- Scotland Yard holds police disciplinary proceedings in public for first time
- Pc Simon Harwood, 45, hit Mr Tomlinson, 47, with his baton and pushed him to the ground during the G20 protests in London in 2009
- Metropolitan Police disciplinary panel finds he committed gross misconduct and dismisses him without notice
- But panel decides not to consider allegation that Harwood's actions inadvertently caused or contributed to Mr Tomlinson's death
- Mr Tomlinson's family dismiss proceedings as a 'whitewash' and vow to take civil action
- Harwood has already been acquitted of Mr Tomlinson's manslaughter
Monday, September 17, 2012
'Whitewash' storm as the PC cleared of killing Ian Tomlinson is sacked at last for misconduct... but keeps his police pension
Three missing after NSW boat capsizes
Hopes are fading for three men who went missing on a late night fishing trip off the NSW south coast.
Efforts to locate the men, who were not wearing lifejackets when their dinghy capsized, were suspended on Monday night but will resume at St Georges Basin on Tuesday morning, police say.
A fourth man on the trip managed to make it to shore after he was rescued by a local resident who heard his cries for help early on Monday.
An air, land and sea search was launched for the other three men - aged 19, 26 and 29 - but on Monday evening they remained unaccounted for.
Police believe the four men had been drinking alcohol before they set out from the Sanctuary Point boat ramp at 10.30pm (AEST) on Sunday.
Police said when the boat was about 200 metres offshore, one of the men stood up and leant over the side, causing the boat to capsize and throwing all four men into the water.
A 22-year-old man was rescued about 2.30am (AEST) on Monday after a resident onshore heard his cries for help and went out on a paddle board.
"He found the guy clinging to the vessel," a police spokesman told AAP.
The spokesman said the dinghy was only equipped with oars and it was understood none of the men were wearing life vests.
The rescued man was treated for hypothermia by the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter service.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Helle Ib: Giftigt spil – men ingen klare beviser
De to første dage i Skattesagskommissionen har absolut ikke skabt klarhed over, hvem der lækkede de fortrolige oplysninger i Thorning-Kinnocks skattesag – eller om daværende skatteminister Troels Lund Poulsens (V) spindoktor Peter Arnfeldt ”tilbød” Ekstra Bladet indblik i dele af indholdet.
Ekstra Bladets påstand svækkes af manglende beviser. Til gengæld har offentligheden fået indblik i, hvor beskidt det politiske spil på Christiansborg kan udfolde sig.
Ekstra Bladets påstand svækkes af manglende beviser. Til gengæld har offentligheden fået indblik i, hvor beskidt det politiske spil på Christiansborg kan udfolde sig.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Two big health insurers team up in acquisition [The Kansas City Star]
A planned acquisition of Coventry Health Care Inc. by fellow insurer Aetna Inc., announced Monday, will give Aetna access to more Medicaid and Medicare
business -- programs expected to grow under national health reform.
But what local consumers are likely to notice first is that the $5.7 billion deal will reduce by one the number of major health care insurance carriers in
the Kansas City market.
"In the local fully insured marketplace, especially for small groups, that brings us down to Blue Cross and Blue Shield, UnitedHealth, Humana and Aetna,"
said David Power, a broker with the Power Group in the Kansas City area. "We'll have one less option to show clients to compare plans and rates, and that
means less competition."
Mike Brewer, president of Lockton Benefit Group, said that in the local middle market, involving companies of up to 5,000 people covered, he'd add Cigna as a
competitor, but he agreed that reduced competition was among the first things that came to mind when he heard of the deal.
"Consolidation does tend to erode competition a little, but the upside may be Aetna having a little more muscle to work with in the marketplace," Brewer
said.
Aetna sent notes to its brokers that said, in part, "In the foreseeable future, it is business as usual -- nothing changes." The purchase is subject to
approval from Coventry shareholders and federal and state regulators.
Aetna is the nation's third-largest health insurer based on enrollment numbers, ranking it behind UnitedHealth Group and WellPoint nationally. In Missouri
and Kansas, the Blues have the largest premium share and will continue to be the biggest after the Aetna deal is done.
What's attractive to Aetna in the deal is Coventry's 932,000-strong Medicaid enrollment. Since the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the health care overhaul
legislation, millions more Americans are expected to become eligible to participate in the state- and federally funded program for persons identified as poor
and disabled.
Just since the court's decision, WellPoint, which offers Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in 14 states, said it intended to acquire Amerigroup Corp. Industry
analysts expect more consolidations as insurers try to bolster their government business.
Aetna called the Coventry acquisition a "fabulous" deal, even if the November elections change the future of health reform.
Aetna also would gain Coventry's Medicare business at a time when the big, aging baby-boom generation is becoming eligible for that program. Coventry has
about 1.5 million people enrolled in its Medicare prescription drug coverage.
According to statistics supplied by the carriers, Aetna has more than 18 million medical policy members, nearly 13.6 million dental members, and more than
8.6 million pharmacy members. The acquisition would add Coventry's nearly 3.8 million medical members and nearly 1.5 million Medicare Part D members.
Aetna shares rose 5.3 percent in Monday trading to $40.06, and Coventry shares jumped about 20 percent to $41.86.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Summer of LeBron Ends With Gold
The Spanish balloon popped when LeBron James hammered home a dunk late in the fourth quarter. For James, who had relished his role throughout the Olympic
tournament as a facilitator rather than a scorer, it was a rare show of might, as if to punctuate the fact that, yes, he was still LeBron—the NBA's Most
Valuable Player, an NBA champion, and now, after two weeks in London, a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
James made his exit from Sunday's game shortly after dunking, and in the waning moments of Team USA's 107-100 gold medal victory over Spain, he and coach
Mike Krzyzewski embraced in front of the bench. It had been a hard-fought contest, the sort of nip-and-tuck, counterpunching affair that James and his
teammates said they wanted.
"A lot of teams have won gold easy," said James, who finished with 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists. "We didn't want it that way."
Olympic basketball can be a tough sell for fans back home: Team USA wins? Well, that was expected. But a loss? "It is a disaster," assistant coach Mike
D'Antoni said. The tournament had been more exhibition than sport as the U.S. steamrolled its way into the final, winning its games by an average of 35.7
points. But the game with Spain was different. Spain had the Gasol brothers, Marc and Pau. Spain had experience. And Spain had motivation: The game was a
rematch of the 2008 gold-medal game that the U.S. won.
One of the major plot lines was whether Spain's size would give the U.S. problems. But Krzyzewski and his staff stuck to their game plan: Team USA would go
small. It was one of the principles that Jerry Colangelo, chairman of USA Basketball, kept in mind when he and Krzyzewski assembled the roster.
"As the big man fades into the sunset around the world," Colangelo said, "there won't be any choice but to go with quickness and speed."
The wisdom of that gamble was apparent at the start of the fourth quarter when the U.S. mounted a 12-4 run to break open a one-point game. Whether it was
James working his way to the basket or Kevin Durant sinking his fifth 3-pointer or point guard Chris Paul dribbling past the 7-foot-tall Pau Gasol, Spain
could no longer contend.
It was a physical game. Recalling one of Marc Gasol's four first-half fouls, Carmelo Anthony said Gasol "tried to take my leg off." But the Americans
eventually found the space to run the court and separate themselves. "The closer the game got, the more intense we got," said Bryant, who had 17 points and
three 3-pointers.
That makes 14 gold medals in 17 Olympic appearances for Team USA, which got a game-high 30 points from Durant. Paul, who finished with 11, described the
London Games as the most fun he has had as a player. "I hate that in a couple months, these guys are going to be my enemies," he said.
Krzyzewski, 62-1 as Team USA's coach since taking over the program in 2006, joined Henry Iba as the only U.S. coaches to lead the team to gold in consecutive
Olympics. He hedged afterward when asked about his announced plans to step down from his position. "The thing that I would want to do with Jerry, and will
do, is take some time to evaluate everything," he said. "I think I can get a great meal out of this."
Over the past seven years, one of Krzyzewski's most important partnerships has been with James. As a 19-year-old in 2004, James was a bit player on a U.S.
team that settled for bronze at the Athens Games. Once Krzyzewski came aboard, James was instrumental in the national team's success. He got other NBA
megastars to buy into the ethos of the Olympics.
"I've just seen him grow immensely," Krzyzewski said. "He's the best player and he's the best leader and he's as smart as anyone playing the game right now."
He cited how James played the final five minutes of the Spain game with four fouls. He knew not to pick up his fifth.
There was an air of finality to the postgame festivities. James said he wasn't certain if he would be with the team in 2016, and it might not be his choice.
FIBA is said to be considering an age limit. Colangelo said he expects to know more in December.
After James checked out of the game, he celebrated by dousing Krzyzewski with water, then climbed to his spot on the podium. It was a fitting last act during
this, the Summer of LeBron—he went out on top.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Charles Zentai case the last Nazi pursuit
The 90-year-old Perth man had been accused of beating a Jewish teenager to death and throwing his body in the Danube River in Nazi-occupied Budapest in
November 1944.
Yesterday, the High Court ruled that the government could not order Mr Zentai's extradition to Hungary because the offence of "war crime" did not exist under
Hungary's laws in 1944.
