Private company to offer rides to moon by 2020

Golden Spike says it hopes to sell missions to the moon for over $1 billion.

By Clara Moskowitz,?SPACE.com / December 7, 2012

This undated image made available by NASA and photographed by the Expedition 28 crew aboard the International Space Station, shows the moon, at center with the limb of Earth near the bottom transitioning into the orange-colored troposphere, the lowest and most dense portion of the Earth's atmosphere.

NASA/AP

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A new private venture aims to sell manned trips to the moon by 2020, its founders announced today (Dec. 6).

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The company, called Golden Spike (after the final spike built into the First Transcontinental Railroad), plans to sell each moon mission for about $1.5 billion ? a relative bargain, said the company's president and CEO Alan Stern, a former director of NASA?s Science Mission Directorate.

For the same price as many unmanned robotic missions, Golden Spike will provide a round trip for two humans to the moon.

"We're selling to nations, corporations and individuals," Stern told SPACE.com. "Get in line ? and I think it's going to be a long one." [How Golden Spike's Moon Landing Plan Works (Infographic )]

Stern and Golden Spike's chairman of the board of directors, Gerry Griffin, a former Apollo flight director and NASA Johnson Space Center director, announced their plans today at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Shopping for a rocket

The company's leaders have not yet chosen a launch vehicle or space capsule to transport their passengers; Stern expects to make the final selections in 2014.

To keep costs low, Golden Spike will likely use existing or already-under-development rockets and spacecraft. However, the company will need to commission its own lunar lander and specially designed spacesuits. Stern called rumors that Golden Spike had already chosen SpaceX's Falcon 9 Heavy rocket "not true."

The company has been in the works, and under wraps, for two and a half years, Stern said.

"I don?t think anybody's got us beat," he added. "This is state-of-the-art cool."

The missions are being targeted at countries without their own space agencies or that can't afford to launch people to the moon independently, as well as scientific organizations and even private individuals looking to take the trip of a lifetime.

"We have spoken to space agencies from both Asian and European countries and found real interest," Stern said.

Private moon race

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/science/~3/UbH0hPTO37Q/Private-company-to-offer-rides-to-moon-by-2020

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Commission Welcomes Approval

With a not so surprising headline the European Commission has welcomed the European Councils approval as regards the laying down new safety and environmental requirements for the type-approval of motorcycles and other L-category motor vehicles ? the so-called ?anti-tampering? regulation.

European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani, Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, said: ?I welcome today?s Council decision to adopt our proposal to improve safety of this wide range of light vehicles. The new law will streamline EU legislation, as promised in our automotive action plan on 8th of November. Less legislation means less costs and administrative burden for industry. At the same time we will considerably increase the safety of these vehicles and reduce their harmful emissions.?

One of the main issues for riders has been the fear that they will not be able to ?positively? modify their bike, the Commission have stated, ?Anti-tampering requirements will also be introduced but will only apply to manufacturers of new types of light vehicles and to new vehicles with maximum speed or power limits. Their aim is to prevent modifications which would adversely affect environmental protection or functional safety. As these measures will not apply to current light vehicle owners they will not, for example, prevent motorcycle owners from modifying or customising their own vehicles.?

As we have previously reported, ?the higher powered motorcycles i.e. L3e equal to a full A licence and L4e (motorcycles and sidecars) also equal to a full A licence will be excluded from anti-tampering measures.?

Improved safety for motorcycles: European Commission welcomes Council approval

Original Source: European Commission

The European Commission welcomes the final approval by the EU?s Council of Ministers of new rules for motorcycles and other light vehicles. The fitting of advanced braking systems will now become obligatory for two-wheel motorcycles and automatic ?switching-on? of headlamps will be mandatory for all light vehicles. L-category vehicle is the family name for such light vehicles and they include engine powered bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles with and without a side-car, tricycles, quads and quadri-mobile vehicles. The Regulation also sets ambitious emission lowering requirements for these vehicles.

By introducing enhanced market surveillance requirements, a level playing field will be created for all L-category vehicle manufacturers in a sector where presence of non-compliant products may cause significant safety risks and environmental threats. In addition, the Commission proposes to radically simplify its current set of laws for light vehicles and reduce them from fifteen Directives to five Regulations. The entire package would be applicable as of 1 January 2016, offering sufficient lead-time for the industry to adapt to the new set of rules.

European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani, Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, said: ?I welcome today?s Council decision to adopt our proposal to improve safety of this wide range of light vehicles. The new law will streamline EU legislation, as promised in our automotive action plan on 8th of November. Less legislation means less costs and administrative burden for industry. At the same time we will considerably increase the safety of these vehicles and reduce their harmful emissions.?

More information - Approval and market surveillance of two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles

The Regulation will bring the following improvements:

1) Simplification; Framework Directive 2002/24/EC and its 14 implementing Directives will be repealed and replaced by a Regulation. Besides ?cleaning-up the house? and streamlining the existing provisions, the new Regulation will apply global harmonised vehicle regulations to the largest extent possible, and closely follow the UNECE regulations

2) Significantly better safety, in particular:

1. making advanced brake systems on two-wheel motorcycles obligatory. This means an anti-lock brake system for medium and high performance two-wheel motorcycles and either a combined brake systems or an anti-lock brake system for low performance two-wheel motorcycles;
2. the obligatory fitting of automatic head lamps or day-time running lights for all L-vehicle categories.

3) Better environmental performance of L-category vehicles, specifically:

1. the introduction of Euro 4 (2016) and Euro 5 (2020) emission steps.
2. Supplemental environmental measures: the introduction of evaporative emission limit and test requirements, durability testing and making CO2 emission and fuel consumption data available to the consumer.

4) Improving vehicle construction requirements, including the introduction of requirements regarding on-board diagnostics for the vehicle?s effective and efficient repair as well as making access to repair and maintenance information available to independent repair shops. Anti-tampering requirements will also be introduced but will only apply to manufacturers of new types of light vehicles and to new vehicles with maximum speed or power limits. Their aim is to prevent modifications which would adversely affect environmental protection or functional safety. As these measures will not apply to current light vehicle owners they will not, for example, prevent motorcycle owners from modifying or customising their own vehicles.

5) Introduction of market surveillance provisions to define the roles and responsibilities of the actors in the distribution chain (such as the manufacturer, importer, distributor and economic operator) and to strengthen rules for technical services. These will help create a level playing field for manufacturers in the sector.

