Friday, November 23, 2012

Breast Augmentation ? Preparing for the Operation and the Results ...

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The breast augmentation procedure makes thousands of women happy every year. It is a growing way for women to enhance their figures.

Source:Breast Augmentation ? Preparing for the Operation and the Results

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Cosmetic Surgery For DummiesCosmetic Surgery For DummiesCosmetic surgery is one of today?s hottest topics. From daytime talk shows and popular magazines to conversations at the salon, it seems that almost everyone has had it, is thinking about it, or knows someone who is getting it. Statistics show more and more women?and men?are having cosmetic surgery. And with all the options now available, it?s important to be fully informed before you make any decisions about having a procedure.

Now, Cosmetic Surgery For Dummies is here to guide you through today?s top procedures, candidly addressing both the benefits and the risks. R. Merrel Olesen, MD, the medical director of the La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre, and Marie B.V. Olesen, a nationally known cosmetic surgery consultant, give you the tools you need to:

  • Decide if surgery is right for you
  • Find a qualified surgeon
  • Set realistic expectations
  • Evaluate the costs
  • Enhance your recovery and results

This plain-English guide shows you how to take advantage of all the advances in cosmetic surgery while avoiding the pitfalls that could compromise your safety or the quality of your result. From implants to liposuction to Botox, you?ll understand the right questions to ask your doctor, how to prepare for surgery (both physically and financially), and the best ways to influence the healing process. You?ll also:

  • Discover the latest surgery techniques and medications
  • Understand the different surgeon specializations
  • Sort through the various non-surgical facial treatments
  • Evaluate your post-op care options
  • Cope with complications
  • Deal with family, friends, and coworkers before and after surgery

Complete with lists of questions to ask before surgery and top Web sites for cosmetic surgery information, Cosmetic Surgery For Dummies is a practical, friendly guide that will help you say hello to a new you!

Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice, Second EditionCosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice, Second Edition

THE ULTIMATE SOURCEBOOK FOR UNDERSTANDING THE SKIN AND ITS APPEARANCE

?A concise, well-written, and well-illustrated overview of the topic of cosmetic dermatology that will prove useful to all physicians who care for cosmetic patients.??Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, reviewing the first edition

Cosmetic Dermatology offers complete coverage of the latest, most effective skin care agents and procedures. Spanning the entire spectrum of cosmetic dermatology, it takes you through the most current medications, cosmeceuticals, and procedures. Presented in full color, the book is firmly grounded in an evidence-based, clinically-relevant approach--making it perfect for use in everyday practice.

FEATURES:

  • Guidance on the efficacy of over-the-counter and prescription skin care products
  • Step-by-step review of must-know procedures
  • A focus on the newest drugs and topical agents
  • NEW! Expanded insights into laser treatments, varicose veins, and cosmeceuticals
  • NEW! More full-color clinical images in every chapter? 450 in all!
  • NEW! Significant revisions in every chapter to help you keep pace with the many fast-breaking developments in the specialty

Tags: cosmetic surgery

Source: http://www.jackiesbazaar.com/womensinterests/cosmetic-surgery/breast-augmentation-preparing-for-the-operation-and-the-results

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Thursday, November 22, 2012

A look at key US sanctions against Myanmar

(AP) ? The United States is unwinding two decades of sanctions against Myanmar, as the country's reformist leadership oversees rapid-fire economic and political change. President Barack Obama's visit this week, the first by a serving U.S. president, is a sign of how far relations have come. But Washington continues to take a calibrated approach to easing sanctions, keen to retain leverage should Myanmar's reform momentum stall.

Here's a look at key elements of U.S. sanctions against Myanmar.

Why did the U.S. sanction Myanmar in the first place?

? Washington first enacted sanctions in September 1988, the month after Myanmar's military junta cracked down on peaceful protests, killing thousands. The U.S. responded to deepening human rights violations and brutal suppression of the democratic opposition by tightening sanctions.

Why has the U.S. eased sanctions?