The decision draws to a close the era of Nazi war crimes prosecutions in Australia - a troubled hunt that resulted in four failed court cases over 25 years
at a cost of tens of millions of dollars.
At its height, from 1987 to 1992, a Special Investigations Unit set up by the Hawke government examined up to 800 cases of suspected Nazi-era war criminals
living in Australia, but a lack of hard evidence and the unreliability of aged witnesses made it difficult to lay charges.
Some questioned whether Australia's heart was really in the hunt to prosecute crimes committed half a century earlier. A 2006 US-government commissioned
report accused Australia of having "an ambivalent" attitude to hunting Nazi war criminals and a "lack of the requisite political will".
Mr Zentai said yesterday he was stunned and happy at the High Court's decision but his life had been ruined by the case.
But the ruling infuriated the Jewish community. Efraim Zuroff, from the Jerusalem-based Simon Wiesenthal Centre, labelled it a black day for Australian
justice and a terrible day for survivors of the Holocaust.
He said not one attempt to bring accused Nazi war criminals in Australia to justice had succeeded, and he believed it was now the end of the line.
"We are up against obstacles that are simply impossible," Mr Zuroff said. "If there is no judicial will to bring the criminals from World War II to justice
in Australia, then it won't happen."
Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Danny Lamm said the decision would be seen by many as the triumph of narrow legalism over substantive
justice.
In a 5-1 decision, the High Court said that, under Australia's extradition treaty with Hungary, the government could not surrender one of its citizens over
acts capable of giving rise to any form of criminal liability, only for the specific offence for which extradition was sought.
It said that, although the offence of murder existed in Hungary in 1944, Hungary had not requested Mr Zentai's extradition for murder; rather, it had
requested his extradition for the offence of "war crime".
Dissenting judge Dyson Heydon said that point was an "extremely technical one". Justice Heydon said that if Mr Zentai was returned to Hungary and convicted,
an accurate answer if someone later asked him what he was convicted for was "beating a Jew to death in Budapest in 1944".
"The questioner could equally accurately answer: 'That's murder. That was certainly an offence in Hungary in 1944'," Justice Heydon said.
Hungary enacted laws in 1945 that retrospectively introduced the war crimes offence.
Mr Zentai, who is on bail, has denied any involvement in the death of teenager Peter Balazs since details of the claims against him were revealed in The
Australian in 2005.
Some prosecutors in Australia say the Simon Wiesenthal Centre, which has mounted a global campaign for Nazi war crimes prosecutions, gave them poorly
researched lists of suspects.
In 1991 charges were laid against Mikolay Berezowsky for alleged involvement in the deaths of 102 Jews in Ukraine. The case did not proceed to trial.
In 1993 the South Australian Supreme Court acquitted Ivan Polyukovich of charges of murdering a Jewish woman in 1942 and being knowingly concerned with the
murder of 850 others. The same year, mass murder charges against Heinrich Wagner were dropped because of his ill-health.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
System could warn of solar storms
A warning system with the potential to protect against the devastating and costly effects of a massive solar storm could be on the horizon.
That's according to research published in the journal Astroparticle Physics.
Solar flares can be accompanied by the release of high energy particles - a coronal mass ejection - towards Earth.
Ensuing huge geomagnetic storms could wreak havoc on electronic systems, satellites, power grids and communication networks.
Data from the study, led by Prof Ephraim Fischbach and Prof Jere Jenkins of Purdue University, suggest that the rate of breakdown of radioactive materials
changes in advance of solar flares.
They hope they can use this to develop a system that could predict when a potentially devastating geomagnetic storm might take place. This would allow
authorities to adopt protective measures, such as shutting down satellites, at times of most risk.
But it is unclear how long such a system would take to develop. Prof Jenkins told BBC News: "We're still developing algorithms to pinpoint what type of flare
and magnitude it will be."
Other physicists are more sceptical of the conclusions made by the researchers. Commenting on the findings, Dr Peter Soler, a particle physicist at the
University of Glasgow, said: "I do not believe the actual decay rate is being affected by this."
Radioactive elements - such as uranium - are unstable and break down over time. As they do this they release energy in the form of radiation. Physicists have
long held the view that the rate of breakdown - or decay - for any given radioactive substance is constant.
A chance event led Prof Jenkins to doubt this. He was watching television coverage of astronauts spacewalking at the International Space Station. A solar
flare erupted and was thought to pose a risk to the astronauts. On checking equipment in his laboratory, he was surprised to discover that the rate of
radioactive decay changed before the solar flare.
The current report follows years of painstaking research designed to strengthen this initial observation. "It's the first time the same isotope has been used
in two different experiments at two different labs, and it showed basically the same effect," Prof Fischbach said.
It is unclear how solar particles affect rates of radioactive decay, but Prof Jenkins asserts that "either neutrinos are affecting the decay rate or perhaps
an unknown particle is". Neutrinos are subatomic particles; huge numbers of them are spewed out during a solar flare.
One of the biggest geomagnetic storms on record was the Carrington event of 1859. According to Prof Fischbach: "There was so much energy from this solar
storm that the telegraph wires were seen glowing." He pointed out that "because we now have a sophisticated infrastructure of satellites, powergrids and all
sorts of electronic systems, a storm of this magnitude today would be catastrophic. Having a day and a half warning could be really helpful in averting the
worst damage".
According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, there are around 1,000 satellites in operation above the Earth's atmosphere. Satellites are used for
communication, weather forecasting, navigation, research and reconnaissance.
Solar activity fluctuates over an approximate 11-year cycle. Activity is likely to peak over the next year or so and could bring strong solar storms.
Solar particles also produce one of nature's wondrous spectacles - the auroras - natural light shows in the Earth's atmosphere. The auroras visible in the
northern and southern hemispheres are known as the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and Aurora Australis (Southern Lights), respectively.
The auroras are most visible at high latitudes - usually in the polar regions. However, the intensity of this light show is influenced greatly by the amount
of solar flare activity. According to Prof Fischbach, "the aurora borealis appeared as far south as Cuba" during the famous Carrington event.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Chad Johnson: I still love Evelyn
Chad Johnson says he still loves Evelyn Lozada - even though the reality star has filed to end their 41-day-old marriage.
Lozada filed for divorce Tuesday after Johnson was arrested for allegedly head-butting her during an argument Saturday. The football star was dropped by the
Miami Dolphins the next day.
In a statement on his website - OCNN - Johnson apologized for his action and said he loves her to death. He also said he planned to stay positive and hopes
to get signed by another NFL team.
"I would like to apologize to everyone for the recent events that have occurred," Johnson's statement read. "I would like to wish Evelyn well and will never
say anything bad about her because I truly love her to death. I will continue to be positive and train hard for another opportunity in the NFL. To all the
fans and supporters I have disappointed, you have my sincerest apologies. I will stay positive and get through this tough period in my life."
The couple's July 4th wedding was taped for their VH1 reality show ''Ev & Ocho'' -but the network has decided it will no longer air.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Paul Ryan and Ryan Gosling spark vice-presidential humour online
When Mitt Romney officially named Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan as his running mate on Sunday he likely had no clue what the internet had in store for him.
Early Saturday, as news began to leak, online pranksters sprung into action and revived a meme that first appeared earlier this year: Paul Ryan Gosling. It
builds on that uber-popular "Hey Girl" meme featuring actor Ryan Gosling by combining pictures or Tweets of Paul Ryan with a romantic and/or conservative
caption.
One of the first blogs to spring into action was Hey Girl, It's Paul Ryan. According to Time Magazine, the Tumblr blog was started back in April but lasted
only about a week. Since Ryan was picked to be Romney's running mate, however, it was revived.
It features such pithy comments as "Hey girl, I like big cuts and I cannot lie" and "Hey girl, I may be vying for #2. But you'll always be my #1."
Here's another one:
But Hey Girl, It's Paul Ryan is not to be confused with another Tumblr called simply Paul Ryan Gosling that sprung up on Saturday.
The creator(s) behind the Paul Ryan Gosling Tumblr don't want to be confused with yet another addition to the meme craze. They wrote:
"If you follow @PaulRyanGosling on Twitter, be advised that that is not the real Paul Ryan Gosling, the adorable middle-class-destroying scamp that you know
and love from this page right here.
Facebook.com/PaulRyanGosling. Real talk."
The @paulryangosling Twitter account also sprang into action Saturday with a Tweet about Medicare.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Removing the barriers to consent for organ donation
Within 24 hours of these words appearing in print, Team GB is likely to have won at least three more medals, and during the same time frame at least three
more British people will probably die waiting for an organ transplant.
Each year about 1000 patients lose their fight for life, a life that could have been saved by an altruistic gift from someone they probably had never met.
This has led to widespread calls for the replacement of the current opt-in system for organ donation by what is known as a soft opt-out system, where a
person's consent is assumed unless they have objected in their lifetime. Wales is consulting on such a scheme, which has improved the level of donated organs
in Belgium and Spain. Recently our sister paper, the Evening Times, has done much to raise the profile of the opt-out campaign through a well-supported
petition and by sharing stories of the suffering of those waiting for transplants and the joy of those who have had one.
