'Counter-Terror' Policy Targets Uyghurs

2011-04-07
A new report says China uses the threat of terrorism to crack down on Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

AFP
Uyghur men and women chat outside a mosque in Urumqi, July 17, 2009.

China's anti-terrorism policy deliberately targets ethnic minority communities such as Uyghurs and Tibetans struggling for greater autonomy, according to a white paper by a rights group.

The policy equates terrorism with groups pushing for more self-governing rights, is too broad in scope, and shirks international human rights commitments, said the Hong Kong and New York-based Human Rights in China (HRIC).

The paper looked into human rights concerns within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional intergovernmental organization which includes China and five other member states-Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan-with a total population of 1.5 billion people.

It said the SCO approach to counter-terrorism, modeled on China'sThree Evils doctrine, and highlighting principles of territorial integrity, noninterference in internal affairs, and social stability, contributes to supporting repressive regimes at the expense of human rights.

A failure to demand accountability from the SCO undermines the effectiveness and integrity of the international system in countering terrorism and advancing rule of law, peace, and security, HRIC said.

"China's approach to counter-terrorism is the Three Evils doctrine, and it links terrorism with separatism and extremism," HRIC director Sharon Hom said in an interview.

"This Three Evils approach is overbroad, highly politicized, and while not exclusively applied only to ethnic minority groups, it is regularly applied to Uyghurs and Tibetans in its practice."

Hom said other SCO member states follow China's lead by recognizing Xinjiang and Tibet as inalienable territories of China and repatriating its ethnic minorities who seek asylum within their borders.

"China has enormous clout in the SCO, and you can also see it in the ways in which the other SCO member states and the SCO will completely parrot China's line and China's policy on these two so-called autonomous regions."

Treatment of Uyghurs

The HRIC white paper said it found "serious issues" concerning China's treatment of Uyghurs, including the principle of non-refoulement and potential use of torture during interrogations.

Regulations specific to Xinjiang became part of China's domestic counter-terrorism legal framework in December 2009 when provincial-level lawmakers revised the region's Comprehensive Management of Social Order.

Through the revisions, Chinese authorities were ordered to specifically crack down on the three threats of "terrorism, separatism, and extremism" in the aftermath of the July 2009 ethnic violence in Urumqi which left hundreds dead, according to official media reports.

HRIC called the amendments "unique" to Xinjiang, adding that "such singular focus by the Chinese government ... suggests that the concept of terrorism has been applied in a biased fashion, with the Uyghur community the subject of intense scrutiny and suspicion."

It noted that while China does face real threats of terrorism, "the limited involvement of Uyghurs in terrorist acts cannot serve as justification of widespread repression throughout [Xinjiang] or the labeling of peaceful Uyghur activists under the rubric of the Three Evils."

Adherence to rules

But despite its reliance on the Three Evils doctrine, HRIC wrote, China continues to claim that it is acting to "firmly uphold and fulfill the resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council," according to a statement by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security (MPS).

Under U.N. rules, China pledged to oppose the "arbitrary widening" of the scope of fighting terrorism and identifying terrorism with any specific ethnic group or religion.

"The Three Evils doctrine undermines this principled approach and, in doing so, compromises human rights guaranteed under international law, and international counter-terrorism efforts as a whole," HRIC said.

HRIC recommended that Beijing narrow its "Three Evils"-based approach to national security and reformulate its definition of terrorism.

On June 24 last year, Chinese authorities announced they had broken up a "terrorist" ring of a Uyghur separatist group, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), after arresting more than ten of its members involved in an alleged major plot against China.

The announcement said that information leading to the arrest had been obtained through the investigation of 20 "individuals of Chinese citizenship" who had been deported to China on December 20, 2009-the exact date that Cambodia deported 20 Uyghurs seeking asylum following the July 5 ethnic unrest in Urumqi.

The statement also indicated that several of the alleged ETIM members had confessed to participating in a wide array of terrorist activities during interrogation.

Human Rights Watch said in February that the Cambodian government has a "dismal track record" of deporting refugees granted asylum status by the UNHCR, particularly those from neighboring countries such as China and Vietnam.

Ethnic tensions

Millions of Uyghurs-a distinct, Turkic minority who are predominantly Muslim-populate Central Asia and the Xinjiang region.

Ethnic tensions between Uyghurs and majority Han Chinese settlers have simmered for years, and erupted in riots in July 2009 that left some 200 people dead, according to the Chinese government's tally.

Uyghurs say they have long suffered ethnic discrimination, oppressive religious controls, and continued poverty and joblessness despite China's ambitious plans to develop its vast northwestern frontier.

Chinese authorities blame Uyghur separatists for a series of deadly attacks in recent years and accuse one group in particular of maintaining links to the al-Qaeda terrorist network.

Reported by Mamatjan Juma for RFA Uyghur service. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Copyright © 1998-2011 Radio Free Asia. All rights reserved.

