Thursday, January 31, 2013

Off-desk mousing is possible with the Genius Pen Mouse

The newly re-designed Pen Mouse from Genius doesn’t keep you tied to a desk. ?With the 2.4GHz Pen Mouse, you can mouse on any surface – your hands, your jeans, or almost anything else you find. ?The mouse has been redesigned for a more comfortable grip and a pen clip has been added. ?Three DPI [...]

Source: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2013/01/30/off-desk-mousing-is-possible-with-the-genius-pen-mouse/

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Labor union chief vows ?full-fledged campaign? for immigration overhaul

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (Carolyn Kaster/AP)Organized labor is ?entirely behind? comprehensive immigration reform and will mount a ?full-fledged? campaign to help drive it through Congress, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka told Yahoo News on Tuesday.

Trumka, whose federation comprises 57 unions representing some 12 million people, called the planned overhaul ?one of our top priorities right now.? He spoke by telephone from Las Vegas, Nev., where he was to attend President Barack Obama?s speech on immigration reform.

?We think everybody ought to have the right to work hard and to progress to citizenship,? Trumka said.

White House officials cite robust support from organized labor?which at times in recent history has opposed giving the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants on U.S. soil a path to citizenship?as a key factor in their optimism about getting a comprehensive bill through Congress. They also point to the expansion of support among Christians, notably evangelicals. And they joke that the difficulty of managing a broad coalition is the kind of problem they like having.

Unions ?did have at one point some differences? on the issue, but ?the entire labor movement is entirely behind this now,? Trumka said. ?We?ll be at the table the whole time this thing is being developed to make sure it meets the needs of workers.? Once it?s drafted, he continued, ?we?ll be pushing this thing [with a] full-fledged campaign? aimed at both public opinion and wary lawmakers.

?We?ll be targeting those in the House or the Senate that either are recalcitrant and don?t want to do anything or aren?t where they need to be," he said.

Labor wants to see a comprehensive overhaul?"It can?t just be hit and miss," Trumka added?that does a better job of managing legal immigration to meet labor market needs, ensures employers are not exploiting undocumented immigrants, gives those on U.S. soil illegally a path to citizenship and makes sure that families are not broken up, he said.

Trumka also noted that unions are ?a little concerned? about a proposed provision in the bipartisan Senate framework requiring that undocumented immigrants seeking legal status provide ?a proven history of employment.? That could be difficult?employers may not want to admit that they hired such workers?but it could ?be defined in a very broad sense,? he said.

?The system is clearly broken right now, doesn?t work for anybody, doesn?t work for the country,? he added.

The AFL-CIO, the country's largest labor federation, isn't exactly a newcomer to the debate. It produced an outline of its own in August 2009. While organized labor's national clout has diminished along with shrinking membership, unions remain a core constituency for Democrats, and much of the party's backbone, providing cash and voter outreach.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/afl-cio-chief-vows-full-fledged-campaign-immigration-171525302--politics.html

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Wednesday, January 30, 2013

2012 NUC High School Players and Coach of the Year

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Source: http://www.nationalunderclassmen.com//ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=23100&ATCLID=206153973

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Scouts speak: Reactions to potential inclusion of gays

Yahoo News asked former Boy Scouts, current leaders and scouting families to react to Monday's news that the Boy Scouts of America is considering removing its ban on gay members and leaders. In their own words, here are excerpts from opinions they shared.

***

Robert Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. (Mel Evans/AP)Scouting's benefits should be available to all: As an Eagle Scout and a current scout leader in Enid, Okla., I have developed a strong belief in the ideals of scouting, the lessons that it teaches, and the positive effect that the scouting program can have on the lives of young people. Participating in scouting develops many attributes in young people, including values of personal responsibility, self-reliance, courtesy and kindness.

Several scouts in my troop have very difficult home situations and would be considered at-risk youth. I have seen these young men blossom in the scouting program as they interacted with both other scouts and adults. They have done amazing things that even the scout leaders did not think were possible for them.

While I understand that many feel homosexuality is against the basic tenants of scouting, I believe that the opportunity to encourage the positive and needed attributes that scouting espouses should be available to all young people. I am in favor of lifting the ban on homosexuality in scouting so that all young people and adult leaders may participate in this worthwhile program.

-- Jeremy Phelps, Enid, Okla.

***

It's no silver bullet to organization's woes: National and regional financial support for the Boy Scouts has dropped each year. When I was a professional, working for the Boy Scouts as executive director, an easy out for potential donors to not fund the organization was the stance on homosexuals. But when our local council in Vermont adopted a "nondiscrimination policy" in 2002 (to curry favor with possible contributors), large swaths of cash did not suddenly start rolling into the council office.

Similarly, the policy our council adopted did not make the program any more appealing to families that were not already a part of the organization. At best, it gave the United Way and other funding agencies in the state one less reason to support the local council.

Councils that keep a policy of discrimination will keep fighting the same battles they fight now. Councils that choose to not discriminate will probably be in the same boat.

The belief at the national office is that once they wash their hands of the issue, oodles of companies, agencies and benefactors will come out of the woodwork to help with the bills.

This is a pipe dream.

-- Bill Deaton, Hawley, Pa.

***

Scouts better for influencing more young men: I have been a volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America for most of my adult life, both as a leader and a merit badge counselor. My only son is an Eagle Scout. Scouting has been and will continue to be a large part of my life. Scouting has changed the lives of countless boys, and I firmly believe in the values and goals of the organization.

Jennifer Tyrrell hugs her son Cruz Burns, 7, outside Boy Scouts national offices in Irving, Texas, on July 18,??In my experience, young men who join the Boy Scouts, and honestly pursue the principles espoused by the organization, grow in multiple areas. These boys mature physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. They become better citizens, they work harder and they are better-equipped to meet the challenges and obstacles that life presents to them.

The opportunity for individual charter organizations to receive more autonomy in decisions concerning membership of local scout troops is a positive move. Although the change will likely be the cause for controversy, it will open doors for more young men to enjoy the benefits that scouting can offer. The Boy Scouts of America has changed the lives of generations of young men. The more boys that join the organization, the more positive influence the group can have in the world.

-- William Ray Fullmer, Dallas, Ore.

***

Scouts should follow military's lead and repeal ban on gays: I have been involved as a volunteer with Boy Scouts of America since 2001, serving as both a den mother and a pack mother throughout my children's careers in BSA.

The news that BSA may be lifting the ban on gay scouts and volunteers came as no surprise to me. I also serve in the U.S. Air Force, and the world didn't end when the military repealed "don't ask, don't tell" and let gays serve openly. There are rumors that each BSA Council will have the ability to decide to allow gays or not; I believe this should be left up to the National BSA leadership, so each organization follows the same rules.

