ScienceDaily: Top Health News

http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/top_news/top_health/ Top health stories, featured on ScienceDaily's home page.en-usWed, 27 Feb 2013 09:24:23 ESTWed, 27 Feb 2013 09:24:23 EST60http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gifhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/news/top_news/top_health/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily.http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227085944.htm A new study offers the first evidence of source memory in a nonhuman animal. The findings have fascinating implications, both in evolutionary terms and for future research into the biological underpinnings of memory, as well as the treatment of diseases marked by memory failure such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's, or disorders such as schizophrenia, PTSD and depression.Wed, 27 Feb 2013 08:59:59 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227085944.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227085706.htm Same-sex cohabitors report worse health than people of the same socioeconomic status who are in heterosexual marriages, according to a new study, which may provide fuel for gay marriage proponents.Wed, 27 Feb 2013 08:57:57 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130227085706.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226194010.htm Patients with more severe depression show at least as good clinical benefit from 'low-intensity' interventions, such as self help books and websites, as less severely ill patients, suggests a new article.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:40:40 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226194010.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226194006.htm A study finds an increased risk of narcolepsy in children and adolescents who received the A/H1N1 2009 influenza vaccine (Pandemrix) during the pandemic in England.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:40:40 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226194006.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226193908.htm Alcohol consumption could be much higher than previously thought, with more than three quarters of people in England drinking in excess of the recommended daily alcohol limit, according to a new article.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:39:39 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226193908.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226193845.htm The powerful venom of the saw-scaled viper Echis carinatus contains both anticoagulants and coagulants according to a new study. These may be a source of potent drugs to treat human disease. The saw-scaled viper family Echis, responsible for most snake attacks on humans, are recognizable by the ?sizzling? noise they make, produced by rubbing together special serrated scales, when threatened. Echis venom causes coagulopathy, which can result in symptoms ranging from lack of blood clotting, hemorrhage, renal failure and stroke.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:38:38 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226193845.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226193840.htm The largest randomized study of the vitamin niacin in patients with occlusive arterial disease (narrowing of the arteries) has shown a significant increase in adverse side-effects when it is combined with statin treatment.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:38:38 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226193840.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226162837.htm Though it's most often associated with disorders like diabetes, scientists have shown how the pathway of insulin and insulin-like peptides plays another critical role in the body -- helping to regulate learning and memory.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:28:28 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226162837.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226162725.htm Among patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, long-term treatment with the medication spironolactone improved left ventricular diastolic function but did not affect maximal exercise capacity, patient symptoms, or quality of life, according to a new study.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:27:27 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226162725.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226141256.htm New research suggests that exposure to diverse types of traumatic events among protective services workers is a risk factor for new onset of psychopathology and alcohol use disorders.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:12:12 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226141256.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226141254.htm Researchers have devised and tested a simple atrial fibrillation risk prediction model, based on six easily obtained factors: A woman's age, height, weight, blood pressure, alcohol consumption and smoking history.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:12:12 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226141254.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226141235.htm Fingers are one of the first body parts to suffer from the cold and popular fingerless texting gloves can lead to frostbite and in worst cases, amputation, says an expert.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:12:12 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226141235.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226135525.htm Scientists have uncovered an unexpected, but important molecular mechanism of mTOR inhibitor resistance and a novel drug combination that reverses this resistance using low dose arsenic in mice. The mTOR pathway is hyperactivated in 90 percent of glioblastomas, the most lethal brain cancer in adults. The data suggest a new approach for treatment of glioblastoma.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:55:55 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226135525.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226135523.htm Researchers are working to identify genetic variations that may help signal which acute myeloid leukemia patients will benefit or not benefit from one of the newest antileukemic agents.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:55:55 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226135523.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226135154.htm Because confronting fear won?t always make it go away, researchers suggest that people with phobias must alter memory-driven negative attitudes about feared objects or events to achieve a more lasting recovery from what scares them the most.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:51:51 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226135154.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226135109.htm New research finds that the protein HER2 plays a role even in breast cancers that would traditionally be categorized as HER2-negative ? and that the drug Herceptin, which targets HER2, may have an even greater role for treating breast cancer and preventing its spread.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:51:51 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226135109.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226135107.htm Andrew Murtha, a second-year medical student, hopes to specialize in orthopedic medicine. A unique opportunity to collaborate with experienced researchers not only gave him a head start in his medical career, but also allowed him to develop a new design for an artificial hip that should help reduce post-operative complications.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:51:51 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226135107.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226135103.htm An estimated 300,000 U.S. patients get surgical site infections every year, and while the causes are varied, a new study suggests that some who get an infection can blame it partly on their genes.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:51:51 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226135103.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226120551.htm Plentiful food can accelerate the spread of infections, scientists have shown in a study of water fleas. Scientists studying bacterial infections in tiny water fleas have discovered that increasing their supply of food can speed up the spread of infection.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:05:05 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226120551.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226113830.htm Fresh insights into the protective seal that surrounds the DNA of our cells could help develop treatments for inherited muscle, brain, bone and skin disorders. Researchers have discovered that the proteins within this coating -- known as the nuclear envelope -- vary greatly between cells in different organs of the body.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:38:38 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226113830.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226113826.htm A three molecule complex may be a target for treating Huntington's disease, a genetic disorder affecting the brain.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:38:38 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226113826.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226113824.htm Bone marrow cells that produce brain-derived eurotrophic factor, known to affect regulation of food intake, travel to part of the hypothalamus in the brain where they "fine-tune" appetite, said researchers in a new article.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:38:38 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226113824.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226113431.htm Researchers have discovered that a specialized receptor, normally found in the nose, is also in blood vessels throughout the body, sensing small molecules created by microbes that line mammalian intestines, and responding to these molecules by increasing blood pressure.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:34:34 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226113431.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226101448.htm In one of the first studies to evaluate whether dietary mineral intake is associated with PMS development, medical researchers assessed mineral intake in approximately 3,000 women in a case-control study.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 10:14:14 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226101448.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226101400.htm Scientists have long been dreaming about building a computer that would work like a brain. This is because a brain is far more energy-saving than a computer, it can learn by itself, and it doesn't need any programming. Scientists are experimenting with memristors -- electronic microcomponents that imitate natural nerves.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 10:14:14 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226101400.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226101259.htm Orthopedic surgeon, spine specialist says excessive leaning head forward and down, while looking at a phone or other mobile device could result in what some people call ?text neck.?Tue, 26 Feb 2013 10:12:12 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226101259.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226092142.htm Researchers have successfully generated human kidney cells from human embryonic stem cells in vitro1. Specifically, they produced the renal cells under artificial conditions in the lab without using animals or organs. This has not been possible until now.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 09:21:21 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226092142.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226092138.htm Researchers have uncovered a novel mechanism that may lead to more selective ways to stop cancer cells from spreading. Cancer biologists have identified the role of the protein RSK2 in cancer cell migration, part of the process of cancer metastasis.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 09:21:21 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226092138.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226092132.htm For scientists to improve cancer treatments with targeted therapeutic drugs, they need to be able to see proteins prevalent in the cancer cells. This has been impossible, until now. Thanks to a new microscopy technique, medical researchers have now observed how clusters of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) -- a protein abundant in lung and colon cancers, glioblastoma and others -- malfunctions in cancer cells.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 09:21:21 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226092132.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226092130.htm The overuse of antibiotics has created strains of bacteria resistant to medication, making the diseases they cause difficult to treat, or even deadly. But now a research team has identified a weakness in at least one superbug that scientists may be able to medically exploit.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 09:21:21 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226092130.