 

West Vancouver Roofing Issues

Vancouver Roofing

Within Vancouver special care is needed when getting a estimate for any house. A roof covering company within Vancouver needs to know exactly what they are dealing with when getting your roof off. Unexpected expenses are a common situation in Vancouver and each owner ought to be prepared

Heritage- becoming one of the oldest areas within the GVRD you can realize that there are some pretty old houses. With a steep pitch roof, most likely in the vicinity of 12/12 pitch which basically means 45 degree position roofing. The original roofing had been cedar tremble sitting on taping. I don't know whether it was being lazy or even the norm, in the event that people were attempting to cut costs but if you have this roof you probably obtained several layer on the top. The original continues to be on and 2 additional levels sit down over the cedar shake. I have run into home where five layers sat on top of the home. According to creating code now days the Vancouver Roofing contractor must eliminate all layers if your brand new roofing will be positioned above. You people tend to pay much more due to the steepness, the actual few levels associated with roof, the plywood deck and also the trouble. You are probably 2 feet out of your neighbours

Roofing Vancouver

Low Slope - Vancouver unique homes run throughout East Vancouver. The actual slight trouble with these homes when it comes to roof covering is the fact that fewer and fewer roofing businesses out there do tar as well as tiny rocks. The choice you've is actually flashlight on or metal. Asphalt tiles can't go on these types of homes. Your message would be to low as well as asphalt probably would not last ten years. Vancouver Roofing companies which have been in the business of torch upon in excess of ten years are most likely dependable. Snow and ice build up upon these types of roofs trigger small pools to develop in your roof as well as trigger major leaking, always keep the rain gutters as well as downpipes clear.

Low Slope or even High Downward slope cedar tremble -- Within Vancouver this is common about the Western aspect. There is not much to say of Cedar within Vancouver. There is a long time period through the Sixties, 1970's as well as 80's whenever Vancouver Roofing companies were not setting up cedar. Most Cedar rooftops are brand new construction. cedar may be the 1 creation that the majority of issues can be determined prior to the function begins

Reduced Slope or even High Downward slope Asphalt roofing - For those who have asphalt roofing and it hasn't been transformed in the last ten years then you have a good deck. Because the 70's asphalt came into the marketplace. Along with brand new construction shiplap or even also known as language and groove had been the only real option of the solid outdoor patio. Shiplap techniques a lot during the cold months as well as in summer so plyboard ought to be layered lower by the roofer

 

Roof covering in Burnaby

Roofing within Burnaby can have its challenges and also the best way to undergo them all would be to work from Northern in order to Southern starting towards the top associated with Burnaby. In North Burnaby the actual hills begin to incline and decrease to some pretty strong angles. The big challenges I've found here are driveway steepness and use of the house, even though this might not seem like a issue for you it's a truly big issue for any roofer who has to hand carry your own old roofing upward the hill as well as hand have your brand-new roofing lower a slope.

Hard, the downward slope region in this area stored creating contractors aside and as a result you have homes which were just about all constructed through separately employed building businesses. There are some portions of North Burnaby that have small contractors houses just about all built together but to the degree that Central Burnaby has. North Burnaby has more fascinating built designs and rooftops making a ball recreation area figure estimate in this area pretty hard.

Burnaby Roofing

Central Burnaby is where big construction businesses having a regular architectural way of building the house had been fairly busy throughout the 70`s as well as earlier 80`s. With a shiplap outdoor patio being the only choice as well as asphalt tiles becoming the option as well as positioned on a home. These days shiplap is the roofers adversary because of the fact the tiles of today aren't designed to use shiplap. Trying to persuade main Burnaby they have to re-deck the roof with plywood has often already been overlooked and even for good cause.

The caliber of shiplap has elevated levels of this area with most of it which i have come across becoming between Six as well as Eight inches that is perfect. Apart from that this particular a part of Burnaby is fairly easy to roofing in with entry not being an issue all that frequently along with a clear style in steep roof that's easy to understand. A lot of Vancouver special offers focused right here to with torch upon becoming the main choice in the original tar residue and tiny rocks choice. Cedar rooftops often spread the east aspect of the area with most converting to asphalt

Southern Burnaby has a tendency to have bigger rooftops that are scattered with asphalt as well as cedar tremble. Cedar tremble roofs in this area are generally through homes close to 20 years aged. This house tends to convert right into a asphalt roofing and most have okay entry but some do not and the roofs aren't everything in order to steep. A few asphalt roofs lower here actually have plyboard patio's which is usually a big saving idea for any property owner

 

West Vancouver Roofing

West Vancouver is really a region of valley's and side rails, steep drive-ways as well as concealed roofs. This is often a roofing contractors headache but there are roof covering companies who are employed in the region and know what these people most likely could be coping with. Unlike additional metropolitan areas within the City Vancouver area, large building businesses did not purchase big tracks associated with property and develop designed suv cul-de-sacs. They are doing can be found however to a much smaller degree than additional cities. Consequently you can find in a single road 20 homes all constructed differently. I guess due to the land landscape this was the only way to get houses built in a few regions.