I also do not fear for my children in Boy Scouts if the ban on gay members and volunteers is lifted. All volunteers must go through a very stringent background check to be a part of BSA, no matter their sexual orientation. In every BSA Council my boys have been part of, adult volunteers are never allowed to be alone with one child, so there is very little threat of something inappropriate happening.

-- Maggie O'Leary, Oklahoma City

***

BSA right to consider ending ban on gays in scouting: As an Eagle Scout, I've had a long relationship with the Boy Scouts of America. I learned many invaluable skills in scouting and credit many of my accomplishments to the BSA and its focus on helping youth grow, develop, and learn positive ways to thrive in the world. Unfortunately, the BSA's ban on homosexual members and volunteers has long been a dark mark on its reputation, preventing it from accomplishing more or representing true equality.

As a longtime staff member at Philmont Scout Ranch, the BSA's premier outdoor adventure installation and the largest privately owned backpacking preserve in the world, I can attest that the ban on homosexuals did not gel with the viewpoints of most of my peers. Relatively few of the fellow Eagle Scouts I knew were homophobic in the least, and many were quite liberal. Nobody seemed worried that homosexuality would harm the Boy Scouts of America or Philmont.

Kudos to the BSA board members who are promoting this positive change.

-- Calvin Wolf, Midland, Texas

***

A positive move forward: As the wife of a former Cub Scout den leader and the mother of a former Cub Scout, I am very pleased to hear that Boy Scouts of America is considering lifting their ban on gay scouts and scout leaders.

That the Boy Scouts has previously stuck to the thinking that gays are somehow dangerous is a reality that has been hard for me to stomach. As someone who believes in equal rights for all, it was troubling to be a part of this organization for several years, and I offered no objection when my husband decided to step down and my son chose to discontinue his involvement.

While I have wanted to support this organization for the good it does in many ways, I felt definite guilt in even purchasing popcorn or giving a donation. Monday's news is step in the right direction.

-- Lisa Stewart, Cincinnati

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/scouts-react-possible-inclusion-gay-members-leaders-182000571.html

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Tuesday, January 29, 2013

'This time, action must follow'

Undocumented immigrant Katherine Taberes watches Obama's immigration speech from New York. (Mario Tama/Getty I??

President Barack Obama unveiled his vision for immigration reform in a speech on Tuesday afternoon in Las Vegas, Nev., telling Congress that he will send them his own bill and call for a vote if they don't move fast.

"If Congress is unable to move forward in a timely fashion, I will send up a bill based on my proposal and insist that they vote on it right away," Obama said to applause from students at Del Sol High School.

"It looks like there's a genuine desire to get this done soon, and that's very encouraging," Obama said, mentioning a blueprint put forward by a bipartisan group of eight senators on Monday. "But this time action must follow."

Obama's speech was the latest move in a chess match between the White House and some Republicans in Congress to craft an outline for reform that can both be enacted into law while meeting the expectataions of the growing population of Hispanic voters who now overwhelmingly favor Democrats.

Some Republicans want to support immigration reform in part to combat the party's demographic challenges, but the more involved the president is with the bill, the politically riskier it becomes to support it.

In his speech, Obama laid out "markers" for reform, saying any comprehensive immigration bill must give most of the nation's 11 million illegal immigrants a chance to earn their citizenship gradually if they pay a fine, learn English and pass a background check. Immigrants would also have to get to "the back of the line," which means people who have already applied for green cards would have their applications processed first.

The president's bill would also include an employment verification system, more border security and a revamping of the legal immigration system to provide more visas for top graduates of U.S. universities and to reduce lengthy wait times for visas for relatives of U.S. citizens.

The president mentioned the blueprint for reform laid out by senators including rising Republican star Marco Rubio of Florida and John McCain of Arizona, Obama's 2008 GOP presidential rival.

The principles of that outline "are very much in line with the principles I?ve proposed and campaigned on for the last few years," Obama said.

The senators pre-empted Obama's speech by a day to release a blueprint that differs from Obama's earlier immigration proposal in some respects.

Both Obama and the senators agree that the nation's illegal immigrants should be given a chance to legalize and eventually become citizens if they meet certain conditions, but the senators' bill includes a spate of border security requirements that must go into effect before the immigrants are eligible for green cards. Rubio said on Tuesday that he will not sign onto a bill that does not include these border enforcement triggers.

Another potential difference between the plans is that the president believes same-sex partners should be able to sponsor their immigrant husband or wife for citizenship in the same way heterosexual married couples can do now. The Senate proposal does not mention same-sex couples.

Obama said he recognized that immigration is an issue that inflames "passions," but he called on Americans to remember that they belong to a nation of immigrants.

"It's easy sometimes for the discussion to take on a feeling of 'us' versus 'them,'" Obama said. "When that happens a lot of folks forget that most of us used to be them. ... Unless you?re one of the first Americans, a Native American, you came from some place else. Somebody brought you."

Welcoming immigrants has made the country stronger, he said. "That's how we will ensure this century is the same as the last, an American century, welcoming of everybody who aspires to do something more, is willing to work hard for it, is willing to pledge allegiance to our flag."

Leaders in the Republican-controlled House have not yet released a significant blueprint or proposal for immigration reform. In response to the speech, a spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner urged the president to keep his distance while Congress undergoes what will likely be a lengthy legislative process to reach a final bill addressing immigration reform.

?There are a lot of ideas about how best to fix our broken immigration system. Any solution should be a bipartisan one, and we hope the president is careful not to drag the debate to the left and ultimately disrupt the difficult work that is ahead in the House and Senate," said Boehner spokesman Brendan Buck in a statement.
McCain said in a statement after Obama's speech that despite the "differences" in their approaches, he is "cautiously optimistic" that a bill will go forward.

Immigrant groups and labor organizations are rallying behind the new push for reform. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka told Yahoo News on Tuesday that organized labor is ?entirely behind? comprehensive immigration reform and will mount a ?full-fledged? campaign to help drive it through Congress.

?Olivier Knox, Rachel Rose Hartman and Chris Moody contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/obama-announce-immigration-reform-plan-las-vegas-113806207--election.html

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Japan PM says open to summit with China to help economic ties

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Tuesday he was open to a meeting with Chinese leaders to rebuild ties damaged by a territorial dispute but said there was no room for negotiations on their row over a group of small islands.

The remarks came after China's Communist Party chief, Xi Jinping, told a Japanese envoy sent to Beijing last week that he was committed to developing bilateral ties and would consider holding a summit meeting.

Relations between the world's second- and third-largest economies plunged after the Japanese government bought three disputed islands from a private owner last September, sparking anti-Japan protests across China. Some Japanese businesses were looted and Japanese citizens attacked.

"It is precisely because we have a problem that we should hold the summit between leaders and have high-level talks," Abe said on a television program. "I would like to consider a top-level summit if circumstances allow."

