Fukushima radioactive water 'leak'

9 April 2013 Last updated at 07:15 ET

A fresh suspected leak of radioactive water has been detected at Japan's tsunami-hit Fukushima nuclear plant, its operator says.

The contaminated water may have leaked into the ground from one of the plant's storage tanks, Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) said.

The nuclear plant has suffered two power failures in the past month.

Separately, the International Atomic Energy Agency said it would visit the plant to conduct a review.

If confirmed, the leak at the underground storage pool would be the third leak discovered at the plant since Saturday.

The underground tanks store radioactive water that have been used in the plant's cooling systems.

'Tremendous worry'

The suspected leak was detected at the plant's number one pool, the destination for contaminated water from the number two pool, which was also leaking. The transfer has now been stopped.

"We understand that we have caused tremendous worry to the people of Fukushima and the wider public and we apologise for that," Tepco spokesman Masayuki Ono told reporters.

Tepco said that while water may have leaked into the ground, it did not believe the water had reached the sea.

It was "currently investigating the cause and countermeasures", said the company in a statement.

Meanwhile, the IAEA said it would send a team of experts to the site of the Fukushima Daiichi power plant from 15 to 22 April to review the government's decommissioning plans for the plant.

The visit had been requested by the Japanese government, the IAEA added.

In the past month, Fukushima nuclear plant has experienced two power outages that shut down some of its cooling systems for spent fuel ponds.

On 11 March 2011, an earthquake and tsunami crippled the plant. Waves knocked out cooling systems for the reactors, leading to meltdowns at three of them.

Engineers have since stabilised the plant but years of work lie ahead to fully contain the disaster and tackle its effects.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22079370#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

barry sanders jr nick carter sister recruiting rankings san onofre paula deen birth control recall nick carter

achtung berlin for Android

---

'; var s = ''; if (!ad_total) { return; } var end_prefoto = 0; /* banner prefoto */ if ($('#bannerUp_prefoto').length) { s += sCap; var end_prefoto = max_ads_prefoto; for (ad_seguent; ad_seguent 1) { s = ''; s += sCap; if (end_prefoto == 0) { var end_postfoto = end_prefoto+max_ads_prefoto+max_ads_postfoto; } else { var end_postfoto = end_prefoto+max_ads_postfoto; } for (ad_seguent; ad_seguent ' + '' + ga.line1 + '' + ' '+ ga.visible_url + '' + '

' + ga.line2 + ' ' + ga.line3 + '

' + ''; } google_ad_client = 'pub-7897364620851203'; google_ad_channel = '1440044427+1937719618+2071285907'; google_ad_output = 'js'; google_max_num_ads = 11; google_ad_type = 'text'; google_feedback = 'on'; $(document).ready(function () { //show / hide embed widget var embedVisited = false; $('.buttonEmbed').click(function() { if ($('.embedCode').is(':visible')) { $('.embedCode').hide(); $(this).removeClass('hover'); } else { if (!embedVisited) { $('.embedResult').html($('.embedCode > textarea:first').val()); embedVisited = true; setTimeout("$('.embedCode').show();", 250); } else { $('.embedCode').show(); } $(this).addClass('hover'); $('a.close').click(function () { $('.embedCode').hide(); $('.buttonEmbed').removeClass('hover'); }); } }); }); //]]> achtung berlin ? new berlin film award
17th to 24th April 2013

The Official Festival App!

---

Source: http://www.appszoom.com/android_applications/entertainment/achtung-berlin_fwndg.html?utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Free++Applications+for+Android

suits PlayStation Network chip kelly NRA Golden Globes 2013 Anna Kendrick Sandy Hook conspiracy

The Top 10 Home Based Business Ideas | Build Success

Internet is a great innovation. Its invention has made it possible for people to improve their standard of living with various means of having home based business and be earning regular incomes without having to leave the comfort of their house. Online business has become a better option for those people who want to real cash doing business online. Either you are a male of female, old or young, as read and write and you are able to operate a computer, then the sky is the limit to the length you can attain in making money online. There is lots of business opportunity online, but potential online investors needs to be sure and fully understand the scope of any online business before putting their money and time into it. The lack of basic knowledge of online business can be detrimental to the success of the investor. In addition, apart from those online businesses which require initial investment, there are so many other money making opportunity online where people can earn reasonable amount of cash without having to put in any initial investment, so the choice is yours, as you can choose to select the type of online home based business that you think is the best for you.

