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By: Lynn Elber, The Associated Press

10/05/2012 6:31 PM | Comments: 0

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FILE - In this Sept. 24, 2011 file photo, singer Britney Spears performs on a stage during a concert in Moscow, Russia, during her European tour. A source says she is joining Simon Cowell's singing contest as a judge on the singing competition series "The X-Factor." (AP Photo, file)

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Britney Spears is coming to the rescue of Fox's "The X Factor," the singing contest in search of a ratings boost.

The Grammy-winning pop star has signed on as a judge for the show's second season, a person familiar with the deal said Thursday. The person was not authorized to publicly discuss details and spoke on condition of anonymity.

A call to Spears' publicist seeking comment was not immediately returned.

"The X Factor" debuted last fall to ratings that fell short of creator Simon Cowell's sky-high predictions. The show's slate was wiped nearly clean in January when judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger exited along with host Steve Jones.

That left Cowell and music producer Antonio "L.A." Reid as judges on "X Factor," which is based on Cowell's hit U.K. series.

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AP source: Britney Spears to join 'X Factor'; singing contest still short 1 judge, host

After the 2-1 win last night, the seventh seeded Washington Capitals have forced a game seven against the top seeded New York Rangers in round two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Despite the inspirational story of how the Capitals have gotten here, we must first look at why they finished seventh in the first place.

For years, the Capitals have been one of most dominant regular season teams, handily leading the Southeast division.

After getting swept by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round last year, Washington went on to acquire Joel Ward and Tomas Vokoun in the offseason. Because of those additions, it was expected that the Caps would once again be a top contender this year.

Unfortunately, a series of injuries to Mike Green limited him to just 22 regular season games, and a serious concussion halfway through the year removed Nicklas Backstrom for the remainder. With those injuries, the high expectations for the season quickly shifted to a desperate fight to reach the playoffs; resulting in a seventh place finish.

As the regular season came to an end, the Caps were faced with two more significant injuries (without these two they would be on the golf course right now). These two injuries were the ones to Tomas Vokoun and Michal Neuvirththe injuries that forced the team to start the playoffs with their third string goalie, Braden Holtby.

The young Holtby dominated the first round against the Boston Bruins. After a hard-fought seven-game series with both Mike Green and Nicklas Backstrom back in the lineup, and an overtime goal by Joel Ward, the Capitals advanced to the second round.

Now, with Green, Backstrom and Holtby all at the top of their game, the "underdog" Washington Capitals have an opportunity to knock out the best team in the East.

The deciding game is slated for a 7:30PM ET start on Saturday, May 12th. Because of the players listed in this article, I am predicting a Capitals win. Braden Holtby is the real deal; with more composure and consistency than we've seen from a goaltender his age in years. In addition, each game further into the playoffs, Backstrom and Green get that much closer to the dominant stars we know they can be. In game six, all three, along with captain Alex Ovechkin were game-changers, and I wouldn't expect anything less on Saturday.

If they do lose, however, it's not a season to be forgotten. This team battled through bad injuries to key players and a coaching change to make the playoffs. In which they started their third string goalie and completely altered their game style to knock out the Cup Champions. They also went on to bring the No. 1 seeded Rangers to the brink of elimination.

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NHL Playoffs 2012: Washington Capitals Are Where They Are Because of Injuries

By David Fickling and Andrea Tan - Thu May 10 06:18:41 GMT 2012

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. (ST), Southeast Asias biggest phone company, may buy non-phone businesses in China, India or the U.S. as it shifts focus from slower-growing core markets in Singapore and Australia.

SingTel, as the company is known, may raise its stakes in associates in Asia and Africa and make other strategic investments, the carrier said in a statement today, while reporting a 30 percent jump in fourth-quarter profit. Net income climbed to S$1.29 billion ($1 billion) in the three months ended March 31, beating the S$966 million average of seven analysts estimates, helped by a one-time tax credit.