There is definitely the boom during the 70's through the shear quantity of shiplap patio's out there. The majority of roofs within West Vancouver that require a replacement tend to be asphalt roofs that sit on the shiplap outdoor patio. They shingle is normally the interlock shingle which was made for shiplap but no more obtainable in the higher Vancouver area. Most home owners in West Vancouver tend to be understanding that they right now need a plywood outdoor patio to pay for the shiplap.

Several Cedar roofs appear in West Vancouver although not a lot that requires replacing. Most twenty year old cedar tremble roofs within West Vancouver happen to be changed so you look for a cedar roof in some places. Changing cedar along with cedar is not a just about all in order to typical practise and most Cedar roofs are in brand new building.

Roofing West Vancouver

Vancouver special offers are not all to common in West Vancouver. Flashlight upon and tar residue and tiny rocks is available although not suggested. The rainfall and blowing wind is commonly a bit more severe within West Vancouver, with the high amount of trees and shrubs and the chance of a heavy snow drop metal is a higher suggestion.

Obtaining a roof estimation in West Vancouver can be very diverse from the individual living right next door. for those who have the high driveway, possess a roof that is higher than Thirty degrees and also over 2000 sq ft compared to you are able to spend a lot more than $ 3000 compared to your neighbour. The kind of roofing as well as amount of pulsating can produce a big difference. Within West Vancouver it is very hard to golf ball park a cost for this really reason. I guess you could state based on the little land you reside upon and also the design from the roofing could make all the difference between a high estimate along with a low estimation. Roof entry is a huge problem with a few roofing contractors needing to hand carry the old roof over hundred feet than hands transporting the brand new roofing a hundred feet towards the house.

Obtain 3 estimations to compare apples along with apples and for the same item, provides you with a chance to become knowledgeable and get the best concerns. Most roofs within West Vancouver is actually under ventilated so make sure when you get your roof estimate you can see in the event that every estimation you receive may change your ventilation or your brand-new roofing won't final. The additional air flow isn't a addition cost therefore the much more the actual better, you cannot have a limit upon air flow. Sapling particles is a problem therefore maintain your roof with no damage the roof item. drip motorized inflator has become the greatest form of maintenance.

 

Victoria roofing Contractors -- Altering Several rooftops

Victoria roofing Contractors can save a bit of cash whenever working on your roof as well as some of your own neighbours. There are lots of cul-de-sac's out there in Victoria where the houses were built at the same time and all sorts of having a cedar or even asphalt roofing with the same warranty as well as environment conditions. The house are generally built with exactly the same design and also have the exact same ventilation problems so when it is time to substitute your neighbors then its time for you to substitute yours..

New building roofing Victoria twenty years back included about a 20 12 months warranty. The majority of rooftops begin to drip soon after the 20 year mark as well as suddenly the whole road gets their own rooftops replaced. When A Victoria roofing estimator involves your home and you are on great terms with your neighbors you may could persuade your own neighbours to obtain a roofing estimation too. Most Victoria roofing companies will offer 2 estimations. One is the actual estimate if perhaps you were to replace you house on it's own in the street. Another estimation is for you and also the actual neighbours that have chosen a estimation as well, if you have persuaded your neighbours to do this.

Victoria roofing Contractors can save money in 2 major places when several roof covering. One out of the shipping cost of the materials is greatly reduced when a roofing company can get 3 homes in one shipping. The second is the actual wastage, movement of waste is what is expensive as well as making sure that the actual waste is moved together will allow the Victoria Roofing Company to lessen the price of your new roofing. When neighbors customize the roofing project done together this provides future home owners to complete the same within thirty many years when your brand new roofs obtain aged.

Find the Best Victoria Roofing Contractor

I live in Victoria as well as understand how hard it is to find a decent service provider to operate on your home. All of them seem genuine first plus they all guarantee you the world. Unfortunately there are some that really deliver upon these types of promises.

Roofing companies aren't any exception and want to do your research in order to discount the great types in the bad types.

The roof is a vital component of any house. This is your main barrier of numerous of the components found outdoors. If you have the leaking roof you could discover your self placing plenty of pans and pots throughout your house to trap water. If your roof will get really poor additionally you risk this caving in from some point.

Fortunately if your roof is built the proper way it will last for a number of decades. You can even find some roofs that are each so great they are able to last for half a century.

Finding a reliable roofing company within Victoria and also you require this kind of function done is of the utmost importance. You would like someone who's likely to provide you with a fair bet, do the job on time, and employ regular or over average supplies.

This is the objective you just need to good the roof for an region who is willing and able to get it done.

Here are a few stuff that Personally, i would search for and will make an application for not only Victoria, but all areas in the united kingdom:

When i first prefer to begin with referrals. I know I'm not alone who has a home and that i want to request other people their opinion but experienced roof covering function done before me personally. Friends, family members, coworkers, associates, and folks you realize will usually not really steer a person incorrect. They are able to make use of a immediate you to definitely a person who has been doing a great job on their behalf. Unless an individual isn't keen on a person these were not often recommend the roofing company within Victoria who has carried out substandard function.

