth rate stood at 6% in 2011 - for prestige it was 8%.

Lui Meng Chow, China research analyst at Mintel, said:

"The word perfume often has feminine overtones among male consumers, however, thanks to the popularity of Japanese and Korean TV dramas, fashions from these countries are shaping Chinese men's perceptions of personal grooming. As a result of this trend, younger male consumers are shifting away from their conservative traditions and have been impressed with concepts which promote individual expression. This has caused manufacturers to launch male-specific brands, including toiletries, despite the fact that they were previously associated with being a woman's product."

"Now this trend is extending into prestige and luxury brands and products, from aftershave to eau de toilette. Most Chinese males tend to enter the beauty-care category in the middle to high-end product category, buying into those products with credible quality, thus they are willing to spend more in their first experience of grooming products," Lui Meng Chow continues.

Overall, the fragrance market in China grew 32% in value from RMB 3.2 billion in 2008 to RMB 4.2 billion in 2011. According to Mintel's research, the majority of urban consumers in China use fragrance to become more attractive and well-groomed (60%) or stylish (53%). And as retail channels have developed rapidly, the outlets where Chinese consumers can purchase fragrance have diversified. Today, nearly half (46%) of Chinese consumers say they purchase perfumes and fragrances from a specialist perfume shop, 37% buy at a department store and a similar number (35%) say they purchase online. Meanwhile, 31% claim to purchase fragrances from supermarkets and hypermarkets.

"As the distribution channels for beauty and luxury are growing out from tier one cities, this has created the opportunity for fragrance to grow in the future. Also, as Chinese consumers are gradually expressing their individual identity to reflect their social status, fragrance has become one of the fashion accessories used by consumers to express personality," Lui Meng continues.

Mintel's research also reveals that 80% of urban Chinese consumers claim to wear a fragrance that reflects their personal style, 78% claim that wearing a fragrance helps them stand out more at social or formal gatherings and 45% always look for the latest release of perfumes so as to stay ahead of the trend. However, it's not all about personal image. Some 39% of fragrance users still use fragrance with the more functional purpose of eliminating body odor, and 42% of respondents own or wear fragrance because they received it as a gift.

"Fragrance is regarded as a luxury item, especially if it is internationally branded. Acquiring it means buying into an identity, and also expresses an emotional sense of belonging to a luxury or stylish group identity which serves as a status symbol. Following the implementation of the 1980s Open Door policy, western culture and style have significantly influenced consumer developmental trends in China, with foreign investment also having a major impact on the Chinese economy and income in these regions. All these have resulted in demand for and spending in luxury products including fragrances, toiletries and make-up amongst the affluent and emerging middle income Chinese." Lui Meng concludes.

Link:
The sweet smell of success for men's fragrance category in China

DALLAS & FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Mouser Electronics, Inc., a top global distributor for semiconductors and electronic components, extends its gratitude to its supplier partners that co-sponsored the 2012 Izod IndyCar Series. They include TTI, Inc, Sager, Murata, Molex, TE Connectivity, Phoenix Contact, Littelfuse, Panasonic, KEMET, Ohmite, Hammond, Harwin, ebm-papst, Omron, BIVAR, Fluke, and Amphenol.

The racing program is made possible by our co-sponsors, who play a key role in its success. Mouser would like to thank these partners for their commitment and passion for this dynamic program, said Larry Johannes, Mouser Electronics Vice President of Strategic Marketing. Our mutual goal is to provide our customers with a speed-to-market advantage and the high-tech world of IndyCar is the perfect test bed for some of these innovative products. We truly appreciate the support from our supplier partners.

This year, supplier co-sponsors were invited to join Mouser and KV Racing as VIP guests at the high-profile races, which included Long Beach, the Indy 500, the Firestone 550, Sonoma, and Fontana. The guests were shown behind the scenes of the IndyCar industry through meet-and-greets with Tony Kanaan, pit and garage passes, and suite access with a stunning view of each track. Suppliers got to see first-hand how their components and technology play a vital role in this high-performance sport.

To maximize branding and reach new customers, Mouser encourages its supplier partners to take full advantage of their IndyCar sponsorship by co-hosting Indy-themed, customer-centric contests, ads, events and special marketing initiatives.