Original Source: European Commission - Click Here

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Source: http://www.righttoride.eu/?p=10746

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Scientists demonstrate unjammable radar based on quantum imaging

Unfortunately for those in the enemy tracking game, sophisticated aircraft-equipped anti-detection systems can outfox radar by intercepting the signal and sending back a false image, as shown above. However, researchers from the University of Rochester have figured out a technique to defeat such a jamming system that harnesses the quantum properties of light. By polarizing photons before sending them toward objects to be scanned, any attempt at modifying the returning photons caused quantum interference that was easy to detect, in the form of the very high polarization errors shown in the second false image. According to the team, such a a system could "easily be realized and integrated into modern optical ranging and imaging systems," with a little work, making it infinitely more difficult to defeat radar systems. Check the source for more "light" reading, provided that quantum mechanics doesn't break your brain.

Filed under: Science, Alt

Comments

Via: MIT Technology Review

Source: Arxiv (PDF)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/14/scientists-demonstrate-unjammable-radar-using-quantum-imaging/

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Key gene for brain development

Dec. 13, 2012 ? About one in ten thousand babies is born with an abnormally small head. The cause for this disorder -- which is known as microcephaly -- is a defect in the development of the embryonic brain. Children with microcephaly are severely retarded and their life expectancy is low. Certain cases of autism and schizophrenia are also associated with the dysregulation of brain size.

The causes underlying impaired brain development can be environmental stress (such as alcohol abuse or radiation) or viral infections (such as rubella) during pregnancy. In many cases, however, a mutant gene causes the problem.

David Keays, a group leader at the IMP, has now found a new gene which is responsible for Microcephaly. Together with his PhD-student Martin Breuss, he was able to identify TUBB5 as the culprit. The gene is responsible for making tubulins, the building blocks of the cell's internal skeleton. Whenever a cell moves or divides, it relies on guidance from this internal structure, acting like a scaffold.

The IMP-researchers, together with collaborators at Monash University (Victoria, Australia), were able to interfere with the function of the TUBB5 in the brains of unborn mice. This led to massive disturbances in the stem cell population and impaired the migration of nerve cells. Both, the generation of large numbers of neurons from the stem cell reservoir and their correct positioning in the cortex, are essential for the development of the mammalian brain.

To determine whether the findings are also relevant in humans, David Keays collaborates with clinicians from the Paris-Sorbonne University. The French team led by Jamel Chelly, examined 120 patients with pathological brain structures and severe disabilities. Three of the children were found to have a mutated TUBB5-gene.

This information will prove vital to doctors treating children with brain disease. It will allow the development of new genetic tests which will form the basis of genetic counseling, helping parents plan for the future. By understanding how different genes cause brain disorders, it is hoped that one day scientists will be able to create new drugs and therapies to treat them.

The new findings by the IMP-researchers are published in the current issue of the journal Cell Reports. For David Keays, understanding the function of TUBB5 is the key to understanding brain development. "Our project shows how research in the lab can help improve lives in the clinic," he adds.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, via Newswise.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

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Journal Reference:

1. Martin Breuss, Julian?Ik-Tsen Heng, Karine Poirier, Guoling Tian, Xavier?Hubert Jaglin, Zhengdong Qu, Andreas Braun, Thomas Gstrein, Linh Ngo, Matilda Haas, Nadia Bahi-Buisson, Marie-Laure Moutard, Sandrine Passemard, Alain Verloes, Pierre Gressens, Yunli Xie, Kathryn?J.H. Robson, Deepa?Selvi Rani, Kumarasamy Thangaraj, Tim Clausen, Jamel Chelly, Nicholas?Justin Cowan, David?Anthony Keays. Mutations in the ?-Tubulin Gene TUBB5 Cause Microcephaly with Structural Brain Abnormalities. Cell Reports, 2012; DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2012.11.017

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/top_health/~3/cN3TNyN104g/121213151446.htm

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Green Blog: E.P.A. Readies Stricter Soot Rule

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Acting under a court deadline, the agency is proposing a limit of 12 micrograms per cubic meter of air, a significant tightening from the previous standard of 15.

Source: http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/14/e-p-a-readies-stricter-soot-rule/?partner=rss&emc=rss

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Graduate Program Spotlight: Computer Science

IBM?s Blue Gene Supercomputer.

It is safe to say that in the modern world, a Masters or Ph. D. in Computer Science is a safe investment; multiple professional fields have sprung up around or become increasingly associated with computer technologies. Given the increasing demand for computer experts, and the wonderful insights and benefits computer technologies afford other professional and academic fields, it is no surprise Computer Science has become a subject of significant academic importance.

Well-known institutions like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Yale, etc. consistently rank at the top of almost every graduate program they offer; however, the fact of the matter is you do not have to attend one of these schools in order to get a great education out of a Masters or PH.D. program. At ?It?s Not GREek!? we want our readers to be aware of the multitude of options they have when it comes to picking a graduate school. These are some schools, along with the usual suspects, you may not be aware of, but that experts in your field of study certainly are.

Before continuing with our Graduate Program Spotlight: Computer Science, let?s discuss some important and relevant information about the opportunities a Masters or Ph. D. in Computer Science might provide you with; specifically, opportunities in the context of potential employment and annual salary.

In computer terms, this is definitely the ?Before? picture.

Computer Science is a prodigious and perpetually burgeoning field; as the influence of electronics and computers continues to expand and permeate everyday life, so too has the demand for computer tech experts increased. The field is so diverse that the US Bureau of Labor, a very reliable and trustworthy source for statistical information for any profession, has over eight general-employment categories relating to the field of Computer Science. There is no doubting that a graduate degree in Computer Science is viable; according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor most professions requiring a graduate degree in C.S. are significantly out performing the national average in terms of both job growth and median annual salary. According to the Bureau of Labor?s Occupational Handbook, the median salary for a Doctoral or professional degree in computer science, with no experience outside of the classroom (though admittedly, many graduate programs will require work experience as criteria for admission) is $100,660, and the job market demand for an advanced degree in computer science is projected to increase between 19% ? 22% through 2020.

Again, it is manifest that an advanced degree in Computer Science is a safe investment; it?s not quite gold, but it?s not far off either. Now that this has been made abundantly clear to any interested potential graduate school candidates, let?s take a look at some of the best Computer Science schools in the country (according to US News).

TOP 5:

#1) Carnegie Mellon University

This university played a significant role in the initial development of ?thinking computers,? and Carnegie Mellon continues to be among the foremost researchers of computer technologies in the world. The School of Computer Science includes the Computer Science Department (CSD), The Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII), The Institute for Software Research (ISR), Lane Center for Computational Biology, Language technologies Institute (LTI), Machine Learning Department (ML), and the Robotics Institute (RI). Interestingly, Carnegie Mellon?s Masters program in Computer Science does not require an undergraduate degree in computer science, only ?a strong aptitude for mathematics, programming, and logical reasoning.? Annual tuition costs are approximately $39,000. Though exact admittance data is hard to find, it seems that each program only accepts around 25 students annually; if this is true, it makes Carnegie Mellon?s Computer Science Department one of the most exclusive in the country.

