WORLD 400m hurdles champion Dai Greene remains confident of his Olympic gold medal prospects in London, despite another defeat to Javier Culson last night.

Greene again finished second in the Diamond League meeting in Crystal Palace behind the undefeated dominant 2012 world leader after an identical result in Paris last week.

On that occasion in France, Greene ran a personal best of 47.84secs, while clocking 48.10 last night in London with his Puerto Rican rival clocking 47.78 on both occasions.

But in the last week Greene has overcome a stuttering start to the season which had been affected by winter knee surgery and illness.

The Llanelli star, who was named Great Britain Olympic athletics team captain this week, remains adamant he will peak in London.

It was pretty good, but I would have loved to have got one over on Javier before the Olympics, said Greene.

But from where I was six weeks ago to where I am now I am still very happy.

I will work on some technical things over the next couple of weeks and there is a bit more to come.

I have more to give and feel as if I am on an upward curve.

I am getting faster every week and there are a few technical issues to iron out and I will get stronger as I do more training.

Originally posted here:
Athletics: Dai Greene confident of Olympic success

UpdatedJul 14, 2012 11:58 AM ET

The curious thing about hitting rock bottom, New York Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey discovered, is that it is not literally made of rock.

I remember it as a dark black clay, a wet, wet clay, said Dickey, recalling the bottom of the Missouri River in which he nearly drowned after vainly attempting to swim across it. It had a sucking feeling to it, but luckily not so overpowering that I was unable to push off it.

On June 9, 2007, Dickey was in the midst of an underwhelming season with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, his 11th overall in the minor leagues. His marriage, after his wife Anne learned of his infidelity, was in peril.

So while the Sounds were in Omaha, Neb., for a series against the Royals, Dickey decided to take on the daring stunt.

Maybe if I somehow get across, swim like a madman through the turbidity, he wrote in his recently released tell-all memoir, Wherever I Wind Up, God will help me close the prodigious gap between the man I am and the man I want to be.

Five years later, Dickey sat in front of his locker at Citi Field and talked to The Daily about that period of his life.

When I was sinking I had resigned myself to death, Dickey said. The fear had come and gone.

It has all led to a rebirth for the 37-year-old right-hander, who has reinvented himself as a knuckleball pitcher after spending parts of 14 seasons in the minors. He was selected for the All-Star Game for the first time this year. Meanwhile, his personal story of being molested as a child has put him in the national spotlight.

Continued here:
Dickey cedes control, finds success

During the 2012 Special Olympics Summer Games, held June 8-10 at The College of New Jersey, more than 2,300 Special Olympics athletes from across New Jersey competed.

Among the athletes were 16 members of the Somerset Hills YMCAs Sea Wasps swim team. This year was especially rewarding as they exceeded their prior best in 24 of 40 events, including eight team records and 10 personal bests.

We are proud of our team, said Suzi Pellegrino, Somerset Hills YMCA senior director of Aquatics. Their achievements are only matched by the strength of their friendship, their determination and their dedication to training, which fully embraces the mission of the Special Olympics.

In the 200-yard Free Relay and the 200-yard Medley Relay, team records were set by Melissa Bosch of Warren, Daisy DeSimone of Bernardsville, Samantha LaMonte of Basking Ridge and Susan Huck of Somerville. Teammates William Saillot of Berkley Heights, Robbie Finer of Warren, Matt Iannaconne of Morristown and David Yu of Basking Ridge set team records in both the 200-yard Free Relay and the 200-yard Medley Relay. Additionally, team records were set in individual events by Melissa Bosch (50-yard Breast and 100-yard IM), Daisy DeSimone (100-yard Breast) and William Saillot (100-yard Breast).

Personal bests were set by Susan Huck (100-yard Free), Samantha LaMonte (100-yard Free), William Saillot (100-yard Breast), David Yu (50-yard Back), as well as Dan Homan (100-yard back) of Basking Ridge, Vincent Xie (25-yard Back) of Basking Ridge, Stephanie Ridilla (100-yard Back) of Berkley Heights, Dan Israel (25-yard Breast) of Basking Ridge, Kristen Clark (50-yard Free) of Basking Ridge and Alicia Plucinski (200-yard Free) of Basking Ridge.