The Singapore-based carrier plans to boost investments in emerging markets and add businesses at its digital services division as the Optus unit in Australia faces continued intense competition and growth slows at home. The company would benefit from acquiring operations such as mobile advertising, according to Carey Wong, an analyst at OCBC Investment Research Pte. in Singapore.

Being a pure carrier doesnt cut it at this stage, Wong said before the earnings announcement. SingTel needs to come up with something new that can monetize the changing trends were seeing among consumers.

SingTel rose 1.6 percent to S$3.21 as of 2:05 p.m. in Singapore, poised for its highest close since Dec. 12, while the benchmark Straits Times Index (FSSTI) fell 0.2 percent. The stock had gained 2.3 percent this year up to yesterdays close, trailing a 9.6 percent climb by the index.

The carrier, which in March announced an agreement to acquire Redwood City, California-based mobile advertising company Amobee Inc. for $321 million, said it planned to add assets at its Digital Life division.

When we look at acquiring the technology know how in the start up space, we could be looking at quite a few different places, Chief Executive Officer Chua Sock Koong told a media conference in Singapore today. It could be startups in Silicon Valley, California or in countries such as India and China, she said.

Group revenue at the Singapore and Australia operations are forecast to grow at low single-digit rates this year while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization may be stable, SingTel said. Dividends from associates in Asia and Africa are expected to grow, it said.

SingTel owns all of its domestic business and Optus, Australias second-largest phone company, and has minority stakes in associated carriers in more than 10 countries in Asia and Africa.

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SingTel Fourth-Quarter Profit Rises 30%, Beats Estimates

09-05-2012 11:50 Clear Window Technology, Inc. 314.966.2666 Because the window repair method is relatively unheard of, people often want to know how long it has been around? The unique window repair method that removes moisture from failed thermal pane has been field tested in Canada since the early 1980's and was brought to the US in 2005. It has been used to successfully extract moisture out of glass ever since. You might find interesting that one of the most famous places that the window repair process has been used is at the Jack Daniels distillery in Tennessee where it was used on an old historic circle window. The process requires a small hole to be drilled into the windows double pane glass where a micro valve is installed. The heat of sunlight takes care of the evaporation. As the glass heats up, the moisture disappears. Unfortunately there are a lot of pick up truck contractors in the window repair business. I don't want you to become a victim. I've prepared a special report called The Top 10 Dirty Tricks and Sales Pitches of Cheats, Liars and Scoundrels in the Window Replacement Industry and I want you to have it for free. Go to http to get a free copy of my special report. Or, if you're in the St. Louis Metro area and want an expert who can tell you the truth about whether or not your windows can be repaired without being replaced, then l want to make sure you don't get ripped off or get hit with a service charge. I'd be happy to have one of our experts ...

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Window Repair Window Replacement: Historic Window - Video

Preservation Chelsea will be hosting and co-sponsoring a Free Wood Window Restoration Workshop in downtown Chelsea 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 19 that will give homeowners the skills necessary to restore their own windows, or the knowledge to hire the right contractor to do the work for them.

The eight-hour workshop will be taught by window restoration specialist Robin Adair, who has been restoring windows for the past six years in Ann Arbor and Detroit.

Window restoration has been gaining momentum as a viable alternative to replacing windows for several reasons, workshop organizer and Preservation Chelsea member Tom Girard stated. It allows homeowners to do a large portion of the work themselves and save money in the process. Furthermore, restoration is a far more sustainable approach than replacement windows. The old growth timber used to make the 90-plus year old windows in my home cant be found today, and if properly cared for, will last another 90-plus years.

Finally, with proper sealing and suitable storm windows with Low-E glass, old windows can be as energy efficient as new windows.

Adair will cover how to properly disassemble double hung windows, replace sash cords, replace glass, install weather-stripping and seals in key locations to stop drafts, and most importantly, how to put it all back together again.

Hell touch on his design for an easy to use wooden storm window as well.

Unfortunately, since this is only an eight-hour session, we wont be able to go through the details of storm windows. Ive covered that in a two-week workshop thats geared toward contractors, but well focus on double hung window restoration in this homeowner-focused workshop.