#1) Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT?s Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department is the largest in the School of Engineering, another testament to the growing importance of Computer Science in a contemporary setting. Currently, the EECS Department has about 700 students in their doctoral program. Admission to MIT is extremely competitive, and applicants are expected to possess a very strong background in math, physics, computer science, or engineering. For their M.S. and Ph. D. programs, the average GRE scores are Verbal: 158, Quantitative: 159, and Writing: 5.3. Though expensive, this program is quite obviously worth the yearly tuition cost of $41, 770.

#1) Stanford University

Not much needs to be said about any of Stanford University?s programs.? The average GRE score is Verbal: 159, Quantitative: 158, Writing: 4.8. Full-time Master?s students (taking between 11-18 credits) can expect an annual tuition of $29,300.

#1) University of California ? Berkeley

Though the minimum prerequisites to apply to any of Berkeley?s graduate programs are not especially imposing, a Bachelor?s degree and a 3.0/4.0 undergraduate GPA, in addition to a GRE score, it?s important to note these are the minimum requirements to apply! The average GRE score is Verbal: 153-156, Quantitative: 167, Writing: 4.5; a competitive GPA for admissions purposes is a 3.5 or higher.

#5) Cornell University

Cornell?s suggested minimum GPA for admission is 3.5/4.0. The tuition cost for the 2012-2013 calender year will be approximately $30,000, about $14,750 (Note: this does not include the cost of attendance, i.e. room, board, etc.). Cornell has done a very effective job of not releasing a specific GRE score needed for admittance; however, it would be very safe to assume admission as a MS or Ph. D. student would require a GRE score of 310 or higher.

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It is unsurprising that these schools are listed as the best in the country; they typically dominate across the board in terms of ranking and national prestige. Though these schools might afford you the best opportunities in terms of post-graduation employment, they are by no means the only options. There are a number of reasons a potential graduate student would look outside the top tier schools in the country: geography/logistics, finances, admission requirements, program requirements, etc., so it is good to know that even if you can?t get in or go to Harvard (or in this case, Carnegie Mellon) there are still plenty of options available that can give you the education and expertise you are looking.

HONORABLE MENTION:

#39) University of Utah

The University of Utah offers two degree programs for Masters and Ph. D. students through their School of Computing, one in Computer Science and the other in Computing. Emphasis areas include Computer Engineering, Data Management and Analysis, Digital Media, Game Engineering, Graphics and Visualization, Image Analysis, Robotics, and Scientific Computing. Approximately 100 individuals enter the University of Utah?s graduate School of Computing each year, with an almost even split between M.S. and Ph.D. students. The average new GRE score for the University of Utah is above 314.

#61) University at Buffalo ? SUNY

The University of Buffalo ? The State University of New York ? offers two degree plans through its Department of Computer Science and Engineering: the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) and the Master of Science (M.S.). SUNY?s DCSE consistently ranks in the 60 in programs in the world. Full-time non-resident total cost of attending the University of Buffalo is approximately $9,200/semester. Though the University of Buffalo has a large graduate/professional student population, almost 10,000 students, there are only 80 Ph. D. students in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering; this means there is both a vibrant graduate community and a more intimate support network related to your specific field on interest.

#63) Iowa State University

Iowa State University?s M.S. program has approximately 50 students. ISU?s grade requirements are a grade of B- or better in each course and an overall average GPA of 3.0, in addition to other grade requirements. In order to be considered for the Master?s program students must have at least 3 Computer Science courses from 2 different ?breadth areas,? for a total of 9 credits. Out of state Graduate student tuition costs per semester are approximately $9,900. Many applicants might appreciate the ISU Department of Computer Science motto, ?All science is Computer Science.?

#63) University of Tennessee ? Knoxville

The University of Tennessee?s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science is the largest in the College of Engineering. They offer three programs: Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science; all three programs offer degrees at the M.S. and Ph. D. levels. UT ? Knoxville offers concentrations in a variety of specialized fields, including Artificial Intelligence, Circuit Theory, Computational Biology, Robotics, and many more. Graduate admissions require a 3.0/4.0 minimum undergraduate GPA, at least two semesters of calculus and two additional semesters of college mathematics, and a course in formal languages as well as in systems programming. Students may use a valid GRE score received within the last three years for admissions purposes.

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Still interested in graduate school, but not sure what field is right for you? Click here for more information! Want to know more about the GRE? Click here! Interested in GRE courses in your area? Click here to find out more!

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Source: http://www.newgre.org/admissions/graduate-program-spotlight-computer-science/

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2043 Census Projection: Minority-Majority America

Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2012/12/2043-census-projection-minority-majority-america/

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donaldlong3: jamey shrillness: Recreation And Sports Activities

According to some 2007 article within the Telegraph out of the United Kingdom, this extreme sport has decided to become a popular daredevil sport the same as bungee jumping and skydiving. The Shimano Di2 is built to last in fact it is also the bike that will withstand any weather condition. Road con ?

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Girl, 15, shot in Ore. mall cheats death twice

By Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News

Updated at 1:30 p.m. ET --?A teenager from Oregon faces a ?long road to recovery? after surviving her second brush with death in just the past few months.

Kristina Shevchenko, 15, was rushed to a hospital Tuesday in critical condition after a masked gunman sprayed bullets around a suburban Portland, Ore., mall during the height of holiday shopping season, piercing her chest. After surgery, she was in stable condition, according to a statement from her family.

Her family continued to update supporters on her condition via a?Facebook page?on Wednesday, with her brother, Yevgeniy, writing early in the morning, "The bullet went through bruising her lung, it missed any vital organs and it missed her ribs. She will need 2 more operations. we appreciate any and all support including your prayers! Thank you."

In another post,?Shevchenko's family?revealed something else: Over the summer, Shevchenko had survived another fatal encounter.

"Many of you have noticed the earlier tragedy that happened in our family a couple months ago where 7 of my siblings and 2 friends were involved in a fatal car accident. You could read it online for yourself, but yes it did happen and yes Kristina was in that car accident," the post read, and linked to?an article about a Beaverton, Ore., man?who was killed after veering into a van driven by a 27-year-old member of the?Shevchenko family.

The crash happened in Vancouver, Wash., in August, and alcohol was believed to have been a factor, Vancouver police told Columbian.com. Multiple teens and adults were in the van when the driver -- Alberto Perez Garcia, 25 -- veered into it, they said. The driver and at least two other adults had been hospitalized at the time.

In a statement, the family described Shevchenko?as a "happy child" who is "active in church," and said "by the mercy of God she is now in stable condition, but has a long road to recovery."

Shevchenko, who had been with a friend when she was shot, regularly walked through the mall around the time of the shooting -- which happened at about 3:20 p.m. on Tuesday -- to get home from school, her family said.?