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226092002.htm Taking omega-3 fish oils could help to protect against skin cancer, according to new research. Scientists just carried out the first clinical trial to examine the impact of the fish oils on the skin immunity of volunteers.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 09:20:20 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226092002.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226081238.htm One in three people who survived stays in an intensive care unit and required use of a mechanical ventilator showed substantial post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms that lasted for up to two years, according to a new study of patients with acute lung injury.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:12:12 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226081238.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226081236.htm Researchers have found that gastric bypass surgery reverses diabetes by uniquely restoring pancreatic function in moderately obese patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:12:12 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226081236.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226081234.htm Researchers have identified a group of progenitor cells in the inner ear that can become the sensory hair cells and adjacent supporting cells that enable hearing.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:12:12 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226081234.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226081155.htm During sleep, our brains store what we have learned during the day a process even more effective in children than in adults, new research shows.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:11:11 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226081155.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226081023.htm Severe nausea during pregnancy can be fatal, yet very little is known about this condition. Hormonal, genetic and socio-economic factors may all play a role.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:10:10 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226081023.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226081021.htm When something causes less pain than expected it is even possible for it to feel pleasant, a new study reveals. These findings may one day play a key role in treating pain and substance abuse.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:10:10 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226081021.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226081014.htm Scientists have used sugar-coated scaffolding to move a step closer to the routine use of stem cells in the clinic and unlock their huge potential to cure diseases from Alzheimer?s to diabetes.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:10:10 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226081014.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226081010.htm Researchers in Spain have created a high resolution atlas of the heart with 3-D images taken from 138 people. The study demonstrates that an average image of an organ along with its variations can be obtained for the purposes of comparing individual cases and differentiating healthy forms from pathologies.Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:10:10 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130226081010.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225210321.htm A new study shows that cortisone -- a hormone used in certain medicines -- increases the risk of acute pancreatitis. According to the researchers, they suggest that patients treated with cortisone in some forms should be informed of the risks and advised to refrain from alcohol and smoking.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 21:03:03 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225210321.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225201930.htm Up to 10 percent of all women experience some form of elevated blood pressure during pregnancy. Researchers now show that mild maternal hypertension early in pregnancy actually benefits the fetus, but that late pregnancy hypertension has negative health consequences for the child.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:19:19 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225201930.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225201928.htm Researchers have identified molecules in the blood that might gauge the likelihood of radiation illness after exposure to ionizing radiation. The animal study shows that radiation predictably alters levels of certain molecules in the blood. If verified in human subjects, the findings could lead to new methods for rapidly identifying people at risk for acute radiation syndrome after occupational exposures or nuclear reactor accidents, and they might help doctors plan radiation therapy for patients.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:19:19 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225201928.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225201820.htm A protein involved in the internal cell scaffold is associated with increased risk of metastasis and mortality in a range of common cancers finds a meta-analysis. The protein, fascin-1, is involved in bundling together the actin filaments which form the internal scaffolding of a cell and are involved in cell movement.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:18:18 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225201820.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225201809.htm Specialists are treating patients with a new generation of blood clot removal devices that show promise in successfully revascularizing stroke patients, including those with large vessel blockages. The Solitaire Flow Restoration Device and the Trevo device, approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012 to treat stroke caused by the sudden obstruction of a brain blood vessel (acute ischemic stroke) showed improved results over a previous standard and first generation clot-removal device in clinical trials.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:18:18 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225201809.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225181536.htm Results of a major study aimed at assessing the efficacy of the Mediterranean diet in the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases show that such a diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or tree nuts reduces by 30 percent the risk of suffering a cardiovascular death, a myocardial infarction or a stroke.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:15:15 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225181536.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225162231.htm Researchers have found significantly higher levels of toxic metals in children with autism, compared to typical children. They hypothesize that reducing early exposure to toxic metals may help lessen symptoms of autism, though they say this hypotheses needs further examination.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:22:22 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225162231.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225162229.htm Giving back through volunteering is good for your heart, even at a young age, according to researchers.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:22:22 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225162229.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225153141.htm A recombinant Newcastle disease virus kills all kinds of prostate cancer cells, including hormone resistant cells, but leaves normal cells unscathed, according to a new article. A treatment for prostate cancer based on this virus would avoid the adverse side effects typically associated with hormonal treatment for prostate cancer, as well as those associated with cancer chemotherapies generally.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:31:31 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225153141.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225153130.htm For decades scientists around the world have attempted to regenerate primary liver cells known as hepatocytes because of their numerous biomedical applications, including hepatitis research, drug metabolism and toxicity studies, as well as transplantation for cirrhosis and other chronic liver conditions. But no lab in the world has been successful in identifying and growing liver stem cells in culture -- using any available technique -- until now.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:31:31 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225153130.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225153122.htm Environmental exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), a widespread chemical found in plastics and resins, may suppress a gene vital to nerve cell function and to the development of the central nervous system, according to a new study.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:31:31 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225153122.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225153048.htm Scientists have found a telltale molecular marker for Onchocerciasis or ?river blindness,? a parasitic infection that affects tens of millions of people in Africa, Latin America and other tropical regions. The newly discovered biomarker, detectable in patients? urine, is secreted by Onchocerca volvulus worms during an active infection. The biomarker could form the basis of a portable, field-ready test with significant advantages over current diagnostic methods.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:30:30 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225153048.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225153046.htm Targeting CPR education in high-risk neighborhoods could increase the number of bystanders giving CPR and decrease deaths from cardiac arrest, according to a new statement.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:30:30 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225153046.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225153027.htm A healthy lung has some capacity to regenerate itself like the liver. In COPD, these reparative mechanisms fail. HDAC therapies may be useful for COPD, as well as other airway diseases. The levels of HDAC2 expression and its activity are greatly reduced in COPD patients. Decreased HDAC activity may impair the ability of the lung epithelium to regenerate.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:30:30 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225153027.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225131624.htm Researchers have identified what may be a major factor behind the increased risk of two adverse outcomes in pregnancies conceived through IVF. Their findings support the hypothesis that extremely high estrogen levels at the time of embryo transfer increase the risk of infants born small for their gestational age and the risk of preeclampsia. They also outline a protocol that reduced those risks in a small group of patients.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:16:16 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225131624.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225131552.htm When it comes to college education, men are falling behind by standing still. The proportion of men receiving college degrees has stagnated, while women have thrived under the new economic and social realities in the United States.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:15:15 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225131552.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225131537.htm Infants of mothers who were given 600 milligrams of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA during pregnancy weighed more at birth and were less likely to be very low birth weight and born before 34 weeks gestation than infants of mothers who were given a placebo.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:15:15 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225131537.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225131532.htm People become more politically liberal immediately after practising a spiritual exercise such as meditation, researchers have found.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:15:15 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225131532.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225122047.htm New research highlights a memory strategy that may help people who suffer from depression in recalling positive day-to-day experiences.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:20:20 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225122047.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225122039.htm A new case study shows children with Down syndrome can benefit from conventional stuttering treatment.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:20:20 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225122039.htmhttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225122037.htm Patients with Bell palsy who received acupuncture that achieves de qi, a type of intense stimulation, had improved facial muscle recovery, reduced disability and better quality of life, according to a randomized controlled trial.Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:20:20 ESThttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130225122037.htm