How far would an opt-out mechanism go towards eliminating the growing transplant organ shortage? Much depends on the attitude adopted towards the views of
the bereaved family and relatives.
As The Herald reports today, such a move may make less difference than anticipated if relatives continue to have a veto. Currently, around a quarter of
suitable organs are never transplanted because of the refusal of the bereaved. Even when the dead patient is on the donor register, one in 10 families
withholds consent. They may assert that the patient "has suffered enough" or worry that staff will not strive to save a person's life if there are plans in
place for transplanting their organs. Often the issue has never come up in conversation.
The gap between demand and supply of organs could be diminished if relatives were not allowed to over-rule the wishes of the deceased, argues Dr David Shaw
of Aberdeen University. He describes respecting the veto as "unethical, unprofessional and against the spirit of the law".
This is an ethically complex area. It touches on the relationship between the citizen and the state and that between patient and doctor. It pitches the
rights of suffering patients against those of grieving relatives. The Herald has argued that any change to the system must take the public with it, or risk
making the organ shortage worse instead of better, as happened in Brazil.
Under the proposed Welsh scheme, clinical teams will have a duty of care towards the bereaved and must take into account strong objections, especially when
the views of the dead person are unknown. The scheme proposed by the BMA and supported by Kidney Research UK leaves the final decision with loved ones.
Surely the answer lies not in surgeons removing organs in the face of objections from the grieving spouse and offspring, but all of us openly discussing our
wishes with our nearest and dearest. The biggest barrier to improving the level of consent for organ donation is not the obstruction of irrational relatives
but ignorance.
more British people will probably die waiting for an organ transplant.
Each year about 1000 patients lose their fight for life, a life that could have been saved by an altruistic gift from someone they probably had never met.
This has led to widespread calls for the replacement of the current opt-in system for organ donation by what is known as a soft opt-out system, where a
person's consent is assumed unless they have objected in their lifetime. Wales is consulting on such a scheme, which has improved the level of donated organs
in Belgium and Spain. Recently our sister paper, the Evening Times, has done much to raise the profile of the opt-out campaign through a well-supported
petition and by sharing stories of the suffering of those waiting for transplants and the joy of those who have had one.
How far would an opt-out mechanism go towards eliminating the growing transplant organ shortage? Much depends on the attitude adopted towards the views of
the bereaved family and relatives.
As The Herald reports today, such a move may make less difference than anticipated if relatives continue to have a veto. Currently, around a quarter of
suitable organs are never transplanted because of the refusal of the bereaved. Even when the dead patient is on the donor register, one in 10 families
withholds consent. They may assert that the patient "has suffered enough" or worry that staff will not strive to save a person's life if there are plans in
place for transplanting their organs. Often the issue has never come up in conversation.
The gap between demand and supply of organs could be diminished if relatives were not allowed to over-rule the wishes of the deceased, argues Dr David Shaw
of Aberdeen University. He describes respecting the veto as "unethical, unprofessional and against the spirit of the law".
This is an ethically complex area. It touches on the relationship between the citizen and the state and that between patient and doctor. It pitches the
rights of suffering patients against those of grieving relatives. The Herald has argued that any change to the system must take the public with it, or risk
making the organ shortage worse instead of better, as happened in Brazil.
Under the proposed Welsh scheme, clinical teams will have a duty of care towards the bereaved and must take into account strong objections, especially when
the views of the dead person are unknown. The scheme proposed by the BMA and supported by Kidney Research UK leaves the final decision with loved ones.
Surely the answer lies not in surgeons removing organs in the face of objections from the grieving spouse and offspring, but all of us openly discussing our
wishes with our nearest and dearest. The biggest barrier to improving the level of consent for organ donation is not the obstruction of irrational relatives
but ignorance.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Sasuke Singapore has celebs huffing and puffing
You could say Fly Entertainment artist Bobby Tonelli received "special treatment" during the filming of Sasuke Singapore's celebrity episode back in June.
After all, the Singapore-based American actor-DJ's girlfriend, local actress Joanne Peh, is the host of the show.
Sasuke Singapore is Channel 5's new crazy, action-packed game show that pushes contestants to their physical limits through an arduous five-part obstacle
course.
A local adaptation of the Japanese series Sasuke (known as Ninja Warrior internationally), it premieres on Aug 9 at 8.10pm, after the telecast of the
National Day Parade.
The 36-year-old Tonelli and Peh, 29, did not bother to hide their affection for each other on the approximately 160m by 25m set at Sentosa.
The couple, who have been dating since 2009, openly addressed each other as "honey" and "dear". While Tonelli was navigating a series of slanted platforms
called the Sextuple Step and jumped from a trampoline onto a cargo net, Peh took out her smartphone to take photographs and videos.
She also energetically cheered her hunky beau on and could not keep her eyes off him.
When asked whether she gave Tonelli any insider tips on how to ace the course, Peh responded with a chuckle.
After all, she was a contestant on the Channel 8 variety series Battle@Water Margin, which saw MediaCorp artists overcoming their phobias of heights and
water as they duked it out on the wacky, wet and wild obstacle courses.
She told The New Paper: "There's nothing I can do to help him because he's the one on the course. "There's no formula for success."
She added: "I didn't want to say I was worried because I might have projected that nervousness." Incidentally, Tonelli had also auditioned to host Sasuke
Singapore, but lost the role to Peh.
Nevertheless, he did his homework for his part as acontestant.
"I studied some of the obstacles on YouTube, worked out a lot and trained myself mentally for this challenge," he said. "I think you just have to focus on
what is going on ahead of you and give it your all."
So are they still at the stage in their relationship where Tonelli has to impress Peh?
Quipped the American: "I think taking part in Sasuke is impressive enough because not everyone can do this."
Yes, even someone as well-built and physically fit as Tonelli was seen having a difficult time on the course.
While climbing up the rope ladder, his foot got tangled and he looked visibly troubled.
Also, he failed to conquer the Jump Hang obstacle and fell into the water below.
When he emerged, looking disappointed with himself, Peh hugged and comforted him, saying: "It's okay baby, I still love you."
She told TNP later: "I think he did great, although he has been very nervous for the past few days.
"I have to say, I was more nervous for the other contestants than him."
Tonelli was joined by other local celebrities such as Nat Ho, 27, Paul Foster, 31, Jimmy T, 48, Sylvia Ratonel, 24, and Koh Yah Hwee, 25.
And none of them had it easy on the course.
The sun was merciless during the shoot and they all left nursing rope burns on their hands.
Actor-singer Ho said: "My only thought was to get on the other side at all cost (for the Tarzan Swing and Rope Ladder). Only when I pressed the buzzer did I
realise both my palms had blisters and were bleeding.
"My next thought was that I cannot play Diablo 3 for a while.
"I didn't really prepare (for Sasuke Singapore). I just watched some YouTube videos and followed my normal exercise routine because I didn't have much of an
idea of what to prepare for."
Singapore Idol 3 runner-up Ratonel suffered even more severe rope burns and was seen being attended to by medical personnel at the scene.
The singer was heard gasping in pain and kept telling the medics not to "press" on her wounds.
Koh also didn't expect the obstacles to be so tough. While she was on the platform to prepare for the Tarzan Swing and Rope Ladder, the actress kept
shouting: "It is different up here!"
She added: "I exercised and did some yoga. I honestly thought it was going to be easy, but it is no joke at all."
After all, the Singapore-based American actor-DJ's girlfriend, local actress Joanne Peh, is the host of the show.
Sasuke Singapore is Channel 5's new crazy, action-packed game show that pushes contestants to their physical limits through an arduous five-part obstacle
course.
A local adaptation of the Japanese series Sasuke (known as Ninja Warrior internationally), it premieres on Aug 9 at 8.10pm, after the telecast of the
National Day Parade.
The 36-year-old Tonelli and Peh, 29, did not bother to hide their affection for each other on the approximately 160m by 25m set at Sentosa.
The couple, who have been dating since 2009, openly addressed each other as "honey" and "dear". While Tonelli was navigating a series of slanted platforms
called the Sextuple Step and jumped from a trampoline onto a cargo net, Peh took out her smartphone to take photographs and videos.
She also energetically cheered her hunky beau on and could not keep her eyes off him.
When asked whether she gave Tonelli any insider tips on how to ace the course, Peh responded with a chuckle.
After all, she was a contestant on the Channel 8 variety series Battle@Water Margin, which saw MediaCorp artists overcoming their phobias of heights and
water as they duked it out on the wacky, wet and wild obstacle courses.
She told The New Paper: "There's nothing I can do to help him because he's the one on the course. "There's no formula for success."
She added: "I didn't want to say I was worried because I might have projected that nervousness." Incidentally, Tonelli had also auditioned to host Sasuke
Singapore, but lost the role to Peh.
Nevertheless, he did his homework for his part as acontestant.
"I studied some of the obstacles on YouTube, worked out a lot and trained myself mentally for this challenge," he said. "I think you just have to focus on
what is going on ahead of you and give it your all."
So are they still at the stage in their relationship where Tonelli has to impress Peh?
Quipped the American: "I think taking part in Sasuke is impressive enough because not everyone can do this."