The motive for the shooting, which sent Christmas shoppers and people waiting in line to see Santa running for cover, wasn't clear.

Several witnesses reported hearing the gunman, identified as Jacob Tyler Roberts, 22, announce, "I am the shooter," before he began firing.

"All of a sudden, I just heard a series of gunshots? boom, boom, boom, boom, boom? whatever the shooter was shooting at, they continued to shoot," shopper Bill Hoff told NBC station KGW.

Macy's employee Mariah Saldana told KGW that she was sitting by the door "watching what was going on, and then some guy just ran by in a white mask and an assault rifle, and then I look out because I hear a few shots and he's ? and he?s sitting there and he's pointing the gun at some people."

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Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts discusses the gunman who opened fire at a Portland-area mall, saying it "looked to be a random shooting."

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Source: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/12/15862947-girl-15-shot-in-oregon-mall-cheats-death-twice?lite

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Serial drama producer Paul Rauch dies in NY at 78

NEW YORK (AP) ? A longtime executive in the daytime drama world who produced "Another World," ''One Life to Live" and "Santa Barbara" has died in New York. Paul Rauch (rowsh) was 78.

Rauch was called "the most prolific and talented executive producer in soap opera history" by TV Guide Canada. His most recent job was working as a co-executive producer on daytime television's most popular soap, "The Young and the Restless."

He also produced serial dramas for television in Russia and Poland.

His wife, Israela Margalit, said Tuesday he died a day earlier of complications from blood clots.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/serial-drama-producer-paul-rauch-dies-ny-78-222130756.html

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Jesse R. Gephart Returns as David/Crumpet in ?The SantaLand ...

Automatic Vaudeville and Theatre In The Park will reprise their hilarious joint presentation of David Sedaris? sardonic PG-13-rated Christmas story, The SantaLand Diaries, starring local comic actor extraordinaire Jesse R. Gephart, on Dec. 8-11 and 16-18 in the Ira David Wood III Pullen Park Theatre in Raleigh, NC. Gephart?s sidesplitting performance previously brought local audiences to their feet in December 2008, 2010, and 2011.

Adapted for the stage in 1996 by Joe Mantello from the uproarious Christmastime reminiscences of former Raleigh resident, National Public Radio commentator, and author David Sedaris, The SantaLand Diaries is based on Sedaris? autobiographical radio essay, first broadcast in 1992 on NPR?s ?Morning Edition,? chronicling his merry misadventures as an out-of-work writer hired to play an elf named Crumpet in SantaLand in Macy?s in New York City. Sedaris subsequently published ?The SantaLand Diaries? in Barrel Fever (1994) and Holidays on Ice (1997).

?I first worked on the show in 2001, when [Benson, NC-born New York actor and director] Eric Woodall did a co-production with TIP,? Jesse Gephart remembered in a 2011 interview with Triangle Theater Review. ?I ran lights. I did it again in 2002.

?In 2003, while at Appalachian State University, I got to do the show as a fundraiser for a theater organization,? added Gephart. ?I did a repeat performance in 2004.

?When I graduated,? Gephart said, ?I linked up with my long-time friend and co-conspirator in theater, Maggie Rasnick. We did the show at Raleigh Charter High School in 2005 and 2006. Then I made the big jump that began my current relationship with Theatre In The Park, where I did the show in 2008, 2010, and this year. So, technically, this is my fifth anniversary of performing the show in Raleigh!?

Jesse Gephart confessed, ?I love that this show works as an ?adult alternative? to the normal Christmas fare. This area is able to house and support so many different varieties of Christmas theatrical events ? but this is one of the few that is geared primarily towards a more adult sense of humor. It?s hilarious, irreverent, quirky; and, in the end, it has poignancy that you don?t see coming, which makes it even more effective.?

He added, ?[The SantaLand Diaries] is the true-life account of David Sedaris? time working at Macy?s ?SantaLand? attraction as an elf. It begins with David (played by yours truly) browsing the want ads and coming across the call for applicants. We follow his interviewing process, his ultimate hire, and his journey through the ensuing Christmas chaos, as the days tick away. Along the way, we are introduced to many different elves, parents, children, Santa Clauses, all seen and commented on with a wry, cynical eye.?

The joint Automatic Vaudeville and Theatre In The Park creative team for 2012 edition of The SantaLand Diaries includes set and lighting designer Stephen J. Larson; costume and constructor designer Nancy Renn; stage manager Marilyn Gormon; and Sarah Bousquet, Kim DiPiano, Sheryl Scott, and Lori Taylor.

Jesse Gephart said, ?The set is the most elaborate it has ever been! It?s three-quarter thrust, with a snowy hillside (that doubles as a staircase), a centrally located Santa cottage that revolves ? on one side is the exterior, on the other is the inside of his little house, and a large Christmas tree with big presents underneath it. There is also a moveable wagon that works as the break room.?

He added, ?The costume was designed and constructed by Nancy Renn, who did an amazing job[; and t]he lighting is very warm, focused in on areas or used in a general wash. There?s also some magic thrown in there.?

?One-person shows are always difficult,? admited Jesse Gephart. ?There is no other actor to lean on for support, should you need it. It?s real work to keep the pace moving, keep the audience engaged, and to tell the story effectively. Luckily, a show like this one still makes me laugh out loud while I?m doing it; and I have such a blast. It?s a real rush, an addictive circumstance, to be standing in front of a crowded house, delivering material that makes hundreds of people laugh.?

Gephart cautioned, ?This show is roughly rated ?PG-13.? It?s for all people with an excellent sense of humor. The show runs about one hour, with no intermission. Please arrive on time and silence all noise-making devices, because I will not hesitate to stop the show and make a spectacle out of the offender(s)!?

In reviewing the December 2010 production of The SantaLand Diaries, this reviewer wrote:

?? Jesse Gephart has fine-tuned and deepened his impersonation [since first performing the dual role of David/Crumpet in 2005, under the direction of Maggie Rasnick]. His increased confidence is palpable, and he was so comfortable in the role ? that he twice stopped the show and broke character to harangue latecomers ? much to the audience?s delight.

?Otherwise, Gephart got the audience rolling in the aisles ? and kept them there ? as he channeled David Sedaris at his snarkiest, proudly sitting in the seats of the scornful and delightfully dishing on the kookiest of his fellow elves, crazed Macy?s customers, deranged Santas, and Macy?s supervisors who take themselves entirely too seriously.

?? Nancy Renn?s flamboyant elf costume also enhanced the 2010 encore production of The SantaLand Diaries ?. It was the perfect antidote for all those saccharine-sweet stories of redemption. Gephart as Sedaris and his sneering alter ego Crumpet revels at being the skunk at the garden party of Christmas plays ? and audiences love it!?

