Tuesday, June 25, 2013

SMU researcher receives Hogg Foundation grant to study childhood depression

SMU researcher receives Hogg Foundation grant to study childhood depression [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 24-Jun-2013
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Christina Voss
cvoss@smu.edu
214-768-7641
Southern Methodist University

Dr. Chrystyna Kouros, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Southern Methodist University, received a $19,250 grant from the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health to examine ethnic differences in the identification of and attributions about children's depression symptoms.

The research project by Kouros was one of 10 selected from a pool of 38 applicants from 17 universities across Texas. The foundation awarded the two-year grants, totaling $192,130, to tenure-track assistant professors exploring different aspects of mental health in Texas.

The study by Kouros, who will be collaborating with Dr. Naomi Ekas, Texas Christian University Department of Psychology, will examine ethnic differences in the way that parents and children identify depressive symptoms, and their attributions about depression, as predictors of whether children receive treatment. The overarching goal of the research is to understand barriers to seeking treatment for depression in Hispanic youth.

"Depression in childhood is prevalent and poses a significant public health problem," said Kouros. "Hispanic youth, in particular, report higher levels of depression and are at greater risk for suicide than non-Hispanic whites and other ethnic groups, yet they are less likely to seek treatment from a mental health practitioner and often receive poorer quality of care."

"Rates of untreated childhood depression are staggering," Ekas adds. "I believe our study will fill an important void in understanding why Hispanic and non-Hispanic children with mental health challenges do not seek treatment even when community resources are available."

The goals of the Hogg grants are to increase the pool of junior faculty doing quality mental health research and to encourage the disbursement of research findings through presentations at state and national conferences and meetings.

"Fifty to 80 percent of children in need of services never receive treatment or utilize community mental health resources," said Dr. Octavio N. Martinez, Jr., executive director of the Hogg Foundation. "This research fills an important gap in the literature. Previous research on attributions of child symptoms has typically focused on children's behavioral challenges or physical health, but has not looked at ethnicity as a moderating factor."

###

The Hogg Foundation advances recovery and wellness in Texas by funding mental health services, policy analysis, research and public education. The foundation was created in 1940 by the children of former Texas Gov. James S. Hogg and is part of the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement at The University of Texas at Austin.

SMU is a nationally ranked private university in Dallas founded 100 years ago. Today SMU enrolls nearly 11,000 students who benefit from the academic opportunities and international reach of seven degree-granting schools.


[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share Share ]

?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


SMU researcher receives Hogg Foundation grant to study childhood depression [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 24-Jun-2013
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Christina Voss
cvoss@smu.edu
214-768-7641
Southern Methodist University

Dr. Chrystyna Kouros, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Southern Methodist University, received a $19,250 grant from the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health to examine ethnic differences in the identification of and attributions about children's depression symptoms.

The research project by Kouros was one of 10 selected from a pool of 38 applicants from 17 universities across Texas. The foundation awarded the two-year grants, totaling $192,130, to tenure-track assistant professors exploring different aspects of mental health in Texas.

The study by Kouros, who will be collaborating with Dr. Naomi Ekas, Texas Christian University Department of Psychology, will examine ethnic differences in the way that parents and children identify depressive symptoms, and their attributions about depression, as predictors of whether children receive treatment. The overarching goal of the research is to understand barriers to seeking treatment for depression in Hispanic youth.

"Depression in childhood is prevalent and poses a significant public health problem," said Kouros. "Hispanic youth, in particular, report higher levels of depression and are at greater risk for suicide than non-Hispanic whites and other ethnic groups, yet they are less likely to seek treatment from a mental health practitioner and often receive poorer quality of care."

"Rates of untreated childhood depression are staggering," Ekas adds. "I believe our study will fill an important void in understanding why Hispanic and non-Hispanic children with mental health challenges do not seek treatment even when community resources are available."

The goals of the Hogg grants are to increase the pool of junior faculty doing quality mental health research and to encourage the disbursement of research findings through presentations at state and national conferences and meetings.

"Fifty to 80 percent of children in need of services never receive treatment or utilize community mental health resources," said Dr. Octavio N. Martinez, Jr., executive director of the Hogg Foundation. "This research fills an important gap in the literature. Previous research on attributions of child symptoms has typically focused on children's behavioral challenges or physical health, but has not looked at ethnicity as a moderating factor."

###

The Hogg Foundation advances recovery and wellness in Texas by funding mental health services, policy analysis, research and public education. The foundation was created in 1940 by the children of former Texas Gov. James S. Hogg and is part of the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement at The University of Texas at Austin.

SMU is a nationally ranked private university in Dallas founded 100 years ago. Today SMU enrolls nearly 11,000 students who benefit from the academic opportunities and international reach of seven degree-granting schools.


[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share Share ]

?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-06/smu-srr062113.php

manson bubba watson recent earthquakes fbi most wanted list stuttering james van der beek dyngus day

This Week In Real Estate: Beware Dated Data - Seeking Alpha

This coming week in real estate should prove interesting and likely misleading, with a slew of dated data being measured. Five major economic reports will reach the wire, covering the real estate market, and a majority of them will measure inconsequential periods of time. That is because of all the change that has occurred over the last several months around the Fed and mortgage rates. As a result of potentially positive results, real estate relative securities may find some support. But I would use any strength to sell the stocks further, as the environment has meaningfully changed because of Fed tapering.

Of the data points of greatest market interest, the S&P Case Shiller Home Price Index and the FHFA House Price Index are closely watched, but they also offer some of the longest lagged data to regularly reach the wire. Both reports will measure the month of April, though we are about to enter July. Considering that mortgage rates are significantly higher since April, the nascent trend of improving home prices might be finding some friction more recently, and that is not going to be reflected in these reports because of their age. For what it's worth, economists surveyed by Bloomberg see prices higher by approximately 1.5% (in April), as reflected by the forecast for the seasonally adjusted 20-City Index of S&P Case Shiller.

Also, New-Home Sales will be reported for May this week, and may begin to reflect the change in mortgage rates that began during the same month. However, considering the illiquidity of the real estate market and the time required to buy a home, this data point may also miss the latest trends dictated by the recent Fed tapering announcements. Economists are looking for just a slight increase here to an annual pace of 460K sales, which would be up from April's pace of 454K. The news will not likely help homebuilders, given the change in the market dictated by the Fed. Last week, the shares of homebuilders tumbled sharply, with the SPDR S&P Homebuilders (XHB) and the shares of major player KB Home (KBH) declining by 6.3% and 8.5%, respectively. I see that trend continuing near term. If any price strength is gained here on data this week, I would use it to sell homebuilders further.