The Top 10 Home Based Business Ideas
Of course the best online business is the type of business that requires no initial investment. This will only require you, your time, initiatives and how hardworking you are. There are a few type of this online business, and this includes;
1. Online Writer: You can choose to be a ghost writer and be writing articles, speeches, SEO contents, academics projects, e-books and so on. Your time, skills and your ability will determine how far you can go as a ghost writer. This is a lucrative online business where profit is guarantee as long as you are ready to work.

2. Affiliates: This is another form of online business that requires no initial capital. It is now easy for people to build their personal website and be earning regular money as affiliates of big companies with the use of their own website. As an affiliate, you will be provided with a link and this will give you the opportunity to receive commission when people buy the company?s product through your personal link. You will only need to promote the link with viral marketing tools.
In addition, your websites is another money making machine, as it is capable of generating significant amount o money for you regularly. You can earn money with Google ad sense with the use of your site. You can sell products such as e-books, software, music downloads and so on your website.

3. E-Commerce e website: This is one the most popular home based business any one can do. It simply involves building a website and be selling product on it. It is very simply to have an online stores and be selling different product through the store as you will only be require to upload the pictures of your product and all other relevant information about it.

4. Online stock trading:
Silver and Gold; This requires initial investment, but one of the most profitable online business. There are different ways to trade on the stock market, but the best is trading with Gold and Silver. These are the two most popular traded metals in the stock trading market and with great potentials of giving the investor high turn out. The trading online requires the investor to buy at low price and sell at higher price. But it is extremely important for investors to properly follow the Gold and Silver spot price, since this is the indicator that determines the current price of these precious metals.
Moreover, if you are new comer in the business of trading Gold and Silver online, then must first pass trough the necessary training at the initial stage, so that you will be familiar with the techniques and the trading tools that will help you to be successful trading in the business.

5. Software programmer: You can choose to a software programmer and be selling your software online. As a software programmer, you have the opportunity of selling repeatedly the same written software at all time and this will give you the chance to be making as much as possible money online.

6. Blogger: You blog can earn you regularly income from home. You will not require to leave the comfort of your house to be a blogger, but only make sure that you focus on a particular niche, as this will be of help you.

7. Security broker: This is a home based business. it has to do with individual who have financial knowledge and can trade on behalf of their clients.

8. Forex: This is a great way for people to earn regular money online. This home based business deals with buying and selling of foreign currency on a trading platform. You will only need to learn and be familiar with the trading tools and how to use them effectively.

9. Recruiting: This is another form of home base business. You will only need to be recruiting candidate for companies who pay a particular amount of fee when hire is made.

10.Online consultant: Of course you can be an online consultant and be offering various services to people from all across the world.

Source: http://seomaster.ra6.org/2013/04/06/the-top-10-home-based-business-ideas/

nashville predators king arthur king arthur there will be blood there will be blood nigel barker 420

Gay GOP activist considers primary against Sen. Lindsey Graham (Washington Post)

Share With Friends: | | Politics - Top Stories Stories, News Feeds and News via Feedzilla.

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/290660030?client_source=feed&format=rss

paul babeu kevin costner budweiser shootout animal house invincible jesse jackson whitney houston funeral video

EU fines Microsoft $733 million for breaking browser pact

AMSTERDAM (AP) - The European Union has fined Microsoft ?561 million ($733 million) for breaking a pledge to offer personal computer users a choice of Internet browsers when they install the company's flagship Windows operating system.

The penalty imposed by the EU's executive arm, the Commission, is a first for Brussels: no company has ever failed to keep its end of a bargain with EU authorities before.

In 2009, Microsoft Corp. struck a broad settlement with the Commission to resolve disputes over the company's abuse of the dominance of Windows, which had spanned more than a decade.