The conservative prime minister has just increased the defense budget for the first time in 11 years and swept back to power in a December election calling for the protection of Japan's "beautiful seas".

He reiterated Japan's stance on the islands, which it controls. Japan calls them the Senkaku while China calls them the Diaoyu.

"The Senkaku Islands are our land and China has taken provocative steps against them ... we have been clear that there is no room for negotiation on this matter," he said.

"But on top of that, there's an economic relationship. Japan invests in China and reaps benefits from exporting its goods there while China creates job places thanks to Japanese investment," said Abe, adding that maintaining strong economic ties were vital for both countries.

"If top-level meeting was necessary to achieve that, we should do it and from that point on rebuild our relationship."

(Reporting by Antoni Slodkowski; Editing by Robert Birsel)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/japan-pm-says-open-summit-china-help-economic-112934216.html

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A Real Estate Guide to the 6 Huge Whales of the Friends Cast ...

Tuesday, January 29, 2013, by Eve Bachrach






Monday, January 28, 2013

Leading Democrat: Gun control faces uphill climb

WASHINGTON (AP) ? Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who's leading the push to restore an assault weapon ban, acknowledged on Sunday that the effort faces tough odds to pass Congress and she blamed the nation's largest gun-rights group.

Feinstein, D-Calif., on Thursday introduced a bill that would prohibit 157 specific weapons and ammunition magazines that have more than 10 rounds. The White House and fellow Democrats are skeptical the measure is going anywhere, given lawmakers who are looking toward re-election might fear pro-gun voters and the National Rifle Association.

"This has always been an uphill fight. This has never been easy. This is the hardest of the hard," Feinstein said.

"I think I can get it passed because the American people are very much for it," Feinstein said of the measure that follows a similar measure she championed into law 1994 but expired a decade later.

She acknowledged, however, the NRA's political clout.

"They come after you. They put together large amounts of money to defeat you," Feinstein said.

She also said the group was a pawn of those who make weapons.

"The NRA is venal. ... The NRA has become an institution of gun manufacturers," she said.

The NRA disputed her characterization.

"The NRA is a grass-roots organization. We have more than 4 million dues-paying members and tens of millions of supporters all across this country. Our political power comes from them. Decent and logical people would understand that," spokesman Andrew Arulanandam said.

The Senate Judiciary Committee plans to take up the proposal on Wednesday and hear from the NRA's CEO and senior vice president, Wayne LaPierre. Mark Kelly, the husband of former Rep. Gabby Giffords, D-Ariz., who was shot in an assassination attempt, also plans to testify.

Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, the GOP vice presidential nominee in 2012, said Congress should focus on the causes of violence and not the weapons alone.

"We need to look beyond just recycling failed policies of the past. ... Let's go beyond just this debate and make sure we get deeper. What's our policy on mental illness? What's going on in our culture that produces this kind of thing? You know, we need to have that kind of a discussion and debate," Ryan said.

Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., also urged lawmakers to consider mental health issues.

"When I hear some of this conversation, I think that we're looking at symptoms, we're not looking at the root causes," she said. "And I understand the senator's passion for this, but I got to tell you, an assault ban is not the answer to helping keep people safe."

New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, who favors the assault weapons ban, expressed skepticism that it would be returned to law.

"It's probably a heavy lift in Congress," he said.

In the wake of the elementary school shooting in Newtown, Conn. In December, President Barack Obama has pushed to expanded background checks, restoring the assault weapons ban and banning high-capacity ammunition magazines. But members of his own party may thwart his hopes.

Feinstein appeared on CBS' "Face the Nation" and CNN's "State of the Union." Ryan was on NBC's "Meet the Press." Blackburn and Kelly were on CBS.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/leading-democrat-gun-control-faces-uphill-climb-160828132--politics.html

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Sunday, January 27, 2013

Ikhnaton 2 | Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance

Every year, more cars and drivers travel the highways. As this number goes up, the chances of a car collision will also increase. If you get in a car accident, the car insurance you have can make a big difference in the experience you have. So how do you know what type of car insurance you need and how much to purchase? Coverage requirements will differ by state/province, but usually include the following: Liability: This kind of insurance coverage will pay for the damage that you are responsible for. These damages can include bodily injury, and property damage. If you are in legal trouble, this type of insurance will pay for your court costs. State laws usually require minimum amounts, but larger amounts are available and extremely helpful. Personal Injury Protection: This type of insurance pays for the medical treatment for you and your passengers, no matter who was responsible for the accident. It is occasionally called no-fault coverage. The minimum amount of personal injury protection is typically set by local government. Medical Payments: Medical payment coverage is available in states that are not considered no-fault; it pays despite who carries responsibility for a crash. All reasonable medical or funeral expenses will be paid for under this insurance policy. Collision: Damages resulting from a collision will be paid for under this kind of car insurance. Comprehensive: This applies if your vehicle is stolen or damaged by causes other than a collision, including weather damage or vandalism. Uninsured Motorist: Many drivers are breaking the law by driving without purchasing the proper amount of auto insurance. This insurance will protect you if you are in an accident with one of these irresponsible drivers. Under-Insured Motorist: Pays for collision expenses when an insured person is injured in an accident caused by another person who does not have enough liability insurance to pay for the full cost of the damages. Other types of coverage, including car rental, are also available. What you pay for auto insurance varies based on the company and will depend on multiple factors, such as: * Which policies you choose * The type of the vehicle you own * Whether or not you have been in an accident * Your age, gender and marital status * The place where you live Don?t procrastinate buying car insurance; you should never drive a car without it. Review your needs, do your research , and with the support of your insurance agent, choose the option that fits you best. Auto Insurance Omaha

Source: http://www.ikhnaton2.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-auto-insurance/

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Ryan says GOP need to pick its fights with Obama

Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., arrives at the ceremonial swearing-in for President Barack Obama at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., arrives at the ceremonial swearing-in for President Barack Obama at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

(AP) ? Rep. Paul Ryan said Saturday that Republicans need to stick together and pick their fights during President Barack Obama's second term, rejecting some White House proposals outright and trying to infuse others with conservative principles.

In a speech to conservatives, the GOP's 2012 vice presidential nominee said Obama would attempt to divide Republicans but that the party must avoid internal squabbles as it seeks to rebound from a second straight presidential loss.

"We can't get rattled. We won't play the villain in his morality plays. We have to stay united," Ryan said at the National Review Institute event. "We have to show that if given the chance, we can govern. We have better ideas."

The Wisconsin congressman outlined a pragmatic approach for a party dealing with last November's election defeats and trying to determine whether to oppose Obama's agenda at every turn or shape his proposals with conservative principles.

With a surging minority population altering the electorate, Republican leaders have discussed the need to attract more women and Hispanics while at the same time standing firm to the values that unite conservatives.