What should play more importantly is the latest mortgage activity data from the Mortgage Bankers Association, because it is right on top of current housing activity. Over the last six or so weeks, this report has shown a significant drop-off in mortgage activity commensurate with rising mortgage rates. As a result, the shares of major mortgage bankers like Citigroup (C) and those dealing in mortgage-backed securities like American Capital Agency (AGNC) have been hard hit of late, and reflect the long-term damage of the latest rate trend. This latest report will be especially interesting, since it will capture the Fed announcement of last week (it will measure the week ending June 21). Some believe there may be a near-term spike in home purchases due to buyers on the fence coming to market out of fear of rising rates. This may be so, but it would be a short-term and probably limited phenomenon.

Security

Week Ending June 21

Bank of America (BAC)

-2.9%

Citigroup

-4.8%

Annaly Capital (NLY)

-7.3%

American Capital Agency

-8.1%

The latest Pending Home Sales data, due this Thursday, could be the most important data to reach the wire given that it measures contract signings and is a leading indicator for the huge existing home market. This latest report will cover the month of May, when rates began to edge higher. Even so, economists surveyed by Bloomberg see the Pending Home Sales Index up 1.0% for May. I think they may be missing the point, and the data could therefore disappoint them. This would offer more bad news for Bank of America, Annaly Capital, and the rest of the companies in the business of mortgage finance.

In conclusion, I'm suggesting real estate securities investors beware of deceptive and dated data this week, as it may offer some support to recently battered industry shares. Any strength gained on supported data should be used to sell the securities, in my view, given that the Fed is backing away from its extraordinary support of the real estate market.

Disclosure: I have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. (More...)

Source: http://seekingalpha.com/article/1516552-this-week-in-real-estate-beware-dated-data?source=feed

jamie lynn sigler mega millions jackpot black panther party frank martin pink slime eagle cam trayvon martin case

We've Grappled With Televised Death Since The First TV Suicide in 1938

We've Grappled With Televised Death Since The First TV Suicide in 1938

The family of a Phoenix man who committed suicide this past September has filed a lawsuit against Fox News over the live broadcast of the event. Understandably, the family says that they suffered emotional distress after the broadcast, which was seen on TV sets and computer screens all over the world. Anchor Shepard Smith apologized immediately after airing the suicide, but a national debate about the disturbing voyeurism of televised police chases ensued.

Read more...

    


Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/Ow8gT-H1xyM/weve-grappled-with-televised-death-since-the-first-tv-571322382

mitch hedberg secret service scandal shea weber greystone sidney crosby at the drive in alternative minimum tax

Qatar declares bank holiday on Tuesday

DEAR ABBY: I was taken away from my parents at 13 and placed into foster care, where I stayed until I aged out at 21. My biological mother is a drug addict who abandoned me to my father when I was 11. She never tried to contact me while I was in care.I am now 24 and she won't leave me alone. She sends Facebook messages that alternate between begging me to let her get to know me, and condemning me for being vindictive and not having forgiveness in my heart. Abby, this woman exposed me to drugs and all manner of seedy people and situations. ...

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/qatar-declares-bank-holiday-tuesday-035337350.html

joe oliver joba chamberlain new york mega millions jetblue jetblue michelle malkin october baby

Crazy Guy Threatened To Kill ?Soul Mate? Miranda Kerr

Crazy Guy Threatened To Kill “Soul Mate” Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr at MET GalaModel Miranda Kerr’s life was threatened by a a 52-year-old man named Steven C. Swanson, who made plans to travel to her Los Angeles home to kill her! Swanson called L.A. police to share his plans to “rescue” his “wife” and “soul mate” next month. Scary stuff! Swanson was was taken into custody after he ...

Crazy Guy Threatened To Kill “Soul Mate” Miranda Kerr Stupid Celebrities Gossip Stupid Celebrities Gossip News

Source: http://stupidcelebrities.net/2013/06/crazy-guy-threatened-to-kill-soul-mate-miranda-kerr/

Candy Crowley binders of women presidential debates Felix Baumgartner Little Nemo gawker Romney

Lotus and Daniel Simon start Motorcycles division - Car Body Design

Lotus Motorcycles is a joint project of Kodewa, renowned concept designer Daniel Simon and the Holzer Group.

The bike will be named Lotus C-01 and ?will reflect a combination of lifestyle, design and high end technology.?

The Lotus C-01 will be a hyper bike with integrated racing technology, will be powered by a 200 hp engine and will make use of advanced materials like carbon, titanium and aerospace quality steel.

Daniel Simon, former designer for Bugatti, is responsible for many iconic concept vehicles in Hollywood film industry ? among these is the ?Lightcycle? in ?Tron: Legacy? and the ?Bubbleship? used by Tom Cruise in the recent ?Oblivion?.

The collaboration between Lotus and the German designer began in 2012, when he created the black and gold livery of the Lotus LMP2 sports cars.

The designer commented: ?With the Lotus C-01, we have only one ambition: to create a unique state-of-the-art machine that carries its brutal forces with elegance and style, a high-tech monster in a tailored suit. The C-01, with all its top notch components and materials, is first and foremost emotional, heartbreaking, at times playfully retro, and always clearly a Lotus. Lotus is a glamorous name with a rich history, and the C-01 celebrates it proudly: the shapes of the marvelous Lotus 49 were a main inspiration, and all color schemes pay homage to iconic Lotus racing liveries, such as the dashing black and gold. The intersection of past and future never fails to fascinate, and so does the unique idea of the C-01.?

The first images of the Lotus C-01 Motorcycle are expected to be revealed in the next few weeks.

Technical Partners

Kodewa has recently built the new sports car Lotus T128 LMP (Le Mans Prototype) and is running the Lotus LMP2 program in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The team of Kodewa comprises of experts with a lot of knowledge and experience not only in endurance racing but also Formula 1, DTM and lower formulas.

Within the Holzer Group, the Performance GmbH is involved in the development process. The components made of titanium, carbon fibre and aerospace steel will be produced by RPC GmbH, which is also part of Holzer Group and Kodewa. Latest CNC machines linked with CAM workstations ensure highest precision and optimal workflow of the complex procedures. Because of quality inspections before, during and after the production process, a safety-related and faultless production is ensured.

(Source: Lotus)

'; } else if (google_ads[0].type == "html") { s += google_ads[0].snippet; } else { if (google_ads.length == 1) { s += '

Source: http://www.carbodydesign.com/2013/06/lotus-and-daniel-simon-start-motorcycles-division/

deer antler spray Jason London rick ross yahoo finance iOS 6.1 BlackBerry Kwame Harris

Plane believed to be carrying Snowden in Moscow

MOSCOW (AP) ? An Aeroflot flight from Hong Kong believed to be carrying a former National Security Agency contractor wanted by the United States has landed in Moscow.

Hong Kong's government said Edward Snowden was allowed to leave but did not say where he was headed.

Russia's state ITAR-Tass news agency cited an unnamed Aerflot official saying the Snowden was on Flight SU213, which landed on Sunday afternoon in Moscow.