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/rss/top_news/top_health.xml

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Congress to consider bill to stop abusive patent lawsuits

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two Congressmen introduced a bill on Wednesday that would penalize companies that file frivolous patent infringement lawsuits, derided by critics as "patent trolls."

Representatives Peter DeFazio, an Oregon Democrat, and Jason Chaffetz, a Republican from Utah, sponsored the bill, which would ensure a company bringing a frivolous patent lawsuit would pay all the costs and attorney fees associated with the case.

"Patent trolls drained an estimated $29 billion from American innovators and companies in 2011," said DeFazio in a statement. "They pad their pockets by buying patents on products they didn't create and then suing companies from every industry for infringement."

Google Inc, Microsoft Corp, the Business Software Alliance, the Computer and Communications Industry Association and the Consumer Electronics Association all supported the proposed legislation.

Suzanne Michel, Google's senior patent counsel, said the search company supported the bill and noted that many of the lawsuits claim infringement of controversial software patents.

"Suits brought by trolls have quadrupled since 2005. They now account for 60 percent of all patent litigation," said Michel in a blog post. "The trolls' weapons of choice ? used in 85 percent of their suits ? are software patents, many of which are vague, over broad and invalid."

There is no Senate companion bill at this point for the House of Representatives action.

(Reporting By Diane Bartz. Editing by Andre Grenon)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/congress-consider-bill-stop-abusive-patent-lawsuits-221128828--sector.html

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Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd. Fourth Quarter 2012 #Earnings ...

Wednesday, February 27, 2013 @ 8:00 am ET

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A telephone replay of the conference call will be available through Mar 06, 2013

Passcode: 9493270

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Source: http://www.viavid.com/?p=3442

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PM Note: Washington Split Screen With Rosa Parks, Voting Rights, An Interview With Eric Holder, 'Spare Me' Sequestration

Washington Split Screen - Rosa Parks at the Capitol, Voting Rights Act at the Court - It was a strange day of confluences in Washington and on the two sides of 1st St., N.E.

While conservatives on the Supreme Court expressed deep skepticism about a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, suggesting it was no longer necessary? literally across the street at just about exactly the same time the President and Congressional leaders were unveiling a statue to honor Rosa Parks, an icon of the civil rights movement.

"She defied the odds. she defied injustice," said President Obama of Parks. House Speaker John Boehner shed a tear. http://abcn.ws/YFetkA

With Parks' victory in the bus boycott, said Obama, "?the entire edifice of segregation, like the ancient walls of Jericho, began to slowly come tumbling down."

Across the street, they weren't memorializing a hero, but discussing the future of a 48-year-old law. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was talking about the continued Constitutionality of the Voting Rights Act, a landmark piece of legislation first passed about a decade after Parks refused to stand up.

Scalia was talking about the unanimous vote to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act in 2006.

"I think it is attributable, very likely attributable, to a phenomenon that is called perpetuation of racial entitlement. It's been written about. Whenever a society adopts racial entitlements, it is very difficult to get out of them through the normal political processes.

"And I am fairly confident it will be re-enacted in perpetuity unless a court can say it does not comport with the Constitution," he continued. "You have to show, when you are treating different states differently, that there's a good reason for it. "

Scalia said, "That's the concern that those of us who have some questions about this statute have. It's a concern that this is not the kind of a question you can leave to Congress."

If their questioning is any indication, conservatives like Scalia on the court seem poised to overturn a key part of the law, which requires states to pre-clear newly drawn legislative boundaries with the Justice Department - More from Ariane de Vogue - http://abcn.ws/VaY3Av

Read more here about statues in Congress - http://abcn.ws/Va7IHz

More from Thomas's Interview with Holder - Holder Remembers Newtown, His Worst Day on the Job - As the nation's top law-enforcement officer, Eric Holder is briefed daily on terrorist threats. He attends meetings in the White House situation room, and he decides when to ask judges for the death penalty. At night, Holder says, he worries about terrorist threats. http://abcn.ws/15jwx5P

Holder: Home-Grown Terrorist Threat Rivals Overseas - After years of security briefings and thwarting terrorist plots, national security still keeps Eric Holder awake. "I still worry at night," the U.S. attorney general told ABC's Pierre Thomas in a wide-ranging, exclusive interview on Wednesday. http://abcn.ws/15jBrj9

Eric Holder Sounds the Sequester Alarm - The looming budget sequestration will make Americans less safe, Eric Holder says-and anyone who says otherwise isn't telling the truth. http://abcn.ws/YALM6x

Counterpoint - Bloomberg on Sequester: 'Spare Me' - "There's a lot of posturing - 'I'm going to lay off my employees today unless you do something. We're going to close the hospitals down. We going to take all the prisoners from jail and put them on the street. Spare me. I live in that world. I mean come on," Bloomberg said, mocking the warnings coming from the administration. http://abcn.ws/YFJip7

President Obama to Meet Congressional Leaders Friday-.His first working meeting with Boehner since December - http://abcn.ws/VNiUcd