? U.S. policy began to change after Myanmar's president, Thein Sein, took office in March 2011. As the new government released political prisoners, signed cease-fires with ethnic rebels, opened the economy and held elections that saw opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi take a seat in Parliament, the U.S. normalized diplomatic relations and suspended most major sanctions.

What did the U.S. sanction and which sanctions are still in force?

? Washington banned new investment, financial services, multilateral assistance, and imports. It also barred officials from getting U.S. visas and forbade deals with "crony" businessmen linked to the old regime. Restrictions on most new investment, financial services, multilateral assistance, and most imports from Myanmar have been suspended. The biggest remaining block is the list of "specially designated nationals" and companies that U.S. firms are barred from doing business with because of their alleged links to oppression and corrupt practices.

Why hasn't Washington simply done away with sanctions?

? Washington has taken a carrot and stick approach to retain leverage and reinforce good business practices. Also, they're technically hard to undo. Sanctions are governed by six federal laws and a series of executive orders, often with overlapping provisions. There are also functional bans which require specific benchmarks to be met before certain strictures are eased such as ending the use of child soldiers before arms sales are allowed.

Did sanctions work?

? The jury is out. Advocates point to change in Myanmar as evidence that sanctions encouraged reform. But a large chorus of critics says domestic factors rather than sanctions ? which had little effect for two decades ? are the real reason for Myanmar's spring. Critics also say sanctions have been too blunt, hurting the corrupt elite less than the common man.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2012-11-22-Myanmar-US%20Sanctions-Glance/id-ea57f58ae6b547abb560852ed52c8aad

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Pakistan: Malala's wounded friends back in school

In this Nov. 15, 2012 photo, a young girl peeks out from the barred entrance to her school waiting for her fellow students to arrive at Khushal School for Girls in Mingora, Swat Valley Pakistan. Injured student Malala Yousufzai attended Khushal School when a Taliban gunman shot her and her two friends, Shazia Ramazan and Kainat Riaz. Malala was shot for her outspoken insistence on girls' education. Shazia and Kainat are to return to school this week for the first time since the shooting, as Malala is still undergoing treatment. ( AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)

In this Nov. 15, 2012 photo, a young girl peeks out from the barred entrance to her school waiting for her fellow students to arrive at Khushal School for Girls in Mingora, Swat Valley Pakistan. Injured student Malala Yousufzai attended Khushal School when a Taliban gunman shot her and her two friends, Shazia Ramazan and Kainat Riaz. Malala was shot for her outspoken insistence on girls' education. Shazia and Kainat are to return to school this week for the first time since the shooting, as Malala is still undergoing treatment. ( AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)

In this Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012 photo, Shazia Ramazan, 13, is seen at her home in Mingora, Swat Valley, Pakistan, after being wounded by the same Taliban gunman, who shot Malala Yousufzai and 16-year-old Kainat Riaz Oct 8, 2012 on their way coming back from school. Malala was shot for her outspoken insistence on girls education. Shazia and Kainat are to return to school this week for the first time since the shooting more than one month ago. ( AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)

In this Wedndesday, Nov. 14, 2012 photo, Shazia Ramazan, 13, holds her hand where a bullet went through at her home in Mingora, Swat Valley, Pakistan. Shazia was wounded by the same Taliban gunman, who shot Malala Yousufzai and 16-year-old Kainat Riaz Oct 8, 2012 on their way coming back from school. Malala was shot for her outspoken insistence on girls education. Shazia and Kainat are to return to school this week for the first time since the shooting more than one month ago. ( AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)

In this Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012 photo, Shazia Ramazan, 13, is seen at her home in Mingora, Swat Valley, Pakistan, after being wounded by the same Taliban gunman, who shot Malala Yousufzai and 16-year-old Kainat Riaz Oct 8, 2012 on their way coming back from school. Malala was shot for her outspoken insistence on girls education. Shazia and Kainat are to return to school this week for the first time since the shooting more than one month ago. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)

On this Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012 photo, Pakistani girl Kainat Riaz, 16, answers a friends phone call at her home in Mingora, Swat Valley, Pakistan, after being wounded by the same Taliban gunman, who shot Malala Yousufzai and 13-year-old Shazia Ramazan, Oct 8, 2012 on their way coming back from school. Malala was shot for her outspoken insistence on girls education. Shazia and Kainat are to return to school this week for the first time since the shooting more than one month ago. ( AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)

MINGORA, Pakistan (AP) ? For one month the dreams kept coming. The voice, the shots, the blood. Her friend Malala slumped over.