Littelfuse was proud to join Mouser and KV Racing as co-sponsors of the No. 11 Mouser Electronics/GEICO/KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone IndyCar, said Cathy Whittaker, Director, Global Marketing Communication, Sales Channels & Operations for Littelfuse. Our Speed2Design campaign, coupled with our highly successful Tech Talk program, afforded our contest winners a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up-close and personal for a first-hand view of racing technology.It also allowed us to communicate the critical importance of circuit protection across multiple technologies, including wired and wireless race communication between the driver and pit crew.

Participating in the IndyCar race sponsorship program with Mouser has allowed Molex to reach new customers in a unique forum, added Fred Bell, Vice President of Global Distribution at Molex.

With the support of many of Mousers top suppliers, the team experienced a great season, filled with excitement, anticipation, and some very close racing. Champion driver, Tony Kanaan, who drove the No. 11 Mouser Electronics/GEICO/KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Firestone IndyCar, logged seven Top 6 finishes during the 2012 season, including three Top 3 showings a season-high 2nd place at Milwaukee and two outstanding 3rd place finishes at Iowa and the podium finish at the historic Indianapolis 500.

Mouser first set its sights on an IndyCar sponsorship in 2011 as an innovative way to connect with the industrys top engineers and as a high-profile showcase for its valued supplier partnerships. This successful, high-tech showcase united Mouser and KV Racing Technology with IndyCar champion Tony Kanaan behind the wheel. To view a video interview with Kanaan during his recent visit to Mousers corporate headquarters, click on http://mou.sr/GSTKHT.

Throughout the season, engineers were invited to take the Mouser 500 Challenge, a series of three engineering challenges to help find design solutions to various technical problems relating to the high-speed sport of IndyCar. To learn more about Mousers 500 Engineering Challenge and the winners, visit http://www.mouser.com/500challenge/.

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Mouser Electronics Applauds Supplier Partners for 2012 IndyCar Program Success

The release of Football Manager 2013 is just around the corner, but I'm a fan of one the old classic editions of the game. Football Manager 2007 remains my favourite, but I will, of course, reserve judgement for the new game.

Whatever version of the game you are playing, signing players in likely to be paramount to your success or failure as a manager. Clearly, an important component of this is to rely on your scouts giving reliable information when recommending players.

Like most managers, I also have a list of potential signings that I would like to bring in. It is important to make signings in every transfer window to keep your squad fresh. My usual strategy for contract negotiations is to try to save the club as much money as possible; this means trying to remove signing on fees and bonuses whenever possible.

This is something that is easy to do at the beginning of June and when there isn't any competition for your targets. However, it is much harder at the end of August, or in the very time restrictive January transfer window.

Therefore, I have learned that it is better to offer something close to the player's demands in these circumstances. It is usually possible to remove a signing on fee and a minimum release fee clause, but bonus payments can sometimes cause a problem.

It should be noted that it is possible to get a player to agree a deal even when not meeting his wage demands, but if removing something elsewhere, then you may want to improve the basic wage to sweeten the deal.

The real key to quick signings is having your scouts constantly working for you. That way you will always have a list of targets. The information on potential transfer fees and how interested they would be to join your club is often invaluable. It is important to focus on the players that are most likely to want to join your club.

However, you still have every chance to make a deal happen until the transfer window slams shut. It can actually be easier to make signings right at the end of the transfer window, than right at the beginning.

The game will stop regularly on transfer deadline day to help you get a last minute deal done. Therefore, it is always worth making that late offer for that player you have always wanted to complete your squad.

Remember that if you agree to an expensive contract to get the deal done, you can always renegotiable the contract at a later date.

The rest is here:
Personal Experience: Signing Players in Limited Time on Football Manager 2007

CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct 2, 2012) - Cheer Sport Sharks, owned and managed by Alison Moffat and Alana Potter, has brought Canadian Cheerleading to new heights over the past 10 years.Their success has led to a revolution in the sport of competitive cheerleading.

Ten years ago, Cheer Sport Sharks Competitive Cheerleading started with a small group of 35 athletes meeting once a week.Within 5 years they had relocated three times to expand their cheer gym size, in order to accommodate the constantly increasing number of athletes within the organization.Training once a week soon turned into a 7-days a week operation, attracting 550 Cheer Sport Sharks cheerleaders who trained to an award winning competitive level.