The party's future was a major theme during the three-day meeting of conservatives activists, who expected to hear from Govs. Scott Walker of Wisconsin, Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, Bob McDonnell of Virginia, and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas.

Ryan rejected the notion that Republicans were "in the wilderness," noting that the party controls the House and most statehouses. But he said Obama's victory over Mitt Romney meant that Republicans would need to recalibrate their approach to deal with the new political realities.

"If we want to promote conservatism, we'll need to use every tool at our disposal," Ryan said. "Sometimes, we will have to reject the president's proposals ? that time may come more than once. And sometimes we'll have to make them better." He said Republicans should have two main goals for the next four years, namely "to mitigate bad policies" and "to advance good policy wherever we can."

Ryan acknowledged that "we all didn't see eye to eye" on the recent "fiscal cliff" vote to deal with a combination of spending cuts and higher taxes that were set to take effect at the start of the year. He defended his support for the bill, saying it was the only way to avoid sweeping tax increases and prevent the economy from going into a free-fall.

As chairman of the House Budget Committee, Ryan said Republicans needed to guard against a debt crisis for the country that would undermine the economy. He said he would promote changes to Medicare and Medicaid and would propose a budget "that will balance and pay down the debt."

But November's election results still linger. Ryan said he was "disappointed" by the outcome, saying he was "looking forward to taking on the big challenges" while living at the vice president's residence. "My kids were looking forward to having a pool," he joked.

___

Follow Ken Thomas at: http://twitter.com/AP_Ken_Thomas

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2013-01-26-Republicans/id-5713df3351ab4d60abb14881c83f2ff4

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Saturday, January 26, 2013

Chance finding reveals new control on blood vessels in developing brain

Friday, January 25, 2013

Zhen Huang freely admits he was not interested in blood vessels four years ago when he was studying brain development in a fetal mouse.

Instead, he wanted to see how changing a particular gene in brain cells called glia would affect the growth of neurons.

The result was hemorrhage, caused by deteriorating veins and arteries, and it begged for explanation.

"It was a surprising finding," says Huang, an assistant professor of neuroscience and neurology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "I was mainly interested in the neurological aspect, how the brain develops and wires itself to prepare for all the wonderful things it does."

But chance favors the prepared mind, as Louis Pasteur said, and Huang knew he needed to follow up on the suggestion that glia, normally considered "helpers" for the neurons, would affect the growth of blood vessels. For one thing, blood flow is a big deal in the brain, says Huang, whose collaborators included Shang Ma, in the graduate program in cellular and molecular biology at UW-Madison. "We know the brain is very energy-intensive. Per unit of volume, it consumes 10 times as much oxygen as the rest of the body."

Although it makes intuitive sense that blood vessel development should be guided by neuronal development in some fashion, Huang spent years making sure he wasn't being mislead by his experiment. Now, he's satisfied himself, and his scientific reviewers, and the journal PLOS Biology has just published his study.

Glial cells in the nervous system establish a nurturing environment for neurons but do not carry signals. In particular, Huang looked at "radial glial cells," which also act as stem cells in creating new neurons. Radial glia extend from the inside of the brain to the outside, and also guide growing neurons to their final locations.

A standard way to find out what cells and genes do is to "knock out" specific genes, using a technology invented at UW-Madison by former professor Oliver Smithies (who shared the 2010 Nobel Prize for this discovery).

When Huang grew mice with a "knock out" mutation that blocked cell division among the radial glia, he expected to see abnormalities in the embryonic brain. But the major abnormality was completely unexpected: blood vessels that had already formed had collapsed.

New blood vessels in an embryo generally develop via a two-step process, first growing, and then stabilizing. "If the second step cannot be carried out, the vessels may already be formed, but the organ still cannot get its blood supply because the vessel will regress, or collapse," Huang says.

When blood vessels collapse, neurons start to die, says Huang. Some brain diseases, including Alzheimer's and hemorrhagic stroke, show a similar regression, and Huang says it's possible that the signaling mechanism that he experimentally blocked may play a role in these diseases as well.

Although any clinical treatment is years away, Huang is still basking in the thrill of basic discovery.

"We find that these progenitor and helper cells, the radial glia, regulate blood vessel development, and nobody has found that before." Huang says. "We used a mouse with alterations in genetics that regulate activity in these helper cells in the brain, and were very surprised to see that this had a drastic effect on blood vessel development. Previously it was always thought that these were two separate systems, now we know there is crosstalk between them. It's almost like a new field has opened up."

###

University of Wisconsin-Madison: http://www.wisc.edu

Thanks to University of Wisconsin-Madison for this article.

This press release was posted to serve as a topic for discussion. Please comment below. We try our best to only post press releases that are associated with peer reviewed scientific literature. Critical discussions of the research are appreciated. If you need help finding a link to the original article, please contact us on twitter or via e-mail.

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Source: http://www.labspaces.net/126469/Chance_finding_reveals_new_control_on_blood_vessels_in_developing_brain

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Vonn beats Maze to win World Cup giant slalom

Lindsey Vonn, of the United States, celebrates at finish line after winning an alpine ski, women's World Cup giant slalom, in Maribor, Slovenia, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/PierMarco Tacca)

Lindsey Vonn, of the United States, celebrates at finish line after winning an alpine ski, women's World Cup giant slalom, in Maribor, Slovenia, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/PierMarco Tacca)

Lindsey Vonn, of the United States, celebrates at finish line after winning an alpine ski, women's World Cup giant slalom, in Maribor, Slovenia, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/PierMarco Tacca)

From left, Slovenia Tina Maze, second placed, Lindsey Vonn, the winner, of the United States, and third placed Austria's Anna Fenninger celebrate on podium after winning an alpine ski, women's World Cup giant slalom, in Maribor, Slovenia, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/PierMarco Tacca)

Slovenia's Tina Maze celebrates on podium after taking second place in an alpine ski, women's World Cup giant slalom, in Maribor, Slovenia, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/PierMarco Tacca)

Lindsey Vonn, of the United States, speeds past a gate on her way to clock the third fastest time in an alpine ski, women's World Cup giant slalom, in Maribor, Slovenia, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Marco Trovati)

MARIBOR, Slovenia (AP) ? Lindsey Vonn showed she can beat Tina Maze in the Slovenian's best discipline and on her home snow.

While it may be too late to challenge her biggest rival for the overall World Cup title, Vonn is looking like Maze's biggest challenger at next month's world championships.

The American proved that she has fully recovered from a recent illness by winning a World Cup giant slalom, her second win in two weeks.

Vonn was third behind Maze after the first run but overcame several errors in the second to put down the fastest time and create a margin that Maze couldn't overcome. Vonn won in 2 minutes, 22.2 seconds for her first GS victory since last March.

"In the second run I decided, OK, it's all or nothing, I had to go for it," Vonn said. "It's been a rough year for me in GS, so it's just perfect."