Shazia Ramazan, 13, who was wounded by the same Taliban gunman who shot her friend Malala Yousufzai, returned home last week after a month in a hospital, where she had to relearn how to use her left arm and hand. Memories of the Taliban bullets that ripped into her remain, but she is welcoming the future.

"For a long time it seemed fear was in my heart. I couldn't stop it," she said. "But now I am not afraid," she added, self-consciously rubbing her left hand where a bullet pierced straight through just below the thumb.

Now Shazia and her friend Kainat Riaz, who was also shot, return to school for the first time since the Oct. 8 attack when a Taliban gunman opened fire on Malala outside the Khushal School for Girls, wounding Shazia and Kainat in the frenzy of bullets.

The Taliban targeted Malala because of her outspoken and relentless objection to the group's regressive interpretation of Islam that keeps women at home and bars girls from school.

Malala is still undergoing treatment and unable to come back. But among her friends in her hometown of Mingora in the idyllic Swat Valley, she is a hero.

"Malala was very brave and she was always friendly with everyone. We are proud of her," said the 16-year-old Kainat, wrapped in a large purple shawl and sitting on a traditional rope bed. Her mother Manawar, a health worker, sat by her side, praised her daughter's bravery and with a smile said: "She gets her courage from me." Although conservative and refusing to have her picture taken, Kainat's mother slammed attacks on girls' education and warned Pakistan will fail if girls are not educated.

Quick to laugh, Kainat ? who comes from a long line of educators in her family ? looked forward to returning to school. "I want to study. I am not afraid," she said.

The authorities however are not taking any chances. Armed policemen have been deployed to both Shazia's and Kainat's home and will escort them both to school.

Kainat's home is hidden behind high walls with 8- foot-high steel gates, tucked away in a neighborhood of brown square cement buildings. A foul smelling sewer runs the length of the street where armed policemen patrol, eyeing everyone suspiciously.

Outside Shazia's home, a policeman wearing a bullet proof vest sits on a plastic garden chair with a Kalashnikov resting across his knees. Three policemen patrol a nearby narrow street that is flanked by roaring open fires where vats of hot oil boil and sticky sweets are made and sold.

Shazia, who has ambitions to become an army doctor, is a stubborn teenager. She doesn't want the police escort.

"They say I need the police. But I say I don't need any police," she said, pushing her glasses firmly back on her nose. "I don't want the police to come with me to school because then I will stand out from the other students. But I shouldn't."

At their school, the students are quick to attack the Taliban and display a giant poster of Malala. The school, which has more than 500 students, only closed its doors briefly at the height of the Taliban's hold on the region in 2008 and early 2009. It was then that Malala began to blog, recording her unhappiness with Taliban edicts ordering girls out of school.

Although she was barely 9 years old then, Shazia remembers those days.

"Times were very bad. Girls were hiding their books under their burqas. Compared to then, now is a very good time," she said, her pink shawl covering her head. "We are strong."

Both the army and the police are deployed outside the school, whose name means "happy," and journalists were not permitted to pass its black iron gate until last week when an Associated Press reporter and photographer were allowed inside. Authorities feared drawing attention, but the students within seemed unconcerned, often offering words of support for Malala and saying they weren't afraid to come to school.

Even the shiest among them would whisper in a friend's ear to say: "Tell her I will not stop studying."

Each morning the school principal gave the students a progress report on Malala's condition.

"She is getting better every day and she asks about all of us and what we are doing," said 15-year-old Mahnoor, one of Malala's close friends. "When it happened we just cried and prayed. We weren't worried for ourselves. We were just worried for her."