Subsequent, you want to get at least 3 estimates. Roof covering work is expensive naturally and you desire a service provider who's going to provide you with a reasonable and sensible cost. Keep in mind a fair as well as reasonable quote is going to be higher. Comprehend too that roof covering companies spend some of the highest insurance costs from any business in the nation. Since the function done roof covering companies workers comp prices tend to be regarding five times higher than additional like Contractors. It is not unusual with this kind of company to pay for $30 in workers comp premiums for each hundred dollars these people pay out in pay-roll. These costs need to be passed on to the consumer. Therefore, when you are getting a bid from the roofing company understand that a minimum of Thirty to 40% associated with what he's charging you is just to cover administrative as well as insurance costs. An individual who sends in for you and very low bid is most likely without insurance weren't covered whatsoever.

Every thing should be created on the agreement. This includes the materials to be used in your house and also the time that it will take to install them. Do not depart anything as a spoken agreement. You have to be able to precisely evaluate that which you were obtaining for the cost you are having to pay and make an educated decision. When the estimators arrive they'll try to lure you in to putting your signature on something right away. Avoid them. You need three estimations, side by side in your desk, and also you need to take time to see them each carefully including the fine print.

Finally, check up on a Victoria's roofing Contractors experience as well as status. You would like them to have enough encounter in order to do the job. Optimally, you want a company that's been around the block and nothing can shock all of them. If they have existed not less than 5 years they're going to have a trustworthiness of either doing excellent work are now being people. The best individuals to request the nearby contractors. Even if it is their own rival a company proprietor were usually not speak bad regarding an additional company unless he really feels he does care terrible work. You can also ask roofing providers that they think is the greatest. These people work with 100s a roofer's each month and are inside a great position to give you within info.

These are the three items I'd look for when choosing my roofing contractor. I'm fussy about the individuals I choose to do business with and you should end up being fussy too. You cannot rely on a companies yellow page ad to tell a person what they're regarding. Each and every company says of the the very best. Roofing companies are no exception and sometimes go with what are the largest phonebook advert of the biggest crooks.

Do your homework and you ought to manage to find a decent Victoria roofing company. Take your time and don't let anyone rush a person. Opt for your stomach and do not spend your hard earned money with anyone you feel uncomfortable with

The right roofer Victoria is right at the doorway step should you choose your due diligence and thoroughly check a corporation's background and reputation. This will make sure you do not get sold on something you don't need or even doing business with a con designer.

Make sure you click here for more information about Victoria roofing contractors.

 

Roofing Vancouver evaluation, cost estimates as well as prices

Roof covering can be described as probably the most essential stage of creating while creating any building or home. In the previous a long time various roof covering methods and materials happen to be used based on the climatic conditions and requirements of the residents. Using the remarkable development and enlargement in the field of construction there are various roofing vancouver options accessible these days. You will find various roofing contractors Vancouver as well as roofing businesses Vancouver, which offer Vancouver roofing providers. Roofing Vancouver choices provided right now match the demands from the dweller, serve well for the purpose of roof covering and look appealing also.

The initial step in path associated with changing of roofing vancouver should include a considerable research created on the web or even by visiting numerous roofing vancouver providers. By this One can acquire information on unique facets of changing the roofing and get one of the most affordable estimates. Roofing Vancouver service providers offer essential capabilities and engineering strategies for the actual replacement of a current roof. For that replacement of roofing pick a contractor or a company that is properly most respected within Vancouver and is licensed to provide services. Acquire various estimates to check the expense supplied because there may be a difference in roofing vancouver costs as well as estimates of several companies. You will discover numerous elements that determine the particular price of changing the roofing, so having some precisely hands could be genuinely valuable.
If the roofing from the framework has been carried out appropriately keeping in mind the most recent techniques and components a roof works well for dealing with:


Ventilation

Drinking water ingress

Water vapour diffusion

Surface safety

Warmth blood circulation


Roofing insulation basically helps in creating a hurdle, which does not allow the outer atmosphere to combine using the atmosphere associated with within. For this function there are lots of kinds of thermal insulations becoming applied today during the process associated with roof covering.

To get one of the most suitable and practical roofing vancouver materials, you have to carry out an extensive research and maintain in mind your requirements as well as monetary spending budget.

Roofing Vancouver designs accessible

There are lots of roofing vancouver designs available inside the marketplace nowadays, some being pricey and although some becoming common or even inexpensive. Probably the most well-known roofing vancouver designs include:

Gabled- This particular form is offered through creating a triangle about the front side and giving inclines on each side of the form.

Side Gabled- Within this form the non gabled attributes encounter the front generally as well as contain the front entrance.

Entrance Gabled- In this situation the actual gabled attributes generally encounter the front and can include the front entrance.

Cross Gabled- Within this particular situation the perpendicular wings are normally added to the primary portion that forms 2 individual components getting their very own gabled façade.


Best covers are basically installed for the protection associated with under roofing materials from various Ultra violet rays and bodily harm. Best covers are available in variations for example: liquid covering, manufacturing plant mineral, steel surface area, pavers and gravels.