The report said he intended to fly to Cuba on Monday and then on to Caracas, Venezuela.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/plane-believed-carrying-snowden-moscow-132626347.html

2012 ncaa tournament bracket matterhorn chris harrison girl scouts printable bracket game change own

Televangelist Joel Osteen: The Titanic sank, but Noah?s Ark floated, so something (Americablog)

Share With Friends: Share on FacebookTweet ThisPost to Google-BuzzSend on GmailPost to Linked-InSubscribe to This Feed | Rss To Twitter | Politics - Top Stories News, RSS Feeds and Widgets via Feedzilla.

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/314978459?client_source=feed&format=rss

the shore meryl streep oscar wins sasha baron cohen oscars the artist sacha baron cohen oscars the old curiosity shop jane russell

Baroness Deech: Legal challenges will come if gays can marry but ...

The eventual passage of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, could lead to cohabiting relatives, or carers, being given the same legal status as married couples, the House of Lords has heard.

Baroness Deech spoke during this evening?s House of Lords debate, for its committee stage, to say that the European Court of Human Rights would be likely to support a challenge to civil partnership laws, if they were not opened up to pairs living in non-sexual relationships.

She also introduced an amendment which would have done just that, and would have included carers and relatives, and would protect people living together for decades from having to pay inheritance tax.

The chair of the Bar Standards Board, went on to say that once the equal marriage bill was passed, it would be unfair to people such as a pair of elderly sisters living together, as married?couples?would be treated ?far better?, legally speaking.

?The situation is now even more pertinent and pressing, because the unfairness has increased,? she said.

?Civil partners and married couples, gay or straight, will be treated in law far better than, for example, two elderly sisters who share a house or an elderly father and the daughter who cares for him.?

Baroness Deech?s amendment was withdrawn during committee stage, but she warned of a challenge from the European Court of Human Rights, and said she would revisit the idea at the bill?s third reading.

She predicted that, taking into account same-sex couples being allowed to marry,??my bet is that a discrimination case before the European Court of Human Rights would probably succeed because the Convention prohibits discrimination by birth.?

In a sentiment which was challenged by other peers, she went on to say: ?The state should not prefer sexual relationships, which may be short-lived and serial, over blood relationships that have proved to have endured decades.?

She continued: ?I cannot resist quoting from Irving Berlin?s ?White Christmas?- some of your Lordships may remember it: ?Sisters, sisters, There were never such devoted sisters?.?

Baroness Knight, who recently caused controversy with comments such as that gays are??wonderful,? and ?really good at antiques?, chimed in to say: ?As the years go by the injustices mount. There will be many people who would have been helped if the original amendment had gone through.

?I for one am not prepared to sit here and be told for years and years and years ?tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow? for tomorrow never comes.?

Lord Alli was heavily critical of the amendment, however, saying it would ?devalue? civil partnerships.

Baroness Deech?s amendment was also supported by?Baroness Butler-Sloss,?who said earlier this year that the Government should stop??faffing around with gay marriage?, and the Bishop of Ripon.

?

?

?

?

?

?

Discuss this ?

Enjoyed this article? Add Pink News to your Facebook news feed

Source: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/06/24/baroness-deech-legal-challenges-will-come-if-gays-can-marry-but-cohabiting-sisters-cant-get-a-civil-partnership/

Connecticut shooting Nancy Lanza school shootings Jenni Rivera Adam Lanza Facebook the hobbit mick jagger

Monday, June 24, 2013

President's son says Uganda not a monarchy after succession row

KAMPALA (Reuters) - The son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has said he would not inherit power like a monarch, after a general accused Uganda's veteran leader of grooming his son to take over.

But son Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who commands an elite military unit, did not rule out standing for election for the post in the future in comments published by his spokesman on Facebook.

Speculation has been growing that Museveni, in office since 1986 and one of Africa's longest serving leaders, is lining up his son to take power at the end of his term in 2016, although some say that, aged 68, the president could continue for years.

The issue, often a subject of private discussion, erupted into a public debate last month when a newspaper published a confidential letter by General David Sejusa referring to a plot to kill those opposing a plan to hand power from father to son.

Now in London, Sejusa accused Museveni of creating a "political monarchy" in a BBC interview.

"He says that he has not declared that he wants to stand for presidency," spokesman to Kainerugaba, Edison Kwesiga, wrote on Facebook. "He says that Uganda is not a monarchy where leadership is passed on from father to son."

"However, he is a Ugandan who qualifies to stand for any elective position of his choice. This would require him to retire from the army, offer himself to the electorate who would either vote him in or choose not to," the spokesman added.

Museveni won international accolades during his early years in office for stabilizing the nation and introducing a raft of economic measures that delivered strong growth.

Critics say he has turned into the kind of African strongman many hoped he had replaced and was cracking down on dissent.

In what critics said was part of another move to silence them, opposition leader Kizza Besigye, repeatedly detained in recent years, was briefly arrested on Thursday over accusations he had held an unsanctioned a rally, a charge an aide denied.

(Reporting by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by Edmund Blair and Alison Williams)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/presidents-son-says-uganda-not-monarchy-succession-row-190942113.html

lindsay lohan saturday night live snl lindsay lohan valley fever project x the lorax lorax fisker karma

'Monsters U' scares up $82M box office

Movies

2 hours ago

Image: "Monsters University"

Disney/Pixar

"Monsters University"

Affable monsters and hordes of zombies converged at the North American box office over the weekend to create a perfect storm for moviegoing.

Disney and Pixar's long-awaited sequel "Monsters University" opened to a sizzling $82 million, the No. 2 Pixar opening of all time after "Toy Story 3"($110 million). Overseas, "Monsters U" took in an early $54.5 million from 35 markets for a worldwide debut of $136.5 million.

Brad Pitt zombie pic "World War Z," from Paramount, also overperformed in opening to $66 million, the top launch for an original live-action tentpole since "Avatar." It also marks Pitt's largest opening domestically, easily outpacing the $50.3 million launch of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" in summer 2005. Internationally, "World War Z" debuted to $45.8 million from its first 25 markets for a worldwide total of $111.8 million.

PHOTOS: "World War Z" Premiere: The Zombie apocalypse starts in London

"World War Z's" performance is a notable victory for Paramount, considering many in Hollywood left the film for dead after its release was pushed back from December 2012 in order to allow for numerous reshoots required to reshape the ending. Directed by Marc Forsterand co-financed by Skydance Productions, "World War Z" was a passion project for Pitt, who produced the tentpole.

Domestic box office revenue for the weekend reached an estimated $236 million, the second best of the year after Memorial Day weekend and among the top 10 weekends of all time.

Heading into the frame, box office observers believed "World War Z"would end up in a closer battle with Zack Snyder and Christopher Nolan's "Man of Steel," with many giving Superman an edge over zombies.

As it turned out, "Man of Steel" fell more than expected for an all-audience tentpole, even as it jumped the $200 million mark domestically. The movie grossed $41.2 million in its second weekend, a 65 percent decline, to come in No. 3 and pushing its North American total to $210 million.