Yes, even someone as well-built and physically fit as Tonelli was seen having a difficult time on the course.
While climbing up the rope ladder, his foot got tangled and he looked visibly troubled.
Also, he failed to conquer the Jump Hang obstacle and fell into the water below.
When he emerged, looking disappointed with himself, Peh hugged and comforted him, saying: "It's okay baby, I still love you."
She told TNP later: "I think he did great, although he has been very nervous for the past few days.
"I have to say, I was more nervous for the other contestants than him."
Tonelli was joined by other local celebrities such as Nat Ho, 27, Paul Foster, 31, Jimmy T, 48, Sylvia Ratonel, 24, and Koh Yah Hwee, 25.
And none of them had it easy on the course.
The sun was merciless during the shoot and they all left nursing rope burns on their hands.
Actor-singer Ho said: "My only thought was to get on the other side at all cost (for the Tarzan Swing and Rope Ladder). Only when I pressed the buzzer did I
realise both my palms had blisters and were bleeding.
"My next thought was that I cannot play Diablo 3 for a while.
"I didn't really prepare (for Sasuke Singapore). I just watched some YouTube videos and followed my normal exercise routine because I didn't have much of an
idea of what to prepare for."
Singapore Idol 3 runner-up Ratonel suffered even more severe rope burns and was seen being attended to by medical personnel at the scene.
The singer was heard gasping in pain and kept telling the medics not to "press" on her wounds.
Koh also didn't expect the obstacles to be so tough. While she was on the platform to prepare for the Tarzan Swing and Rope Ladder, the actress kept
shouting: "It is different up here!"
She added: "I exercised and did some yoga. I honestly thought it was going to be easy, but it is no joke at all."
Monday, August 6, 2012
U.S. probes HCA heart procedures, hospital billing
U.S. authorities are probing whether heart procedures performed at HCA Holdings Inc hospitals were medically necessary and are investigating the company's
billing practices, the company said on Monday.
The company's shares were down as much as 10 percent.
HCA, in an unusual move, also issued a detailed rebuttal defending itself against a not-yet-published report by The New York Times. The company said it
believes the newspaper will question physician decisions at its hospitals regarding certain heart procedures.
The U.S. Department of Justice is reviewing whether charges to the federal government related to use of implantable cardio-defibrillators (ICDs) met with
billing criteria set by the Medicare health program for the elderly, HCA said in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
The review will include ICD billing and medical records at 95 of the company's 163 hospitals from October 2003 to the present.
ICDs are devices implanted in a patient's chest to help regulate heart rhythm and protect against potentially dangerous racing heart beats. Major
manufacturers of the devices include: Medtronic Inc, Boston Scientific Corp and St Jude Medical Inc.
A representatives for St Jude was not immediately available. A Boston Scientific spokesman did not have an immediate comment. A Medtronic spokesman declined
to comment on an investigation involving another company.
HCA also said that in July the federal prosecutor's office in Miami requested information on reviews assessing the medical necessity of certain
interventional heart procedures. HCA said it believes such reviews have taken place at about 10 of its hospitals, primarily in Florida.
The reviews were conducted by third-party organizations retained by the company, an HCA spokesman said.
The company said its own review of how many of its hospitals may be affected was not yet complete.
Interventional heart procedures include angioplasty and stenting used to clear and prop open blocked coronary arteries.
Jefferies analyst Arthur Henderson said such inquiries were not uncommon.
"Every time they come out, people get pretty nervous about it and the stocks trade down," Henderson said. "There is not enough information to say this is
going to end up bad. As long as the company continues to execute the way they have this quarter, I think there is some upside to the stock."
Shares in HCA fell as much as 10 percent after the disclosures on Monday, but regained some ground to close 3.95 percent lower at $25.55. Rival hospital
operators also fell on news of the probes before recovering. Community Health shares closed down 0.6 percent at $23.83, while shares of Tenet Healthcare Corp
were off 0.03 percent at $4.66.
EARNINGS BEAT EXPECTATIONS
HCA on Monday also reported better-than-expected quarterly earnings as more patients were treated at its facilities. The company stood by its 2012 earnings
forecast.
Net income for the second quarter rose to $391 million, or 85 cents per share, from $229 million, or 43 cents per share, a year earlier.
Excluding one-time gains, earnings were 85 cents per share, topping analysts' average forecast of 78 cents, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
Revenue rose 12 percent to $8.11 billion. Admissions to facilities owned for at least one year, combined with outpatient volumes, increased 3.9 percent.
billing practices, the company said on Monday.
The company's shares were down as much as 10 percent.
HCA, in an unusual move, also issued a detailed rebuttal defending itself against a not-yet-published report by The New York Times. The company said it
believes the newspaper will question physician decisions at its hospitals regarding certain heart procedures.
The U.S. Department of Justice is reviewing whether charges to the federal government related to use of implantable cardio-defibrillators (ICDs) met with
billing criteria set by the Medicare health program for the elderly, HCA said in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
The review will include ICD billing and medical records at 95 of the company's 163 hospitals from October 2003 to the present.
ICDs are devices implanted in a patient's chest to help regulate heart rhythm and protect against potentially dangerous racing heart beats. Major
manufacturers of the devices include: Medtronic Inc, Boston Scientific Corp and St Jude Medical Inc.
A representatives for St Jude was not immediately available. A Boston Scientific spokesman did not have an immediate comment. A Medtronic spokesman declined
to comment on an investigation involving another company.
HCA also said that in July the federal prosecutor's office in Miami requested information on reviews assessing the medical necessity of certain
interventional heart procedures. HCA said it believes such reviews have taken place at about 10 of its hospitals, primarily in Florida.
The reviews were conducted by third-party organizations retained by the company, an HCA spokesman said.
The company said its own review of how many of its hospitals may be affected was not yet complete.
Interventional heart procedures include angioplasty and stenting used to clear and prop open blocked coronary arteries.
Jefferies analyst Arthur Henderson said such inquiries were not uncommon.
"Every time they come out, people get pretty nervous about it and the stocks trade down," Henderson said. "There is not enough information to say this is
going to end up bad. As long as the company continues to execute the way they have this quarter, I think there is some upside to the stock."
Shares in HCA fell as much as 10 percent after the disclosures on Monday, but regained some ground to close 3.95 percent lower at $25.55. Rival hospital
operators also fell on news of the probes before recovering. Community Health shares closed down 0.6 percent at $23.83, while shares of Tenet Healthcare Corp
were off 0.03 percent at $4.66.
EARNINGS BEAT EXPECTATIONS
HCA on Monday also reported better-than-expected quarterly earnings as more patients were treated at its facilities. The company stood by its 2012 earnings
forecast.
Net income for the second quarter rose to $391 million, or 85 cents per share, from $229 million, or 43 cents per share, a year earlier.
Excluding one-time gains, earnings were 85 cents per share, topping analysts' average forecast of 78 cents, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
Revenue rose 12 percent to $8.11 billion. Admissions to facilities owned for at least one year, combined with outpatient volumes, increased 3.9 percent.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Chile marks second anniversary of mine collapse
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — A cross in the middle of the world's driest desert now marks the spot where a mine collapse trapped 33 men a half-mile under the
earth for 69 days.
Chile on Sunday marked the second anniversary of the cave-in at the San Jose mine in the Atacama desert, honoring the miners who survived in entrapment
longer than anyone else before.
President Sebastian Pinera traveled to the northern city of Copiapo to join the men at the mouth of the mine that nearly became their rocky grave. They
unveiled a five-meter (16 1/2-foot) cross as part of a monument known as the "The 33 miners of Atacama: The miracle of life."
"In such extreme, difficult circumstances you were able to bring out the best in yourselves," Pinera told the miners at a ceremony. "You fought for your own
lives with such strength, faith, hope and comradeship that it touched the fibers of men and women around the world."
The miners said it felt like an earthquake when the shaft caved in above them on Aug. 5, 2010, filing the lower ridges of the copper and gold mine with
suffocating dust. Hours passed before they could even begin to see a few steps in front of them. Above them tons of rock shifted constantly, threatening to
bury them forever.
People on the surface didn't know for more than two weeks that the men had survived the collapse, and the 33 stretched a meager 48-hour store of emergency
food for 17 days, eating tiny capsules of tuna and sips of expired milk. A narrow shaft finally reached their haven and the world learned they were alive.
That shaft allowed food and water to reach the men while rescuers drilled a bigger escape hole. Finally, in a flawless operation that ended in the early
hours of Oct. 13, the miners were hauled up one-by-one in a cage through 2,000 feet of rock.
Back on the surface they were received as heroes for surviving so long in the sweltering, dark depths of the overexploited century-old mine. Their globally
televised rescue mesmerized millions worldwide. They got paid trips to the Greek Islands, visited the Real Madrid stadium in Spain and paraded at Magic
Kingdom in Disney World.
But the fantasy began to crumble on their return home.
Many ran out of money and had to scratch out a living in the dusty, barren working-class neighborhoods and shantytowns of the desert city of Copiapo. Some
began suffering from health and psychological problems. Others took to alcohol and drugs. Most are still kept up at night by memories of their ordeal.
"I still suffer from the nightmares," said Alex Vega, 33, who vowed never walk into a mine again.