Maze still clinched her third giant slalom discipline title by placing second. Maze had a near-perfect first run, but a poor start to the second cost her valuable time and she finished 0.08 seconds behind Vonn.

With her 59th World Cup win overall, Vonn's just three away from equaling Annemarie Moser Proell's record on the women's side. She earned her first GS victory since last March and back-to-back wins after taking the downhill last week at Cortina D'Ampezzo.

Vonn took nearly a month off over the holidays to recover from an intestinal illness that landed her in the hospital in November. While her break allowed Maze to build an even bigger lead in the overall standings, Vonn said it's clear she made the right decision.

"A couple of weeks ago, everyone was thinking I was crazy taking this time off," Vonn said. "But I felt my body wasn't ready. Now I am ready."

Austria's Anna Fenninger was third, 0.57 seconds behind Vonn.

Maze's closest rival in the GS, Kathrin Zettel, only managed sixth. Maze is 238 points ahead of Zettel with just two GS races remaining this season.

Maze also extended her lead in the overall standing to 748 points against her closest challenger, Germany's Maria Hoefl-Riesch, who finished fourth. Vonn stands another 66 points back in third, having missed several races while sidelined.

The 29-year-old Maze performed in front of a passionate home crowd and was 0.48 seconds ahead of Vonn after dominating the first run.

However, she ran wide at the start of the second, leaving her 0.13 seconds behind her rival at the first checkpoint. Despite the cheers of the fans urging her on, Maze couldn't make up the time and finished with tears in her eyes.

"I had a mistake in the flat part," Maze said. "In my final run, I just had too many mistakes but I am very satisfied with second."

Maze has won four of the seven giant slaloms this season, making the podium in the other three.

"I have been working so hard this year for this GS crystal globe," she said. "Now I've won it, I feel freed and can look forward."

While the overall World Cup title may be Maze's to win or lose, Vonn will be a favorite to dominate next month's world championships in Schladming, Austria.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2013-01-26-Women's%20World%20Cup/id-b3d7bb3cb39445a588390a372308b5e7

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Friday, January 25, 2013

Weight Loss: The Emotional Element | Mark's Daily Apple

emotionsIn a recent survey, psychologists named emotions as their clients? ?top obstacle? to weight loss. The 1300+ licensed psychologists, to fill in the picture, also cited emotional eating as well as food selection and exercise commitment among the common challenges their clients faced. Sure, it?s maybe little surprise that psychologists would emphasize the role emotional issues play in weight loss. It?s their profession after all, and their clients comprise a self-selected group of people who are interested in delving into the emotional dimensions of their weight management struggles. That said, I know plenty of trainers (myself included), doctors, and dietitians (Primally focused or otherwise) who would suggest psychology has figured prominently into many of their clients? situations as well.

From my own perspective, I?ve worked with many people who honestly felt they didn?t deserve to be healthy, to be beautiful, to be happy. Every effort they?d made in the past to lose weight and improve their wellbeing had been sabotaged by psychological ghosts. Negative self-talk got the better of them even after they?d experienced substantial success in losing weight and/or achieving other health and fitness goals. When a number of these folks combined emotional work with their lifestyle changes, it was like the air cleared. Not overnight, but over time.

As much as I believe giving people accurate information (about diet, fitness, and other key lifestyle areas) can empower them to live healthier lives, there?s that more complex dimension. The body, after all, is pretty simple. Our metabolic functioning, for example, is fairly straightforward once you understand the basics of hormonal responses.

For many people, however, the physical side isn?t the issue. They get it ? and they do it. It?s the psychological baggage that acts as the obstacle at some point (or points) along the way toward a healthier life. Maybe it?s a background of abuse, neglect, bullying, or depression. For some, food dulled some pretty harsh emotions in their histories, and the associations are hard to break. For others, there was something to the image of themselves itself that was protective: being overweight or sick was part of how they had defined their lives. For many, it could even be negative self-talk related to current stresses and circumstances.

By all means, if you feel emotional issues significantly affect your daily functioning or progress toward reasonable health goals, the expertise of a professional counselor is advisable. For anyone who?s interested in fostering the emotional side of their health journey or break past what might be a mental as opposed to a physical block, let me throw out a few suggestions. I hope you?ll add yours as well.

Cultivate Self-Awareness

The journey toward better health ? under any circumstances ? offers plenty of fodder for great journaling. Use a journal or other tool to explore or record realizations, stumbling blocks, self-doubt, accomplishments, and motivational ideas. Reflect on the history you bring to your current health endeavor (previous weight loss attempts, disordered eating, etc.) as well as your day-to-day journey in the here and now.

Try to identify the roots of emotional issues at play and the current triggers that send you down the road of negative self-talk. Use your developing awareness to continually ?catch? yourself earlier in the self-talk cycle and redirect your thoughts and activities before it even starts. Record what works in that redirecting.

Seek Support

Use whatever works for you: inspirational books, affirmations, close and supportive relationships, online forums, formal support groups, life coaching, and/or personal counseling. Social support is key to any life change, and it can be incredibly motivating whether or not you feel emotional issues figure into your health journey.

Differentiate Between Self-Soothing and Self-Care

Even if you indulged in your share of self-soothing at the refrigerator, you may have denied yourself any meaningful self-care. Commit to self-care and consider what activities and choices have the power to really nourish your physical and mental health. Make a list of healthy indulgences that can take the place overeating or other unhealthy habits once held in your life. What other practices or activities can offer comfort? Research, for example, suggests relaxation training helps people avoid emotional eating and reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.

Revise Your Life Script

After a major weight loss or health change, some people continue to live with a distorted view of themselves. Even if you?re loving the transformation, it can be worth the effort to envision the future. Certain routines or even social connections might not play as big a part as they once did. Certain opportunities you never considered might seem worth pursuing.

The road to health and weight loss obliges a degree of striving. (Although a Primal life of bacon and leisurely bike rides isn?t such a hard existence really?) However, the process sometimes calls us to shed other things along the way ? the self-talk as well as habits, the self-image as well as diet that just don?t work for us anymore (and in truth never did). In this sense, it?s about surrender as well as striving. We strive for a better, healthier life, but it?s important to ask ourselves what we need to let go of in the journey.

Thanks for reading today, everyone. I hope you?ll share your thoughts, perspectives, and experiences related to weight loss and health changes. Have a great weekend, everyone!

Grab a Copy of?The Primal Connection:?Follow Your Genetic Blueprint to Health and Happiness?Today!

Source: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/weight-loss-the-emotional-element/

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Timeshare Executive Headhunter Keith Trowbridge, Executive ...