Automatic Vaudeville and Theatre In The Park presents THE SANTALAND DIARIES, starring Jesse R. Gephart, at 8 p.m. Dec. 12-15 and 3 p.m. Dec. 16 in the Ira David Wood III Pullen Park Theatre, 107 Pullen Rd., Raleigh, North Carolina 27607.

TICKETS: $20 ($15 students, seniors, active-duty military personnel, and TIP season subscribers).

BOX OFFICE: 919-831-6058 or http://www.etix.com/.

GROUP RATES (10+ tickets): 919-831-6058.

SHOW: http://theatreinthepark.com/santaland_diaries_special_event.html.

PRESENTERS:

Automatic Vaudeville: N/A.

Theatre In The Park: http://www.theatreinthepark.com/.

VENUE: http://www.theatreinthepark.com/.

DIRECTIONS/PARKING: http://www.theatreinthepark.com/where_we_are.php.

OTHER LINKS:

The SantaLand Diaries: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SantaLand_Diaries (Wikipedia) and http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5066175 (1992 NPR reading by David Sedaris).

The Script (excerpts): http://books.google.com/ (Google Books).

David Sedaris: http://www.barclayagency.com/sedaris.html (official bio courtesy the Barclay Agency), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Sedaris (Wikipedia), http://www.npr.org/programs/specials/lists/sedaris/ (National Public Radio), http://www.newyorker.com/ (essays from The New Yorker), http://www.lortel.org/ (Internet Off-Broadway Database), and http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1358380/ (Internet Movie Database).

Jesse R. Gephart: http://facebook.com/jrgephart (Facebook page).

EDITOR?S NOTE:

Robert W. McDowell is editor and publisher of Triangle Theater Review, a FREE weekly e-mail theatrical newsletter that provides more comprehensive, in-depth coverage of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill theater than all of the other news media combined. This preview is reprinted with permission from Triangle Theater Review.

To start your FREE subscription to this newsletter, e-mail RobertM748@aol.com and type SUBSCRIBE TTR in the Subject: line.

To read all of Robert W. McDowell?s Triangle Theater Review previews and reviews online at Triangle Arts & Entertainment, click http://triangleartsandentertainment.org/author/robert-w-mcdowell/.

VN:F [1.9.21_1169]

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Tagged as: Automatic Vaudeville, David Sedaris, Ira David Wood III Pullen Park Theatre, Jesse Gephart, Jesse R. Gephart, Joe Mantello, The Santaland Diaries, theatre in the park, TIP

Source: http://triangleartsandentertainment.org/2012/12/jesse-r-gephart-returns-as-davidcrumpet-in-the-santaland-diaries-dec-12-16-at-theatre-in-the-park/

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'Evita' to close in January when Big 3 leave

FILE - This March 12, 2012 file photo shows actors, from left, Michael Cerveris, Elena Roger and Ricky Martin at the curtain call after their first performance in the new Broadway production of "Evita", in New York. Cerveris, Roger and Martin will perform their final performances on Jan. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes, file)

FILE - This March 12, 2012 file photo shows actors, from left, Michael Cerveris, Elena Roger and Ricky Martin at the curtain call after their first performance in the new Broadway production of "Evita", in New York. Cerveris, Roger and Martin will perform their final performances on Jan. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes, file)

NEW YORK (AP) ? The Broadway revival of "Evita" ? faced with trying to replace Ricky Martin, Elena Roger and Michael Cerveris ? will instead close when the Big Three leave early next year.

Producers of the Tony Award-nominated revival of Tim Rice's and Andrew Lloyd Webber's landmark musical said Tuesday night they have decided against plans for an open-ended run after Martin, Roger and Cerveris leave after the Jan. 26 performance.

"Our extensive search for a new cast presented the significant challenges of not only replacing a high-caliber trio of stars but also synchronizing the schedules of potential replacements with that of the production," producer Hal Luftig said in a statement. "Despite going down the road with a variety of artists, the planets have simply not aligned for us to engage the right talent at the right time."

When it closes, the musical will have played 26 previews and 337 performances, far less than the original's more than 1,580 shows played between 1979 and 1983.

A national tour will launch in September 2013 at the Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, R.I., and a cast album has been released, including the songs "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" and "High Flying Adored." The cast for the tour has not been announced.

The revival opened March 12 at the Marquis Theatre, directed by Michael Grandage and choreographed by Rob Ashford. It has broken the theater's box office record seven times, though has seen the box office slump at times.

Last week, it pulled in $920,994, or a little more than half its $1,666,936 potential. The average ticket price was $111.73 and the top premium went for $275.

The musical tells the story of Argentina's Eva Peron, who rose from the slums to the presidential mansion. Roger plays Eva, Cerveris her husband and Martin is Che.

___

Online: http://evitaonbroadway.com

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/4e67281c3f754d0696fbfdee0f3f1469/Article_2012-12-11-Theater-Evita%20Closing/id-db93dea0d3444b419b9efb400fbf1d7a

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Mom and dad will like these tech gifts

5 hrs.

Susan Ayers Walker , Techlicious

You don't need to be young or a techie to love tech. These great gifts provide entertainment, motivate you to stay active and just make your life easier:

Amazon Kindle Fire HD

A great starter tablet, the 7-inch Kindle Fire HD provides the security of the Amazon Appstore, music, videos and a very good reading experience?really everything a tablet owner needs at a reasonable price. The 7-inch version is great for seniors on the go, but if the tablet will be used primarily at home, consider the 8.9-inch model.

Price: $199 for the Kindle Fire HD 7?inch,?$299 for the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 inch?

Click & Grow Smart flowerpot?

The Click & Grow self-watering smart flowerpot?is for the gardener who might not be agile enough to pull weeds anymore, travels too much to take care of plants properly or wants a little green during the winter months.

The starter kit comes with a plant cartridge that grows cockscomb, basil, mini tomatoes or chili pepper. Add batteries, fill the reservoir with water, add the seeds and the plant cartridge will sprout in a couple of weeks. Refill cartridges are available to grow French marigolds, thyme, coriander, lamb's ear and more.

Price: $59.99 for the cockscomb and mini tomato starter kits, $39.99 to pre-order the mini tomato and chili pepper starter kits and $19.99 for all refill cartridges. Available on clickandgrow.com

Starbucks Verismo

A single-serve coffee maker can make the start of each day a little easier. Starbucks lovers will appreciate that the Verismo?uses the same blends you'll find in the store.?

And in addition to making a delicious cup of coffee, the Verismo will also brew up an espresso, latte, vanilla latte, caramel macchiato, and caff? mocha.

Price: $199 for the Verismo, $11.95 for coffee pods, $12.95 for latte packs and specialty drink kits start at $20.95. Available on starbucks.com

Bushnell BackTrack

Give your parents peace of mind with this key chain device that will lead them back to their car.