Coming in No. 4 was Sony's innovative comedy "This Is the End," which fell just 37 percent in its second weekend. The R-rated pic grossed $13 million for a domestic cume of $57.8 million.

Rounding out the top five was Summit's sleeper hit "Now You See Me." The magician heist pic has enjoyed a great hold, grossing $7.9 million in its fourth weekend for a domestic total of $94.5 million.

The might of "Monsters U," directed by Dan Scanlon, continues Pixar's winning streak at the box office and marks the 14th Pixar title to open to No. 1. The sequel returns Billy Crystal, John Goodman,Steve Buscemi and Frank Oz in the roles of Mike Wazowski, James P. Sullivan, Randall Boggs, and Jeff Fungus, respectively.

"The consistency of the quality that comes from Pixar and John Lasseter and his team is extraordinary. This movie had to live up to a very had to live up to a very high bar, and it did," said Disney executive vice president of distribution Dave Hollis, also noting that the animated tentpole did strong nighttime business in a sign that adults were turning out in addition to families.

"Monsters U" will have plenty of competition in the coming weeks as a record number of 3-D summertoons open at the North American, but a glowing A CinemaScore should help fuel word of mouth.

Overseas, the 2013 summer animation war began over the weekend in Australia, where "Monsters U" debuted opposite University's "Despicable Me 2" in advance of the winter holidays. "Despicable 2" was the victor, grossing $4.3 million. Combined with previews, the toon has earned a total of $6.4 million. "Monsters U" took in $3.5 million.

STORY: "Monsters," "Despicable Me 2," "Turbo": Summer's brutal animation war

Paramount is hoping that "World War Z" -- following the lead of other successful original tentpoles -- enjoys a better-than-usual multiple. "Avatar" debuted to $77 million in December 2009 on its way to cuming $760.5 million domestically, or 10 times its opening number. And in summer 2010, Christopher Nolan's "Inception" grossed $292.6 million, nearly five times its $62 million debut.

"This was an original movie in a summer that's been full of sequels and remakes. I think it captured the public's imagination. Certainly, Brad gave a superb performance," said Paramount vice chairman Rob Moore.

Rated PG-13, "World War Z" earned a B+ CinemaScore.

"World War Z," based on Max Brook's 2006 novel of the same name, was a sizable gamble for the studio, costing $190 million to produce after tax incentives. The budget was originally $150 million, but the additional work -- shepherded by Pitt and Forster alongside Paramount Film Group president Adam Goodman and his team -- bumped up the number.

In the film, Pitt plays a retired U.N. employee who must return to work and stop a worldwide pandemic that is turning humans into zombies. "The Killing's" Mireille Enos stars as his wife.

"World War Z" opened in 25 foreign markets this weekend, including the U.K., South Korea and Australia.

At the specialty box office, Sofia Copolla's "The Bling Ring"came in No. 11 as it made a major push in its second weekend, upping its theater count from five theaters to 650. The indie film, from A24 films, grossed $1.8 million from 650 theaters for a cume of $2.1 million.

Source: http://www.today.com/entertainment/monsters-university-scares-82-million-overcomes-zombie-hordes-6C10423618

ryan leaf luke kuechly brad miller chandler jones peyton hillis fletcher cox charlotte bobcats

Supermoon weekend

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

Source: http://feeds.nbcnews.com/c/35002/f/653377/s/2dafd7d6/l/0Lvideo0Bmsnbc0Bmsn0N0Cid0C52291619/story01.htm

Connecticut shooting Nancy Lanza school shootings Jenni Rivera Adam Lanza Facebook the hobbit mick jagger

Find The Best Ideas For Internet Promotion - Maynas Eric

Any online business needs to emphasize Affiliate marketing for optimal results. There is a tremendous need nowadays to have a good presence on the Internet. An effective online advertising strategy can increase your sales within a few months. Here are some tips that you can use to get you started with your Internet marketing plans.

Effective Online marketing requires you to make the most of all developments in the fields of business and technology. Customers will begin to have doubts in your company if you start to fall behind in terms of advancements. You should always be up-to-date and follow trends, or try starting trends yourself.

You could use different methods to promote your website. Good ways to promote your site for free or cheap would be doing things like posting on blogs, placing posters in local businesses, or using a social networking site. There are a number of methods that you can use to attract visitors to your site. You just need to use a bit of creativity.

TIP! Make sure you get feedback at each stage. This is important if you want to be successful because your potential customers expectations may not match yours.

In order to get into eCommerce, you will have to first build a website. This is a great first step for those new to running a web business. Creating a highly functional and professional site now means less maintenance and fewer headaches later.

Website marketing needs to be taken seriously and researched well. Choose a trustworthy admirable online mentor. Many veteran internet marketers give out free advice, and some mentor newbies for a fee. Choose a system that you are going to want to stick with. You may have a slow start, but in the end, it will be well worth the effort.

It is important to use descriptive captions with any images or pictures that you post. Search engines will use these captions in relation to searches. Good captions can help to improve your rank.

TIP! Try using captions with your images. Like the text in the main body of a web page, image captions are also scanned for keywords by the search engines when they determine relevance and rank pages.

A great way to better you web marketing venture is to blog regularly. Blogging allows you a forum in which your customers can be informed about various products. By blogging you not only grow your site but you also have an opportunity to incorporate more search engine optimization techniques.

It is important to keep detailed information of your website. Information about your traffic and sales over time is invaluable for creating a marketing plan and adapting to changing trends. Keeping accurate records will ensure that you take proper action whenever the need arises.

If you do not change your site often, you may want to refresh the content by adding a blog. Feeding the search engines original content is key. Without it, your site will drop in the rankings. Also, you can incorporate new ideas to your customers through a blog.

TIP! Check out what your competition is up to. It isn?t hard to view your competitors and evaluate their features.

Use video marketing to advertise your wares. Putting videos on your page or blog will grab the attention of customers. Using an interesting picture and title will get a customer?s attention.

One often-overlooked way to build more web traffic is by keeping your website simple. Professional website designers often use multimedia tools such as Microsoft Silverlight and Adoble Flash as ways of tempting novice website owners. They need to also be aware that some visitors cannot use that technology. Potential customers shouldn?t have to download software just to view and use your site.

Make up goals for your website and do everything you can to stick with them. You should also investigate various directories and decide on the types of articles you will include. Depending on the particular directory in question, you may have to write articles that have a particular length or use a certain tone of voice. Keep these rules in mind when you are writing.

TIP! Make sure you provide the information your customers want on your page. If you only have a simple website that has your business address and working hours, you will not have much success online.

If you are trying to sell a product, make a video of it being used. This way the consumer will see you actually using the product. Show every benefit and some unadvertised features of the product. Upload this video to sites such as Youtube, and put it on your blog.

This tactic is clearly important for your business. You have many different means of marketing your business online. There is a variety of knowledge available. Following these guidelines will definitely help you to market successfully.