Learn more about Vancouver roofing on roofing companies Vancouver website

It’s an odd name for a nasty condition: shingles. It has nothing to do with roofing. The Latin name, cingulum, meaning “belt,” became “shingles” in early English. The Latin name is a reference to the strips of rash on one side of the body.

Shingles is a painful skin condition that can develop in anyone who has had chickenpox. The virus that causes chickenpox, Varicella zoster virus (VZV), is a member of the herpes family. It goes into hiding when a person recovers from chickenpox, but many years later if age, illness or stress weakens the immune system, VZV can reappear. It causes extreme tenderness along the path of the affected nerve. Within a few days, a blistering rash appears.

Shingles usually attacks older people, but even individuals in their 40s may suffer. Prescription antiviral drugs such as acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir) and valacyclovir (Valtrex) can shorten the duration and intensity of the attack. These drugs are most effective if taken within a few days of the initial symptoms.

There is now a shingles vaccine, Zostavax, that halves the chance of coming down with shingles. It also seems to reduce the severity of the attacks that occur.

Some people have wondered if they should get vaccinated after they have had shingles. One reader wrote: “I had shingles many years ago. So did my friend. Her doctor gave her a shingles shot so she won’t get it again. My doctor said by having shingles I built antibodies to it and don’t need the shot. Which doctor is correct?”

Data just published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings (February 2011) show that people can get shingles more than once. As a result, it makes sense to get vaccinated even after having shingles. People are urged to get the shot after they turn 60 and not to wait until they are debilitated. The shot is considered much less reliable if the immune system is weakened.

People with shingles are often desperate, like this reader: “I have recently had an outbreak of shingles, even though I had the vaccine last year. This is the sixth week of constant burning pain, with the rash gradually fading. It covers the right side of my chest, shoulder and back of neck.

“The doctor gave me Vicodin and lidocaine patches for the pain. Is there anything natural that I could take for this nerve pain?”

Readers of this column have offered several suggestions. One person took L-lysine twice a day, on the theory that it helps heal cold sores (caused by a different herpes virus). She reported: “I didn’t have all the after-pain and the rash disappeared fast.” Another reader reported success from adenosine monophosphate injections, based on decades-old preliminary research (Journal of the American Medical Association, March 8, 1985).

One popular home remedy is Listerine: “An unemployed friend without health insurance had an outbreak of shingles on the right side of his face. It made his ear and jaw ache, and the rash was becoming raw. I found a brief mention of using Listerine on shingles, and he tried it. After 72 hours of thrice-daily application of Listerine, the sores have dried up and are scabbing over, his pain is almost gone and he is healing nicely.”

Home remedies remain untested, so preventing an outbreak is best. The vaccine offers that possibility.

Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

Old car tires are a tremendous source of waste material today. Euroshield took this into account with the design of their rubber tiles, which prolong the tires’ lifecycle. The company is careful not to use the word “green” as a selling point or catch phrase — instead they call attention to the product’s high quality and durability. They’re quite right to do so — environmental design should be expected to be a part of every product on the market – not just a catchword.

To produce the shingles made from used vehicle tires, Euroshiled removes the tire wall and cuts the tread section into large pieces. Once the treading is buffed off, the rubber surface is coated with sawdust or slate dust. To create the shingle-like texture the pieces are heated and moulded into shape. A plastic tab on each shingle panel makes it easy to attach the pieces to the roof. The panels are 3 feet wide and fit into each other as they are laid across the roof. For an average-sized home, between 600-1000 rubber tires are used to create a rubber shingle roof.

The tiles come in three different shapes and styles — one can choose between a replica of chiselled slate, concrete-looking tiles or a raw wood look. The benefits are of course that the rubber tiles never will crack, rot or warp. The shingles still have the steel belting from the tire, which makes them strong and resistant to weather as well as natural wear and tear.

The tiles aren’t the cheapest choice of roofing material on the market, but the company has spent more than ten years developing the product and they offer a 50-year guarantee. Not only are the rubber tiles manufactured in an environmentally friendly way; they are also so durable you may never have to change your roofing material again. And if you do, they are recyclable again and again.

+ Euroshield

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search engine optimization Vancouver

Making Money Cash

Another day, another honking big funding for another online start-up (and yet another broken embargo too!).

It’s like Groundhog Day in Silicon Valley as usual.

Today, Cambridge, Mass.-based HubSpot wins tech’s version of the lottery, grabbing $32 million from Sequoia Capital, Google Ventures and also Salesforce.com.

It is unclear what the valuation for HubSpot is now, although it is likely high given it has raised $65 million now.

HubSpot makes marketing software for businesses, who use it to find prospects and generate leads, along with tools to analyze the process. It claims it has “4,000 customers, over 50 percent market share, five million leads managed, and 70 million page views tracked monthly.”

The Series D financing included HubSpot’s existing venture investors–General Catalyst Partners, Matrix Partners, and Scale Venture Partners–and part of it will be used to cash out existing shareholders. In previous rounds, the start-up has raised $33 million.