Just set the start/end point, and when they're ready to head back, a digital compass provides guidance.?

Keep in mind that GPS doesn't work well inside covered structures, like parking garages.

Price: $69.99 on bushnell.com or $51.36 on amazon.com

Striiv Activity Monitor

If an older relative is looking for ways to stay active, Striiv makes it fun and rewarding.?

This key-chain pedometer not only tracks your movements, it delivers bonuses and game rewards to keep them motivated.?

For example, every step can power activities on an enchanted virtual island or prompt Striiv to make a donation on your behalf toward providing clean drinking water.

Price: $99.95 on striiv.com or?amazon.com

BookSwim

If your relative isn't ready to take the plunge into ebooks, consider a gift subscription to an online book rental site, like bookswim.com.?

This Netflix-type service lets him or her have three or more books out at a time?New York Times Best Sellers, cookbooks and even comic strips. When she finishes and returns one, the next one on her list will be automatically sent out. And shipping is pre-paid as part of the subscription.

Subscriptions start at $24 per month for 3 books out at a time. Purchase a gift subscription at BookSwim.com

Nikon Coolpix S30?

Looking for a camera?that the senior in your life won't have to wear glasses to find? The Nikon Coolpix S30 10MP point-and-shoot camera has a large photo button, a dedicated button for shooting videos and large, easy-to-read menu options.

It takes AA batteries, so it's always ready to go. And, it's dust and water resistant, making it a good option for the pool or the beach.

Price: $79.95 on nikonusa.com

More from Techlicious:

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/gadgetbox/mom-dad-will-these-tech-gifts-1C7498435

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us news today: Fire Pits - Health And Fitness: Pain Management ...

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Source: http://us-news-today-blog.blogspot.com/2012/12/fire-pits-health-and-fitness-pain.html

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McAfee wants to return to U.S., 'normal life'

BACALAR, Mexico (AP) ? Software company founder John McAfee said Sunday he wants to return to the United States and "settle down to whatever normal life" he can.

In a live-stream Internet broadcast from the Guatemalan detention center where he is fighting a government order that he be returned to Belize, the 67-year-old said "I simply would like to live comfortably day by day, fish, swim, enjoy my declining years."

Police in neighboring Belize want to question McAfee in the fatal shooting of a U.S. expatriate who lived near his home on a Belizean island in November.

The creator of the McAfee antivirus program again denied involvement in the killing during the Sunday Internet video hook-up, during which he answered what he said were reporters' questions.

His comments were sometimes contradictory. McAfee is an acknowledged practical joker who has dabbled in yoga, ultra-light aircraft and the production of herbal medications.

The British-born McAfee first said that returning to the United States "is my only hope now." But he later added, "I would be happy to go to England, I have dual citizenship."

He was emphatic that "I cannot ever return to Belize ... There is no hope for my life if I am ever returned to Belize."

"If I am returned," he said, "bad things will clearly happen to me."

He descibed the health problems that had him briefly hospitalized earlier this week after Guatemalan authorities detained him for entering the country illegally. He apparently snuck in across a rural, unguarded spot along the border.

"I did not eat for two days, I drank very little liquids, and for the first time in many years I've been smoking almost non-stop," he said. "I stood up, passed out hit my head on the wall, came to," though he now said he was feeling better.

McAfee praised the role his 20-year-old Belizean girlfriend, Samantha Vanegas, played in his escape from Belize, where he claims he is being persecuted by corrupt politicians. Authorities in Belize deny that they are persecuting him and have questioned his mental state.

"Sam saved the day many times" during their escape, he said, and suggested he would take her with him to the United States if he is allowed to go there.

He confirmed that journalists from Vice magazine who accompanied him on his escape after weeks of hiding in Belize had unwittingly posted photos with embedded data that revealed his exact location.

"It was an error anyone could make," he said, noting they were under a lot of pressure at the time.

McAfee has led an eccentric life since he sold his stake in the software company named after him in the early 1990s and moved to Belize about three years ago to lower his taxes.

He told The New York Times in 2009 that he had lost all but $4 million of his $100 million fortune in the U.S. financial crisis. However, a story on the Gizmodo website quoted him as describing that claim as "not very accurate at all."

McAfee's Guatemalan attorney, Telesforo Guerra, says that he has filed three separate legal appeals in the hope that his client can stay in Guatemala, where his political asylum request was rejected.

Guerra said he filed an appeal for a judge to make sure McAfee's physical integrity is protected, an appeal against the asylum denial and a petition with immigration officials to allow his client to stay in this Central American country indefinitely.

The appeals could take several days to resolve, Guerra said. He added that he could still use several other legal resources but wouldn't give any other details.

Fredy Viana, a spokesman for the Immigration Department, said that before the agency looks into the request to allow McAfee to stay in Guatemala, a judge must first deal with the appeal asking that authorities make sure McAfee's physical integrity is protected.

"We won't look into (allowing him to stay) until the other appeal is resolved," Viana said. "The law gives me 30 days to resolve the issue."

McAfee went on the run last month after Belizean officials tried to question him about the killing of Gregory Viant Faull, who was shot to death in early November.

McAfee acknowledges that his dogs were bothersome and that Faull had complained about them, but denies killing Faull. Faull's home was a couple of houses down from McAfee's compound in Ambergris Caye, off Belize's Caribbean coast.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/mcafee-wants-return-us-normal-life-025033119.html

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A Locavore Goes Home for the Holidays: How to Avoid Clashing ...

Imagine, if you will, a modern-day remake of the renowned dinner scene from the holiday classic?National Lampoon?s Christmas Vacation.

In today?s version, as Clark W. Griswold is about to cut into the turkey, someone from down the table yells out, ?That?s a free-range heritage breed, right? I don?t eat factory-farmed turkeys!? While cousin Eddie eagerly dips into Aunt Bethany?s green Jell-O, his wife Cathrine balks, launching into a diatribe about processed foods. And in the remake, the kitchen scene turns ugly when daughter Audrey lays into her mom for only purchasing conventionally grown vegetables.

This version of the comedy may seem far-fetched, but with more and more Americans concerned with ethical eating, it could be a scene based on a real problem. As families reunite for extended periods during the holidays, food is often at the center of festivities?but it can also be a point of conflict between relatives. When family members disagree on what constitutes a nutritious and ethical meal, what is the conscious eater to do?

Brandy Brooks faced this dilemma the first Christmas she went home after making the decision to only eat sustainable, locally raised meat. But instead of getting frustrated with family members who hadn?t made the switch, the Somerville, MA, resident brought a couple relatives along with her as she searched for an ethically suitable ham.

?It gave me a chance to explain why this was important enough to me to drive out of the way and pay extra for this kind of meat,? she recalls. ?This eventually led to three other members of my family discovering and becoming regular shoppers at an organic market chain none of us knew existed in the area three years earlier.?