The Ys Special Olympics program is available to anyone in the community and brings to life the Ys mission to encourage healthy living for all. The Y meets its mission through low and no cost programs made possible by funds raised through the Strong Kids campaign.

The teams medal count was quite high, said Coach David DeSimone, but I dont pay much attention to the medals. Rather, I focus on the effort and the outcome. The ultimate winners are those who can always improve performance, and every athlete on our team earned at least one personal record. In my nine years coaching, this is the best Summer Games team weve had.

For more information, visit somersethillsymca.org or call 908-766-7898.

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Somerset Hills YMCA swim team has success at 2012 Special Olympics Summer Games

Just six days after Bradley Wiggins does or doesn't roll into the Champs lyses and the history books as the first British man to win the Tour de France, the focus of a summer in which cycling fever has gripped the country like never before will be a 10-mile loop of winding road in the green hills of Surrey.

Box Hill, 15 miles east of Guildford, has for decades been a magnet for amateur cyclists drawn to the hairpin bends of its Zig Zag Road. In exactly two weeks, they will give way and watch as a five-man British team, including Wiggins and Mark Cavendish, takes on the hill in their bid to win Britain's first gold medal at the Olympic road race.

Fans of Andy Murray will never swing a racket on Centre Court. Amateur footballers will never miss a penalty at Wembley. But on a rare sunny morning last week, I pedalled my bike from London to Box Hill and back to pave the way for the pros.

What they may not appreciate as they whizz round the loop nine times on their way to the finish line on The Mall, where Cavendish is favourite to win, is what this peaceful corner of the Home Counties symbolises for a sport that has risen from niche to national obsession and what all sports can learn from its triumph.

The good news: the Zig Zag Road will be a ride in the park after Wiggins' Alpine exploits during the Tour. The newly laid tarmac takes in two hairpin bends but soon flattens out to offer breathtaking views. I was panting rather more than the pros will. Two years ago, I was cycling almost 200 miles a week. Today I consume almost that figure in biscuits.

But cycling offers a sporting stage for players of all abilities and shapes. And in the weeks in the run-up to the 156-mile road race, on 28 July, and the 87-mile women's race the next day, vast amateur pelotons have come to what will be one of the most picturesque venues at the Games.

Tony Scott is, like me, wearing Sky kit, in honour of the team that boasts Wiggins and Cavendish. The youthful 53-year-old, a Box Hill regular for 30 years, is typical of a free-wheeling demographic that has grown to such proportions it has a name. They are the "Mamils" (Middle-Aged Men In Lycra) who have 4,000 to burn on a bike and Sunday mornings to kill on rural roads.

"I've always come out here once a week," says Tony. "When I heard the Olympics were going to be on my doorstep, it was brilliant and now I'm riding more often because it's so lively."

Dave Fleming owns Cycles Dauphin, in the village of Box Hill that has benefited from the increase in traffic. "There are hundreds if not thousands of riders going past at weekends," he says. "Yesterday we had a guy with his son who'd come down from Aberdeen just to check out the course."

Thousands of spectators are expected to line the Olympic route on race day. Many will be cyclists, but the unprecedented success of British riders first in the velodrome, and now on the road is steering the sport into the mainstream.

Original post:
From the Alps to Box Hill, cycling hits summit of success

You've got a hot business idea, a vision and a plan. Unfortunately, there's not a lot you can do without access to some cold, hard cash.

Unless exceptionally lucky, most SME owners will have to secure capital investment at some stage of their business lifecycle. However, gaining the attention of potential investors, and ensuring they trust you enough to close the deal, can often be trickier terrain.