Twelve-year-old Emar said of the Taliban: "They are thinking that she is a girl and she cannot do anything. They are thinking that only boys can do things. They are wrong. Girls can do anything."

In a strong voice and speaking in English, Gulranga Ali, 17, said students have "gotten courage from her (Malala) and everyone is attending school. No one is staying home." She said the attack has turned the country against extremists and "now every girl and child is saying 'I want to be Malala.'"

Malala's father says the family will return to Pakistan after his daughter is well enough.

But even her classmates worry for her safety.

"I don't think she will come for education anymore in Swat. She will not be safe here. Now she is a celebrity," said Gulranga.

There is also a deepening concern that Malala's attacker has not been arrested, that the outrage her shooting generated throughout Pakistan has subsided without substantive changes and that fear will prevent real change.

Ahmed Saeed, a close friend of Malala's father, said politicians and Pakistan's military establishment still have to decide if they will support Malala's worldview or that of the Taliban. Saeed said the teenager will have another operation in three months to reconstruct her skull but that she is talking and walking "and gossiping with her family."

In what has been cheered as a first step toward compulsory education for both boys and girls in Pakistan, Parliament last week introduced legislation making it a crime to keep a child at home. Offending parents can be fined upward of $500.

Still, earlier this month the Taliban attacked on a busload of girls returning from school in the tribal regions, throwing acid in their faces. In a statement, the Taliban accused the girls of embracing the West through education.

"I don't know if this has changed Pakistan," Shazia's father said of the shooting. Still, he wants his daughter to continue at school.

"Now I want to be an example to other girls," Shazia said. "They (Taliban) can't stop us from going to school."

____

Kathy Gannon is AP Special Regional Correspondent for Pakistan and Afghanistan and can be reached at www.twitter.com/kathygannon

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2012-11-22-Pakistan-Malala's%20Friends/id-68687ebdff9b48f4ab92c9c02d7d19b4

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Considering Convenient Products For HeavenSEO | How To Handle ...

Staff Writer Cleta P. M. Petersen-Means ?
From previous few years, others have moved towards online business. The marketing schemes of the firms will also be distinct from the offline firms. Like offline firms, they don?t really utilized old medias like TV or another type for those marketing and advertising of goods and services of their companies. These businesses utilize http://www.heavenseo.com.sg services to the marketing of their goods and services and make their sites visible on the net.

Seo Search engine marketing is usually a operation of internet marketing, which promotes the websites simply by making
them visible in the result pages of yahoo and google. Seo advertising and marketing is usually often called Website positioning look engine marketing (SEM). The most important objective than it may be to raise the visibility of your site while in the major search engine result pages, which might be referred to as SERPs (Online search engine Resuts Pages).

Search engine ranking advertising and marketing is complete by employing a lot of processes. These processes include contextual advertising, paid inclusion, paid placement (PPC) and comprise Search engine optimisation, likewise. Search engine marketing Website marketing can thus be summarized as a technique for advertising your web site on the internet, through various proven methods via the internet market area for branding and online visibility.

You can certainly search a broadband advertising and marketing firm in Singapore, which happens to be about offering affordable website design and low price Online marketing services in Singapore. These firms cover both Seo and SEM for medium, small and startup businesses, which have been interested in growth. They will allow you to earn more income by advertising and marketing your small business on the internet.

There are various advanced techniques supplied by Seo Online marketing companies in highly suitable prices. They turn into boon for businesses through this competitive world. These companies provide websites marketing strategies and tools, which support attaining importance around the world. Most companies can be obtained with resources which benefit the business deals.

Seo affiliate marketing companies include lots of methods or tactics to ensure website?s success. They furnish services to create websites attractive and eye-catching. They normally use high technological effects and tools to create websites popular in the world. They apply many marketing strategies, which prove useful to understand their competitors? strategies and plans. They earn plans and policies to recieve enormous Online traffic to websites.

Search engine optimization Search engine marketing firm makes your business lasts long in primary online search engine. They are of help making your company popular all over the world. These organizations provide services for greater and potential customer?s website visitors to websites. These organizations provide qualitative accessibility of products. The targeted traffic that these particular companies provide to websites is the option to earn increasingly more money.