Today Cheer Sport Sharks has reached a milestone.After 10 years of dedication and hard work, Cheer Sport Sharks has surpassed many expectations.Currently, there are 3 cheer gyms that reach out to many communities, including their recently opened Cambridge Cheer Gym Facility.Many competitive cheerleading athletes dream of being part of the Cheer Sport Sharks and by expanding in Cambridge, Ancaster, and Ottawa these dreams have come true.

All Star Competitive Cheerleading

Success for the Sharks has not come easy.Canadian competitive cheerleading has become a world-renowned sport and with each year that passes the standard of skill is raised.Coaches and cheerleaders must work harder each year to stay on top.Alana Potter, co-owner of Cheer Sport Sharks, states, "Every year our teams are better and stronger. Each year we are setting a new standard of what competitive cheerleading is all about."

The greatest asset Cheer Sport Sharks has is the passion and commitment the Cheer Sport Sharks cheerleading coaches and athletes have for the sport. Each day athletes show up at the gym ready and motivated to work towards achieving personal and team goals. To be on a team with up to 30 other athletes and grow with them through every heartbreak and success creates a special bond.With that bond and the love for cheerleading, together they shine as one.

The Road of Success for Recreational and Competitive Cheerleading

What is in the future for the Sharks?Cheer Sport Sharks will continue to strive to meet the needs of all recreational and competitive cheerleading athletes.Not only will they remain dedicated to supporting cheer teams and communities, they will continue to work to seek innovative ideas and offer the ultimate cheer experience for all athletes.Cheer Sport Sharks has provided and will continue to provide state-of-the-art cheer gym facilities with premier fun and competitive cheerleading classes and training to cheerleader athletes.Cheer Sport Sharks will continue to work hard to remain the top cheer gym in all of Canada.If you are interested in joining the Cheer Sport Sharks community, locations across Ontario are currently accepting all skill levels. Become a Cheer Sport Cheerleader today!

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Cheer Sport Sharks "Destined for Success"

By BEN HENDERSON | The Tampa Tribune Published: October 03, 2012 Updated: October 03, 2012 - 12:00 AM

The High School Newsome girls swim team has gotten off to a great start this year winning the City Relays meet and meets against Academy of the Holy Names and Plant, two of the county's top teams.

First-year head coach Erin Yonkee has relied on the success of senior Barbara Caraballo, junior Merrill Wilson and sophomore Maddie Hess to lead the way for the Wolves.

"Without those girls, we wouldn't have the strength to win some of these meets," Yonkee said.

The life of a competitive swimmer requires long hours and personal sacrifice. Like many swimmers, these three are in the pool grinding out laps every morning, sometimes as early as 4:45 a.m. After a full day of classes, they return to the pool for an afternoon session.

"It's tiring, but you get used to it," said Hess, 15.

Hess and Caraballo started swimming when they were 5 years old; Wilson started when she was 7. Caraballo got into it to burn off excess energy.

"My mom says it was because of ADHD. I had trouble being still in the blocks," said Caraballo, 16.

The swimmers' hard work paid off this summer when both Caraballo and Hess qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha, Neb.

"It was incredible to be racing," said Hess, who qualified for the meet in both the 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke. "I don't think there will be any meets like that."

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Swim trio powers Newsome to success in meet after meet

PROVO, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Vivint, the largest home automation services company in North America, is celebrating superior customer service during National Customer Service Week Oct. 1-5.

Customer service professionals answer calls, tackle problems, manage teams, and are the frontline responders in making someones day a little easier, said Steve Dixon, Vivints vice president of operations. You can have world-class products and attractive pricing, but if you dont back that up with professional, friendly and effective customer service you wont succeed.

Tina Brewer, of Fredericton, New Brunswick, recalls a personal experience when Vivints customer service representatives offered timely and effective advice.

"I came home from work and attempted to enter my passcode, Brewer said. I received a message that it was an invalid code and attempted to re-enter the code. However, when I started to do so, a loud alarm sounded. I was startled and unsure what to do. The voice of Vivint's support staff came on the speaker and walked me through the necessary steps to stop the alarm.