Fortunately, Girard said, Tom Clemons at Chelsea Village Hardware was willing to hold the workshop on the second floor, where they have a few second floor windows that fit the bill old double hung windows with sash cords that need some attention.

I think its an ideal location in that we can show participants exactly where they can find the supplies they need to do the job right you can find most of it right on the shelves of the store, Girard said.

Advance registration is required. The workshop is limited to a class size of 12, so participants are advised to apply early for the workshop. Continued...

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CHELSEA: Preservation Chelsea to offer free window restoration workshop

The Winona VFW Post 1287 will meet with the full Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) during a public hearing tonight to appeal the recent denial of a submitted certificate of appropriateness (COA).

The VFW submitted the COA early last month seeking approval to replace one existing glass block window with clear glass. The window is one of two on either side of the entrance on the east facing facade of the VFW building.

The replacement estimate from Glass Replacement Co. Inc. was listed at $650.

The one-floor concrete building is classified as noncontributing to the Local Winona Historic District. While the committee agreed with the classification, they said the replacement of a single window would change the structures symmetry and visual relationship to neighboring buildings.

The window replacement triggers a building permit and the VFW will not be able to proceed if the appeal is denied a second time.

The open hearing will be tonight at 4 p.m. in the council chambers at Winona City Hall.

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VFW to appeal Preservation decision on window replacement

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

With last years record breaking summer heat and calls for energy conservation fresh on Texans minds, reducing household electricity use while staying cool and minding the family budget will be a key concern for residents this summer. As part of its ongoing focus on customer service, Reliant is offering simple, low-cost/no-cost energy efficiency tips to help Texans conserve their hard earned green and be green as this summer approaches.

Summer is just around the corner and spring is already bringing warmer than usual temperatures. Hotter temperatures mean demanding more from our air conditioners, said Reliant Vice President of Customer Care, Bill Clayton. With cooling costs averaging up to 60% of yearly electricity costs, we want to equip consumers with information about the most effective and cost-efficient ways to save on their electricity bills and conserve energy.

The following are simple, low-cost energy efficiency tips to prepare for the summer. In addition, any consumer, whether they are a Reliant customer or not, can get answers to their energy savings questions from energyexperts@reliant.com.

Less is More: Energy Efficiency Tips to Help You be Green, Save Green

Contact service@reliant.com or call 1-866-RELIANT if you have questions, need information, want to compare prices and/or learn more about Reliant e-Sense smart energy solutions that provide better insight, choice and convenience.

About Reliant

Reliant provides electricity, energy services and smart energy solutions to more than 1.5 million retail customers including homes, businesses, manufacturing facilities, government entities and institutions in Texas, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. As part of NRG (NYSE:NRG - News), Reliant is backed by a Fortune 500 company that is at the forefront of changing how people think about and use energy. NRG is a pioneer in developing cleaner and smarter energy choices for its customers and its diverse power generating facilities can support over 20 million homes nationwide. For more information about Reliant products and services, visit http://www.reliant.com.

Connect with reliant at facebook.com/reliantenergy and on Twitter @reliantenergy.

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Reliant Provides Energy Efficiency Tips for Upcoming Summer Months

TOWNSEND -- Almost three years after both the Richard and Irene Collette Library and the Roy and Nancy Shepherd Senior Center opened, Sterilite is continuing to upgrade the building.

Plastics manufacturer Sterilite, whicht was established in Townsend in the late 60s, began the project in honor of the town's 275th anniversary. Since the construction, the company has kept an eye on its performance and now, in response to what they consider sub-par energy efficiency, the company has decided to install additional equipment to enhance heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in the building.

"They didn't have to do this, it's already better than others in town, but they want to increase effiency and they are putting in the work," Town Administrator Andy Sheehan said.

The upgrades are expected to be finished this month and facilities manager Mark Mercurio said the weather might work out to check both A/C units before the heating is turned off for the summer.

"The temperature unit's on a semi-annual system, they turn over from cooling to heating as a whole so that they are not fighting each other and it can be as efficient as possible," he said.