Securing capital investment can often be a slow and frustrating process, especially for first-time entrepreneurs. Most business owners would rather spend this time developing their companies rather than listing fundraising prospects, lining up potentially fruitless pitch meetings and asking for money. Unless you can prove your record of success, securing capital investments often means contacting dozens of prospects. Demonstrate knowledge of the market

There's no denying that relationships are based on trust, and this is doubly important when there's hard-earned cash involved. More often than not, this means taking a personal approach to securing investment and doing whatever it takes to convince prospects that your business is a safe bet. Demonstrating past career wins and a thorough understanding of the market you're attempting to crack is key to securing investor interest.

"When we first rolled up the capital raising sleeves, all we had was our background in footwear and 38 pages outlining Shooii's business model," says Dave Prince, managing director of the e-commerce startup specialising in footwear. "Getting your first investor is always the toughest, but once we secured some investment the doors opened a little more easily."

For Prince, proving to potential investors that he could create enough momentum to drive his business forward was essential to attracting investment.

"Investors want to see forward progression, despite young companies having the odds stacked against them.

" Persevere and take the little wins

Persistence is also an important trait for business owners looking to close a deal. He says that startups should be prepared to spend at least 50 per cent of their time on capital raising if they want to be a success.

"We took the view that most investors would say no the first time around, but rather than take offence, we kept all the contacts on a central list and provided them with a monthly update of our milestones. Highlighting little wins on the way has paid off, ultimately some prospects who initially said no have ended up investing in Shooii." Don't cut corners

Original post:
Getting personal: How to secure investment in your small business

Toronto, Ontario Canada (PRWEB) July 12, 2012

Bizandwellnes.com is delighted to announce the first in a series of events dedicated and catering to the businessperson holistically. Anastasia Valentine CEO of Sandbox, an Idea to Launch Company and Samantha Moonsammy, co-founder of STARFISH creative events + inspiration formed an event like no other that encourages business men and women to invest both in their professional development and their overall wellness to increase their productivity and success.

If a business person runs until they are on empty they will never achieve the level of success that awaits them if they choose it. Our approach is to ensure all facets of the business person are addressed including, skills, knowledge, body, and spirit. says Anastasia Valentine co-founder of http://www.Bizandwellness.com. Theres something missing for serious business people who are at their best when they are actively learning and feeling great. Events tend to be either 100% professional development or 100% wellness. It seemed logical for us to combine the two and deliver the best of both worlds to our participants.

Biz and Wellness events are unlike any other professional development opportunities. They include a very selective process to choose speakers who have demonstrated success in their field, a 100% stress free policy, on-site personal concierge for participants, high-end surroundings, luxurious gifts and unparalleled access to network with experts and like-minded business people. We created an event where people can walk away with the tools and best ideas to help them succeed at their job tomorrow, and an experience to treasure for a lifetime says Samantha Moonsammy, events + brand stylist at BizandWellness.com. If you want to be up-to-date on todays most innovative business and wellness practices, then this is one conference you wont want to miss.

We invite you to join us for an incredible event on July 27, 2012 at the Centre for Social Innovation in downtown Toronto. Spend the day with us in a place where amazing business ideas are born and leave with concrete actions reach your business goals and improve your overall well-being.

The delegate gift bags alone exceed the cost of the event not to mention the door prizes, amazing workshops, nutritious food and incredible experience. VIP Front of the line tickets are available for a limited time for only $299 and can be purchased on eventbrite at http://urbanbizandwellness.eventbrite.com/.

About Biz and Wellness

Bizandwellness.com was born out of the philosophy that successful entrepreneurs, business owners, star employees and CXOs must be nurtured holistically through education, inspiration and overall health through activities for the body, mind, spirit and soul to achieve success.Our team delivers professional and personal development seminars, workshops and lessons for the discerning businessperson through day retreats, multi day business accelerators and learning in online, urban, suburban and exotic destinations around the world. Our events attract top talent from the expert speakers to the success-oriented attendees creating a unique experience for all participants. Each event is meticulously planned to cater holistically to the success-oriented businessperson and provides a 100% stress free learning experience.