Join me on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/maynaseric

Source: http://www.maynaseric.com/find-the-best-ideas-for-internet-promotion

case mccoy UFC 155 Jack Klugman merry Christmas a christmas story twas the night before christmas santa

Criminal Court acquits six men charged with gang ... - Minivan News

Criminal Court acquits six men charged with gang rape of 14 year-old girl thumbnail

The Criminal Court has acquitted six men charged with the gang rape of a minor, on the grounds that the prosecution was unable to offer sufficient evidence to prove they were guilty.

Abdulla Nazeef of Fuvamulah, Mohamed Shifau of Villimale?, Azim Ali from Dhigurah in Alif Dhaalu, Hoodh Mohamed of Male? special registry, Inash Abdulla of Gaafu Dhaalu Vaadhoo and Ali Ashraf of Maafannu Athuma were charged with the sexual abuse of a minor by a group.

The Prosecutor General?s Office pressed charges against the six suspects on allegations that on June 5, 2010, they abducted a 14 year-old girl, took her to an abandoned area near the Villimale? antennae area, and raped the victim.

The Criminal Court stated in its verdict that the state had charged the six men under the Special Provisions for Perpetrators of Child Sex Abuse Act of 2009 but had not produced enough evidence as required by the law to declare a person guilty.

According to local media, the court?s verdict stated that the suspects were acquitted as the state had not presented the required number of witnesses to the incident.

The verdict also stated that all the defendants had denied the charges.

According to local media, two of the accused ? Abdulla Nazeef and Mohamed Shifau ? are among the suspects charged with the murder of Ahmed Mirza Ibrahim.

In April 2011, Mirza Ibrahim was struck in the head with an iron bar while he was sitting inside a park in Villingili, the ward of Male? where he lived.

Mirza suffered severe head injuries in the attack and?was rushed to Indira Gandi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), where he was placed on life support but later declared brain-dead.


Source: http://minivannews.com/society/criminal-court-acquits-six-men-charged-with-gang-rape-of-14-year-old-girl-60080

Saul Bass Jeanne Cooper Jody Arias mothers day gifts JA Happ Tim Lambesis jaycee dugard

China's Sinopec buys Marathon's Angola oil fields for $1.52 billion

(Reuters) - China's Sinopec Group has agreed to buy Marathon Oil Corp's (MRO.N) Angolan offshore oil and gas field for $1.52 billion, Asia's largest refiner producer said.

Sonangal Sinopec International Ltd, the group's subsidiary, will acquire Houston-based Marathon's 10 percent stake on the Angolan field called Block 31, it said in a statement late on Friday.

China's oil majors has been on an aggressive hunt for overseas assets to bulk up their energy reserves to meet future demand from the world's second-largest economy.

CNPC agreed in March to buy a $4.2-billion stake in a Mozambique offshore natural gas field and on Friday agreed to buy a 20 percent stake in Novatek's (NVTK.MM) $20-billion Yamal-LNG project in northwest Siberia.

The Angolan Block 31 field, operated by BP (BP.L), has estimated proved and probable reserves of 533 million barrels, Sinopec said, adding that it would hold a stake of 15 percent in the block when the transaction was completed.

The $1.52 billion due to be paid by Sinopec is part of a $3-billion asset disposal target set by Marathon in 2011 to shore up its balance sheet to fund further exploration and development projects.

The deal is subject to approval by the Chinese and Angolan governments.

(Corrects name of company in headline and text as Sinopec, not CNPC)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/chinas-sinopec-buys-marathons-angola-oil-fields-1-141010174.html

Mike Rice yu darvish Skylar Diggins kim jong un Facebook Phone lollapalooza emma watson

Facebook Working On A Mobile News Reader - Business Insider

mark zuckerberg on phone 2

AP

Facebook has been working on a mobile news product for over a year, The Wall Street Journal's Evelyn Rusli reports.

The product, which Facebook employees refer to as "Reader," sounds like a Flipboard competitor. Flipboard is a social news reader for tablets that has more than 50 million users. Facebook's Reader will "displays content from Facebook users and publishers in a new visual format tailored for mobile devices," Rusli's sources say. She's not sure when or if Reader will actually launch though.

Reader's team is being led by Facebook designer Michael Matas, formerly of smart hardware startup Nest and Apple.

Zuckerberg hinted at a social news product in March when News Feed was redesigned and Graph Search was announced. "We want to give everyone in the world the best personalized newspaper in the world," Facebook's CEO said then.

Facebook will have its work cut out for it. There is no shortage of mobile news readers. Circa is a venture-backed app that summarizes news stories so they can be easily scanned on the go. Twitter has also started to develop a news team to highlight trending topics and social content.

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-working-on-a-mobile-news-reader-2013-6

reggie bush pope Chris Cline New Pope Jeff Gordon Test Drive Veronica Mars Pope John Paul II

Findings emphasize importance of vitamin D in pregnancy

June 22, 2013 ? Pregnant women pass low levels of vitamin D on to their babies at almost three times the extent previously thought, according to new research carried out at London's Kingston University.

While current studies suggest that around a fifth (19 per cent) of a newborn baby's supply or deficiency of vitamin D comes directly from its mother, experts from Kingston's School of Life Sciences have discovered that the figure is, in fact, almost three times as high at 56 per cent. The results have been revealed using a new measuring technique, developed in the laboratories at Kingston, which is able to examine eight different forms of vitamin D in greater detail for the first time.

The study, just published in Nutrition Journal, focused on 120 samples taken from 60 Greek mothers and their babies. The research was conducted with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece. Although the Mediterranean nation enjoys more hours of sunshine than the United Kingdom, the research revealed that many of the mothers had low levels of vitamin D, suggesting that what they ate was an equally important source.

Professor Declan Naughton, who headed the Kingston University research team, said the findings made it more important than ever that mothers-to-be received the key nutrient not only through sunlight but also through foods such as oily fish. "The impact that mothers deficient in vitamin D have on their babies' levels is a much bigger problem than we thought," Professor Naughton said. "Maintaining good supplies during pregnancy is clearly of vital importance for both mothers' and babies' long term health."

Lack of the vitamin in pregnant women has been linked to diabetes and increased rates of caesarean section births, while babies can be smaller than average. In children, the deficiency can cause rickets -- a soft bone disease.

Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining good levels of calcium and phosphate which help form healthy bones and teeth. The two main forms are vitamin D3, which primarily comes from sunlight, and D2 which is found in a small number of foods including egg yolk, mushrooms, farmed salmon, mackerel, sardines and fortified bread and cereals. Processes in the body convert the vitamin into what is known as the circulating form -- the type commonly measured in routine blood tests -- followed by the active form -- the type that promotes calcium absorption, cell growth and immunity.

Professor Naughton and his team found that the type of vitamin D commonly measured in blood tests was not as reliable an indicator of vitamin D activity as other strands. They went on to discover that two epimer forms, previously thought to be unimportant, influenced levels in babies. "This shows the need for more accurate measurement to assess levels of vitamin D as well as the need to look more closely at its different forms," Professor Naughton said.