Source: http://bluestarpartynyc.com/considering-convenient-products-for-heavenseo/

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NASW Joblink - The Social Work Career Center: Mental Health ...

ANNOUNCEMENT NO: 12/11/79822

POSITION TITLE: Supervisory Social Science Program Analyst (SAPR/Clinical Counseling Section Manager) NF-0101-05 SALARY: $105,211-$115,731 (Includes Locality Pay)

LOCATION: Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC AREA OF CONSIDERATION: All Sources

RELOCATION EXPENSES: Negotiable

OPENING DATE:21 Nov 12 CLOSING DATE:19 Dec 12 1st CUTOFF DATE: 5 Dec 12 INTRODUCTION: This position is located in the Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) Department, Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC). CNIC FFR is the Navy's Quality of Life program providing essential products and services to promote and improve the retention, capabilities, quality, productivity, reputation and morale of all Navy Personnel and their families. FFR programs are responsible for policy development, resourcing and oversight of the quality of life programs. Programs include Family Readiness (all Family Service programs including Deployment Readiness, Crisis Response, Career Support and Retention; Child and Youth Programs including Child Development Centers, Homes, School Age Care, Resource and Referral, Youth Programs, School Liaison; and Family Emergency Response); Navy Housing (government owned or operated Family Housing (FH) and Bachelor Housing (BH), FH PPV, BH PPV, Flag, Dormitories, and Services); and Fleet Readiness (Fitness, Sports, Recreation, Deployed Forces Support, Lodging, Food and Beverage Operations).

This is an interdisciplinary position where the incumbent of this position serves as a Supervisory Social Science Program Analyst or Supervisory Social Worker for assigned Family Readiness programs. The incumbent provides leadership, guidance, policy/program development and financial management expertise including resource planning and development for the Navy's Family Readiness programs to ensure a high quality, flexible, support program of human services for active duty military and their families. Incumbent serves as the program manager, senior analyst, and team leader for Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program at CNIC HQ, N911. This position is established to manage and supervise all HQ SAPR staff; to provide oversight and to provide overall analysis, evaluation and to advise management on the effectiveness of line programs and/or the efficiency of the management of assigned programs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This position provides management and supervision for all HQ SAPR staff; responsible for providing oversight regarding overall analysis, evaluation and advisory assignments related to the effectiveness of line programs and efficiency of the management of operating programs.

Conducts detailed analysis of complex functions and work processes of programs and makes recommendations for improvement in the effectiveness and efficiency of work operations. Develops new methods, organizational structures and management processes. Counsels and advises program managers on methods and procedures, management surveys, management reports, and control techniques.

Provides immediate supervisory technical oversight for up to four (4) subordinates; assigns work based on difficulty and program initiatives, identifies developmental training needs, develops performance plans, rates employees and takes disciplinary action. Recommends performance awards and salary/bonus distribution for subordinates. Participates in interview panels, recommends hiring, promotions and reassignments.

Navy technical expert for the CNIC HQ Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program, guiding all field organizations. Confer with key program stakeholders: BUMED, chaplains, law enforcement agencies, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), CNP, and the legal community to represent the best interests of the SAPR Program. Provide Navy response to OSD for SAPR program and services. Coordinate with N1 for corresponding Navy policy. Keep Navy regional FFSPs advised of requirements. Provide program vision for change resulting from Congressional, DOD, and Department of the Navy requirements. Provide vision/strategy for SAPR by executing budget, effective, consistent program implementation Navy-wide, and DoD prevention strategy. Improve processes to increase efficiency in communication and execution of program requirements.

HOW TO APPLY: PLEASE VISIT OUR WEB PAGE AT: HTTP://WWW.NAVYMWR.ORG to find a sample resume format and information on Spouse Preference. If you are claiming Veteran?s Preference, please submit a copy of your DD 214. Send your resume to: CNIC,(FFR Division (N941), 5720 Integrity Drive, Millington, TN 38055-6530 or email to: MILL_MWR_Recruitment@Navy.mil.