Brewer was also connected to Vivints technical support team who taught her how to properly use her keyless entry. Vivints support staff was so kind and so helpful. I was completely overwhelmed, Brewer added. They were helpful and supportive. I know that if I were in an unsafe situation, having their support would come as a great comfort.

Vivint has won numerous awards for its customer service. It was honored as the gold winner of Customer Service Department of the Year at the 2012 American Business Awards, a top annual business recognition program. Vivint also earned gold medal honors from Contact Center World. In addition, Vivint received top honors from the Central Station Alarm Association for its exceptional service to customers and community.

At Vivint, outstanding customer service extends beyond the initial sign-up of a customer. Damien Seabrook, of North Charleston, N.C., was surprised at the fast and friendly manner of Vivints installation technicians, who arrived at his home in less than 15 minutes after he verified his account.

I was blown away by the quick response and have never had that happen in my life, Seabrook said. Once the technician verified what package I was getting he got right to work. In 45 minutes I had a new system and he even took the time to show me how to work everything. The great part about it is he even downloaded the app to my phone.

Vivints professionally trained staff offer unsurpassed monitoring and quick response time. When Steven Bennett, of Charleston, Tenn., accidentally set off his alarm system, a Vivint representative called him through the panel in less than 30 seconds. That was the quickest response I've ever had from any alarm service I've used, Bennett said. It would usually take about two to three minutes for a response from my previous service provider sometimes even longer. Vivint gives my family the peace of mind that we are well protected. I'm tickled to death with my new system. Thanks, Vivint."

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Vivint Recognizes Outstanding Customer Service as Key to Success

If you have a hard time stepping away from your computer screen, but want to get a workout, a new website called Wello will help make that possible. Wello offers personal trainers via video chat.

I read about Wello and thought it sounded intriguing -- get an affordable personal trainer without leaving your home, and schedule a session at a time that's convenient for you. Personal trainers at gyms and private studios typically cost a minimum of $75 per hour, plus to get to them can sometimes be a hassle. Initially, I was skeptical about the video aspect of Wello -- can a personal training session be successfully accomplished through video chat? But for about $20 a session, I was eager to find out.

[More from Mashable: Olympic Gold Medalist to Speak at the Social Good Summit]

I had a total of three 25 minute sessions with trainers at different levels of experience (and corresponding prices) -- one with a newer trainer, one with a celebrity yoga instructor and the third with a moderately priced trainer. Wello says some 25 minute sessions will be as low as $5, although the lowest price for a 25 minute session I found was $15. Cofounder Leslie Silverglide said Wello may eventually price trainers based on user reviews rather than that trainer's experience (a smart idea).

[More from Mashable: Dr. Drews Greenroom Startup Lets Celebrities Auction Video Chats]

Trainers can view your private profile -- which you create when you sign-up for the site. This is where you write your height, weight and fitness goals (don't worry, this is for their eyes only). This really helps them customize your workout to align with your workout goals and current fitness level.

The training sessions are largely dependent on your Internet connections. My second session had to be cancelled because of the trainer's poor Internet connection. We re-scheduled for later that day but were only able to get through 10 minutes of yoga until it began cutting in-and-out again. The other sessions went well; although I think cardio workouts are best on video chat because when and if you have to adjust the screen, you're already moving so it doesn't disrupt your workout too much. Despite the connection issues, I was able to get some great at-home workouts that were affordable, convenient and tailored to my specific needs, unlike the workouts I get from DVD's.

This is what it looks like:

Of course, virtual personal trainers cannot touch you to correct your form but I found out that if they're vocal and can give good directions, perfecting your form with the help of a trainer is not any more difficult virtually than it is in real life. The gym equipment is what you may be lacking at home, but that's no problem. When you buy your session, you fill out a form indicating what equipment you have at home (in my case, nothing but a yoga mat). The trainers prepare their workouts according to what you have at home.

After you sign-up for a Wello account by entering your name and credit card information, there is some setup involved to make sure your experience goes smoothly: Make sure your screensaver is set to a time longer than your session. Before scheduling a session, check that you're in the correct timezone since trainers are located across the U.S. You can do this by looking under "account settings."

Originally posted here:
Wello: Affordable, Personal Training Using Video Chat [REVIEW]