Further clinical studies would be required to examine the effectiveness of vitamin D supplements in pregnant women to see whether particular factors made it difficult for them to absorb the nutrient, Professor Naughton added.

The research forms part of wider investigations being conducted by Professor Naughton and his team into vitamin D's role in conditions including Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/~3/eecPir_52FI/130622154450.htm

supreme court justices 19 kids and counting danny o brien alicia silverstone park slope food coop anchorman sequel safety not guaranteed

Rihanna Instagrams HUGE Joints, Wishes U.S. Would #LegalizeIt

Source:

Angie Miller nina dobrev nina dobrev HLN Charles Ramsey Mike Jeffries Farrah Abraham Video

Mobile Miscellany: week of June 17th, 2013

Mobile Miscellany week of June 17th, 2013

If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This week, Ting went rogue and all but confirmed the HTC Tiara, Boost Mobile did the obvious and announced a phone that's long been rumored in its pipeline and Wind welcomed a new, compact Samsung handset into the fold. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore all that's happening in the mobile world for this week of June 17th, 2013.

Filed under: ,

Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/22/mobile-miscellany/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget

Yom Kippur 2012 Aaron Paul packers Dancing With The Stars All Stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt space shuttle Torrey Smith Brother

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Flytecam Is A Streamlined GoPro Challenger

Flytecam Is A Streamlined GoPro ChallengerWhether you need another option or not, Flytecam is a 1080p POV video camera that's looking to compete. It has specs that land it between GoPro's lowest and middle tier offerings, but it's supposed to be cheaper and doesn't require waterproof or shock resistant cases.

Read more...

    


Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/jHqBFHwPAg4/flytecam-is-a-streamlined-gopro-challenger-550612931

sugarland 16 and pregnant ludwig mies van der rohe jamie lynn sigler mega millions jackpot black panther party frank martin

Gunmen kill 9 foreign tourists, 1 Pakistani

ISLAMABAD (AP) ? Gunmen wearing police uniforms killed nine foreign tourists and one Pakistani before dawn Sunday as they were visiting one of the world's highest mountains in a remote area of northern Pakistan, officials said.

The foreigners who were killed included five Ukrainians, three Chinese and one Russian, said Pakistani Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan. One Chinese tourist was rescued, he said. Earlier reports indicated 11 foreign tourists were killed.

The attack took place at the base camp of Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain in the world. It's unclear if they were planning to climb the mountain or were just visiting the base camp, which is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.

The shooting is likely to damage the country's struggling tourism industry. Pakistan's mountainous north ? considered until now relatively safe ? is one of the main attractions in a country beset with insurgency and other political instability.

The gunmen were wearing uniforms used by the Frontier Constabulary, a paramilitary police force that patrols the area, said a senior local government official. The attackers beat up the Pakistanis who were accompanying the tourists, took their money and tied them up, said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media.

They checked the identities of the Pakistanis and shot to death one of them, possibly because he was a minority Shiite Muslim, said the official. Although Gilgit-Baltistan is a relatively peaceful area, it has experienced attacks by radical Sunni Muslims on Shiites in recent years.

The attackers took the money and passports from the foreigners and then gunned them down, said the official. It's unclear how the Chinese tourist who was rescued managed to avoid being killed.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Many foreign tourists stay away from Pakistan because of the perceived danger of visiting a country that is home to a large number of Islamic militant groups, such as the Taliban and al-Qaida, which mostly reside in the northwest near the Afghan border. But a relatively small number of intrepid foreigners visit Gilgit-Baltistan during the summer to marvel at the peaks of the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges, including K2, the second highest mountain in the world.

Syed Mehdi Shah, the chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, condemned the attack and expressed fear that it would seriously damage the region's tourism industry.

"A lot of tourists come to this area in the summer, and our local people work to earn money from these people," said Shah. "This will not only affect our area, but will adversely affect all of Pakistan."

Shah said authorities are still trying to get more information about exactly what happened to the tourists. The area where the attack occurred, Bunar Nala, is only accessible by foot or on horseback, and communications can be difficult, said Shah. Bunar Nala is on one of three routes to reach Nanga Parbat, he said.

The area has been cordoned off by police and paramilitary soldiers, and a military helicopter is searching the area, said Shah. The military plans to airlift the bodies of the foreign tourists to Islamabad, he said.

"God willing we will find the perpetrators of this tragic incident," said Shah.

The government suspended the top police chief in Gilgit-Baltistan following the attack and has ordered an inquiry into the incident, said Khan, the interior minister.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/gunmen-kill-9-foreign-tourists-1-pakistani-065625971.html

binders of women presidential debates Felix Baumgartner Little Nemo

Brazil: 250K protest against govt corruption

SAO PAULO (AP) ? More than 250,000 anti-government demonstrators again took to streets in several Brazilian cities Saturday and engaged police in some isolated, intense conflicts. Anger over political corruption emerged as the unifying issue for the demonstrators, who vowed to stay in the streets until concrete steps are taken to reform the political system.

Across Brazil, protesters gathered to denounce legislation, known as PEC 37, that would limit the power of federal prosecutors to investigate crimes ? which many fear would hinder attempts to jail corrupt politicians.

Federal prosecutors were behind the investigation into the biggest corruption case in Brazil's history, the so-called "mensalao" cash-for-votes scheme that came to light in 2005 and involved top aides of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva buying off members of congress to vote for their legislation.

Last year, the supreme court condemned two dozen people in connection to the case, which was hailed as a watershed moment in Brazil's fight against corruption. However, those condemned have yet to be jailed because of appeals, a delay that has enraged Brazilians.

The protests continued despite a prime-time speech the night before from President Dilma Rousseff, a former leftist guerrilla who was tortured during Brazil's military dictatorship. She tried to appease demonstrators by reiterating that peaceful protests were a welcome, democratic action and emphasizing that she would not condone corruption in her government.

"Dilma is underestimating the resolve of the people on the corruption issue," said Mayara Fernandes, a medical student who took part in a march Saturday in Sao Paulo. "She talked and talked and said nothing. Nobody can take the corruption of this country anymore."

The wave of protests began as opposition to transportation fare hikes, then became a laundry list of causes including anger at high taxes, poor services and high World Cup spending, before coalescing around the issue of rampant government corruption. They have become the largest public demonstrations Latin America's biggest nation has seen in two decades.

Across Brazil, police estimated that about 60,000 demonstrators gathered in a central square in the city of Belo Horizonte, 30,000 shut down a main business avenue in Sao Paulo, and another 30,000 gathered in the city in southern Brazil where a nightclub fire killed over 240 mostly university students, deaths many argued could have been avoided with better government oversight of fire laws. Tens of thousands more protested in more than 100 Brazilian cities, bringing the nationwide total to 250,000, according to a police count published on the website of the Globo TV network, Brazil's largest.