Concerns about the effect dietary differences can have on relationships is not a new problem?it dates back to the ancient Israelites hashing out the Levitical code, if not even earlier, notes Michael Stiglitz, a marriage and family therapist based in Brooklyn. He adds that finding solutions depends heavily on how well families communicate about their needs in general.

?There?s no need for a vegetarian to eat turkey on Thanksgiving, but does that mean he needs to preach to his family about how awful they are for killing animals?? Stiglitz asks. ?That might not be the time.?

Sarah Bryce, who lives in Boston, says she?s been perceived as judgmental in the past when expressing her beliefs about food to family. Not wanting to dampen the limited time they have with family, Bryce and her husband don't rock the boat and now eat what?s put in front of them. What's the price of her familial peace? ?We both usually feel a major need for detox when we come home,? she says.

Others take a more principled approach, like Ch?z Dishman, who doesn?t eat animal products and is raising her daughter vegan as well. She says that rather than compromising here and there, it?s easier to draw a firm line for what she and her daughter will eat when visiting family. But that doesn?t mean she?s not simultaneously trying to open people?s minds about the reasoning behind her dietary choices.

?I work really hard each time to make sure that the recipes or items I contribute are the most delicious on the menu so people will realize vegan food isn?t all sprouts and tofu and will hopefully be more open to these recipes next year,? she says.

This all might be too much to ask for the bumbling Griswolds. For the rest of us, though, Stiglitz says leading by example is one of the best ways anyone with strongly held beliefs can stick to their values while not driving their families away.

?It?s about leading people to good information to make better choices for themselves,? he says.

Will you be spending the holidays with family members who don't share your views about food?

Related articles on TakePart:

? Do You Have Any Idea Who's Bringing You Dinner?

? Stressed-Out Parents Lead to Overweight Kids

? ?Where?s My Present?!? Tips for Teaching Your Kids Gratitude and Generosity

---

Steve?s story about healthy fast food was anthologized in Best Food Writing 2011. His food and general interest stories regularly appear in Edible Boston, Boston Magazine, The Boston Globe, and other places. Email Steve | @thebostonwriter

Source: http://www.takepart.com/article/2012/12/10/locavore-goes-home-holidays-how-avoid-conflict-family-over-food

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X-ray vision can reveal the moment of birth of violent supernovae

Monday, December 10, 2012

A team of astronomers led by the University of Leicester has uncovered new evidence that suggests that X-ray detectors in space could be the first to witness new supernovae that signal the death of massive stars.

Astronomers have measured an excess of X-ray radiation in the first few minutes of collapsing massive stars, which may be the signature of the supernova shock wave first escaping from the star.

The findings have come as a surprise to Dr Rhaana Starling, of the University of Leicester Department of Physics and Astronomy whose research is published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, published by Oxford University Press.

Dr Starling said: "The most massive stars can be tens to a hundred times larger than the Sun. When one of these giants runs out of hydrogen gas it collapses catastrophically and explodes as a supernova, blowing off its outer layers which enrich the Universe. But this is no ordinary supernova; in the explosion narrowly confined streams of material are forced out of the poles of the star at almost the speed of light. These so-called relativistic jets give rise to brief flashes of energetic gamma-radiation called gamma-ray bursts, which are picked up by monitoring instruments in Space, that in turn alert astronomers."

Gamma-ray bursts are known to arise in stellar deaths because coincident supernovae are seen with ground-based optical telescopes about ten to twenty days after the high energy flash. The true moment of birth of a supernova, when the star's surface reacts to the core collapse, often termed the supernova shock breakout, is missed. Only the most energetic supernovae go hand-in-hand with gamma-ray bursts, but for this sub-class it may be possible to identify X-ray emission signatures of the supernova in its infancy. If the supernova could be detected earlier, by using the X-ray early warning system, astronomers could monitor the event as it happens and pinpoint the drivers behind one of the most violent events in our Universe.

The X-ray detectors being used for this research, built partly in the UK at the University of Leicester, are on the X-Ray Telescope on-board the Swift satellite. Swift is named after the bird because, like its namesake, it is able to swiftly turn around to catch a gamma-ray burst in action. Data from Swift of a number of gamma-ray bursts with visible supernovae have shown an excess in X-rays received compared with expectations. This excess is thermal emission, also known as blackbody radiation.

Dr Starling added: "We were surprised to find thermal X-rays coming from a gamma-ray burst, and even more surprising is that all confirmed cases so far are those with a secure supernova identification from optical data. This phenomenon is only seen during the first thousand seconds of an event, and it is challenging to distinguish it from X-ray emission solely from the gamma-ray burst jet. That is why astronomers have not routinely observed this before, and only a small subset of the 700+ bursts we detect with Swift show it."

"It all hangs on the positive identification of the extra X-ray radiation as directly emerging from the supernova shock front, rather than from the relativistic jets or central black hole. If this radiation turns out to be from the central black-hole-powered engine of the gamma-ray burst instead, it will still be a very illuminating result for gamma-ray burst physics, but the strong association with supernovae is tantalising".

The team, comprising scientists from the UK, Ireland, USA and Denmark, plan to extend their searches, and make more quantitative comparisons with theoretical models both for stellar collapse and the dynamics of fast jet-flows.

Astronomers will continue to view supernovae at their visible-light peak, when they are already tens of days old, but for the most energetic among them it may become possible to routinely witness the very moment they are born, through X-ray eyes.

###

University of Leicester: http://www.leicester.ac.uk

Thanks to University of Leicester 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/125825/X_ray_vision_can_reveal_the_moment_of_birth_of_violent_supernovae

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Daily Tips for Business: Solo Professionals - taeogyvyns Space ...

Rarely a day goes without journalists posting queries for tips on a range of topics. Yes, a range of topics, from generic subjects like ways to raise happier kids, foods ?that are healthy and quick to prepare, ideas to attract your life partner, and, well, you know.

Source: http://dailytipsforbusiness.blogspot.com/2012/12/solo-professionals_7.html

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Cool Gmail For Iphone images

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The Internet Security Task Force | NUoL.tv

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn formed a security task force the Internet with the role of examining what the State of Illinois do to protect its industries and infrastructure from cyber attacks. The 12-member task force, the first of its kind in the United States as a whole, is composed of representatives of different sectors in Illinois including the country?s Government, the Federal Government, aerospace, telecommunications, finance and education sectors. In addition, the Department of Homeland Security is expanding its support to all necessary reference task force.

The Mission of the Internet to distinguish and identify security threats may constitute privacy issue for Internet users from using the Internet, search engines, Web servers, browsers and Internet service providers, government ministries and not use the collected information to think about new methods, or changes that may prevent serious Internet security threats, from materializing.