Back then, the company agreed to pay ?860 million and promised to give Windows users the option of choosing another browser rather than having Microsoft's Internet Explorer automatically installed on their machines.

But Microsoft failed to stick to the deal for some 15 million installations of Windows 7 software in Europe from May 2011 until July 2012. The company admitted the failure last year, adding that it was a mistake.

The Commission's top competition regulator, Joaquin Almunia, said at a press conference in Brussels, Belgium, Wednesday that the fine reflected the size of the violation and the length of time it went on for. It was also intended to make an example of Microsoft and deter other companies from doing same thing. In theory, the commission could have fined Microsoft up to 10 percent of its global annual sales during the period the violation took place.

"A failure to comply is a very serious infringement that must be sanctioned accordingly," Almunia said.

Keith Hylton, a professor of law and antitrust specialist at Boston Universtiry said the fine was "far in excess of any benefit Microsoft could have gotten from the error, and vastly in excess of any harm to EU consumers, who are all aware of alternatives to Internet Explorer."

In all, Microsoft has now paid ?2.2 billion in fines to the Commission since 1998, when regulators opened their first investigations into the company.

Anthony Sabino, an antitrust lawyer and professor at St. John's University, said the Commission was right to fine Microsoft, but the size of the penalty seemed "disproportionate...perhaps even petty, given that Microsoft has paid its fines and yielded to all the demands of the EU."

"They have been slow to acknowledge that, while powerful, Microsoft is not invincible," he said.

Sabino added that Microsoft may be paying the price in part for its aggressiveness in the past in testing the limits of what regulators will tolerate.

Given the length of time the latest violation went on, and the number of users affected, "it does strain credibility" that Microsoft wouldn't have known it had failed to keep its part of the agreement, Sabino added.

For its part, Microsoft was apologetic.

"We take full responsibility for the technical error that caused this problem and have apologized for it," the company said in a statement. "We provided the Commission with a complete and candid assessment of the situation, and we have taken steps ... to help avoid this mistake - or anything similar - in the future."

Microsoft's Internet Explorer still has a 56 percent market share for Internet browsers on personal computers, according to statistics by Net Applications. Mozilla's Firefox has 20 percent while Google's Chrome has a 17 percent share. Microsoft is required to continue to offer consumers a choice of browsers through 2014.

But the wider competitive landscape has changed greatly since the Commission started its action against Microsoft. Software applications on mobile phones usually bypass browsers entirely. Tech companies are now often less concerned with Internet browsers and more concerned about Google Inc.'s dominance in Internet search technology, Facebook's dominance in social networking, and Apple's dominance on mobile devices.

"For technology companies, often the best policeman is technological progress itself," Sabino said.

Rather than imposing unilateral fines, Almunia has advocated negotiated settlements since he took over as commissioner in 2010. He believes that competition issues are best resolved quickly and that slapping big fines on companies years after the fact does little to help consumers.

But he said the whole point of a settlement is undermined when companies then don't abide by its terms.

"They must do what they committed to do, or face the consequences," he said.

Almunia conceded that the Commission had been "naive" in appointing Microsoft itself to oversee compliance with the agreement, and said the Commission won't allow that in the future.

Source: http://www.katu.com/news/tech/EU-fines-Microsoft-733-million-for-breaking-browser-pact-195552961.html

Dell Levis Fireman Ed Allegiant Air Melissa Rycroft

PFT: Draft prospect Lotulelei has heart condition

Getty Images

If the Ravens want to make Joe Flacco the highest paid quarterback in the NFL, and if Flacco is satisfied to barely clear the bar set last year by Saints quarterback Drew Brees, there?s a quick and easy way to get this contract done.

Using Brees? 2012 contract as the starting point, Flacco would get a $40 million signing bonus, a fully-guaranteed base salary of $5 million in 2013, and base salaries of $10 million in 2014, $13 million in 2015, $15 million in 2016, and $18 million in 2017.

Under the rules of signing-bonus proration, $8 million would be applied to each year?s salary cap.? That would result in a cap number of $13 million in 2013, $18 million in 2014, $21 million in 2015, $23 million in 2016, and $26 million in 2017.