Please direct inquiries to: MILL_MWR_Recruitment@Navy.mil Some positions have special requirements. In these cases selection is tentative pending satisfactory completion of these requirements. Applicants may be required to provide proof of education, etc. All selections are contingent upon the obtaining satisfactory employment reference checks.

We are an E-Verify participant.

Employment subject to successful National Agency Background Check. Must have or be eligible for secret clearance. As a condition of employment, the selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit/Electronic Fund Transfer within the first 30 days of employment.

The Department of Navy is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factor. The Department of the Navy provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities who believe they require reasonable accommodation should email them to: MILL_MWR_Recruitment@Navy.mil to ensure that the Department of the Navy can consider such requests. The decision to grant an accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Source: http://joblink.socialworkers.org/jobs/5007480/supv-social-science-program-analyst-sapr-clinical-counseling-section-manager

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UK politician wants new vote on women bishops soon

LONDON (AP) ? The Church of England should hold another vote on women bishops as soon as possible, its representative in the House of Commons said Thursday, while some members suggested stripping the church of its exemption from sex-discrimination laws.

Legislation to permit women to become bishops was blocked in the church's governing General Synod on Tuesday, a result that has drawn harsh criticism in Parliament.

"This is not an issue which can in any way be parked for the next couple of years or so awaiting another round of synod elections," said Tony Baldry, a member of Parliament who is official designated to speak for the church.

"There has to be an understanding that this is an issue that has to be resolved as soon as possible," he said in a Commons debate.

Church legislation to permit women to serve as bishops failed to win the necessary two-thirds majority among lay members of the General Synod. Church officials have said it could take five years to lay the ground for another vote, but Baldry said this should not be necessary.

"It is perfectly possible for a different and amended measure to be considered by General Synod," he said.

The church has been unable to find a formula which meets the objections of traditionalists who believe only men can be priests and bishops, without at the same time offending women by restricting their authority and status as bishops.

The Church of England is a product of government interference, established by King Henry VIII who appointed himself as head. The government still formally appoints the archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual leader of the church, and 26 bishops are allocated seats in the House of Lords.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/uk-politician-wants-vote-women-bishops-soon-120134334.html

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Catalan independence debate hits cold realities

GIRONA, Spain (AP) ? As in towns across this wealthy northwestern region, the maze-like cobblestone streets of Girona's medieval quarter are fluttering with flags in favor of Catalonia's independence. Here, however, there is also a smattering of flags bearing the slogan: "Catalonia, A New European State."

It goes to the heart of a Catalan conundrum.

While the separatist dream of millions has never felt so close to becoming a reality, independence fervor is now coming up against the cold, hard facts of what breaking free would really mean. Few realize that this Spanish region famed for its trading prowess would be shut out of the European Union for years, a huge hurdle to doing business with its most important trading partners. EU officials say an independent Catalonia would face the same membership conditions of any other candidate nation.

Catalonia holds elections on Sunday that will be seen as a test of the regional government's plans to hold a referendum on independence, and one of the key issues emerging is the theoretical place of a free Catalonia in Europe.

Polls suggest that many Catalans haven't thought through the consequences of freedom.

A survey published by El Pais newspaper this month showed that while nearly half of Catalans support independence, the number drops to 37 percent if it means being out of the EU.

Tough membership conditions aren't the only thing possibly standing in the way. The European Union's treaty states that each of the 27 member states can veto a candidate nation's accession, meaning that a vengeful Spain could block Catalonia from joining the club.

"Now we want to be a state inside Europe," said Josep Matamala, who, along with friend Miquel Casals, created the banner that combines the slogan of EU aspiration with the red-and-yellow stripes, blue triangle and white star of the "estelada" flag that symbolizes Catalonia's independence drive.

Catalonia's regional president, Artur Mas, who is leading the independence charge and holding rallies bristling with European Union flags, has voiced optimism ? perhaps mere wishful thinking ? that an independent Catalonia would be swiftly embraced into the EU fold. In a recent speech in Brussels he declared: "Catalonia has never in its history let Europe down, now we trust Europe will not let us down."