Furthermore, the task force?s Internet security will find ways to keep your business running industries and the State of Illinois are ready to defend against cyber attacks. This type of attack occurs, the task force to enforce technical procedures that will result in the quickest recovery. The Group also wants to spot holes in the current Web security technologies to protect against Internet users or cyber identity theft crimes.

These measures are enforced in the hopes of making Illinois in an excellent location to set up cyber security companies, law firms, as well as making citizens feel more secure, visit the Web sites owned by the State and local governments, industries, businesses, and help protect themselves from cyber-espionage.

The Mission of the Internet security is aided by a variety of organizations such as ETH Illinois, Boeing, Motorola mobility, national laboratory of the army, the Northern Trust Company, Illinois State University, Fermilab, CME Group, a consulting firm, as well as tech America.

Matthew helm, Director of the Illinois University business, technology, and intelligence section was appointed by the Governor of Illinois Pat Quinn task force head of Internet security.

The wheel was always the voice of cyber security principles into consideration and combine, existing studies at the University of Illinois. He also hopes to educate the public through the awareness campaign, education programs aimed at children and teachers, in particular, the safety of visiting websites online.

Many of the higher officials of Illinois State University showed the leadership role in support of task force composed of Internet security, how it will benefit both the University and the State of Illinois. Current security practices employed by the University, student, staff privacy controls, as well as online security assets can be shared with organizations that share an action plan.

Internet security task force will meet four times a year, will submit the reports at the time of the General Assembly as well as to Governor Pat Quinn on December 31 of each year until the final report is scheduled for the end of 2012. According to this chapter, it is hoped that different areas of focus presented the first report, you can identify.

Source: http://nuol.tv/the-internet-security-task-force/

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Best car loan | Car Finance, Loans & Leasing Blog - Roche Finance ...

If you are after the best car loan no doubt that will mean:

?

• a low interest rate;
• low monthly repayments;
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Source: http://h3sean.typepad.com/blog/2012/12/best-car-loan-car-finance-loans-leasing-blog-roche-finance.html

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Irish International 2012: Olga Konon demolishes Natalia Koch - Bettor

Irish International 2012: Olga Konon demolishes Natalia Koch Rhode in Women?s Singles quarter-final

Germany?s talented shuttler Olga Konon continued her winning run and reached into Women?s Singles semi-final after showing exit to Denmark?s Natalia Koch Rhode in quarter-final contest at Irish International 2012 on Saturday, December 8, in Ireland.

The in-form Konon, who is an un-seeded player in Women?s Singles draw in Irish International, played to her maximum potential and managed to end up the winning streak of Natalia by taking just 26 minutes of the court time.

In the quarter-final, Germany shuttler started her journey in a confident fashion as she played attacking and positive badminton and managed to stamp her mark over her Danish challenger in straight sets with a crushing margin.

The Danish lady, on the other hand could not show her brilliance she failed to play positive and aggressive badminton and remained unable to avoid defeat from the hands of her German challenger.

Right from the starting points of first game, the in-form Konon showed a great performance in the arena and did not take much time in controlling the pace of rallies.

The speed of the rallies was quite fast in first game and Konon impressed local crowd with her lofty skills.

Konon proceeded with a stunning speed in the starting half and remained ahead on score board until the mid-game interval.

The lofty Konon remained comfortable on court after the one-minute interval as she played in the similar fashion.

Germany lady was very calm and composed on court as she did not play negative badminton and finished up the first set with a dominating difference of 21-17.

Natalia was once again in trouble in the second game as she received a severe treatment from her opponent who was at her best in the arena.

Konon displayed her impressive skills in the arena by picking the bird early from all corners and maintained her domination over her Danish opponent.

The attacking and positive play in the ending half of second set helped the German shuttler to grab the set with a stunning 21-12 total on the board.

The in-form Konon remained successful in ending up this contest in just 26 minutes with a completely controlled margin of 21-17 and 21-12.

Source: http://blogs.bettor.com/Irish-International-2012-Olga-Konon-demolishes-Natalia-Koch-Rhode-in-Womens-Singles-quarter-final-a207018

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JAPAN TSUNAMI: Small Tsunami Waves Hit Japan After 7.3 Earthquake

A strong earthquake struck Friday off the coast of northeastern Japan, triggering small tsunami waves in the same region hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami last year.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.3 and struck in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Miyagi prefecture. The epicenter was 6.2 miles beneath the seabed.

There were no immediate reports of major damage but two people were reportedly injured.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported two aftershocks of of 5.5 and 4.7 magnitudes east of Ishinomaki, a city in Miyagi, where a tsunami of 1 meter (1 yard) hit about 40 minutes after the quake struck.

Small tsunami waves were also recorded at the Port of Ofunato in Iwate Prefecture and?Kesennuma City in Miyagi, according to Japan's NHK TV.

After the quake, which caused buildings in Tokyo to sway for at least several minutes, authorities issued a warning that a tsunami potentially as high as 2 meters (2.19 yards) could hit.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no risk of a widespread tsunami. About two hours after the quake struck, the tsunami warning was cancelled.

Shortly before the earthquake struck, NHK television broke off regular programming to warn that a strong quake was due to hit. Afterward, the announcer repeatedly urged all near the coast to flee to higher ground.

The magnitude-9.0 earthquake and ensuing tsunami that slammed into northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011, killed or left missing some 19,000 people, devastating much of the coast. All but two of Japan's nuclear plants were shut down for checks after the earthquake and tsunami caused meltdowns at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant in the worst nuclear disaster since the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.

Immediately following Friday's quake, there were no problems at any of the nuclear plants operated by Fukushima Dai-Ichi operator Tokyo Electric Power Co., said a TEPCO spokesman, Takeo Iwamoto.

Sirens whooped along the coast as people ran for higher ground, but the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no risk of a widespread tsunami.

A 75-year-old woman fell and was injured while evacuating to flee from the tsunami, public television broadcaster NHK reported. It said a child was reportedly injured in the Miyagi city of Sendai. Miyagi police said they could not confirm those reports.

More than an hour after the quake struck, an unnamed official from the Meteorological Agency, speaking on national television, continued to warn people to stay away from the coast.

"Please take all precautions. Please stay on higher ground," he said.

The tsunami alert extended from the tip of the main island of Honshu nearly down to Tokyo, though the warning for the area most likely to be hit was only for the Miyagi coast.

All Nippon Airways spokesman Takuya Taniguchi said government officials were checking on the runways at Sendai airport. The two jets that were in the air went to other airports and all seven flights scheduled to go to Sendai for the day were cancelled, he said.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

Click for more from NHK TV.

Click for more from the U.S. Geological Survey.

Click for more from the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/12/07/strong-earthquake-strikes-off-northeastern-japan-warning-possible-tsunami/

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