In Belo Horizonte, police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters who tried to pass through a barrier and hurled rocks at a car dealership. Salvador also saw protests turn violent.

During her pre-recorded TV speech, Rousseff promised that she would always battle corruption and that she would meet with peaceful protesters, governors and the mayors of big cities to create a national plan to improve urban transportation and use oil royalties for investments in education.

Many Brazilians, shocked by a week of protests and violence, hoped that Rousseff's words after several days of silence from the leader would soothe tensions and help avoid more violence, but not all were convinced by her promises of action.

Victoria Villela, a 21-year-old university student in the Sao Paulo protest, said she was "frustrated and exhausted by the endless corruption of our government."

"It was good Dilma spoke, but this movement has moved too far, there was not much she could really say. All my friends were talking on Facebook about how she said nothing that satisfied them. I think the protests are going to continue for a long time and the crowds will still be huge."

Around her, fathers held young boys aloft on their shoulders, older women gathered in clusters with their faces bearing yellow and green stripes, the colors of Brazil's flag.

In the northeastern city of Salvador, where Brazil's national football team played Italy and won 4-2 in a Confederations Cup match, some 5,000 protesters gathered about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the stadium, shouting demands for better schools and transportation and denouncing heavy spending on next year's World Cup.

They blocked a main road and clashed with riot police who moved in to clear the street. Protesters said police used rubber bullets and even tossed tear gas canisters from a helicopter hovering overhead. The protesters scattered and fled to a nearby shopping mall, where they tried to take shelter in an underground parking garage.

"We sat down and the police came and asked us to free up one lane for traffic. As we were organizing our group to do just that, the police lost their patience and began to shoot at us and throw (tear gas) canisters," said Rodrigo Dorado.

That was exactly the type of conflict Rousseff said needed to end, not just so Brazilians could begin a peaceful national discussion about corruption but because much of the violence is taking place in cities hosting foreign tourists attending the Confederations Cup.

Brazil's news media, which had blasted Rousseff in recent days for her lack of response to the protests, seemed largely unimpressed with her careful speech, but noted the difficult situation facing a government trying to understand a mass movement with no central leaders and a flood of demands.

With "no objective information about the nature of the organization of the protests," wrote Igor Gielow in a column for Brazil's biggest newspaper, Folha de S. Paulo, "Dilma resorted to an innocuous speech to cool down spirits."

At its height, some 1 million anti-government demonstrators took to the streets nationwide on Thursday night with grievances ranging from public services to the billions of dollars spent preparing for international sports events.

Outside the stadium in Belo Horizonte where Mexico and Japan met in a Confederations Cup game, Dadiana Gamaleliel, a 32-year-old physiotherapist, held up a banner that read: "Not against the games, in favor of the nation."

"I am protesting on behalf of the whole nation because this must be a nation where people have a voice ... we don't have a voice anymore," she said.

She said Rousseff's speech wouldn't "change anything."

"She spoke in a general way and didn't say what she would do," she said. "We will continue this until we are heard."

___

Associated press writers Tales Azzoni and Ricardo Zuniga in Salvador, Stan Lehman in Sao Paulo and Rob Harris in Belo Horizonte contributed to this report

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/brazil-250k-protest-against-govt-corruption-015658186.html

hayden panettiere stacey dash christopher columbus columbus day columbus day Stacy Dash Amber Tamblyn

Wells breaks out with big hit, Yanks beat Rays 7-5

NEW YORK (AP) ? Vernon Wells broke out of his big slump with a pinch-hit, three-run double, and the New York Yankees rallied to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 7-5 on Saturday.

Wells was in a 9-for-87 slide that landed him on the bench the past two days, with rookie outfielder Zoilo Almonte starting in his place. But with the Yankees trailing 5-4 in the seventh inning, Wells batted for No. 9 hitter Chris Stewart with the bases loaded and two outs.

Wells' drive to right-center bounced above the top of the wall, where it hit a fan's glove and was ruled fan interference.

The umpires allowed all three runners to cross home plate, determining David Adams would have scored from first base if not for the fan interference. They sent Wells back to second, but the Yankees suddenly had a 7-5 lead.

Rays manager Joe Maddon argued that it should have been called a ground-rule double, with only two runs scoring.

Tampa Bay led 5-3 after top prospect Wil Myers hit a grand slam for his first career home run in the sixth.

Wells' clutch hit got CC Sabathia (8-5) off the hook after he allowed five runs in seven innings. Mariano Rivera worked a scoreless ninth for his 26th save.

Meanwhile, Almonte kept up his hot hitting, starting in Wells' place in left field. On Friday night, he went 3 for 4 with a home run. He was 1 for 2 with two walks and three RBIs on Saturday.

David Robertson came on after the Yankees took the lead and pitched a perfect eighth with two strikeouts.

Joel Peralta (1-4) took over for the Rays in the seventh and immediately got in trouble. He loaded the bases on two walks and Lyle Overbay's double, and was pulled for Jake McGee.

McGee struck out Jayson Nix for the second out but walked Adams to force in a run, the second time the Yankees scored on a bases-loaded walk.

Wells then batted for Stewart, who was 0 for 3 with a double play to end a second-inning threat.

The Rays trailed 3-1 when the Yankees intentionally walked Evan Longoria with two outs to get to Myers.

The rookie came in hitting .190 in five games since he was called up from the minors at the beginning of the week. He'd had exactly one hit in four straight games before going 3 for 4 on Saturday in his first start as a designated hitter.

Longoria was 2 for 2 with a double and a solo homer that accounted for the Rays' lone run when the Yankees intentionally walked him. On a 1-2 count, Myers hit a high fly to center. Brett Gardner jumped at the fence and the ball bounced off the webbing of his glove and into the stands, though it appeared to already be over the wall when he touched it.

Rays rookie starter Alex Colome is yet to allow an earned run over 10 innings in two career starts. He gave up three unearned runs, five hits and five walks with three strikeouts in 4 1-3 innings.

With two outs in the third, Almonte singled on a two-strike count to drive in two runs and give the Yankees a 2-1 lead. He walked with the bases loaded in the fifth.

NOTES: Myers became the second player in club history to hit a grand slam for his first career homer. Jorge Velandia did it in 2007, also against the Yankees. ... Rays LHP Alex Torres allowed no hits and struck out three in 1 2-3 innings, extending his scoreless streak to open the season to 20 innings. ... Yankees 2B Robinson Cano had a career-high four walks. ... RHP Ivan Nova (2-1) looks to extend his career record against Tampa Bay at Yankee Stadium to 5-0 on Sunday, the park's 67th Old-Timers' Day. Rays RHP Chris Archer (1-3), their second straight rookie starter, is 0-5 on the road in his career.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/wells-breaks-big-hit-yanks-beat-rays-7-204853459.html

Walmart Black Friday 2012 Paula Broadwell Tilted Kilt Barbara Palvin Yahoo Fantasy Football Nick Foles Auguste Rodin

Kerry: Syria urgently needs a political solution

DOHA, Qatar (AP) ? Unless the bloodshed in Syria stops, the region could descend into a chaotic sectarian conflict, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Saturday, as he called for an urgent political resolution to the war that has dragged on for two years and claimed 93,000 lives.