And there are pro-independence voters who simply can't fathom being cast out of the EU.

"I imagine that if faced with a majority of Catalans who vote yes for independence in a referendum, (the EU) wouldn't be able to turn its back on us," said 35-year-old Girona music teacher Merce Escarra

Girona, one of Spain's richest cities, is an example of what Catalans call "seny" ? roughly the equivalent to "practical sense." It typifies the Catalan character of being hardworking and businesslike. But these days, Girona, like the rest of Catalonia, is experiencing an outburst of "rauxa," seny's polar opposite, meaning "wild exuberance." And the source of that is a separatist passion ignited by Spain's ongoing economic crisis.

In 2010, Escarra featured in the local press when she was asked by the owner of the building where she lives to remove the "estelada" flag from her balcony. "I said I had a legitimate right to protest and left it up, and it has been there ever since," she said.

Two years later it is difficult to find a building in Girona that isn't bedecked with the red-and-yellow Catalan flag or the pro-independence "estelada."

"Now there has been a boom in the pro-independence movement," Escarra said. Her reasons for wanting independence are representative of millions of Catalans: The region pays more than it receives back in taxes; its infrastructure has been neglected by the central government; and independence would ensure the survival of the Catalan language.

The regional government calculates it contributes ?16 billion ($21 billion) more than it gets back. Other wealthy regions in Spain also pay more, but many Catalans feel that infrastructure projects like the Mediterranean rail corridor are left unfunded, while Spain's high-speed passenger train network is extended to its less industrialized regions.

In recent years, grassroots pro-independence groups have held unofficial referendums on independence in towns across Catalonia. This "fake-it-till-you-make-it" attitude has found an extreme expression in dozens of Catalan villages, which have declared themselves "free Catalan territories."

But symbolism's one thing, hard economics another.

While most of Catalonia's business community is taking a wait-and-see attitude, Jose Manuel Lara, the president of media giant Planeta, said he would move his company from Barcelona to Spain if Catalonia went independent, in order to remain based in the EU.

Ramon Tremosa, a European parliament member from Mas' pro-independence party, said that Catalonia's fate would hinge on pressure being applied on Spain by other European powers and the multinational companies established in Catalonia, which would be anxious for a quick return to business as usual in the common market.

"I can't imagine the 4,000 multinationals (in Catalonia) allowing themselves to be expelled from the EU, from the euro and the free movement of goods and capital, it's not realistic," Tremosa told The Associated Press. "Spain would not be able to stop it because it is heading toward a bailout."

European law experts were uncertain about how quickly an independent Catalonia could join the EU. "It is unknown territory," said Andreu Olesti, an international law and economics professor at the University of Barcelona.

Nicolas Zambrana, professor of international law at the University of Navarra, was pessimistic about Catalonia's EU prospects.

"Spain would be in a good position to prevent Catalonia from returning to the EU," he said.

Both the El Pais poll and a second poll published in Barcelona-based newspaper La Vanguardia indicate that Mas' CiU party has lost steam and would not make significant gains in Sunday's elections, putting into question whether Mas will be able to claim a mandate to push for a referendum. El Pais surveyed 2,500 people by telephone from Nov. 8 to Nov. 15. The poll's margin of error was plus or minus 2.5 percent.

"I am not supporting independence because I feel it is waste of time. I have no hope it will change the social situation here," said John MacKay, a 54-year-old teacher from Barcelona.

And the idea of a fledgling Catalan state left out in the European cold is giving some independence supporters second thoughts.

"It worries me," said Monica Casares, a 41-year-old mother of two who lives just north of Barcelona. "Taking into account that we would face a Spanish boycott on Catalan products for sure, and that we would also have to pay more on exports, we would have a big problem."

But Matamala insisted that the EU would soon come around to the benefits of embracing a rich and dynamic Catalonia.

"Who is going to kick us out of Europe?" said Matamala. "I can't conceive of it."

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2012-11-22-Spain-Catalan%20Independence/id-b77341653ea247ed904e3f77e4008a69

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