Maybe They'll Figure Something Out by March 27th, the date you should really be worried about - . http://abcn.ws/VNGbe3 (Chris Good)

When Does the Sequester Go Into Effect?-It had been widely assumed that the dreaded across-the-board spending cuts would go into effect at midnight on Thursday - as the calendar turns to March 1. http://abcn.ws/WiqSg6 (Jonathan Karl)

Pre-Sequester Pink Slips? Duncan Stretches Impact on Teachers http://abcn.ws/ZBHk8g (Devin Dwyer, Mary Bruce)

An Alternative to Furlough? - TSA Head Suggests Possible Hiring Freeze - http://abcn.ws/12bFUH1 (Julie Percha)

Feds Deny DHS Official's Departure Tied to Immigrant Releases A federal agency denied on Wednesday that a Homeland Security official's departure was connected a controversial decision to release immigration detainees in the face of mandatory budget cuts. The Associated Press reported that Gary Mead, who is in charge of enforcement and removal operations at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), told colleagues on Tuesday that he would leave the agency, just after the releases were announced. But ICE called the report "inaccurate and misleading," saying that Mead's departure had been planned weeks in advance. http://abcn.ws/VOiQZK (Jordan Fabian)

Biden Invokes Untold Horror at Sandy Hook in Gun-Control Plea - With hearings underway on Capitol Hill over the Obama administration's proposed gun-control measures, Vice President Joe Biden today described what he said was untold horror from Sandy Hook Elementary in an appeal to the nation's attorneys general for help. http://abcn.ws/YYeNHR (Devin Dwyer)

Newtown Parent Sobs at Senate Gun Hearing-A father who lost his son in the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School wept openly today as he testified before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on a proposed assault weapons ban. http://abcn.ws/Xbh85R(Arlette Saenz)

Europe Welcomes Blunt Kerry, Who Says Americans Have 'Right to Be Stupid,' Speaks French - Newly minted Secretary of State John Kerry is making friends, as well some waves on his first European tour as America's top diplomat. http://abcn.ws/XiCtsv (Dana Hughes)

Rubio 'Only Member of the Hip-Hop Caucus'-Is there a love of hip hop in the U.S. Senate? Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., says he doesn't find many other senators to discuss the history and trends of hip-hop with. http://abcn.ws/YXKDnX (Arlette Saenz)

Also Read

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/pm-note-washington-split-screen-rosa-parks-voting-001606273--abc-news-politics.html

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UFC 157?s Three Stars: Ronda Rousey, Robbie Lawler and Dennis Bermudez shine

UFC 157 completed the rare trick of living up to its intense hype. Who stood out as stars?

No. 1 star ? Ronda Rousey: Is there any better word to describe Rousey than star? After months of Rousey appearing on television, in magazines and on every site on the internet, she showed she's more than a media darling. Rousey not only escaped a submission attempt by Liz Carmouche, but also finished the fight with just 11 seconds to go in the first round. That's a star.

No. 2 star ? Robbie Lawler: Looking at this fight card, would you ever have guessed that Lawler would emerge as a star? Before returning to the UFC on Saturday, he lost three of his last five bouts. He was up against Josh Koscheck, who was eager to get a big win after losing to Johny Hendricks. But the power in Lawler's hands knocked Koscheck out in the first round, and earned Lawler a $50,000 Knockout of the Night bonus.

No. 3 star ? Dennis Bermudez: When the preliminary fights started, the Honda Center wasn't even half full. The UFC's tailgate was still going strong in the parking lot. But as Bermudez's bout with Matt Grice wore on, I noticed the stands filling up. Perhaps they heard about the Fight of the Year candidate happening inside, with Bermudez throwing everything he had at Grice, and Grice not only withstanding the punches but coming back with big punches of his own. They each took home a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus.

Who were your three stars from the night? Tell in the comments, on Facebook or on Twitter.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/ufc-157-three-stars-ronda-rousey-robbie-lawler-143258534--mma.html

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Wynn Resorts Named as 2013 Forbes Five-Star Award Winners ...

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ ??Today, Forbes Travel Guide formally announced its 55^th annual yearly listing of Five-Star hospitality establishments & named the - Tower Suites & spas at Wynn & Encore Las Vegas, & the - hotels & spas at Wynn Macau & Encore Macau, to the - prestigious & rigorous ratings list. Forbes Travel Guide?s Star rating designations are the - gold standard for hospitality excellence.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130226/LA66628-a)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130226/LA66628-b)

Collectively, Wynn Resorts has 40 stars among their Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award winning properties, more than any other independent hotel company in the - world. ??

?The Forbes Five-Stars are generally regarded as the - most prestigious & stringent of all hotel & resort rating institutions,? asserted Steve Wynn, chairman & CEO of Wynn resorts. ?Our new awards at Encore Macau, Five-Stars in both the - spa & hotel, & the - latest Five-Stars for both the - spa & hotel at Wynn Macau, create a clean sweep for our Macau hotels. Our ongoing Five- Stars for both the - spas & hotels at Encore Las Vegas NV & Wynn Las Vegas NV afford us the - honor of holding more Forbes Stars than any other independent resort company in the - world.?

Wynn continued, ?We are, of course, thrilled at this wonderful distinction. Yet, we recognize & covet the - most noteworthy of all ratings ? ? the - satisfaction of each guest at each of our hotels every day.?

Encore Macau, Wynn Macau?s sister resort, debuted on the - distinguished list this year & earned Five-Star awards for its hotel & spa. Wynn Macau & The Spa at Wynn Macau were moreover bestowed Five-Star awards again this year. Wynn & Encore Macau were two of five casino resorts to receive Five-Stars in Macau.

The Tower Suites at Wynn & Encore Las Vegas NV continue to earn accolades & have once again earned Forbes Five-Star Awards. Additionally, the - spas at Wynn & Encore were honored this year & are among only four spas in Las Vegas NV to be recognized with Forbes Five-Star awards.

?The Forbes Travel Guide annual yearly Star Awards represent the - best in class in luxury hospitality. Travelers looking for exceptional experiences rely on our ratings to guide them to the - world?s finest hotels, restaurants & spas,? asserted Michael Cascone, President & COO of Forbes Travel Guide. ?By continuing to evolve our ratings categories, we are establishing a global benchmark for the - highest standards in hospitality service & facilities.?

For a detailed explanation of how Forbes Travel Guide compiles its Star ratings, visit www.startle.com/about/ratings.