Mercurio said that the systems react well to outside temperature, and he has heard very few complaints about the temperature of the building.

The upgrades consist mainly of adding more sensors and valves. More sensor points throughout the building mean more information it's central computer can

Valves are installed in the central HVAC units above the facility's kitchen and sensors have been placed on pipes leading from those units and around ceiling vents at the library and senior center. Each individual sensor is designated on a web-hosted program called Niagara, which services the entire building. Lights and temperature can be controlled and scheduled from it.

"By isolating even more areas in the system it can monitor them more effectively and adjust accordingly, it makes for a much more energy efficient operation," Mercurio said.

Sheehan said by having the thermostats talking to one another better, the already efficient building will get even better.

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Sterilite upgrades gift building

SAN ANTONIO, May 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With the weather heating up, Champion AC has seen a dramatic boost in consumer interest of ductless air conditioning systems. Champion AC has installed approximately 75 single- and multi-zone ductless air conditioning units in South Texas.

There has been a significant increase in ductless air conditioning installation requests and the HVAC company expects it to continue. In fact, Champion AC has averaged approximately 100 website visits per month specifically looking for information on ductless air conditioning.

Ductless systems make up more than 90 percent of HVAC sales in Japan and more than 80 percent in Europe, in comparison to less than 5 percent in the United States. That number is alarming considering one of the most common problems Champion AC has found with new customers is improper air duct designs. Ductless systems show great opportunity for the future of air conditioning, because the consumer can cool or heat only the spaces that are occupied and do not have to waste energy cooling areas in the home that are not being used.

"The majority of our ductless AC customers are residential homeowners who are renovating garages or making standard home additions," said Champion AC co-owner Ben Hubbert. "We are starting to install some ductless units in commercial applications as well; however, the tendency of the business owner is to for the most cost effective solution initially rather than long term efficiency."

A room that ismost popular for ductless unit installation is the media room. Because there continues to be a trend of garages being transformed into either bedrooms or party rooms, this is another common area that homeowners are interested in installing ductless systems.

Champion AC forecasts at least a twenty five percent growth in ductless sales this year. For more information on ductless units, visit http://www.championac.com/products/ductless-air-conditioners.

About Champion AC Champion AC is a veteran-owned and operated business specializing in residential heating and air conditioning. Champion AC leads the way in "going green" and is committed to helping San Antonio residents save money through the use of high efficiency, energy saving and environmentally friendly products and services. Headquartered in Helotes, the company is located at 12682 FM Road 1560 and has been in business for nearly five years. For more information on the services and community efforts of Champion AC, visit http://www.championac.com or call 210.888.9506.

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Champion AC Forecasts Significant Increase In Ductless Air Conditioning Systems For Homeowners

ORANGE PARK, Fla. --Sandra Lott had to pay a second company to remodel her kitchen because the first company took her money and did nothing and she doesn't know where the company is located.

"They go back from Miami to South Carolina to Jacksonville," said Lott.

In 2009, the Army Reserves nurse used money earned while serving in Iraq to pay a company called Extreme Kitchen Exclusive for a makeover.

"A family member recommended them," said Lott.

She paid them $8,609 up front, but it did nothing. She went to her credit cardand recovered $5,000 for the cabinets. Lott said the company still owes her $3,609, which was paid by check,for granite countertops that were never delivered.

"We just want a refund," said Lott, "because nothing has ever been done."

Calls to the company'sMiamiand South Carolina locations were unnecessary. The president of Extreme Kitchen Exclusive is Scott Schneidermesser.

Public records show he has been president of a number of kitchen remodeling companies since 2006, all out of business.

Tom Stephens, president of the Better Business Bureau, says Schneidermesser's company is not a member and it had one complaint with his South Florida counterpart.

"They did resolve the complaint, It was a serious complaint," said Stephens, "no way for me to tell what it was, but it could mean taking money and not doing the work, something like that."

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Kitchen Remodel Company Leaves First Coast Home Undone