OLYMPIC hopeful Joe Thomas will hope to play a major supporting role to Usain Bolts headline act in Ostrava this evening.

Bolt will make all the headlines in his 100m against Dwain Chambers.

But Thomas had been due to face Kenyan 800m world record holder and world champion David Rushida, but the African pulled out yesterday.

The 24-year-old from Pontypridd needs to achieve a time of 1min 45.6secs, the A qualifying standard for the Olympics, after watching English rivals Andrew Osagie and Michael Rimmer already achieve that target this summer.

It is seven tenths of a second quicker than his outdoor personal best, but Thomas is hoping for a repeat of his remarkable indoor campaign when he clocked sixth successive personal best on the way to a World Indoors semi-final in Istanbul in March.

A heel injury curtailed his hopes of a medal, but Thomas is hoping to have recovered from this setback.

Hopefully if I can get the standard in the first couple of races, it will take some pressure off me, he said.

I can look to the trials at the end of June where I will be looking to be in peak form and finish in the top two.

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Welshman Thomas aiming to prove another success in ace Bolt’s shadow

23 May 2012 Last updated at 19:08 ET By Karen Weintraub Boston, Massachusetts

Clover Food Lab, a trendy food truck and regional restaurant chain, has been experimenting with parsnips lately.

The soups and fritters worked well from the start, but the sandwich, offered at one food truck, needed some tweaking.

So, the chef used the food truck's Twitter feed and blog to solicit opinions about the sandwich's flavour, and the texture of the root vegetables.

He tinkered twice with the recipe according to suggestions, and then put version three out for public consumption.

Asking for such responses helps improve Clover's food - and its connection with customers - according to the company's president and founder, Ayr Muir.

"When you ask people for help, you deepen the relationship you have with the person," says Mr Muir, whose rapidly expanding Boston-area chain currently includes six food trucks and two restaurants.

For many small businesses like Clover, social media outlets such as Twitter, Facebook and blogs offer a relatively inexpensive way to build brand loyalty and reach potential customers.

Twitter's a neat way for me to hear what people have to say

But many companies are still very reactive - coming to social media only because they know everyone else is using it, says Zach Hofer-Shall, an analyst with Forrester Research.

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Restaurant chain's recipe for social media success

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., May23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Schaller Equity Partners ("Schaller") announced today that Coalition to Improve the Bank of Floyd, of which Schaller and its affiliates were members, succeeded in its proxy solicitation to elect three new directors to the Board of Directors of Cardinal Bankshares Corporation ("Cardinal") (CDBK.OB) at Cardinal's annual shareholders meeting held on May22, 2012. Cardinal is the public holding company for the Bank of Floyd.

The three new directors, who were supported by the Coalition, are T.Mauyer Gallimore, John Paul Houston and James W. Shortt, each a local Floyd, Virginia resident and businessman.

Douglas E. Schaller, President of Schaller Equity Partners, commented: "Obviously, we are pleased that shareholder democracy had a victory yesterday. Mauyer Gallimore, John Paul Houston and Jim Shortt are strong, thoughtful leaders who love the Bank of Floyd and the Floyd community, and they will provide the kind of independent, strategic direction the Bank needs to be all that it can be."

The other three highest vote recipients each an incumbent director who was nominated by Cardinal are Dr.Joseph Howard Conduff, Jr., Kevin D. Mitchell and G. Harris Warner, Jr. Presently, it is not known whether the latter three will serve on the Board, because Cardinal previously indicated that none of its nominees would serve if any of the Coalition's three nominees were elected.

Mr. Schaller continued, "As a personal matter, I hope Dr. Conduff and Messrs. Mitchell and Warner will answer the shareholders' call and join the new directors to serve the Bank. In any case, I believe the stage is set with exceptionally talented new actors who will deliver a great performance for the Bank, its shareowners, employees and the community. I'm looking forward to watching the success they achieve from the audience."