Executive Quest logoFort Myers, FL (January 25, 2013) ? Keith W. Trowbridge, Ph.D., President and CEO of Executive Quest, Inc., executive headhunters in the timeshare, vacation ownership, and fractional industry, http://www.execq.com/keith.htm, reports the company has been busy even with the pressures of today?s economy. ?Executive Quest?s international presence has been a strong contributor to its success this past year,? said Trowbridge. He has a team with in depth knowledge of and optimistic expectations concerning the timeshare industry?s executive employee needs. This, and Executive Quest?s business practices and standards of conduct continue to strengthen the company?s position worldwide.

Much of Executive Quest?s headhunting strength now lies in its international presence with timeshare executive employee searches last year in such places as Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, Russia, the Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Mexico, the US, and Canada. Executive positions in these searches included directors, vice presidents, senior vice presidents in finance, HR, sales/marketing, property management, as well as project directors and call center managers, executive housekeepers, and national account executives.

Executive Quest soon will be starting its annual executive timeshare/vacation ownership/fractional salary study for 2012, http://www.execq.com/salarystudy.htm, which is free to all salary study participants as well as to members of Executive Quest?s resume management services program http://www.execq.com/store.htm.

Trowbridge writes a free monthly on-line newsletter with a subscription of better than 22,000 timeshare industry professionals that includes a calendar of upcoming industry conferences and events along with other timely industry articles. To subscribe, go to http://www.execq.com and click on the green ?Subscribe? button.

About Executive Quest, Inc.

Keith Trowbridge, Ph.D., who spent 35 years in the vacation ownership business as a developer, has spent the last 18 years in the head hunting business with his company, Executive Quest, Inc., a timeshare/fractional/ vacation ownership/ hospitality industry executive search firm with clients worldwide.

Inquiries can be made to http://www.execq.com, to Keith Trowbridge by phone at 239-454-1100 or keith@execq.com, or to Jim Perkins at 936-856-3983 or? jim@execq.com

Contact
Keith Trowbridge

Executive Quest, Inc.
239-454-1100

Source: http://www.insidethegate.com/2013/01/timeshare-executive-headhunter-keith-trowbridge-executive-quest-inc-had-a-strong-year/

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First Look at Steve Jobs Movie with Ashton Kutcher Is Actually Pretty Good

I don't know if jOBS—the biopic of Steve Jobs starring Ashton Kutcher—will be a good movie, but this clip—despite our initial reservations—actually looks surprisingly decent!. More »


Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/AF-_oQ1P-V0/first-look-at-steve-jobs-movie-with-ashton-kutcher-is-actually-pretty-good

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Thursday, January 24, 2013

Need Advice? Try These Home Improvement Tips

TIP! It is important to insulate outdoor faucets and other plumbing in preparation for the winter months. Weatherizing tape, which you apply to your pipes, can be found at most home improvement stores.

It seems that you?ve decided to better your home. That?s great! Home improvement can take a lot of work. Do you understand how to do the job properly? If you don?t, you should look at these tips listed below.

TIP! Things like the downspouts, gutters and chimneys are often forgotten around the home. Inspecting these areas of your house is important to ascertain they are in proper working order and also to make any needed repairs.

Are there trees and large shrubs very close to your house? Their roots can burrow into your foundation, causing cracks and leaks. You can transplant the tree with the root ball attached as long as it?s small.

TIP! Create an attractive entryway by adding a few key items. A small table, or a mirror might be a good idea.

The kitchen is a great place to start improving your home. If you have grease stains on your walls, mix a solution of 2 to 1 TSP and water. This will remove the grease and a lot of the old paint. A good color choice for a kitchen is tan. Your kitchen will always look great if you choose this color.

TIP! Remember the paint in a room before making other adjustments. You should always paint the room before you install new flooring.

Consider your climate and other local circumstances when planning home improvement projects. A backyard deck without any shade is a bad idea if your home is in a hot, humid climate, for instance. Unless you match the project to your specific situation, you run the risk of wasting your time, effort and money.

TIP! Always check with your contractor so that you fully understand any guarantees he makes on his work. If you don?t check the contract, you could miss out on a lack of a guarantee that will ensure that any problems are rectified when they are identified.

If you plan to redo your roof, use light colored tile. Light colors deflect the heat from the sun away from the house. It is possible to realize great savings on your energy bills in this way.

TIP! It?s time to pop those flooring bubbles! If a bubble exists in an old vinyl floor, it is easy to slice into it and release the air. This will make the bubble go away.

You will save yourself a lot of money when you do energy saving home improvements, such as re-caulking your windows. In addition to the obvious insulation improvements, this can also prevent moisture from seeping in and stimulating mold growth. Remove old and cracked caulk with a chisel before applying fresh caulk.

TIP! When considering home improvements, you should understand how long different types of materials, repairs and upgrades last. Most types of new roofing will last 15 years, but metal or tile can last much longer.

Now that you have read this article, you should have learned more about how to properly improve your home. Excellent! You can use this article as a guidebook in case you need additional help as the project moves along.

Source: http://nyubi.info/uncategorized/need-advice-try-these-home-improvement-tips/

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Facebook's Plan To Kill The Tracking Cookie - Business Insider

Facebook product manager David Baser gave a nice, detailed interview to AdExchanger in which he revealed that Facebook has a plan that, if successful, will make the infamous tracking cookie look like a second class relic of history.

Cookies are the little bits of code that advertisers drop onto web users' browsers in order to follow them around the web and target them with relevant ads. They don't identify users specifically, but they do identify your interests based on the sites you look at.

Facebook, however, is working on something much more targeted. Baser calls it "Optimized CPM." (Cost per thousand, or "mille," is a standard ad-pricing measurement.)

OCPM is so simple (in principle), it's brilliant. Facebook knows that users who log in mostly forget to log out, and thus they can be tracked around the web all day, especially if they interact with those "like" buttons that many non-Facebook web pages have installed (like the one on top of this page).

The difference between cookies and Facebook user IDs, Baser says, is that cookies are anonymous and don't really know who you are, whereas your Facebook user ID is actually you. Also, your Facebook ID follows you easily from your phone to your laptop and back. Cookies can't do that.

In plain English, it means that private, untracked web browsing will become a thing of the past for anyone who forgets to log out of Facebook.

By targeting ads at the user IDs, Facebook can find out which users are more likely to buy things than others. Those users can then be grouped together and targeted with ads. Those audiences have much greater conversion rates -- ie sales generated -- than with cookie targeting, Baser believes. This is called "Conversion Measurement," and when it's linked to OCPM, advertisers will come regard the cookie as the poor cousin of web advertising, Baser hints.

It's important to note that advertisers won't know that they're targeting "you" specifically with ads. Just that facebook's algorithms have grouped your account into a pool with similar behavior that can be targeted. The system will be anonymous, in other words, even though it's based on your actual Facebook identity.