Visit us at bizandwellness.com | @bizandwellness

For more information or to schedule an interview contact:

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Biz and Wellness Urban Retreat Comes to Toronto

Leadership Principle #21: Happiness is wisely enjoying life right now, not securing a financial future you may never see. For what does a man get with all his work and all his efforts that he labors with under the sun? Ec 2:22

On an icy morning in January, a young driver lost control and careened toward me. After the echoes of crashing metal and glass subsided, the airbag dust hung like fog.

The girl in the other car threw open her door and stumbled onto the pavement. I learned later she had fractured her spine. She turned hysterical when the emergency crews arrived. We rode to the hospital together, both collared and strapped to boards.

Bouncing around in the ambulance, I marveled at how life had just changed. One moment I was heading toward a breakfast meeting and contemplating the days task list. A blink later, I sat stunned in a crumpled car.

There was a man who worked at a bank for 25 years. He built a great reputation, worked hard and received many awards. When he retired, life was good. After his death, his wife gathered all his awards and shiny memorabilia into a box. She took them to a jeweler, had them melted down, and made a ring for herself!

Why do we work so hard, if it doesnt really matter in the end? King Solomon asked the same question. With no wars to occupy him, Solomon spent his time studying philosophy and testing whether worldly pleasures could truly satisfy the deepest cravings of life.

He concluded that when he was gone, none of his riches would matter. He would just pass it on to the next generation, and new kingdoms would rise and fall. Here are a few more of Solomons conclusions found in the book of Ecclesiastes:

1. Mans envy causes him to overwork. I saw that all labor and all skillful work is due to a mans jealousy of his friend. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind (Ec 4:4).

2. Wealth has a personality. Solomon said money never sleeps because its so full of self-concern, and never stops worrying about where it will be spent or how it might be lost.

3. Enjoying our work is part of a right attitude toward life. Here is what I have seen to be good: it is appropriate to eat, drink, and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun. A couple verses later, Solomon describes the man who enjoys his labor: [He] does not often consider the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.

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Fight the futility of personal financial success

This past season was a special one for Fairports field hockey team as they finally beat their rival, Webster-Thomas, in the sectional finals after losing to them two years in a row.

One reason for their success: goalie Sara Cook or Cookie Monster as shes known on the team. Although she was just a sophomore, Cook had a phenomenal season, achieving personal bests of a .68 goals against average and a .89 save percentage and attracting the attention of college coaches.

She has already begun to make Fairport history, becoming the first goalie to be named to varsity as a freshman and only one of two players ever at Fairport to be brought up in her freshman year.

It was nice winning sectionals, Cook said. It was kind of like getting the monkey off our back because we lost to Thomas the past few years. And our team got along really well, so it was nice to accomplish our goal as a team. Theyre my family, and we all just really loved each other last year.

Fairport coach Sharon Sparling attributes Cooks success to her commitment.

Shes totally involved in field hockey and being a goalie, Sparling said. The biggest asset she has is dedication. As a seventh grader, she was my goalie and she has continued to improve the whole time.

Pamela Morris Keenan, the second Fairport coach, echoes Sparlings sentiment on the talented netminder.

Sara is a dedicated, driven player with a great deal of skill, Keenan said.

Another aspect of her game that has helped Cook is the aggressiveness she has from her days as an ice hockey player.

Im so much more aggressive in field hockey because of ice hockey, and it made me a better overall athlete because it makes you more aggressive and teaches you to work with people, and Im more competitive, Cook said.

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Field Hockey: "Cookie Monster" aims for more in 2012

Home politics Success as a premier is really up to Yingluck

Burning Issue

Piyanart Srivalo The Nation July 12, 2012 1:00 am

All administration matters have been put in Suranand's hands since he took over as the prime minister's secretary-general in June. Apart from taking care of Yingluck's official administration duties, he has also been giving her advice on how she can improve her image.