"I'm on psychiatric treatment because I haven't been able to overcome all of it," said Vega, who has traveled to Central America and the United States giving
inspirational talks and works operating construction machinery. He receives a pension of $200 a month to compensate for his psychological problems.
But doctors say the aftermath could have been worse.
"I still see them as great people who were able to go through something terrible," said Alberto Iturra Benavides, the head psychologist who worked with the
miners.
"What surprises me most is the strength of their commitment to life. They could have had deep personality alterations, but it hasn't happened. People can't
even begin to understand how terrible it was for them down there," he added.
Chile announced last year that 14 of the miners who are older than 50 or suffer from health problems that keep them from working would receive a lifetime
pension of $540 a month. The miners have been secretive about the details of what happened during their entrapment, especially the days before they were
found, hoping to strike gold in a film deal.
Now they're banking all their financial hopes on a Hollywood movie deal signed with "Black Swan" producer Mike Medavoy. The production will draw on a book
being written about them by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Hector Tobar.
"The 33," as they are known, will appear as extras in the film, said Remberto Valdes, a lawyer who represents the men. He said they have already received
about $9,000 each for the film and $2,500 for the book and will get royalties from ticket sales.
Their survival story sent the president's popularity ratings soaring. The billionaire businessman supervised the 22-hour rescue and bear-hugged the miners on
their way out. Pinera also traveled the world showing the handwritten note by one of the miners that first alerted rescuers: "We are all well in the shelter,
the 33 of us."
Since then, widespread protests demanding improvements in education and a wider distribution of wealth have eroded Pinera's support and he has become Chile's
most unpopular leader since the country returned to democracy in 1990.
The San Jose collapse brought the mine's safety record into focus and put mining, Chile's top industry, under close scrutiny. A congressional commission last
year found its owners responsible for the cave-in at the 125-year-old mine.
Mining-related deaths fell 36 percent last year to 27, compared to 41 in 2010, the year of the cave-in, according to a report by the Mining Ministry. The
report says accidents at Chile's 8,500 mines last year also fell by 40 percent, their lowest level in 21 years thanks to increased oversight by inspectors.
"The accident left us lessons," Mining Minister Hernan de Solminihac said in a story published Sunday by the newspaper El Mercurio. "We took those seriously
to avoid a tragedy."
At the San Jose mine, Pinera urged lawmakers to fast-track the passing of a mining law that is stuck in Congress. If passed, it would create a new system of
information safety, increase the number of inspections at mine sites and put harsher penalties on those who break the law.
"We all know this law is necessary," he said. "It sanctions anyone who doesn't abide by their duty to protect the security and dignity of miners."
earth for 69 days.
Chile on Sunday marked the second anniversary of the cave-in at the San Jose mine in the Atacama desert, honoring the miners who survived in entrapment
longer than anyone else before.
President Sebastian Pinera traveled to the northern city of Copiapo to join the men at the mouth of the mine that nearly became their rocky grave. They
unveiled a five-meter (16 1/2-foot) cross as part of a monument known as the "The 33 miners of Atacama: The miracle of life."
"In such extreme, difficult circumstances you were able to bring out the best in yourselves," Pinera told the miners at a ceremony. "You fought for your own
lives with such strength, faith, hope and comradeship that it touched the fibers of men and women around the world."
The miners said it felt like an earthquake when the shaft caved in above them on Aug. 5, 2010, filing the lower ridges of the copper and gold mine with
suffocating dust. Hours passed before they could even begin to see a few steps in front of them. Above them tons of rock shifted constantly, threatening to
bury them forever.
People on the surface didn't know for more than two weeks that the men had survived the collapse, and the 33 stretched a meager 48-hour store of emergency
food for 17 days, eating tiny capsules of tuna and sips of expired milk. A narrow shaft finally reached their haven and the world learned they were alive.
That shaft allowed food and water to reach the men while rescuers drilled a bigger escape hole. Finally, in a flawless operation that ended in the early
hours of Oct. 13, the miners were hauled up one-by-one in a cage through 2,000 feet of rock.
Back on the surface they were received as heroes for surviving so long in the sweltering, dark depths of the overexploited century-old mine. Their globally
televised rescue mesmerized millions worldwide. They got paid trips to the Greek Islands, visited the Real Madrid stadium in Spain and paraded at Magic
Kingdom in Disney World.
But the fantasy began to crumble on their return home.
Many ran out of money and had to scratch out a living in the dusty, barren working-class neighborhoods and shantytowns of the desert city of Copiapo. Some
began suffering from health and psychological problems. Others took to alcohol and drugs. Most are still kept up at night by memories of their ordeal.
"I still suffer from the nightmares," said Alex Vega, 33, who vowed never walk into a mine again.
"I'm on psychiatric treatment because I haven't been able to overcome all of it," said Vega, who has traveled to Central America and the United States giving
inspirational talks and works operating construction machinery. He receives a pension of $200 a month to compensate for his psychological problems.
But doctors say the aftermath could have been worse.
"I still see them as great people who were able to go through something terrible," said Alberto Iturra Benavides, the head psychologist who worked with the
miners.
"What surprises me most is the strength of their commitment to life. They could have had deep personality alterations, but it hasn't happened. People can't
even begin to understand how terrible it was for them down there," he added.
Chile announced last year that 14 of the miners who are older than 50 or suffer from health problems that keep them from working would receive a lifetime
pension of $540 a month. The miners have been secretive about the details of what happened during their entrapment, especially the days before they were
found, hoping to strike gold in a film deal.
Now they're banking all their financial hopes on a Hollywood movie deal signed with "Black Swan" producer Mike Medavoy. The production will draw on a book
being written about them by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Hector Tobar.
"The 33," as they are known, will appear as extras in the film, said Remberto Valdes, a lawyer who represents the men. He said they have already received
about $9,000 each for the film and $2,500 for the book and will get royalties from ticket sales.
Their survival story sent the president's popularity ratings soaring. The billionaire businessman supervised the 22-hour rescue and bear-hugged the miners on
their way out. Pinera also traveled the world showing the handwritten note by one of the miners that first alerted rescuers: "We are all well in the shelter,
the 33 of us."
Since then, widespread protests demanding improvements in education and a wider distribution of wealth have eroded Pinera's support and he has become Chile's
most unpopular leader since the country returned to democracy in 1990.
The San Jose collapse brought the mine's safety record into focus and put mining, Chile's top industry, under close scrutiny. A congressional commission last
year found its owners responsible for the cave-in at the 125-year-old mine.
Mining-related deaths fell 36 percent last year to 27, compared to 41 in 2010, the year of the cave-in, according to a report by the Mining Ministry. The
report says accidents at Chile's 8,500 mines last year also fell by 40 percent, their lowest level in 21 years thanks to increased oversight by inspectors.
"The accident left us lessons," Mining Minister Hernan de Solminihac said in a story published Sunday by the newspaper El Mercurio. "We took those seriously
to avoid a tragedy."
At the San Jose mine, Pinera urged lawmakers to fast-track the passing of a mining law that is stuck in Congress. If passed, it would create a new system of
information safety, increase the number of inspections at mine sites and put harsher penalties on those who break the law.
"We all know this law is necessary," he said. "It sanctions anyone who doesn't abide by their duty to protect the security and dignity of miners."
Thursday, August 2, 2012
'Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry' tracks artist
Documentary directed by Alison Klayman. In English and Chinese with English subtitles. (R, 91 mins.)
Chinese artist Ai Weiwei spent a productive decade in New York, noticed by almost no one, before returning to his native Beijing in 1993. Since then, as
recounted in Alison Klayman's brisk, clear-eyed documentary "Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry," he has risen steadily to international prominence, through intensifying
antiauthoritarian and social-media activism as well as through his art.
"Mostly I make decisions," Ai tells Klayman, explaining why he lets assistants fabricate his sculpture.
Using her own footage, excerpts from Ai's documentaries and broadcast interviews, Klayman acquaints us with the man behind the decisions, an extraordinarily
down-to-earth yet cosmopolitan figure, full of mischief, courage and defiance.
"Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry" ends with Ai singing a little song - minus subtitles - in Mandarin. Those few moments - and a final Twitter message: "Never retreat,
retweet" - offset an otherwise bleak ending. The film shows Ai intimidated into virtual silence immediately after his release from nearly three months'
imprisonment.
Klayman has already shown us Ai challenging the authorities on various fronts, most grippingly in a confrontation with the Chengdu police officer who had
given him a potentially fatal head injury.
But "Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry" leaves us seeing him as an optimist, as he defines one: someone "exhilarated by life, still curious, who still thinks there is
possibility."
Chinese artist Ai Weiwei spent a productive decade in New York, noticed by almost no one, before returning to his native Beijing in 1993. Since then, as
recounted in Alison Klayman's brisk, clear-eyed documentary "Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry," he has risen steadily to international prominence, through intensifying
antiauthoritarian and social-media activism as well as through his art.
"Mostly I make decisions," Ai tells Klayman, explaining why he lets assistants fabricate his sculpture.
Using her own footage, excerpts from Ai's documentaries and broadcast interviews, Klayman acquaints us with the man behind the decisions, an extraordinarily
down-to-earth yet cosmopolitan figure, full of mischief, courage and defiance.
"Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry" ends with Ai singing a little song - minus subtitles - in Mandarin. Those few moments - and a final Twitter message: "Never retreat,
retweet" - offset an otherwise bleak ending. The film shows Ai intimidated into virtual silence immediately after his release from nearly three months'
imprisonment.
Klayman has already shown us Ai challenging the authorities on various fronts, most grippingly in a confrontation with the Chengdu police officer who had
given him a potentially fatal head injury.
But "Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry" leaves us seeing him as an optimist, as he defines one: someone "exhilarated by life, still curious, who still thinks there is
possibility."
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Dow Jones industrial average blows past 13,000 on hope for action in Europe
NEW YORK — Faced with Facebook, Starbucks and Angela Merkel, the market chose to focus on Merkel.
For a second day, the U.S. stock market powered higher after European leaders, including German chancellor Merkel, pledged to protect the union of 17 countries that use the euro. The Dow Jones industrial average blew past 13,000, a key psychological marker that it hadn't hit since early May.
It wasn't that there weren't any troubling signs about the economy. In fact, they abounded: U.S. economic growth was anemic in the second quarter. A measure of consumer sentiment fell in July as people worried about their job prospects. And Facebook and Starbucks dropped sharply after reporting disappointing quarterly results.
But on this day, investors homed in on a couple of remarks coming from Europe.
Most notably, Merkel and French president Francois Hollande released a joint statement saying they were "determined to do everything to protect the eurozone." That followed a similar pledge the day before from Mario Draghi, the president of the European Central Bank.
Merkel's statement was closely watched because Germany will have to sign on if any plan to keep the euro countries together is to succeed. As one of the stronger countries, Germany usually foots the bill for bailing out the weaker ones.
For all the rejoicing, a longstanding roadblock remains: Strong countries like Germany want other European nations to agree to cut spending. Weaker countries like Greece are resisting. The statement from Merkel and Hollande made clear that individual countries aren't off the hook, but "must comply with their obligations" — meaning a showdown over spending cuts is still possible.
"Talk is cheap," said Michael Strauss, chief investment strategist and chief economist at the Commonfund investment firm in Connecticut. "While there's some euphoria over this, at the end of the day, is Spain going to still be in a recession? Yes. Is Greece still going to be in a recession? Yes. So I wouldn't get too carried away."
Others said they were heartened that Europe appeared to be fleshing out more of the details of its plans. Leaders recently agreed that Europe's bailout fund could give money directly to banks, rather than slowing down the process by going through a country's government. Investors also hope that Draghi's remarks mean that Europe's powerful central bank will buy the bonds of distressed countries like Spain and Italy, lowering their borrowing costs.
"In our estimate, this is the first real step in the right direction that Europe has taken in terms of concrete plans," said Mitch Schlesinger, chief investment officer of FBB Capital Partners in Maryland. "Everything to date has been very politically motivated and kicking the can down the road. These are things that actually make a difference."
Jim Millstein, CEO of the Washington, D.C., financial advisory firm Millstein & Co., said investors shouldn't be surprised if any rescue plan takes a long time. The eurozone countries currently function with no real unity on their fiscal policies, even though they use the same currency.
"They are engaged in a very difficult project, which is to transform a monetary union into a fiscal union, and that is a cumbersome process," Millstein said. "It takes longer than the markets might otherwise like."
But the markets liked what they heard Friday. The Dow obliterated the 13,000 mark, climbing 187.73 points to 13,075.66. In two days, it's climbed 400 points.
The Standard & Poor's 500 jumped 25.95 to 1,385.97. The Nasdaq composite index rose 64.84 to 2,958.09.
Bond trading was also a study in optimism. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note jumped to 1.54 percent from 1.44 percent the day before. That means investors are feeling more confident about the economy and more willing to put their money in the stock market instead of low-risk government bonds.
In other positive signs, the euro rose against the dollar, stock indexes moved higher in Europe — including a 4 percent leap in Spain's benchmark index — and borrowing costs fell for Italy and Spain.
But there were plenty of red flags for anyone looking for them. The government reported that the U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of just 1.5 percent in the second quarter, a paltry number that likely isn't enough to bring down the unemployment rate. The government also said consumers pulled back on their spending. The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan index of consumer sentiment fell in July as people worried about job prospects.
Among other stocks making big moves:
• Expedia, the online travel company, jumped 20 percent after blowing past analysts' earnings estimates. A jump in hotel bookings offset a decline in airline ticket revenue. The stock surged $9.19 to $54.90.
• Starbucks fell 9 percent, losing $4.94 to $47.47. Investors were disappointed that the company cut its outlook for the current quarter, and is considering closing unprofitable stores in Europe.
• Facebook fell 12 percent, giving up $3.14 to $23.70. Investors were disappointed that the company, in its first quarterly report since going public, reported a slowdown in revenue growth. It has now lost nearly 38 percent of its value since its initial pricing at $38.
For a second day, the U.S. stock market powered higher after European leaders, including German chancellor Merkel, pledged to protect the union of 17 countries that use the euro. The Dow Jones industrial average blew past 13,000, a key psychological marker that it hadn't hit since early May.
It wasn't that there weren't any troubling signs about the economy. In fact, they abounded: U.S. economic growth was anemic in the second quarter. A measure of consumer sentiment fell in July as people worried about their job prospects. And Facebook and Starbucks dropped sharply after reporting disappointing quarterly results.
But on this day, investors homed in on a couple of remarks coming from Europe.
Most notably, Merkel and French president Francois Hollande released a joint statement saying they were "determined to do everything to protect the eurozone." That followed a similar pledge the day before from Mario Draghi, the president of the European Central Bank.
Merkel's statement was closely watched because Germany will have to sign on if any plan to keep the euro countries together is to succeed. As one of the stronger countries, Germany usually foots the bill for bailing out the weaker ones.
For all the rejoicing, a longstanding roadblock remains: Strong countries like Germany want other European nations to agree to cut spending. Weaker countries like Greece are resisting. The statement from Merkel and Hollande made clear that individual countries aren't off the hook, but "must comply with their obligations" — meaning a showdown over spending cuts is still possible.
"Talk is cheap," said Michael Strauss, chief investment strategist and chief economist at the Commonfund investment firm in Connecticut. "While there's some euphoria over this, at the end of the day, is Spain going to still be in a recession? Yes. Is Greece still going to be in a recession? Yes. So I wouldn't get too carried away."
Others said they were heartened that Europe appeared to be fleshing out more of the details of its plans. Leaders recently agreed that Europe's bailout fund could give money directly to banks, rather than slowing down the process by going through a country's government. Investors also hope that Draghi's remarks mean that Europe's powerful central bank will buy the bonds of distressed countries like Spain and Italy, lowering their borrowing costs.
"In our estimate, this is the first real step in the right direction that Europe has taken in terms of concrete plans," said Mitch Schlesinger, chief investment officer of FBB Capital Partners in Maryland. "Everything to date has been very politically motivated and kicking the can down the road. These are things that actually make a difference."
Jim Millstein, CEO of the Washington, D.C., financial advisory firm Millstein & Co., said investors shouldn't be surprised if any rescue plan takes a long time. The eurozone countries currently function with no real unity on their fiscal policies, even though they use the same currency.
"They are engaged in a very difficult project, which is to transform a monetary union into a fiscal union, and that is a cumbersome process," Millstein said. "It takes longer than the markets might otherwise like."
But the markets liked what they heard Friday. The Dow obliterated the 13,000 mark, climbing 187.73 points to 13,075.66. In two days, it's climbed 400 points.
The Standard & Poor's 500 jumped 25.95 to 1,385.97. The Nasdaq composite index rose 64.84 to 2,958.09.
Bond trading was also a study in optimism. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note jumped to 1.54 percent from 1.44 percent the day before. That means investors are feeling more confident about the economy and more willing to put their money in the stock market instead of low-risk government bonds.
In other positive signs, the euro rose against the dollar, stock indexes moved higher in Europe — including a 4 percent leap in Spain's benchmark index — and borrowing costs fell for Italy and Spain.
But there were plenty of red flags for anyone looking for them. The government reported that the U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of just 1.5 percent in the second quarter, a paltry number that likely isn't enough to bring down the unemployment rate. The government also said consumers pulled back on their spending. The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan index of consumer sentiment fell in July as people worried about job prospects.
Among other stocks making big moves:
• Expedia, the online travel company, jumped 20 percent after blowing past analysts' earnings estimates. A jump in hotel bookings offset a decline in airline ticket revenue. The stock surged $9.19 to $54.90.
• Starbucks fell 9 percent, losing $4.94 to $47.47. Investors were disappointed that the company cut its outlook for the current quarter, and is considering closing unprofitable stores in Europe.
• Facebook fell 12 percent, giving up $3.14 to $23.70. Investors were disappointed that the company, in its first quarterly report since going public, reported a slowdown in revenue growth. It has now lost nearly 38 percent of its value since its initial pricing at $38.