About Wynn Resorts:
Wynn Resorts, Limited (WYNN) is traded on the - Nasdaq Global Select Market under the - ticker symbol WYNN & is part of the - S&P 500 & NASDAQ-100 Indexes. Wynn Resorts owns & operates Wynn & Encore Las Vegas NV (www.wynnlasvegas.com) & Wynn Macau (www.wynnmacau.com).

Wynn & Encore Las Vegas NV feature two luxury hotel towers with a total of 4,750 spacious hotel rooms, suites & villas, approximately 186,000 square feet of casino space, 32 food & beverage outlets featuring signature chefs, two award-winning spas, an on-site 18-hole golf course, meeting space, a Ferrari & Maserati dealership, approximately 94,000 square feet of retail space as well as two showrooms; three nightclubs & a beach club.

Wynn Macau is a destination casino located in the - Macau Special Administrative Region of the - People?s Republic of China with two luxury hotel towers with a total of 1,008 spacious rooms & suites, approximately 265,000 square feet of casino space, casual & fine dining in eight restaurants, approximately 54,600 square feet of retail space, recreation & leisure facilities, in addition to two health clubs, two spas & a pool.

About Forbes Travel Guide & Startle.com
Forbes Travel Guide, formerly Mobil Travel Guide & originator of the - prestigious Five Star ratings & certifications, has provided the - travel industry?s most comprehensive ratings & reviews of hotels, restaurants & spas since 1958. Forbes Travel Guide has a team of expert inspectors who anonymously evaluate properties against rigorous & objective standards, providing consumers the - insight to make better-informed travel & leisure decisions. The information gathered from the - inspectors? visits can be found along with content by curated hospitality experts, tastemakers, Forbes Travel Guide editors & correspondents at Startle.com, online home of Forbes Travel Guide.

Source: http://www.lasvegasnvblog.com/2013/02/wynn-resorts-named-as-2013-forbes-five-star-award-winners/

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UK cardinal quits amid priests' allegations

The leader of the Scottish Catholic Church, Cardinal Keith O'Brien, has resigned amid allegations of inappropriate behavior, involving four priests in the 1980s. The Cardinal used his resignation to apologize to those he'd offended. ?ITV's Lewis Vaughan Jones report.

By John Newland, Staff Writer, NBC News

LONDON ? Britain?s most senior Roman Catholic cleric has resigned amid allegations of inappropriate behavior made by priests.

The Vatican said Monday that Pope Benedict XVI had formally accepted the resignation of Cardinal Keith O?Brien, archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh. The Observer newspaper reported Sunday that the Vatican had been notified of allegations of inappropriate behavior stretching back 30 years.

---

Three priests in Scotland, as well as a former priest, have lodged complaints to the Vatican's ambassador to Britain and demanded O'Brien's immediate resignation, according to the newspaper.

The 74-year-old cardinal has contested the claims and said he is taking legal advice.

O?Brien had been prepared to resign, citing his age as the cause. He turns 75 on March 17, and the Vatican said the pope had in November accepted a resignation letter under the condition of ?nunc pro tunc,? meaning ?now for later.?

The Vatican said Monday, however, that the pontiff had now accepted the resignation ?definitively.?

Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Images, file

The Vatican confirmed Monday that it had accepted the resignation of Cardinal Keith O'Brien, 74.

It means O'Brien will not take part in the conclave to elect the pope's successor - a process that could begin earlier than March 15 after the rules governing the process were changed in a move announced Monday.

O?Brien said in a statement that it was the pope himself who had decided his resignation would take effect immediately.

?Approaching the age of 75 and at times in indifferent health, I tendered my resignation ? some months ago,? he said. ?The Holy Father has now decided that my resignation will take effect today.?

O'Brien would have been Britain's only elector in the papal conclave that will gather to decide on a successor to Benedict XVI.

"I will not join them for this conclave in person," O'Brien said. "I do not wish media attention in Rome to be focused on me -- but rather on Pope Benedict XVI and on his successor."

A hint of O?Brien?s accelerated resignation was found Sunday in Edinburgh, when the cardinal did not appear as scheduled to lead a Mass at St. Mary?s Cathedral. Instead, Bishop Stephen Robson made a statement on O?Brien?s behalf.

?A number of allegations of inappropriate behavior have been made against the cardinal,? the statement said. ?The cardinal has sought legal advice, and it would be inappropriate to comment at this time. There will be further statements in due course.?

Robson is an auxiliary prelate in the Edinburgh diocese.

O'Brien's statement went on to say: "I have valued the opportunity of serving the people of Scotland and overseas in various ways since becoming a priest. Looking back over my years of ministry: For any good I have been able to do, I thank God. For any failures, I apologize to all whom I have offended."

Controversy
O?Brien had gained a reputation as a hard-line conservative and opponent of gay rights.

In 2009, O?Brien urged the Scottish National Party to abandon plans to give gay couples the same foster-parenting rights as straight ones, calling the idea ?misguided? and saying that gays were known for unstable relationships.

Scandals are still on the minds of Catholics as Benedict's time as pope grows short. NBC's Ann Thompson reports.

Last year, he wrote an editorial in the Daily Telegraph in which he urged people to stand up against a proposal to allow gay marriage, which he said was ?madness.? He referred then to same-sex marriage as a ?grotesque subversion of a universally accepted human right.?

O?Brien?s stance and other comments led the gay rights group Stonewall UK last year to nominate him for its ?Bigot of the Year? award.

?Ten-thousand people overwhelmingly, decisively voted that he should be given that award,? said Colin MacFarlane, director of Stonewall Scotland. ?We don?t call people a bigot because they disagree with us. We reserve that for people who use the kind of language the cardinal has used. He has gone out of his way. It has not been fair discourse. His language has been cruel, hurtful and pernicious.?

The group's response to news of O'Brien's resignation was unsurprising.

?We trust there will now be a full investigation into the serious allegations made against Cardinal O?Brien,? MacFarlane said. ?We hope his successor will show a little more Christian charity towards openly gay people than the cardinal did himself.?

Two weeks ago, the pope?s brother, the Rev. Georg Ratzinger, said scandals had troubled Benedict XVI and may have contributed to his decision to retire.

He specifically mentioned that Benedict had been bothered by the "Vatileaks" scandal in which a butler leaked secret documents, as well as the "the relationship to the Pius Brotherhood."

That organization, formally known as the Society of St. Pius X, fell into a harsh public spotlight in December when its leader, Bishop Bernard Fellay, said Jews were "the enemies of the church." His comment drew criticism from all corners of the church and from the public in general.

Georg Ratzinger said he thought his brother had handled those problems well but that they had taken their toll.

Related:?