The top U.S. diplomat and his counterparts from 10 Arab and European nations agreed at a daylong meeting in Qatar to step up military and other assistance to the Syrian rebels. But Kerry would not disclose details of the aid, saying only that it would re-balance the fight between the rebels and President Bashar Assad's better-equipped forces that are increasingly backed by Iranian and Hezbollah fighters.

"The continued bloodshed at the hands of the Assad regime and the increasing involvement of Iran and its proxy, Hezbollah, threaten the very prospects of a political settlement and of peace," Kerry said, adding that the U.S. and other nations are not backing the rebels to seek a military victory in Syria.

"We do so to ... find a political settlement," he said. "Reliable civilian governance and a stronger and more effective armed opposition will better enable the opposition to be able to provide the counterweight to the initiative of Assad to reach out across borders ... to bring Iranians and to bring Hezbollah - again, a terrorist organization - to the table."

Rebels say they have already received new weapons from allied countries? but not the U.S. ? that they claim will help them to shift the balance of power on the ground where regime forces have scored recent military victories. Experts and activists said the new weapons include anti-tank missiles and small quantities of anti-aircraft missiles.

"Our information from Doha says that five countries have decided to start arming us immediately, and four other countries will give us logistical and technical support and, at a later stage, arm the Free Syrian Army," a spokesman for the opposition fighters, Loay AlMikdad, said in an interview with Qatar's Al-Jazeera TV. He said the nations were both Arab and non-Arab, but he would not elaborate.

It was Kerry's first meeting with his counterparts about aid to the Syrian rebels since President Barack Obama announced that the U.S. would send lethal aid to the opposition despite concern that the weapons could fall into the hands of Islamic extremists in Syria. That decision was partly based on a U.S. intelligence assessment that Assad had used chemical weapons, but Kerry expressed deeper concern about how Iran and Hezbollah fighters had joined the fight.

"That is a very, very dangerous development," Kerry said. "Hezbollah is a proxy for Iran. ... Hezbollah in addition to that is a terrorist organization."

Kerry blamed Hezbollah and Assad with undermining efforts to negotiate a settlement and set up a transitional government.

"We're looking at a very dangerous situation," that has transformed "into a much more volatile, potentially explosive situation that could involve the entire region," Kerry said.

The war already has spilled into neighboring countries and is increasingly being fought along sectarian lines, pitting Sunni against Shiite Muslims and threatening the stability of Syria's neighbors.

Kerry said top U.S. diplomats are ready to go to Geneva to meet with U.N.-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi and other officials next week to advance the political process.

Doha was the first stop on Kerry's two-week trip through the Mideast and Asia. He is to discuss a wide range of bilateral issues on Sunday and Monday with Indian officials in New Delhi ? just one stop on a seven-nation tour where he will tackle prickly U.S. foreign policy issues ? from finding peace between the Israelis and Palestinians to trying to gain traction on U.S. talks with the Taliban to end the Afghanistan war.

James Dobbins, U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, arrived in Doha on Saturday, but talks with the Taliban, which were supposed to take place in coming days, have not been scheduled. They are to be held at a controversial new political office the Taliban just opened in Doha.

Kerry said the Americans and Qataris were on board to help negotiate a political resolution to the war, but it was up to the Taliban to come to the table. "We are waiting to find out whether the Taliban will respond, Kerry said, lowering expectations about the prospects for negotiation.

"We will see if we can get back on track. I don't know whether that's possible or not," Kerry said. "If there is not a decision made by the Taliban to move forward in short order, then we may have to consider whether the office has to be closed."

At the close of the meeting, the eleven nations ? the U.S., Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Britain, Germany, France and Italy ? expressed concern about the growing sectarian nature of the Syrian conflict, renewed their call on the regime to let U.N. investigators probe the reported use of chemical weapons and condemned the intervention of Hezbollah militias and fighters from Iran and Iraq.

In a joint press conference in Tehran, Iran Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi and his Lebanese counterpart Adnan Mansour lambasted Western powers that arm and support Syrian opposition fighters.

"I am shocked to see how Western powers speak of human rights and act otherwise when it comes to Syria ? where they arm cannibals who fought in Syria so that they (opposition fighters) continue their atrocities more than before," Salehi said.

In their communique, the ministers expressed support for a transitional governing body that would take charge of military and other government institutions. But they added that "Bashar Assad has no role in the transitional governing body or thereafter."

That is a sticking point with Russia, a key Assad ally that has resisted calls for his removal.

Russia may have worked to assure Assad government's attendance at any future peace conference, but Moscow also has been undermining peace efforts by sending more weapons to help the Syrian government's counteroffensive against the rebels.

Russian leaders warn that if Assad steps aside, the resulting power vacuum could be quickly filled by al-Qaida connected rebels, who are well-armed and aggressive.

___

Associated Press writers Amir Vahdat in Tehran and Sarah El Deeb in Beirut contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/kerry-syria-urgently-needs-political-solution-192130086.html

the rock vs john cena acm awards 2012 january jones ncaa final game reba mcentire acm awards global payments

Supermoon puts on quite a show; social media takes note

Supermoon

Supermoon over the Queen Mary in Long Beach on Saturday. (Russ Parsons)

June 22, 2013, 9:22 p.m.

The Supermoon put on quite a show Saturday night in Southern California -- and it had many reaching for their cameras.

The so-called supermoon will reach its closest distance to the Earth at exactly 4:32 a.m. PDT Sunday, but both Saturday evening and Sunday morning will offer good opportunities to observe the spectacle, according to NASA. The supermoon will be up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon.

?

Here are some of the images aggregated from social media:

?

?

One person captured this panoramic video of the moon over the L.A. skyline from Griffith Park.

Here's another video of the supermoon vying for attention with a police helicopter.

When the moon reaches its perigee, it will be just 221,824 miles away from Earth -- or 16,176 miles closer than usual.

Those who hope to maximize their viewing experience should set their sights on the distant horizon with objects such as mountains or buildings in the foreground, which will make the moon appear even larger.

The supermoon may have a tiny effect on the Earth's tides, but even if you live near the beach you probably won't notice it. NASA officials say that tides may be an inch higher than usual.

ALSO:

Obama picks California watchdog for FEC

LAPD's firing of Christopher Dorner was justified, report says

After FBI raid, Sen. Ronald Calderon forms legal defense fund

Source: http://feeds.latimes.com/~r/latimes/news/science/~3/hOAwHS44He4/la-me-ln-supermoon-puts-on-quite-a-show-social-media-takes-note-20130622,0,2680198.story

Sebastien De La Cruz farrah abraham national weather service superman man of steel superman man of steel amy adams kanye west