Monday, July 30, 2012
'Ice Age: Continental Drift' gets lukewarm reception from critics
Film franchises that make it past three movies don't tend to be known for the fourth — "Batman and Robin," anyone? "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"? — and critics' reviews indicate "Ice Age: Continental Drift" won't be one to buck the trend. The 3-D animated adventure follows a group of prehistoric animal pals (voiced by Ray Romano, Denis Leary and John Leguizamo) adrift on an iceberg, but many critics say the film itself is equally directionless.
The Los Angeles Times' Betsy Sharkey pens one of the more positive reviews, calling this fourth installment "an improvement over No. 3, 2009's 'Dawn of the Dinosaurs,' which completely lost it when the Ice Age went tropical." The filmmakers, Sharkey says, "have gone a little crazy … but in a good way." Among the wacky highlights is "a big Broadway-style number involving pirates," the captain of whom is none other than "Game of Thrones" star Peter Dinklage.
In the minus column, "the dialogue is sometimes too sluggish and definitely too preachy, [and] the ending is a little too sappy." The final verdict: "consistently likable, if not quite lovable."
USA Today's Claudia Puig, on the other hand, finds "far too little here that's fresh." The premise, which involves the critters navigating the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea, "rarely satisfies viewers of any age," and at the film's core, it's "the same old story, modified slightly, with just a few new voices added." Puig is also among the numerous critics who prefer the "Simpsons" short that precedes the film to the main event, declaring it "far more clever and whimsical than any sequence in 'Ice Age.' "
A.O. Scott of the New York Times agrees, lamenting that viewers who wish to see the "four-and-a-half-minute dialogue-free delight … must also buy a ticket to 'Ice Age: Continental Drift.' " The main problem with "Continental Drift," Scott writes, "is that its sense of fun is essentially parasitic." The film's gimmicks — pirates, cute creatures, a surfeit of celebrity cameos — "try to entertain you by reminding you of things you’ve seen before." In the end, "a little more conviction might be nice."
Chicago Sun-Times critic Roger Ebert describes his viewing experience as "a cheerless exercise." He continues, "The characters are manic and idiotic, the dialogue is rat-a-tat chatter, the action is entirely at the service of the 3-D, and the movie depends on bright colors, lots of noise and a few songs in between the whiplash moments." However, the film "will perhaps be a delight for little kids.… Real little kids. Real, real little kids."
And in the Village Voice, Jonathan Kiefer pegs the series' endurance to "the Sisyphean tenacity of its mascot, the acorn-chasing prehistoric squirrel, Scrat," who apperas in a " 'Looney Tunes'-worthy prologue." After that, alas, it's all "filler."
Four films in, it looks as though fresh ideas have gone extinct in the Ice Age.
The Los Angeles Times' Betsy Sharkey pens one of the more positive reviews, calling this fourth installment "an improvement over No. 3, 2009's 'Dawn of the Dinosaurs,' which completely lost it when the Ice Age went tropical." The filmmakers, Sharkey says, "have gone a little crazy … but in a good way." Among the wacky highlights is "a big Broadway-style number involving pirates," the captain of whom is none other than "Game of Thrones" star Peter Dinklage.
In the minus column, "the dialogue is sometimes too sluggish and definitely too preachy, [and] the ending is a little too sappy." The final verdict: "consistently likable, if not quite lovable."
USA Today's Claudia Puig, on the other hand, finds "far too little here that's fresh." The premise, which involves the critters navigating the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea, "rarely satisfies viewers of any age," and at the film's core, it's "the same old story, modified slightly, with just a few new voices added." Puig is also among the numerous critics who prefer the "Simpsons" short that precedes the film to the main event, declaring it "far more clever and whimsical than any sequence in 'Ice Age.' "
A.O. Scott of the New York Times agrees, lamenting that viewers who wish to see the "four-and-a-half-minute dialogue-free delight … must also buy a ticket to 'Ice Age: Continental Drift.' " The main problem with "Continental Drift," Scott writes, "is that its sense of fun is essentially parasitic." The film's gimmicks — pirates, cute creatures, a surfeit of celebrity cameos — "try to entertain you by reminding you of things you’ve seen before." In the end, "a little more conviction might be nice."
Chicago Sun-Times critic Roger Ebert describes his viewing experience as "a cheerless exercise." He continues, "The characters are manic and idiotic, the dialogue is rat-a-tat chatter, the action is entirely at the service of the 3-D, and the movie depends on bright colors, lots of noise and a few songs in between the whiplash moments." However, the film "will perhaps be a delight for little kids.… Real little kids. Real, real little kids."
And in the Village Voice, Jonathan Kiefer pegs the series' endurance to "the Sisyphean tenacity of its mascot, the acorn-chasing prehistoric squirrel, Scrat," who apperas in a " 'Looney Tunes'-worthy prologue." After that, alas, it's all "filler."
Four films in, it looks as though fresh ideas have gone extinct in the Ice Age.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
No arrest for Sandoval in alleged assault
There is not enough evidence to arrest Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval in connection with an alleged sexual assault at a hotel near Santa Cruz, authorities said Thursday.
Sandoval was named in a complaint that a woman filed with the county Sheriff's Department on June 1. However, "there is insufficient evidence to support an arrest for the alleged crime," the sheriff's office said in a statement Thursday.
Sandoval, 25, was questioned at the oceanfront Seascape Beach Resort in Aptos about the alleged incident and cooperated with authorities, the sheriff's office said.
Eric Geffon, Sandoval's attorney, said Thursday, "The Sheriff's Department has completed a thorough and professional investigation, and we are pleased that they have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support an arrest. Pablo will continue to focus on helping the Giants toward a playoff run this season."
Geffon has previously called the incident a "consensual, personal relationship of a sexual nature."
According to deputies, the woman met a small group of people that included Sandoval in downtown Santa Cruz on May 31 and went with them to the Aptos resort. She said the alleged assault had taken place there.
The woman, whose name has not been released, filed the complaint at 4:25 a.m. June 1. Deputies said Sandoval had been questioned by detectives at the resort and later at the sheriff's office, with his attorneys present.
Sandoval was on the disabled list at the time with a broken bone in his hand and was not with the Giants.
Deputy April Skalland, a spokeswoman for the sheriff's office, said Thursday that investigators had interviewed a number of people and had collected biological and physical evidence, some of which was analyzed by the state Department of Justice.
The sheriff's investigation has been forwarded to prosecutors for their review, Skalland said.
Sandoval was named in a complaint that a woman filed with the county Sheriff's Department on June 1. However, "there is insufficient evidence to support an arrest for the alleged crime," the sheriff's office said in a statement Thursday.
Sandoval, 25, was questioned at the oceanfront Seascape Beach Resort in Aptos about the alleged incident and cooperated with authorities, the sheriff's office said.
Eric Geffon, Sandoval's attorney, said Thursday, "The Sheriff's Department has completed a thorough and professional investigation, and we are pleased that they have concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support an arrest. Pablo will continue to focus on helping the Giants toward a playoff run this season."
Geffon has previously called the incident a "consensual, personal relationship of a sexual nature."
According to deputies, the woman met a small group of people that included Sandoval in downtown Santa Cruz on May 31 and went with them to the Aptos resort. She said the alleged assault had taken place there.
The woman, whose name has not been released, filed the complaint at 4:25 a.m. June 1. Deputies said Sandoval had been questioned by detectives at the resort and later at the sheriff's office, with his attorneys present.
Sandoval was on the disabled list at the time with a broken bone in his hand and was not with the Giants.
Deputy April Skalland, a spokeswoman for the sheriff's office, said Thursday that investigators had interviewed a number of people and had collected biological and physical evidence, some of which was analyzed by the state Department of Justice.
The sheriff's investigation has been forwarded to prosecutors for their review, Skalland said.
No joke: Scientists name blood-drinking parasite after Bob Marley
A tiny, blood-drinking crustacean parasite has been discovered by Paul Sikkel of the Arkansas State University. Dr. Sikkel, an assistant professor of marine ecology, named the new species Gnathia marleyi after legendary reggae artist Bob Marley. Sikkel and his research team presented their findings concerning the new species in the June 6 issue of Zootaxia.
Dr. Sikkel says of the new species: “I named this species, which is truly a natural wonder, after Marley because of my respect and admiration for Marley’s music. Plus, this species is as uniquely Caribbean as was Marley.” Naming the Caribbean crustacean after Bob Marley is a fitting tribute, as the reggae singer was born in the village of Nine Mile in Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica.
The Christian Science Monitor notes that Bob Marley now belongs to a very special club of people who have each had a biological species named after them. That club includes President Barack Obama, whose name encouraged researchers to name a lichen growing in California after him. Other members of the club include comedian former President George W. Bush, Stephen Colbert, Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger and R&B star Beyonce.
Dr. Sikkel says of the new species: “I named this species, which is truly a natural wonder, after Marley because of my respect and admiration for Marley’s music. Plus, this species is as uniquely Caribbean as was Marley.” Naming the Caribbean crustacean after Bob Marley is a fitting tribute, as the reggae singer was born in the village of Nine Mile in Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica.
The Christian Science Monitor notes that Bob Marley now belongs to a very special club of people who have each had a biological species named after them. That club includes President Barack Obama, whose name encouraged researchers to name a lichen growing in California after him. Other members of the club include comedian former President George W. Bush, Stephen Colbert, Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger and R&B star Beyonce.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Google Nexus 7 tablet available through Staples
Consumers eyeing Google's new Nexus 7 tablet now have another choice of retailer.