It equates to a five-year payout of $101 million ? $1 million better than Brees and, for now, making Flacco the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL.

The two sides would have to decide whether and to what extent the money due beyond 2013 would be guaranteed, for injury only or fully.? Last year, Brees received $40 million in the first year, with $20 million guaranteed for injury only in future years.? (The injury guarantees eventually convert to full guarantees.)

The cap number in the final year would be a potential problem for the Ravens, since Flacco presumably would have one more long-term contract left before retirement.? Specifically, the $26 million cap number in 2017 would translate to a franchise tag of $31.2 million in 2018.? Thus, it would make more sense for the Ravens to tack on a sixth year at a base salary of, say, $21 million.

This would keep the average north of $20 million per year and it would give the Ravens a more manageable franchise number of $25.2 million for 2019.

Is it really that simple?? Yes, it is.? Which means that it likely won?t happen this way.

Even though it could be worked out in a matter of hours.? Or, if both sides are truly motivated, a matter of minutes.

Source: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/02/24/combine-medical-test-reveals-star-lotulelei-has-heart-condition/related/

friday night lights nick santino bruce arians the misfits hook

'Blade Runner' Oscar Pistorius charged with murder

The athlete who rose to fame in London last summer as the first amputee runner in the Olympics has reportedly been arrested by South African police after his girlfriend was shot and killed in his home. NBC's Rohit Kachroo reports and NBC sports analyst Ato Boldon talks about the case, calling it an "absolute shock."

By John Newland, Jason Cumming and Cecile Antonie, NBC News

Olympic and Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius?was charged with murder Thursday after his girlfriend was shot dead at his South African home.

South African Police spokeswoman Denise Beukes said that Pistorius, 26, and the victim were the only people present when the shooting took place.?The woman had been shot at least twice, police said.

Pistorius will appear for a court hearing on Friday at 9am local time, the South African prosecutor?s office confirmed.

Numerous media outlets reported that the sprinter -- who is nicknamed "Blade Runner" because he races wearing carbon fiber prosthetic blades --?may have mistaken the woman for an intruder.?

Beukes would not confirm the victim's identity, but said investigators were "very surprised" to hear media reports that the shooting was possibly a case of mistaken identity.?

A publicist for Reeva Steenkamp, a model whom Pistorius was dating, confirmed to NBC's TODAY that her client was dead. She described the incident as a "huge loss for everyone and too shocking for words."

? Lucky Nxumalo / City Press - Gallo Images via Getty Images, file

Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp attend an award ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 4.

Beukes said there were no signs of forced entry to the home and said that police would oppose any application Pistorius might make to be released on bail.?

Beukes said there had been reports about previous problems at Pistorius' home that were "allegations of a domestic nature." When a reporter asked if she meant domestic violence, she nodded and said yes.

"There are witnesses and we have interviewed them," she added. "We're talking about neighbors and people who heard things earlier in the evening and when the shooting took place."

The Associated Press reported that a 9mm handgun had been found at his home in the?luxurious Silver Woods gated community.

More on this story from NBC Sports

Sarit Tomlinson, who is?Steenkamp's publicist, told Britains' Sky News that the the pair had been together for a couple months.

"She was a rising star ... a very bright young girl," Tomlinson said. She noted that "no one knows what happened" but said "we are in communication with the people on the scene."

The Silver Woods Country Estate released a statement on its website early Thursday: "We are deeply?saddened?by the tragic cir?cum?stances that occurred today at Sil?ver Woods. Our?sincere?con?do?lences, thoughts and prayers go out to Reeva Steenkamp?s fam?ily and friends."

Steenkamp, a 30-year-old law school graduate, gushed about Valentine's Day on Twitter Wednesday, posting "What do you have up your sleeve for your love tomorrow???" and "It should be a day of love for everyone."

Pistorius was born?without a fibula in both legs and battled for years to be allowed to compete against able-bodied athletes.?

'National hero'
He was the first double amputee to run in the Olympics. He qualified for the 400-meter semi-finals and 4 x 400-meter final at the London 2012 Summer Games.?