LA's Cardinal Mahony says he is a 'scapegoat'

Inside the Vatican: The $8 billion global institution where nuns answer the phones

Vatican history of 'cover-ups and disarray' will challenge new pope

This story was originally published on Mon Feb 25, 2013 6:55 AM EST

Source: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/25/17086012-britains-top-catholic-cleric-resigns-amid-allegations-of-inappropriate-behavior?lite

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Women's Exposure to Chemicals May Explain Unexpected Breast Cancer

Women attend a fundraiser for breast cancer in San Francisco. Image: Flickr/cpurl

Deep in a laboratory freezer, 100,000 vials of blood have been frozen for the better part of five decades.

For scientist Barbara Cohn, it?s a treasure trove. Collected from more than 15,000 San Francisco Bay Area women after they gave birth in the 1960s, each vial of blood holds a woman?s lifetime of secrets.

Scientists say these vials could help them unravel one of the most enduring medical mysteries: Why do some women, with no family history, develop breast cancer?

The blood bears the chemical signature of environmental pollutants, some long banned, that the women were exposed to decades ago. Cohn, who directs the research in Berkeley, Calif., believes these early-life exposures may hold the key to understanding a woman's risk of breast cancer today.

The women's blood is being tested for traces of dozens of pollutants???used by industry and found in many consumer products???that can impersonate estrogen and other hormones. The theory is that early exposure to these chemicals, even before birth, inside the mother?s womb, may fundamentally alter the way that breast tissues grow, triggering cancer decades later.

Cancer patients and their doctors have long puzzled over what factors in a woman?s environment may raise her risk of breast cancer. One of every eight women in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime, with more than 232,000 new cases diagnosed yearly, according to the American Cancer Society. Only five to 10 percent can be accounted for by genetics; other known risk factors include age, obesity and low physical activity.

Earlier this month, a science advisory panel?urged the federal government to fund more projects aimed at uncovering the environmental causes of breast cancer because eliminating these factors may provide the greatest opportunity to prevent it.

It?s particularly vexing for scientists because it?s difficult to unlock a woman?s exposures during her most critical times for breast development: in the womb and during puberty and pregnancy.

?As researchers looking at adult outcomes of disease processes such as breast cancer, one of the biggest challenges we face is trying to get a handle on prenatal exposures and what is going on in the prenatal environment,? said Shanna Swan, an environmental health scientist at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.

Many scientists have been looking for connections between various environmental exposures and the disease???with mixed results. Some findings suggest links to a few chemicals, including the banned pesticide DDT. But others have found no link.

For example, experts from the American Cancer Society, reviewing previous studies, in 2002 found no association between breast cancer and chlorinated chemicals including DDT.

And in 2011, an institute of the National Academies of Sciences reported ?a possible link? between breast cancer and some common ingredients of vehicle exhaust, benzene and 1,3-butadiene. But the report?said the jury is still out for most other widespread chemicals, such as pesticides, ingredients of cosmetics and bisphenol A (BPA).

Source: http://rss.sciam.com/click.phdo?i=4be39565ab7b234106a46966811520a8

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ZIMBABWE national cricket team coach Alan Butcher took some time off a hectic sc...

Sorry, Readability was unable to parse this page for content.

Source: http://www.facebook.com/zimbabwenews/posts/559990550687116

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Chinese 'Dubai' turns into deserted island

AFP - It was billed as China's Dubai: a cluster of sail-shaped skyscrapers on a man-made island surrounded by tropical sea, the epitome of an unprecedented property boom that transformed skylines across the country.

But prices on Phoenix Island, off the palm-tree lined streets of the resort city of Sanya, have plummeted in recent months, exposing the hidden fragilities of China's growing but sometimes unbalanced economy.

A "seven star" hotel is under construction on the wave-lapped oval, which the provincial tourism authority proclaims as a "fierce competitor" for the title of "eighth wonder of the modern world".

But the island stands quiet aside from a few orange-jacketed cleaning staff, with undisturbed seaside swimming pools reflecting rows of pristine white towers, and a row of Porsches one of the few signs of habitation.

Chinese manufacturers once snapped up its luxury apartments, but with profits falling as a result of the global downturn many owners need to offload properties urgently and raise cash to repay business loans, estate agents said.

Now apartments on Phoenix Island which reached the dizzying heights of 150,000 yuan per square metre ($2,200 per square foot) in 2010 are on offer for just 70,000 yuan, said Sun Zhe, a local estate agent.

"I just got a call from a businessman desperate to sell," Sun told AFP, brandishing his mobile phone as he whizzed over a bridge to the futuristic development on a electric golf cart.

"Whether it's toys or clothes, the export market is bad... property owners need capital quickly, and want to sell their apartments right away," he said. "They are really feeling the effect of the financial crisis."

Official figures showed an almost eight percent increase in China's total exports last year, but sales to Europe fell by almost four percent with the continent mired in a debt crisis and recession.

At the same time rising wages in China mean that producers of clothes, toys and other low-end goods are seeing their margins squeezed as other emerging economies compete to become the world's centre for cheap manufacturing.

For years Chinese business owners, faced with limited investment options and low returns from deposits in state-run banks, have used property as a store of value, pushing prices up even higher in the good times but creating the risk of a crash in the bad.

"China had a lending boom... and so if people are using property as a place to stash their cash, they had more cash to stash," said Patrick Chanovec, a professor at Beijing's Tsinghua university.

"At some point they want to get their money out, then you find out if there are really people who are willing to pay those high prices."

Phoenix Island is part of Hainan, a Belgium-sized province in the South China Sea that saw the biggest property price increases in China after a 2008 government stimulus flooded the economy with credit.

Eager buyers camped out in tents on city streets as prices shot up by more than 50 percent in one year.

But tightened policies on access to credit and multiple house purchases have since knocked values in favoured second home locations, even while prices in major cities they have rallied in recent months.

Real estate is a pillar of the Chinese economy, accounting for almost 14 percent of GDP last year and supporting the massive construction sector, making policy makers anxious to avoid a major collapse of the property bubble.

At the same time ordinary Chinese who cannot afford to buy a home have been frustrated by high housing costs for years.

With anger over graft also mounting state media have carried several reports in recent weeks about corrupt officials' property holdings, including a policeman who used a fake identity card to buy at least 192 dwellings.

Hainan's tropical shores are said to be a hotspot for purchases by well-connected bureaucrats, but estate agents denied they were rushing to sell off apartments for fear of a crackdown.

Officials only account for around 20 percent of owners, they said -- while doubting any new regulations would be properly enforced. "There are always different rules for people with connections," said one agent, asking to remain anonymous.