It's clear that the premier is satisfied and even impressed by Suranand's performance. Perhaps it reminds her of her old job as a CEO, especially as Suranand screens everything before putting it to her for the final nod.

This secretary-general seems to be more in charge when compared to his predecessor Bantoon Supakvanit, who only seemed to help her with documents and budget-related issues.

Unlike Bantoon, Suranand holds a "morning brief" with all units under the PM's Office at 7.30am every day to discuss and analyse news of the day so Yingluck's position as PM can be strengthened. Suranand then briefs the PM about the meeting.

In addition, Suranand also holds a meeting with the National Intelligence Agency every Monday morning to find out what's going on. This initially confused the agency, because it normally reports to its supervisor, Deputy Prime Minister General Yuthasak Sasiprapha who is in charge of security affairs.

Other than all this, Suranand is also Yingluck's eyes and ears. He is very careful and tries to keep the government's confidential information away from the public. He even controls how many high-ranking officials attend meetings, insisting that only those who are necessary attend. This, apparently, is a move to block any leakage of confidential information.

In fact, he stopped some key officials - such as the chiefs of the Public Relations Department and the National Intelligence Agency - from attending a recent Cabinet meeting. Also, he has been heard telling those attending meetings with the premier to leave their aides outside.

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Success as a premier is really up to Yingluck

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Westwood College today announced the 2012 Westwood Success Stories, a group of 100 graduates demonstrating exceptional success in pursuing careers in the face of a tough economic environment and personal challenges after getting a degree from Westwood College. From a variety of degree programs and located across the country, this groups collective determination and dedication are an inspiration to current Westwood College students, faculty and staff, showing them through personal accounts how the hands-on training students receive from a career college education pays off.

The Westwood Success testimonials are presented in personal profiles, photos and videos featured online at http://www.WestwoodSuccess.com and are seen across campuses on signs and in books made available to students. The stories represent the diverse student population of Westwood College and provide straightforward, first-person insights into the obstacles and challenges many people face when making a decision about furthering their education.

We are honored to share the extraordinary journeys of our graduates, said Dean Gouin, system president and chief executive officer of Westwood College. These are powerful stories, particularly because graduates tell them in their own words. We recognize that finding employment upon graduation is challenging for all college students in todays economic climate, but these graduates demonstrate the success that can be achieved when they are given hands-on training in their fields, significant support and embrace taking personal responsibility to overcome obstacles and challenges.

Westwood Success Stories graduates serve as ambassadors for over 30,000 Westwood College graduates who have gained real-world experience from classes led by industry professionals. These students now use their Westwood degrees to launch, change or transform their careers.

Collectively, the students represented in the Westwood Success Stories program faced numerous challenges in order to earn their degrees. These hurdles include lack of family and peer support, single-parent childcare obligations, juggling multiple jobs or lack of transportation to and from campus.

Nearly half of the students attending Westwood are single parents and most are working either full- or part-time while getting their education. More than 60 percent of students are the first in their families to pursue a higher education degree, and many have been unsuccessful at traditional and community college programs.

One Westwood Success Story, Efrain Gastelum of Los Angeles, is a graduate with a bachelors degree in network management and is now working as the manager of network operations and emerging technologies at Tangram Interiors. While in school, working full time as a manager at an oil change shop, having a full course load, balancing the birth of his first daughter and being a mentor to younger students tested his commitment to Westwood. I learned that if you fail to plan, well, plan on failing, Efrain said. Westwood worked for me because they had an individual plan for success. The availability of online and evening classes allowed me to continue to work and support my family and the instructors became mentorsmore than just teachers.

Westwood College congratulates these exceptional men and women featured as the second round of Westwood Success Stories alumni and looks forward to celebrating the successes of all our graduates for years to come.

To learn more about the Westwood Success Stories program go to http://www.WestwoodSuccess.com. You can also watch testimonial videos of select Westwood Success graduates on Westwoods YouTube channel.

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Westwood College Announces Graduate Success Stories