His website highlighted that Pistorius ran in 11 races?during the London 2012 Olympics and Paralymics and returned home with "two Paralympic gold medals, Paralympic silver, two world records, a Paralympic record, an Olympic individual semi-final and an Olympic final."

Pistorius, a double amputee born without fibulas in his legs, has trained hard to participate in the Olympics despite having to wear prosthetic legs. NBC's Mary Carillo reports.

He earned headlines after qualifying for the 2011 world championships in Daegu, South Korea, and is widely considered the world's most famous disabled athelete.

Speaking to Sky News, South African journalist Kribani Pillay described Pistorius as a "national hero and national icon."

Violent crime is major issue in South Africa, and many homeowners own guns.

In a January 2012?New York Times?article,?Pistorius described his reaction to a security alarm going off in his home:

He mentioned that a security alarm in the house had gone off the previous night, and he had grabbed his gun and tiptoed downstairs. (It turned out to be nothing.)

I asked what kind of gun he owned ...??He fetched his 9-millimeter handgun and two boxes of ammunition. We got back in the car and drove to a nearby firing range, where he instructed me on proper technique. Pistorius was a good coach. ... I asked him how often he came to the range. ?Just sometimes when I can?t sleep,? he said.

The U.S. State Department Bureau of Diplomatic Security warns of the danger of Pretoria and other South African cities: "On a rating scale of low, medium, high, and critical, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town are rated 'critical' for crime."

Citing South African Police Service 2011 crime statistics, the agency pointed out home invasion as a particularly violent crime that occurs "at an alarmingly high rate."

In Gauteng Province, which includes Pretoria and Johannesburg, there were 7,039 home invasions reported in 2011, according South African police statistics.

Artist Melinda Bam of Pretoria, who was Miss South Africa 2011, expressed her sadness on Twitter and mentioned "how unsafe most South Africans feel because of crime."

South Africa's Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee declined to discuss the shooting.?

"SASCOC ... knows no more than what is in the public domain, which is there has been an alleged fatal shooting on the basis of a mistaken identity and an apparent assumption of a burglary," it said. "The organization is in no position to comment on the incident other than to say our deepest sympathy and condolences have been expressed to the families of all concerned."?

Oscar Pistorius may soon make history as the first double amputee to compete in the Olympics. The South African sprinter's emergence as one of the world's fastest runners has generated controversy over whether his carbon fiber prosthetic legs give him an unfair advantage, something he vehemently denies. NBC Sports' Mary Carillo reports.

NBC News' Matthew DeLuca and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

Related:

Reeva Steenkamp was model, budding TV star

Pistorius sorry for timing of outburst at Paralympics -- but is brand destroyed?

'Meet the Superhumans': Paralympians burst onto world stage

Full coverage of London 2012

This story was originally published on Thu Feb 14, 2013 10:38 AM EST

Source: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/14/16957208-blade-runner-oscar-pistorius-charged-with-murder?lite

kristen stewart Christian Bale Sherman Hemsley Olympics Opening Ceremony

Rebuilding blood vessels through gene therapy

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Diagnosed with severe coronary artery disease, a group of patients too ill for or not responding to other treatment options decided to take part in a clinical trial testing angiogenic gene therapy to help rebuild their damaged blood vessels. More than 10 years later, in a follow-up review of these patients, doctors at Baylor College of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College (where the clinical trial and review took place) and Stony Brook University Medical Center report the outcomes are promising and open the door for larger trials to begin.

The study, which appears online in the journal Human Gene Therapy, followed 31 Weill Cornell patients who were diagnosed with severe coronary artery disease and were given a direct injection into their heart muscle of gene therapy called adenovirus encoding angiogenic growth factor, or AdVEGF121. Study results show the five- and 10-year survival rate of those patients were just as good and, in some cases better, than what is seen in other groups with similar heart issues treated with traditional medical therapy.

"The results of this 10-year gene therapy study are important," said co-senior author Dr. Ronald G. Crystal, chairman and professor of Genetic Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. "After long-term follow-up, the patients who received angiogenic gene therapy appear to have improved outcomes. The study results give us greater insight into the safety and effectiveness of gene therapy to rebuild blood vessels in patients living with coronary artery disease."