Here are the highlights from the Baser Q&A:

"The key difference is that other conversion measurement systems rely on dropping cookies on the users when they see or click on the ad. We understand who the user is regardless of whether they?re logged into Facebook on the app or on the mobile phone."

"Once we have this system based on user IDs and not based on cookies, we can use it to have consistent attribution across web, mobile and even multi-browser on the desktop."

"Right now our primary focus is on two things. One is getting the measurement system adopted as widely as possible, and two is providing high quality optimization based on measurement."

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/facebooks-plan-to-kill-the-tracking-cookie-2013-1

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Cisco To Buy Israeli Mobile Startup Intucell For $475 Million Cash, And Bessemer Will Get Nearly Half

Cisco IntucellBessemer Venture Partners racked up a huge win today. Two years ago it invested $6 million in exchange for nearly half the equity of Israeli startup Intucell, whose networking tech lets carriers handle more mobile traffic. Today, Cisco announced plans to buy Intucell for $475 million in cash, and BVP tells me it will take nearly half that sale price.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/mrZWadL8dSo/

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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

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Ex-Goldman director Gupta seeks conviction reversal

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Lawyers for former Goldman Sachs Group Inc board member Rajat Gupta are urging a federal appeals court to reverse his insider trading conviction, arguing that a judge shouldn't have allowed wiretaps to be heard at trial.

In a brief filed Friday at the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York, Gupta's lawyers argued wiretaps of now-imprisoned hedge fund manager Raj Rajaratnam amounted to "hearsay statements" and should not have been presented to the jury.

"Without a proper basis for admission, these untestable, unreliable hearsay statements had no place in a criminal trial, and their admission alone compels reversal," Gupta's lawyers wrote.

A federal jury convicted Gupta, 64, in June of leaking Goldman boardroom secrets to Rajaratnam, the Galleon Group hedge fund manager at the center of a wide-ranging U.S. probe into insider trading.

Gupta, who was at one time head of management consultancy McKinsey & Co, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff to two years in prison. The 2nd Circuit in December said Gupta could remain free on bail while he appeals his conviction.

A trial is scheduled to begin February 11 in a separate civil lawsuit by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Of the four counts Gupta was charged with in the criminal case, his lawyers said Friday that the jury only convicted him on the two backed by wiretaps of Rajaratnam, who is serving an 11-year sentence following his own conviction in May 2011.

Gupta's lawyers say the wiretaps amounted to hearsay evidence, since they were of conversations between Rajaratnam and other Galleon Group employees, rather than with Gupta.

Gupta's lawyers said he was also prevented from presenting evidence of an alternative perpetrator and of Gupta's integrity.

The defense lawyers say they weren't allowed to present testimony by Gupta's daughter about a conversation where her father said he was angry at Rajaratnam for allegedly cheating him out of millions of dollars through a joint investment fund known as Voyager Capital Partners.

The conversation took place three days before one of the alleged tips Gupta was convicted on and a month before a second, the brief said. Gupta contends that if the testimony had been presented, the jury would have been led to question Gupta's motives to tip Rajaratnam.

Terence Lynam, a lawyer for Raj Rajaratnam, in a statement denied that his client "swindled" Gupta, as the appellate brief claimed.

"No funds of Mr. Gupta were ever misappropriated and Mr. Gupta was not 'swindled' in any way," Lynam said.

A spokeswoman for Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara declined comment. The government is scheduled to respond with its own appellate brief March 15.

The case is USA v. Rajat Gupta, 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No 12-4448.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in New York; Editing by Phil Berlowitz, Bernard Orr)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/ex-goldman-director-seeks-reversal-insider-trading-conviction-173416146--sector.html

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Band: Beyonce lip synced US anthem at inaugural

Beyonce sings the national anthem at the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Beyonce sings the national anthem at the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Beyonce sings the National Anthem at the ceremonial swearing-in for President Barack Obama at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

(AP) ? Beyonce lip-synced the national anthem during her rousing performance at President Barack Obama's inauguration, according to the U.S. Marine Band.

A band spokeswoman told news outlets Tuesday that the band was notified at the last minute before the performance that Beyonce would use a pre-recorded voice track. Band members played their instruments live with no intonation problems in the chilly conditions ahead of the national anthem, the spokeswoman said.

"The entire performance was live except for the national anthem," Master Sgt. Kristin duBois told The New York Times and other outlets. "We don't know why. But that is what we were instructed to do so that is what we did. It's not because Beyonce can't sing. We all know Beyonce can sing. We all know the Marine Band can play."

All inaugural music is pre-recorded in case weather conditions or other circumstances could interrupt the program.

A representative for Beyonce did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Kelly Clarkson's representative said she sang live to perform "My Country, 'Tis of Thee."

Inaugural organizers also did not immediately respond to requests for comment on why the musical plans were changed at the last minute.

The use of a recording is typical in big events. In 2009, cellist Yo-Yo Ma was questioned about "hand-syncing" for Obama's first inauguration. Ma said instruments weren't functioning properly in 19-degree weather.

Even in good conditions, producing good sound can be a challenge in a large open space.

Some artists choose to lip-sync. Whitney Houston's memorable performance of the national anthem in 1991 at the Super Bowl was sung to a track.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/386c25518f464186bf7a2ac026580ce7/Article_2013-01-22-Inauguration-Beyonce%20Lip%20Sync/id-5a4960c32d3b4507a2ab52917cff36f8

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Gen. John Allen cleared of misconduct

WASHINGTON (AP) ? A Pentagon investigation has cleared Gen. John Allen, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, of professional misconduct in exchanging emails with a civilian woman linked to the sex scandal that led retired Gen. David Petraeus to resign as CIA director.

Pentagon press secretary George Little said Tuesday that Defense Secretary Leon Panetta was informed of the conclusion by the Pentagon's inspector general.

"The secretary was pleased to learn that allegations of professional misconduct were not substantiated by the investigation," Little said, adding that Panetta has "complete confidence in the continued leadership" of Allen.

The matter had been referred to the Pentagon in November by the FBI during the course of its investigation of emails between Petraeus and his biographer-turned-paramour, Paula Broadwell. The FBI turned up thousands of emails between Allen and Jill Kelley, who was said to have received threatening emails from Broadwell.

At the time, officials said 20,000 to 30,000 pages of emails and other documents from Allen's communications with Kelley between 2010 and 2012 were in question. None of the emails have been made public.

Shortly after being contacted by the FBI, Panetta referred the matter to the Pentagon's inspector general, while expressing confidence in Allen and deciding that he would remain in Kabul as commander of all allied forces in Afghanistan.

At the same time, Allen's nomination to be the next U.S. commander of NATO forces in Europe was put on hold. The officials said Tuesday the White House had not decided whether to go forward with the nomination.

Maj. David Nevers, a spokesman for Allen, said he had no immediate comment on reports of his being exonerated.