It is an example of the multiple competing interests the authorities have to balance, leaving them treading a difficult line, with sometimes unforeseen consequences.

On the other side of Hainan, the Seaview Auspicious Gardens, boasts beachside villas accessed by artificial rivers and a private library containing 100,000 books, prices have fallen by a third from a high of 12,000 yuan per square metre in the last year, and a third of the flats remain unsold.

Yang Qiong has a thankless task as one of its saleswomen.

"Before the government restrictions we would sell out a development like this in just five months," she lamented.

Source: http://www.france24.com/en/20130224-chinese-dubai-turns-deserted-island

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Honey Badger, Leon Sandcastle and Penn Staters on the bench: Five things to look for at Sunday's NFL Scouting Combine

INDIANAPOLIS-- It's easy to forget what day of the week it is when you're covering an event where there's so much going on. Players are constantly in and out of the media room and sometimes you look up from your computer and see a flurry of NFL coaches walking through the room searching for the exit.

Some refer to it as sensory overload and after leaving the stadium it's easy to still hear the voice coming from the loudspeaker announcing each player, all 237 of them as of Saturday night, who have come through the room. There were also at least 50 other coaches and general managers who spoke in the room as well.

A lot of the media availability is starting to slow down, but when it comes to on-field workouts it's only a quarter of the way finished. Here's what's happening in Indianapolis on Sunday.

Meeting their benchmarks

Penn State's Jordan Hill, Michael Mauti and Gerald Hodges have a day full of psychological testing, the NFL's new aptitude test and the bench press waiting for them. The bench is their first physical event since arriving in Indianapolis on Friday and is the only drill Mauti will take part in.

Hill and Mauti both are optimistic about being about to post 30 repetitions at the event where each player lifts the required 225 pounds. Hodges has yet to meet with the media, presumably because either team interviews or medical exams were backed up. He should come through the room at some point on Sunday.

Quarterbacks have a chance to shine

The quarterbacks heard all the talk about the depth of this draft class coming from anywhere but their position group. West Virginia's Geno Smith is expected to headline the mediocre group and some believe Smith is worth as high as a top-10 pick.

On Sunday the quarterbacks will workout on the field and throw in front of scouts and general managers. Some are opting to wait until their pro days to throw, citing their own wide receivers as one of the bonuses to waiting. All of their team interviews are wrapped up and if there's one last place they're trying to impress before pro days, it's on Sunday.

Leon Sandcastle slated to meet with the media

The NFL Network's campaign with Deion Sanders has hit a new level. Sanders, who appeared in a Super Bowl commercial promoting the Combine as a fictitious character named 'Leon Sandcastle' is scheduled to address reporters Sunday evening.

In a clever marketing ploy and humorous press release that the NFL sent out on Saturday, it claims that the pride of ?Primetime University? is taking the Combine by storm. This was all brought up in the 60-second commercial that encouraged fans to watch the Combine for the next star who, like Sandcastle, could come out of nowhere.

Better yet, the NFL went through the trouble of giving their fictitious prospect a profile page on the Combine's website.

High risk-high reward with Honey Badger in town

Former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu will undergo a physical exam and team interviews before meeting with the media on Sunday. Mathieu, commonly referred to as ?Honey Badger,? was the 2011 SEC Defensive Player of the Year before being released from the team in August for a violation of team rules.

He checked himself into a treatment facility and returned to taking classes at the school, only to later be arrested for marijuana possession. He's projected to be a fourth-round pick but could help himself if he runs faster than a 4.5 second 40-yard dash.

If he turns in a good time it could give him more appeal as a kick returner. As for his interviews, if it weren't for Manti Te'o being present Mathieu would've received more scrutiny.

No more arrivals and only on-field workouts remain after Sunday

The defensive backs were the last group to arrive at the Combine and they came into town on Saturday. They have interviews through Monday before completing their on-field workouts on Tuesday.

There are approximately 60 more players from a few leftover linebackers and defensive linemen to all of the defensive backs who will address the media on Sunday. After that, it's full steam ahead toward the playing field.

Source: http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/02/honey_badger_bench_press_and_l.html

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U.S. troops deployed to Niger - Sat, 23 Feb 2013 PST

February 23, 2013 in Nation/World

Americans sent to set up base for?drones

Julie Pace Associated Press

WASHINGTON ? President Barack Obama said Friday that about 100 American troops have been deployed to the African nation of Niger. Two U.S. defense officials said the troops would be setting up a base for unarmed drones to conduct?surveillance.

Obama announced the deployment in a letter to Congress, saying that the forces ?will provide support for intelligence collection and will also facilitate intelligence sharing with French forces conducting operations in Mali, and with other partners in the?region.?

The move marks a deepening of U.S. efforts to stem the spread of al-Qaida and its affiliates in the volatile??

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WASHINGTON ? President Barack Obama said Friday that about 100 American troops have been deployed to the African nation of Niger. Two U.S. defense officials said the troops would be setting up a base for unarmed drones to conduct?surveillance.

Obama announced the deployment in a letter to Congress, saying that the forces ?will provide support for intelligence collection and will also facilitate intelligence sharing with French forces conducting operations in Mali, and with other partners in the?region.?

The move marks a deepening of U.S. efforts to stem the spread of al-Qaida and its affiliates in the volatile region. It also underscores Obama?s desire to fight extremism without involving large numbers of U.S. ground?forces.

The drone base will allow the U.S. to give France more intelligence on the militants its forces have been fighting in Mali, which neighbors Niger. Over time, it could extend the reach not only of American intelligence-gathering but also U.S. special operations missions to strengthen Niger?s own security?forces.

One of the two U.S. defense officials who discussed the development confirmed the American troops would fly drones and other surveillance platforms from Niger military airstrips, tracking militant and refugee movement inside Mali and around the border. The U.S. will share that intelligence with Niger?s military, the official?said.

The drones at the Niger base will be unarmed and used for surveillance, not airstrikes. Still, the development of a base in Niger raises the possibility that it could eventually be used for launching?strikes.

Obama said in his letter to Congress that the U.S. forces have been deployed with the consent of Niger?s?government.

Last month, the U.S. and Niger signed a status-of-forces-agreement spelling out legal protections and obligations of American forces that might operate in Niger in the?future.

Africa is increasingly a focus of U.S. counterterrorism efforts, even as al-Qaida remains a threat in Pakistan, Yemen and elsewhere. Last month?s terrorist attack on a natural gas complex in Algeria, in which at least 37 hostages and 29 militants were killed, illustrated the threat posed by?extremists.

A number of al-Qaida-linked Islamic extremist groups operate in Mali and elsewhere in the Sahara, including a group known as al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, which originated in Algeria and is active in northern Mali. Last month, French forces intervened to stop the extremists? move toward Mali?s?capital.

? Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Source: http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/feb/23/us-troops-deployed-to-niger/

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US Sends Troops To Niger To Set Up Drone Base

By Cheston Catalano with comments February 23, 2013 10:43

Approximately 100 troops are being deployed to Niger to set up a base for unarmed drones to conduct surveillance.

The move marks a deepening of U.S. efforts to stem the spread of al-Qaida and its affiliates in the volatile region. It also underscores Obama?s desire to fight extremism without involving large numbers of U.S. ground forces.

The drone base will allow the U.S. to give France more intelligence on the militants its forces have been fighting in Mali, which neighbors Niger. Over time, it could extend the reach not only of American intelligence-gathering but also U.S. special operations missions to strengthen Niger?s own security forces.LhMSPiZU

Source: http://www.alan.com/2013/02/23/us-sends-troops-to-niger-to-set-up-drone-base/

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HTC brings Dashwire back, focuses on setting up new Android smartphones

When HTC dissolved Dashwire's original service just months after acquisition, many wrote off the smaller company; it all but disappeared from the limelight, even with its early cloud sync service still in action. Rather than relegate Dashwire to the oblivion traditionally associated with takeovers, though, HTC is staging a comeback. It's relaunching Dashwire to help carriers get customers up and running on a new smartphone, including contacts and a customized look. Details are short, but the revived service won't be HTC-exclusive: Dashwire will support "leading" Android device makers. While the company's return to form will depend on successful sales pitches at Mobile World Congress, it at least stands a chance of being more than just a footnote.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, HTC

Comments

Source: Dashwire

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/22/htc-brings-dashwire-back/

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Morgan Stanley expects 6% dividend, cheaper 'iPhone mini' after meeting with Apple CFO

By Neil Hughes

Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty recently met with Apple Chief Financial Officer Peter Oppenheimer, and came away with the impression that Apple will likely increase cash return to shareholders, and potentially release a lower priced iPhone to maintain growth.


Huberty, in a note to investors on Friday, said that innovation remains a "top priority" at Apple. That's why she expects Apple to expand the iPhone lineup, and also to introduce new services that can "unlock significant value" and drive device sales.

She noted that demand for the iPhone 4, Apple's current low-end handset offering, was surprisingly strong during the December quarter. With a gross margin of 40 percent and a one-third cannibalization rate, she believes a so-called "iPhone mini" would drive incremental revenue and gross profit.

"The company's approach to product decisions and innovation has not changed in the past several years despite the CEO transition," Huberty wrote. "Making great products remains Apple's core strategy and the company is as confident as ever about the future pipeline of new products and services."

And with Apple's cash balance $40 billion higher than it was in March of 2012, Huberty believes the company will likely return more cash to shareholders. She believes the iPhone maker could match the S&P 500 IT sector's average free cash flow payout of 68 percent.

At that rate, Apple could return $28 billion to shareholders in fiscal year 2013, which would imply a 6 percent total yield on the company's dividend. That would be a major increase over Apple's current $2.65 quarterly dividend, which carries a 2.3 percent yield.

To pay out that higher dividend, Apple could borrow cash. She noted that the amount of Apple's cash overseas has limited the company's flexibility, but this could be addressed by raising low-interest debt.

Morgan Stanley has maintained its "overweight" rating for AAPL stock with a price target of $630.

Source: http://feeds.appleinsider.com/click.phdo?i=c54953c7cd4356eb5a9f68f4779056c1

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Custom Monsters University Letterman Sweatshirt & T-Shirt

As soon as the first images of Monsters University?were released, Julie was in love with the letterman jacket that Mike and Sulley were wearing. Of course, with her history of her custom?PartySaurus Rex toy and additional fun creations, she knew she was going to make a version of the jacket in her own style. She deconstructed two different hooded sweatshirts (one white, one blue) and intricately sewed them together to form the custom letterman sweatshirt shown below.
The logo patch was a labor of love and involved four layers of fabric and a fair amount of detailed sewing. Before starting the sweatshirt, she also created a custom Oozma Kappa shirt to show her support for her favorite Monsters University?fraternity. She wanted more of a vintage patch-work look for the lettering, so she left the corners slightly frayed and distressed. After a few tests between the sweatshirt and the T-shirt, she couldn't be happier with the end results.

Pixar Post - T.J. & Julie

Source: http://www.pixarpost.com/2013/02/custom-monsters-university-letterman.html

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Why Won't Obama Let You Unlock Your Phone? 100,000 People Want to Know

Suppose you're upset with your cell phone carrier, and you'd like to switch. Under current law, you can take your phone number with you when you leave. But if you want to take your phone? Forget it. Ever since an obscure rule protecting the process of "unlocking" expired from copyright law last month, it's been illegal to port your device to another carrier. In fact, any American who's ever unlocked their phone is now at risk for steep fines, court battles with carriers, and even jailtime.

But a team of copyright activists has been lobbying the government to keep unlocking legal. And early this morning, they won a small victory: their petition to the White House finally accumulated 100,000 signatures, meaning it must now be met with an official government response.

"A hundred thousand people should be taken seriously," said Derek Khanna, one of those leading the charge. "There hasn't been a real concise explanation about why ? individuals who unlock their own phones [should] be legally liable for up to five years in prison."

In particular, the petition asks President Obama to ask the Library of Congress to reconsider its stance on unlocking -- and if that doesn't work, to press Congress for legislative action. An ideal bill would protect four activities, Khanna told me: adaptive technology for the blind, such as the kind that scans books and handwriting into text computers can display; backing up DVDs to your computer;?jailbreaking your phone so that you can modify it beyond the manufacturer's preferred limits; and unlocking.

Hold on a second. How did the Library of Congress gain the power to control what you do with your devices? It comes down to a provision in the Digital Millenium Copyright Act that lets the Librarian of Congress set exemptions for things that "circumvent" anti-piracy systems. Unlocking and gaining top-level privileges to modify your phone have so far been protected by these exemptions -- and in fact, jailbreaking your phone will still be legal into 2015. But these exemptions have to be renewed every three years. This time, when the unlocking exemption came up, the Library of Congress demurred. (A call to the LOC wasn't returned.)

This means wireless companies that don't like the idea of customers leaving their service with their phones can theoretically sue.

President Obama could still rebuff the petitioners, but he would be taking an unpopular position, according to Khanna.

"If the White House wants to defend that position, that's up to them," said Khanna. "I don't think they will defend that, but they could."

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/why-wont-obama-let-unlock-phone-100-000-134535369--politics.html

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