Staples announced yesterday that it will carry both models of the new tablet -- the 8GB version for $199 and the 16GB edition for $249.
The Nexus 7 is currently available for preorder through the Staples Web site, an offer good until July 11.
Staples expects to ship the tablet between July 12 and July 17. Consumers can opt to have the tablet delivered to their homes or to their nearest Staples store. Either way, shipping is free.
Potential buyers who'd like to play with the Nexus 7 first can wait until later this month when the tablet arrives on the shelves of Staples stores.
"We are thrilled to offer early availability of this amazing new product," Mike Edwards, executive vice president of retail merchandising for Staples, said in a statement. "We invite customers to come in and experience a live demonstration of Nexus 7 at one of our U.S. locations or enjoy the convenience of free shipping when ordering on Staples.com."
Staples joins Google itself and GameStop as the latest major outlet to offer the Nexus 7.
Preorders are available through all three vendors. Google kicks in a charge for shipping, while Staples and GameStop both ship for free.
Among the three, GameStop seems to offer the best deal since it also allows you to trade in used games and other products in exchange for a credit good toward the purchase of the tablet.
Unveiled late last month at Google's I/O conference, the Nexus 7 comes with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, a 1,280x800 pixel HD display, an Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core processor, and a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera.
Staples announced yesterday that it will carry both models of the new tablet -- the 8GB version for $199 and the 16GB edition for $249.
The Nexus 7 is currently available for preorder through the Staples Web site, an offer good until July 11.
Staples expects to ship the tablet between July 12 and July 17. Consumers can opt to have the tablet delivered to their homes or to their nearest Staples store. Either way, shipping is free.
Potential buyers who'd like to play with the Nexus 7 first can wait until later this month when the tablet arrives on the shelves of Staples stores.
"We are thrilled to offer early availability of this amazing new product," Mike Edwards, executive vice president of retail merchandising for Staples, said in a statement. "We invite customers to come in and experience a live demonstration of Nexus 7 at one of our U.S. locations or enjoy the convenience of free shipping when ordering on Staples.com."
Staples joins Google itself and GameStop as the latest major outlet to offer the Nexus 7.
Preorders are available through all three vendors. Google kicks in a charge for shipping, while Staples and GameStop both ship for free.
Among the three, GameStop seems to offer the best deal since it also allows you to trade in used games and other products in exchange for a credit good toward the purchase of the tablet.
Unveiled late last month at Google's I/O conference, the Nexus 7 comes with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, a 1,280x800 pixel HD display, an Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core processor, and a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera.
The Associated Press
HOUSTON —
Police say an 86-year-old partially blind man who cannot speak English became unruly
onboard a Spirit Airlines flight to Florida, compelling the pilot to divert to Houston.
Spirit Airlines says Flight 310 from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., landed at George
Bush Intercontinental Airport early Sunday due to a "disruptive customer."
Police spokesman Kese (KEES) Smith said Monday the man apparently spoke only French and was
traveling alone. Smith said he became frightened and swung at other passengers. Police
found an interpreter and contacted the man's son, who flew to Houston and accompanied his
father to Florida.
Smith did not provide the man's name.
Spirit spokeswoman Misty Pinson says the other passengers were assigned to a new flight on
Sunday and that they will be refunded for the inconvenience.
Police say an 86-year-old partially blind man who cannot speak English became unruly
onboard a Spirit Airlines flight to Florida, compelling the pilot to divert to Houston.
Spirit Airlines says Flight 310 from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., landed at George
Bush Intercontinental Airport early Sunday due to a "disruptive customer."
Police spokesman Kese (KEES) Smith said Monday the man apparently spoke only French and was
traveling alone. Smith said he became frightened and swung at other passengers. Police
found an interpreter and contacted the man's son, who flew to Houston and accompanied his
father to Florida.
Smith did not provide the man's name.
Spirit spokeswoman Misty Pinson says the other passengers were assigned to a new flight on
Sunday and that they will be refunded for the inconvenience.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Meera Ali’s ‘Sense of a Woman’, a stunner
Femininity cut in modern style: The penultimate show of the evening on Day 5 of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, Autumn/Winter 2012, Meera Ali played with sharp cuts, flowing designs on evening wear and soft colours to retain elegance. The clothing line aimed at stitching fitted garments according to body shape while ensuring the wearer a comfortable breathing space. The show opened with model Tinu Verghese strolling down the ramp in a full-sleeved emerald green polo-neck sweater paired with rust-colour trousers and a hanging neckpiece that completed the hip look. What followed was a pleasant and breezy array of silhouettes ranging from cardigans, skirts, jackets, halter tops, pants and tunics of varied lengths.
Designs and style: An amalgamation of structure and flowing lines, Meera's creation constituted bamboo shoot patterns, coats of asymmetric cuts and lengths, skirts and shirts made of wool, suede, chiffon, bamberg crepe and sequin fabrics. With pleated harem pants, golf skirts with box pleats and sometimes giving way to wide slits or turning velvet tight minis, the range experimented with sartorial elements of structure and detailing.
Colours: The colour palette, in order to match the subdued character of the collection did not stretch much, but preferred to stick to shades of black, grey, blue, brown changing to burgundy or occasional emerald green.
Irrfan Khan makes a subtle entry: As the last segment of the show approached closer, whispers and murmurs about the possible celeb showstopper started echoing through the hall. Amidst this chatter of speculation, entered, Bollywood's critically acclaimed actor Irrfan Khan as the evening's star. Looking dashing in a striped black blazer and a pair of well-fitted charcoal hued trousers, Irrfan was subtlety personified. A crisp green muffler loosely knot, shy, kid-like smile on the face and hypnotic eyes that bespoke serenity accessorised the signature 'Kotwara' visage.
An introvert Irrfan was all praises for Meera and said, "It is always a privilege to wear her designs. I am particularly a fan of her technique with aesthetics in form and style."
Designer speak: With reference to her clothing range, Meera Ali explained, "The collection is for women who want to be confident and look glamorous without going overboard. If you notice, the range is more about structure and detailing rather than an overdose of embroidery. While keeping the traditional craft alive, we also wanted to break away from the couture framework while adding a modern bent to it," she concluded.
As a mother, she hopes to see her daughter Sama Ali carve a niche for herself in this industry of fashion.
Accessories: Junk jewellery using motifs of Buddha face masks on neck pendants, extended bow-ties reaching upto the waist, coin-like crafted necklaces, gold danglers and neatly pin-up mufflers of varied fabrics, stilettos and wedges in footwear added an extra edge to every outfit.
Guests at the do: While Muzaffar Ali was the supportive husband who later joined wife Meera on the ramp as she took her mandatory bow; eminent figures from the Delhi page 3 circle were present in good number.
A sensible and sensuous collection by architect Meera Ali was responded with satisfying nods and a ringing applause.
Designs and style: An amalgamation of structure and flowing lines, Meera's creation constituted bamboo shoot patterns, coats of asymmetric cuts and lengths, skirts and shirts made of wool, suede, chiffon, bamberg crepe and sequin fabrics. With pleated harem pants, golf skirts with box pleats and sometimes giving way to wide slits or turning velvet tight minis, the range experimented with sartorial elements of structure and detailing.
Colours: The colour palette, in order to match the subdued character of the collection did not stretch much, but preferred to stick to shades of black, grey, blue, brown changing to burgundy or occasional emerald green.
Irrfan Khan makes a subtle entry: As the last segment of the show approached closer, whispers and murmurs about the possible celeb showstopper started echoing through the hall. Amidst this chatter of speculation, entered, Bollywood's critically acclaimed actor Irrfan Khan as the evening's star. Looking dashing in a striped black blazer and a pair of well-fitted charcoal hued trousers, Irrfan was subtlety personified. A crisp green muffler loosely knot, shy, kid-like smile on the face and hypnotic eyes that bespoke serenity accessorised the signature 'Kotwara' visage.
An introvert Irrfan was all praises for Meera and said, "It is always a privilege to wear her designs. I am particularly a fan of her technique with aesthetics in form and style."
Designer speak: With reference to her clothing range, Meera Ali explained, "The collection is for women who want to be confident and look glamorous without going overboard. If you notice, the range is more about structure and detailing rather than an overdose of embroidery. While keeping the traditional craft alive, we also wanted to break away from the couture framework while adding a modern bent to it," she concluded.
As a mother, she hopes to see her daughter Sama Ali carve a niche for herself in this industry of fashion.
Accessories: Junk jewellery using motifs of Buddha face masks on neck pendants, extended bow-ties reaching upto the waist, coin-like crafted necklaces, gold danglers and neatly pin-up mufflers of varied fabrics, stilettos and wedges in footwear added an extra edge to every outfit.
Guests at the do: While Muzaffar Ali was the supportive husband who later joined wife Meera on the ramp as she took her mandatory bow; eminent figures from the Delhi page 3 circle were present in good number.
A sensible and sensuous collection by architect Meera Ali was responded with satisfying nods and a ringing applause.
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