Allen's successor in Kabul, Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, has been confirmed by the Senate and is scheduled to take over on Feb. 10.

Allen had maintained he did nothing wrong in the Kelley communications, but he has not spoken publicly about the specifics of his email exchanges with her. She served as a sort of social ambassador for U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Fla.

Petraeus is a former Central Command commander, and Allen is a former deputy commander there.

Shortly after he referred the emails to the inspector general, Panetta asked the Joint Chiefs of Staff to review ethics training and to brainstorm on ways to steer officers away from trouble. The move was a reflection of the depth of concern triggered by a series of misconduct cases in a military that prides itself on integrity and honor.

Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs, has not released the results of his review but has said he found that ethics training for senior leaders, while adequate, should begin earlier in an officer's career and be reinforced more frequently.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/us-afghan-commander-cleared-petraeus-email-case-230636238--politics.html

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Te'o tells Couric he briefly lied about girlfriend

This Jan. 22, 2013 photo released by ABC Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o, right, speaking with host Katie Couric during an interview for "Katie," in New York. Te'o has told Katie Couric that he briefly lied about his online girlfriend after discovering she didn't exist, while maintaining that he had no part in creating the hoax. Pressed by Couric to admit that he was in on the deception, Te'o said he believed that his girlfriend Lennay Kekua had died of cancer and didn't lie about it until December. The interview will air on Thursday, Jan. 24. (AP Photo/Disney-ABC, Lorenzo Bevilaqua)

This Jan. 22, 2013 photo released by ABC Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o, right, speaking with host Katie Couric during an interview for "Katie," in New York. Te'o has told Katie Couric that he briefly lied about his online girlfriend after discovering she didn't exist, while maintaining that he had no part in creating the hoax. Pressed by Couric to admit that he was in on the deception, Te'o said he believed that his girlfriend Lennay Kekua had died of cancer and didn't lie about it until December. The interview will air on Thursday, Jan. 24. (AP Photo/Disney-ABC, Lorenzo Bevilaqua)

(AP) ? Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o has told Katie Couric that he briefly lied about his online girlfriend after discovering she didn't exist, while maintaining that he had no part in creating the hoax.

Pressed by Couric to admit that he was in on the deception, Te'o said he believed that his girlfriend Lennay Kekua had died of cancer and didn't lie about it until December.

"Katie, put yourself in my situation. I, my whole world told me that she died on Sept. 12. Everybody knew that. This girl, who I committed myself to, died on Sept. 12," Te'o said in an interview to air Thursday on Couric's syndicated talk show. A segment of the interview with Te'o and his parents was broadcast Wednesday on "Good Morning America."

The Heisman Trophy runner-up said he only learned of the hoax when he received a phone call in December from a woman saying she was Kekua.

"Now I get a phone call on Dec. 6, saying that she's alive and then I'm going be put on national TV two days later. And to ask me about the same question. You know, what would you do?" Te'o said.

An Associated Press review of news coverage found that the Heisman Trophy runner-up talked about his doomed love in a Web interview on Dec. 8 and again in a newspaper interview published Dec. 10.

Te'o's father defended his son when Couric pointed out that many people don't believe the Irish star, suspecting he used the situation for personal gain.

"People can speculate about what they think he is. I've known him 21 years of his life. And he's not a liar. He's a kid," Brian Te'o said with tears in his eyes.

On Tuesday, the woman whose photo was used as the "face" of the Twitter account of Te'o's supposed girlfriend says the man allegedly behind the hoax confessed and apologized to her.

Diane O'Meara told NBC's "Today" show that Ronaiah Tuiasosopo used pictures of her without her knowledge in creating a fake woman called Lennay Kekua.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2013-01-23-Notre%20Dame-Te'o-Couric/id-3466a12a8c084b90bc7da931e36982a8

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Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Obama, first lady walk part of inaugural parade

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk down Pennsylvania Avenue en route to the White House, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington. Thousands marched during the 57th Presidential Inauguration parade after the ceremonial swearing-in of President Barack Obama. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk down Pennsylvania Avenue en route to the White House, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington. Thousands marched during the 57th Presidential Inauguration parade after the ceremonial swearing-in of President Barack Obama. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

First lady Michelle Obama reacts to the crowd as she walks the inaugural parade route walk down Pennsylvania Avenue en route to the White House, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington. Thousands marched during the 57th Presidential Inauguration parade after the ceremonial swearing-in of President Barack Obama. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

walk down Pennsylvania Avenue en route to the White House, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington. Thousands marched during the 57th Presidential Inauguration parade after the ceremonial swearing-in of President Barack Obama. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

The motorcade of President Barack Obama heads up Pennsylvania Avenue to the U.S. Capitol for the 57th Presidential Inaugural, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A crowd fills up the National Mall before at the ceremonial swearing-in of President Barack Obama at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

(AP) ? President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama on Monday emerged twice from their limousine to respond to wildly cheering crowds along the inaugural parade route from Capitol Hill to the White House.

The couple waved to chanting, flag-waving crowds lining Pennsylvania Avenue to celebrate the start of Obama's second term. Spectators began shouting "Obama, Obama" as they returned the greetings from the first couple. Many in the crowd used their cellphones for picture-taking to capture the scene. The first lady blew air kisses to the crowd as the couple got back in their limousine after walking about three blocks.

The Obamas later got out of their limousine again closer to the White House, waving and walking hand-in-hand. The crowd roared as the Obamas walked by bleachers in front of the White House, waving and smiling. Michelle Obama occasionally clapped her hands when she wasn't holding hands with the president.

Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill also left their limousine to acknowledge the crowds. Biden on several occasions bounded over to the barricades to shake hands with spectators and pose with children.

Some spectators who weren't along the route where the Obamas walked said they were happy nonetheless.

Regina Thomas of Goldsboro, N.C., arrived at 6 a.m. to catch what amounted to a glimpse of the president through tinted windows as his limo rolled by. But she said without hesitation it was worth it.

"I got a chance to see the president," she said.

Tara Lucas, 38, an administrative assistant from Pearland, Texas, was satisfied just seeing Obama wave from his limousine along the parade route.

"It was beautiful," she said. "All I saw was a face in a window and it was remarkable."

Her friend Connie Griffin, a 41-year-old electrical engineer from Pearland, agreed.

"You felt the love," she said.

Obama, Biden and their families were among more than 8,800 people, floats and marching bands participating in the late-starting parade that passed before viewing stands and bleachers after Obama's public swearing-in ceremony.

Thousands of people had waited in security lines that stretched a block to gain access to parade-viewing spots accessible to the general public without a special ticket.

Spectators wore Obama t-shirts, ski caps, hoodies and buttons, and one woman wrapped herself in an Obama beach towel for extra warmth.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2013-01-21-Obama-Inauguration-Parade/id-4fe7c189ba784de796096b781b94e816

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