The election results from Cardinal's annual shareholders meeting were certified today by the independent Inspector of Election, CarlT. Hagberg and Associates, and are expected to be announced by Cardinal in accordance with its legal obligations and compliance procedures.

Schaller Equity Partners owns approximately 9.8% of Cardinal's stock. Its concerns about the management and strategic direction of Cardinal and the Bank resonated with other Floyd area residents to form the catalyst for the Coalition's commencement of its proxy context. Other members of the Coalition were BobbyL. Gardner, CarolS. and R.Devereux Jarratt, and John Michael Turman.

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Schaller Equity Partners Announces Proxy Context Success: Three New Directors Elected to Board of Cardinal Bankshares ...

OAKLAND, Calif., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Litigation firm Boxer & Gerson today announced a unanimous victory over Volvo Truck, Consolidated Metco and Wittke Manufacturing. The firm's client, a Brentwood man and his wife were awarded $11.4M for personal injuries sustained in a 2007 crash caused by defective parts and servicing used in a garbage truck. Judge Maxine Chesney of the U.S District Court for the Northern District of California presided and had indicated that relevant parties should settle the matter. None of the three defendants offered settlement terms during trial despite the recommendations of Judge Chesney.

On October 29, 2007, the plaintiff, a 46-year-old Local 70 Teamster employee of Waste Management was driving a garbage truck near the Livermore airport when the right front hub of the vehicle fractured, causing the right front wheel to detach. As a consequence of the failure of the hub, the garbage truck crashed to pavement, causing a compression injury to the plaintiff's spine. He has undergone three surgeries with limited success and more surgeries will be required to alleviate the constant pain that has prevented him from continuing employment.

"We are gratified by the total vindication of our client," said Gary Roth of Boxer & Gerson, who argued the case with colleague John Anton. "We were well aware of the wrongdoings on the parts of Volvo, ConMet and Wittke, and the very difficult outcomes created for the plaintiff. We appreciate the thoroughness of the court's unanimous decision and the consideration reflected in the award."

The failure of the right front aluminum hub occurred because the hub was overloaded. The defendants knew that 15,000 to 25,000 hubs were already in service in trucks across the United States and that there had been a number of failures due to overloading.

At trial, the plaintiffs introduced emails dating back to 2004 between engineers from ConMet and Volvo Truck in which ConMet advised that "going forward" alternate hubs should be used or that the hubs should be rated at a lower capacity. Despite this knowledge in 2004, neither ConMet nor Volvo Truck sought to recall the aluminum hubs or to notify of the risk of failure due to overloading during normal use.

About Boxer & Gerson

Boxer & Gerson, LLP in Oakland, California is a law firm recognized nationally for its trial advocacy skills. Founded in 1977, our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of Bay Area workers, elders and families. Our practice areas are concentrated in workers' compensation, social security and personal injury and we are the largest firm in Northern California representing injured employees.

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Boxer & Gerson Secures Unanimous Victory for Client in Volvo Personal Injury Case

Mayor Michael J. McGlynn announced the recycling event held May 9 at Medford City Hall was a huge success.

This service was provided for Medford residents who would have no other way to dispose of personal information, McGlynn said. I think our senior citizens especially were able to take advantage of this service. any residents attended to have personal records that they no longer needed such as bank statements or medical files, disposed of right in front of them.

More than one ton of paper was able to be recycled.

Councilor Paul A. Camuso, who introduced this as resolution at a recent City Council meeting agreed.

In todays world, you can never be too cautious, or too safe, so being able to provide this service free to all Medford residents was an invaluable resource, Camuso said.

Most of the items that were shredded were items that could not safely be placed in recycling bins. In keeping, with the Go Green Medford, theme, it enabled residents to recycle their personal documents in a secure fashion.

Universal Shredding of Georgetown, a state contracted company, handled the shredding for the event.