Here is the official press release:

Sequoia, Google Ventures, and Salesforce.com Invest $32 Million in HubSpot

Marketing Software Company Attracts New Strategic Investors

CAMBRIDGE, MA–(Marketwire – March 8, 2011)–Today, for the first time ever, Sequoia Capital, Google Ventures and Salesforce.com all invested together in one company, providing HubSpot with a Series D round of financing through a $32 million investment. HubSpot provides all-in-one marketing software used by over 4,000 businesses to get found by more prospects, convert them into leads and sales, and analyze the entire marketing process.

“The fundamental way that people shop, learn, and buy has changed radically in the last few years. HubSpot helps transform the way businesses market from outbound marketing (cold calls, email blasts, and direct mail) to inbound marketing (Google, blogs, social media, mobile, etc.),” said Brian Halligan, co-founder and CEO of HubSpot.

Sequoia Capital has a long history of partnering with founders to help them build long-term, multi-billion dollar companies, including Google, LinkedIn, AdMob, YouTube, Yahoo!, Apple, and Oracle. “We back companies that are transforming their industries,” said Jim Goetz, General Partner at Sequoia Capital. “HubSpot is the emerging category leader in the SaaS marketing sector. Their customer base exceeds that of all the other relevant marketing software companies combined, including Eloqua, Marketo, Genius, and Manticore.”

“Today, every company needs to succeed in search, social, sales, and marketing–I can’t think of a more powerful trifecta than Google, Salesforce.com, and HubSpot. With 4,000 customers, HubSpot is already a clear marketing leader–now, with this new infusion of capital and recognition by Google’s venture arm and Salesforce.com, HubSpot has a great opportunity to separate itself from the pack and become the leading marketing platform in the small and medium business space,” said Brent Leary, co-founder of CRM Essentials.

Google Ventures Partner, Rich Miner (formerly co-founder of Android) said, “We agree with HubSpot’s belief that search engines, social media, and mobile devices have fundamentally changed how businesses should market themselves. We’re thrilled to support their efforts to help thousands of small and medium businesses reach potential customers.”

Dharmesh Shah, co-founder and CTO of HubSpot commented, “We founded the company based on a simple premise: Businesses want an easy-to-use, complete and integrated marketing platform that helps them get more leads and customers. We plan to use this new capital to further invest in this ambitious vision and further our existing lead in the marketing software category.”

Another day, another honking big funding for another online start-up (and yet another broken embargo too!).

It’s like Groundhog Day in Silicon Valley as usual.

Today, Cambridge, Mass.-based HubSpot wins tech’s version of the lottery, grabbing $32 million from Sequoia Capital, Google Ventures and also Salesforce.com.

It is unclear what the valuation for HubSpot is now, although it is likely high given it has raised $65 million now.

HubSpot makes marketing software for businesses, who use it to find prospects and generate leads, along with tools to analyze the process. It claims it has “4,000 customers, over 50 percent market share, five million leads managed, and 70 million page views tracked monthly.”

The Series D financing included HubSpot’s existing venture investors–General Catalyst Partners, Matrix Partners, and Scale Venture Partners–and part of it will be used to cash out existing shareholders. In previous rounds, the start-up has raised $33 million.

Here is the official press release:

Sequoia, Google Ventures, and Salesforce.com Invest $32 Million in HubSpot

Marketing Software Company Attracts New Strategic Investors

CAMBRIDGE, MA–(Marketwire – March 8, 2011)–Today, for the first time ever, Sequoia Capital, Google Ventures and Salesforce.com all invested together in one company, providing HubSpot with a Series D round of financing through a $32 million investment. HubSpot provides all-in-one marketing software used by over 4,000 businesses to get found by more prospects, convert them into leads and sales, and analyze the entire marketing process.

“The fundamental way that people shop, learn, and buy has changed radically in the last few years. HubSpot helps transform the way businesses market from outbound marketing (cold calls, email blasts, and direct mail) to inbound marketing (Google, blogs, social media, mobile, etc.),” said Brian Halligan, co-founder and CEO of HubSpot.

Sequoia Capital has a long history of partnering with founders to help them build long-term, multi-billion dollar companies, including Google, LinkedIn, AdMob, YouTube, Yahoo!, Apple, and Oracle. “We back companies that are transforming their industries,” said Jim Goetz, General Partner at Sequoia Capital. “HubSpot is the emerging category leader in the SaaS marketing sector. Their customer base exceeds that of all the other relevant marketing software companies combined, including Eloqua, Marketo, Genius, and Manticore.”

“Today, every company needs to succeed in search, social, sales, and marketing–I can’t think of a more powerful trifecta than Google, Salesforce.com, and HubSpot. With 4,000 customers, HubSpot is already a clear marketing leader–now, with this new infusion of capital and recognition by Google’s venture arm and Salesforce.com, HubSpot has a great opportunity to separate itself from the pack and become the leading marketing platform in the small and medium business space,” said Brent Leary, co-founder of CRM Essentials.