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Medford City Hall shredding event was huge success

Arlington, VA The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), a standards developing organization that represents the manufacturers and suppliers of global communications networks, today invited the public to participate in the development and advancement of intersystem core networks standard for mobile phone roaming.

TIAs subcommittee on Mobile and Personal Communications - Core Networks (TR-45.8) has developed the below standards and opened them once again for public review. The subcommittees focus is on developing performance, compatibility and inter-operability standards for equipment supporting wireless packet data that is independent from a system that supports any combination of public, non-public or residential mobile and personal communications. The subcommittee members develop circuit-switched core network, packet data core network and multimedia core network standards. These standards pertain to service definition and network interface standards to promote interoperability and intersystem operations, for interfaces between those network elements that comprise the infrastructure, in support of seamless service to wireless subscribers, other mobile and personal communication network systems, auxiliary systems, and to other networks. TR-45.8 is also developing standards pertaining to regional regulatory capabilities.

The following standards are open for public review and comment until June 25.

TIA-41.321-E [E] Mobile Application Part (MAP) - VOICE FEATURE SCENARIOS: CALL DELIVERY

TIA-41.324-E [E] Mobile Application Part (MAP) - VOICE FEATURE SCENARIOS: CALLING NUMBER IDENTIFICATION PRESENTATION, CALLING NUMBER IDENTIFICATION RESTRICTION

TIA-41.325-E Mobile Application Part: Voice Feature Scenarios: Conference Calling

TIA-41.326-E Mobile Application Part (MAP) - Voice Feature Scenarios: Do Not Disturb

TIA-41.327-E Mobile Application Part: Voice Feature Scenarios: Flexible Alerting

TIA-41.328-E Mobile Application Part (MAP) Voice Feature Scenarios: Mobile Access Hunting

TIA-41.328-E-1[E] Mobile Application Part (MAP) Voice Feature Scenarios: Mobile Access Hunting

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TIA Invites Commentary on New Mobile Phone Roaming Standards

LOCAL authorities should make ownership of the five-year national development plan as a country aspiration and translate it into their annual plans, a national conference heard yesterday.

The deputy minister for finance and economic affairs, Ms Saada Salum, while addressing a national conference organized by Economic and Social Research Bureau with the theme, "Unleashing growth potentials in Tanzania," said there is need for local ownership and appreciation of the development plan.

"It is everyone's role to own the national development agenda and execute responsibilities even at a personal level," she said. She went on to say that there is a comprehensive programme that has been put together to scale down the challenges facing wananchi, in the 2012/2013 budget.

The deputy minister added that there is need to increase productivity, chart out ways of translating the celebrated economic growth figure into peoples' lives.

Echoing the same sentiments, the Executive Director for REPOA, Dr Sammuel Wangwe said that every region or district should translate the national five-year plan into their plans.

The government early last year launched a five-year development plan (2011/12 to 2015/16) that is aimed at boosting the economy to grow from 8 per cent to 10 per cent annually, with priority areas being generation of adequate electricity and water supply, among other social services; boosting agriculture and agro-processing; infrastructure improvement such as railways, roads network, ports, aviation and marine transportation; tourism and ICT.

It took into account overall national development goals and policy objectives; sectoral initiatives, the National Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty, MKUKUTA II, the key benchmarks of Long Term Perspective Plan (2011/12-2025/26), as well as findings of the Review of Vision 2025.

Sharing experiences on how China managed to cut absolute poverty through policies that promote inclusive growth and development, the Director General of International Poverty Reduction Centre in China, Dr Huang Chengwe, said all policies should be aimed at achieving the wellbeing of the people.

Dr Chengwe said there was need to attract investments to the currently weaker industries, raise tax threshold and formulate revitalization plans. He also pointed at the need to expand coverage of public finance in agriculture sector and increase the supply of goods to rural areas.