Google Ventures Partner, Rich Miner (formerly co-founder of Android) said, “We agree with HubSpot’s belief that search engines, social media, and mobile devices have fundamentally changed how businesses should market themselves. We’re thrilled to support their efforts to help thousands of small and medium businesses reach potential customers.”

Dharmesh Shah, co-founder and CTO of HubSpot commented, “We founded the company based on a simple premise: Businesses want an easy-to-use, complete and integrated marketing platform that helps them get more leads and customers. We plan to use this new capital to further invest in this ambitious vision and further our existing lead in the marketing software category.”

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Dallas Cowboys' Dez Bryant faces 2nd lawsuit, for $615K

Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant faces a second lawsuit claiming he didn't pay for jewelry and game tickets and didn't repay loans.

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PS3 Jailbreak: Hotz strikes back PlayStation 3 <b>News</b> - Page 1 <b>...</b>

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With the company’s future already clouded by Steve Jobs’ latest medical leave, the possibility of the iPad’s chief designer, Jonathan Ive, cashing out ups the uncertainty, Dan Lyons writes.

Is Apple losing its design guru?

When Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced in January that he would take a third medical leave, the biggest concern was the cloud of uncertainty that hovered over the company. Now that uncertainty has become an issue again, as rumors have started swirling that Apple might lose its chief designer, Jonathan Ive. 

Apple's head designer Jonathan Ive poses for a portrait on January 27, 2010 in Cupertino, California. (Photo by Paul Harris / Newscom)

Reports in Ive’s native England suggest that the man who oversaw the design of the iPhone and iPad wants to spend more time in the U.K., putting him at odds with Apple’s board enough that he would consider leaving the company. Although Ive and Apple won’t comment, the scenario is plausible for two reasons: First, Ive is about to cash in options valued at $30 million that he was granted in 2008; and second, Ive has an especially close relationship with Jobs. 

Whether Ive stays or goes, the brouhaha shows the challenges that Apple is increasingly likely to face given the questions about Jobs’ role in the coming months. One scenario being bandied about by Apple-watchers suggests Ive is making a power play to succeed Jobs; it seems just as likely, however, that he simply may not want to work at Apple if Jobs isn’t there. 

Still others think the entire notion that Ive might leave is completely unfounded. But either way, the whole incident shows how the Jobs health situation is bringing more drama to a company that, until now, has been a model of tight-lipped discipline.

Apple’s products are famous for their sleek designs, and conventional wisdom holds that losing Ive would be a terrible blow to Apple—“Apple’s worst nightmare,” Britain’s Guardian called it. But the truth is, losing Ive may not be as big a deal as some Apple watchers think.

For one thing, Apple has loads of bench strength in every department, and because of its success it can attract just about anyone it wants.

“How much of this is Steve, how much is Jon, how much someone else? Steve always had an eye for design. The designer is only as good as the client,” says Jean-Louis Gassée.

For another, the real genius behind Apple’s designs might not be Ive—but rather Jobs.

That’s the educated guess of Jean-Louis Gassée, a former top executive at Apple and a longtime close watcher of the company who still has many connections there.

Gassée points out that Ive was already working at Apple when Jobs returned to the company in 1996. Ive joined the company in 1992, when Jobs was gone from the company, having been ousted by the board in 1985.

And before Jobs returned to Apple, Ive wasn’t exactly setting the world on fire. The first products that Ive designed under Jobs were the “Bondi Blue” iMac and the somewhat ugly iBook. Ive’s next products, the "desk lamp" Mac and the early metal laptops, were better looking, Gassée says.

I read an interesting article this morning that suggested Apple would change its mind and put Adobe’s Flash technology on its iOS devices within a year. I don’t think that’s going to happen.

In an open letter to users, Apple CEO Steve Jobs gave several reasons why he didn’t want Flash on the iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. They are: Flash isn’t open; the full web; reliability, security and performance; battery life; and touch.

Adobe began shipping Flash Player 10.1 for Mobile last June, but even Laptop magazine admitted that “Steve Jobs was right,” and that “Adobe’s offering seems like it’s too little, too late.” Granted, that report was from six months ago, but it still doesn’t bode well for the technology.

There is no doubt that Adobe is making advances with Flash on mobile devices, but I don’t believe future changes will be enough to get Apple to adopt the technology.

Jobs has been very clear that Apple supports HTML5, an open technology that is controlled by a standards committee, not one company. By building support for that technology into Webkit, Apple is ensuring that mobile Web browsers will be able to access what we’ve come to know as the “full web.”

Webkit is used by Google, Palm, Nokia and RIM, so it has a pretty solid base.

One of the arguments often bantered about when the discussion of the “full Web” comes up is video. There is no doubt that Flash made huge strides over the years in having sites like YouTube encode their videos in Flash. But that’s for the desktop.

As Jobs points out, almost all of this video is also available in H.264 format (a format Flash also supports), so it’s viewable on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

“Add to this video from Vimeo, Netflix, Facebook, ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, ESPN, NPR, Time, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Sports Illustrated, People, National Geographic, and many, many others. iPhone, iPod and iPad users aren’t missing much video,” wrote Jobs.