The Director of Economic Research and Policy at Bank of Tanzania, Dr Joseph Masawe said that despite the socio-economic progress recorded so far in the country, it is estimated that 700,000 Tanzanians join the labour market each year, out of which the public sector only absorbs 40,000 to 50,000.

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Tanzania: Engross National Development Plan, Local Authorities Urged

PERSONAL bests will again be on the radar of athletes when Mount Isa and Cloncurry Athletics Clubs hold their next competition days tomorrow.

During the last club meeting, seventeen dedicated athletes from Cloncurry travelled to Mount Isa to compete.

Mount Isa Athletics Club vice president David Scott said the visiting club attend the Mount Isa competition day at an opportune time.

"They picked a great time to come down as we were running hurdles this week, which is something they don't get to experience in Cloncurry as of yet," he said.

"As an added bonus, the older athletes we also try triple jump and hammer throw."

While the viability of the Cloncurry club is being assessed, its members are recognised at Mount Isa athletes and are vying for the same end-of-year trophies.

Club records are being kept separately so when Cloncurry does branch out on its own it will have its own set of local records.

Sergeant Mick Hughes from Cloncurry PCYC, who facilitates the fledgling club, said visiting athletes enjoyed the day.

"A few of the kids have already asked when we are coming back," he said.

"On that note alone I am guessing that they had a good time."

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PBs in the sights of Isa-Curry athletes

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire -05/24/12)- In the UK we're set for a summer of sport. Whilst many of the world's top athletes will be gracing our TV screens throughout July and August, what will you be doing to further your fitness goals?

If you're already big on fitness, but feel like you'd to take this even further now could be the time to seek personal trainer or fitness instructor qualifications. Once qualified you can kick start your new career in the fitness industry.

Choosing from the personal trainer courses from the Training Room you'll be in the perfect position to do just that.

Training Room Personal Trainer Courses

The following gym instructor and personal training courses are available at the Training Room:

With the range of courses available you'll be able to select the best method of study to work around your current schedule. Who knows you could be well on your way to your own personal sporting career before the world's top athletes even touch down in the country.

Notes to Editors

- Students at the Training Room stand a great chance of securing their dream career in the health and fitness industry - the extensive training programmes providing students with all the necessary skills to thrive in the industry.

- Support doesn't finish even after graduation from the personal trainer course as all graduates are given access to an exclusive job board, full of vacancies with some of the biggest organisations in the UK.

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Kick Start Your New Career

Sky Blues in the Community are set to start a new football and personal development project with homeless adults and people living in sheltered accommodation.

The seven week programme is being delivered in partnership with the Salvation Army, who moved to their new 9million residential centre in Harnall Lane West in the centre of Coventry earlier this year.

Sky Blues coaches will be providing free football sessions every Monday evening at Coventry Sports and Leisure Centre, and will also be delivering a series of informal workshops to create an awareness of healthy eating, the importance of physical activity and hydration; with the aim of promoting a more active and physical lifestyle.

The Salvation Army sessions are being delivered as part of Sky Blues in the Community's 'InForm' project, which provides free weekly football for adult men at venues across the city.

Tony Higham who is responsible for managing meaningful activities and client development programmes at the Harnall Lifehouse Hostel in Coventry said; "We are delighted to be involved in this brand new initiative and grateful to Sky Blues in the Community for providing our clients this opportunity.

"Having constructive and enjoyable ways to spend leisure time is part of reaching your full potential, something we strive for our clients to achieve all the time, add to that being conscious of your health and fitness is a winning combination, our clients are looking forward to this programme and can't wait for it to begin".

InForm is funded by the Pfizer UK Foundation from September 2011 for 12 months. The Sky Blues in the Community team will also be launching a similar seven week programme with Coventry MIND and other similar organisations, targeting adult men with mental health challenges.

Guy Rippon, Business Development Manager for Sky Blues in the Community said "We are really pleased to be working with the Salvation Army on this programme.

Click here to find out more about Sky Blues in the Community!

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SBITC: Football programme for the homeless