You may ask why other companies adopted Flash for their mobile devices when Apple won’t. That’s easy, they are looking for something they have that Apple doesn’t. Considering how hard it is for tablet makers to compete with Apple, any perceived advantage will work.

I’m not an Adobe hater—I know quite a few people that work at Adobe and I think they’ve done some amazing things over the years. Flash for mobile devices isn’t one of them.

Chris Dawson said he gives “Apple a year until they cave [and adopt Flash]. Android tablets will just be too cool and too useful for both entertainment and enterprise applications if they don’t.”

I have been using my iPhone for years and my iPad for one year. I honestly can’t remember the last time I went to a Web site that wouldn’t load because I didn’t have Flash installed. I can load videos from YouTube and a host of other sites too, no problem.

Apple has sold more than 160 million iOS devices and there are no screaming, angry hordes of users breaking down the doors at 1 Infinite Loop demanding Flash on their devices.

In order for Apple to change its mind and adopt Flash, the technology has to be proven to be indispensable and that it will benefit its users. Apple has proven just the opposite is true.

Editor’s Note: Jim Dalrymple has been writing about Apple for more than 15 years. You can follow him on Twitter @jdalrymple and on his Web site at The Loop.

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What is your social media brand? Do you have one? Sure, many small business owners and entrepreneurs are coming around to the enormous importance of social media as a marketing, customer service, and, yes, even sales tool. But if you haven’t thought about how social media can define your brand, you are probably missing a HUGE part of what social media tools can do for your business. Here’s more…

Tools & Techniques

Creating a great brand with these blog tools. Tools that improve the look and functionality of your blog also improve your brand. A well-maintained small business blog is one of the most obvious and least expensive branding tools at the entrepreneur’s disposal even more so than social media channels like Facebook and Twitter because of how a blog can be customized to fit your needs and personality. This list of tools is a great way to start. EpicLaunch

What Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi can teach you about social media. One of the stars of the hit reality show “Jersey Shore”, “Snooki” is a perfect example of personal brand, but social media entrepreneurs could also learn much about building their own online presence from Snooki. Being yourself and using a simple, short tag to indelibly brand your identity are also great techniques in social media. One site is already trying to apply the starlets techniques in the social media space. Brand-Yourself

Tito Philips doesn’t want your comments on his blog! At least, not if they’re the wrong kind. And the wrong kind would be comments left for no other purpose than to get the blogger and his/her readers to visit your blog and perhaps comment on it in return. Why is comment trading bad? Don’t get Tito started! There are many ways to engage in social media marketing. Be sure you understand and respect some of the attitudes you may face. Blogging Bookshelf  

News & Trends

The best of the best. Want to get a look at arguably the 20 best Facebook fan pages for business on the planet? By now you should know the value of a Facebook fan page to your branding efforts. What’s also true, however, is that not all Facebook sites are created equal. If you want to take your social media marketing to the next level, have a look at this list of cream of the crop sites. Inc.com

Even churches use social media marketing! In this article on the growing market for tech services among religious organizations, we learn that many churches have also already entered into the social media space. As houses of worship, particularly huge mega-churches, expand and build congregations, it’s easy to see how social media can work as a marketing tool here as well. Is your religious organization using social media for branding? WSJ

Tips & Tricks

20 tips that will make you a Twitter star. Among the tools popular in the new digital space is Twitter. The microblogging platform can be used for business or non-business purposes and it can be the key to your small business’s success. Learn how to use Twitter like a pro and you may be surprised at the benefits your small business gains as a result. Global Copywriting

Valuable lessons in social media. Gary Vaynerchuk, author of The Thank You Economy and a successful social media entrepreneur in his own right, has many insights to share with small business leaders seeking a new way to define their brands in an age of social communications. Read some of the takeaways Vaynerchuk shares with those trying to define their businesses with social media. E-Marketing Associates

Success Stories

Doubt the power of FB to create brand for almost anyone? You won’t after you read the story of Princeton English Professor Jeff Nunokawa and “Jeffbook”, a collection of 3,221 brief literary essays on Facebook, that have created an incredible cult status for Nunokawa in the process. His motivation? Not too different from those of most marketers. Nunokawa simply started sharing where he knew his audience already spent lots of their time. The results speak for themselves. Fast Company

Increase exposure with niche social media. Blogger Mavis Nong talks about the importance of niche social media sites including social bookmarking sites as a key method of creating exposure for your online business. Mavis talks about her experience with our sister site BizSugar.com (thanks for the shout out! ) and explains how smaller more focused social sites can sometimes have a surprising impact even larger than the big guys. Attraction Marketing Online

Opportunities

Sponsors wanted for new SugarTone Sweet Business Blogging Contest. Put the power of social media to work for your brand. We’re looking for sponsors to help with a brand new blogging contest involving two of the fastest growing small business communities on the Web, BizSugar.com and Bloggertone.com. Learn more about the contest by reading the full announcement and get in touch today! BizSugar Blog

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A look at what's coming up in the drug and health fields.

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Twitter is a media platform, not a social network.

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