"At the time when the trial began, there were no comparisons available to tell us what to expect, which is why we are so pleased with the results," said co-senior author Dr. Todd Rosengart, professor and chair of the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, formerly of Stony Brook University Medical Center. "We only had an idea of what the outcome might be based on promising studies in the lab, so there was concern, but those who received this treatment really had no other treatment options."

The common treatment for severe coronary artery disease is coronary artery bypass surgery, which works by redirecting blood flow around the diseased or blocked area of the heart. However, for those involved in this trial, the blood vessels that normally would be used to redirect the flow of blood were not healthy enough to do so.

In the study, patients were divided into two groups. Group A received both conventional coronary artery bypass grafting and gene therapy, while group B received only gene therapy. There was no control group. The gene therapy helped rebuild weak and damaged blood vessels in these patients. Medical records, follow-up interviews and questionnaires were used to determine patient outcomes. For Group A, the survival rate was 40 percent and Group B was 31 percent at the 10-year follow-up mark. Of the 18 patients who died, causes of death ranged from cancer to cardiac related issues.

"While there were health issues that needed additional treatments, such as cardiac revascularization and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators among both groups, overall this group of individuals had an outcome greater than what we believe they would have if they had not received the gene therapy," Rosengart said.

"We found no evidence of safety issues that resulted from the gene therapy," Crystal said. "Given the concerns about gene therapies during the time when this trial originated, this is one of the very few long-term gene therapy studies that is very encouraging from a patient safety basis."

According to researchers, the next step is further research to study larger groups of patients and to create a placebo control study to compare outcome results. Weill Cornell Medical College, Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar and Baylor College of Medicine are collaborating on a new clinical trial currently in the planning stages.

###

New York- Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center/Weill Cornell Medical College: http://www.med.cornell.edu

Thanks to New York- Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center/Weill Cornell Medical College 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.

This press release has been viewed 28 time(s).

Source: http://www.labspaces.net/126068/Rebuilding_blood_vessels_through_gene_therapy

rand paul mark kirk

Cliff battle's winners and losers

The bill to avoid the "fiscal cliff" is finally passed and signed by President Barack Obama, and the culmination of intense negotiations between Republicans and Democrats seems to have left nearly everyone unhappy?or, at least, begrudgingly grateful that some kind of deal was reached.

Unlike elections, the legislative process doesn't always offer a clear winner and loser, and the battle over how to avoid nearly $600 billion in painful spending cuts and tax increases was no exception. But some escaped with fewer cuts and bruises than others. Here are the "winners" and "losers"?terms we use loosely.

'Winners'

President Barack Obama: The president took a beating from his own party two years ago when he cut a deal with Republicans that temporarily extended income tax rates for all income earners set by former President George W. Bush. This time, Obama refused to budge on one of his principle campaign promises to increase taxes on wealthy taxpayers. As part of this deal, the income tax rate for individual earners above $400,000 and families earning above $450,000 will increase.

The president, however, failed to hold together a "grand bargain" with Republicans in what could have been a major opportunity to address ballooning entitlement spending and tax reform. But in the grand scheme of things, Democrats seemed to have come out on top.

Former President George W. Bush: The final language of the bill left many of Bush's tax rates in place. The passage suggests that there is bipartisan agreement that income tax rates on the middle-income earners should not increase. Also, taxes on capital gains and dividends will remain at 15 percent for income earners below the $400,000 threshold.

While the bill that Bush championed during his presidency had an expiration date, the tax rates set under the fiscal cliff deal are permanent.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Vice President Joe Biden: While Obama, House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid found it difficult to play nice during the negotiations, Biden and McConnell may have saved the day with their long working relationship. (Before joining the Obama administration, Biden served with McConnell in the upper chamber from 1985-2009.) Known as "the McConnell whisperer" because of his ability to work with the minority leader, Biden was able to communicate the president's message in a way Obama could not.

Indeed, it was not until Biden stepped in during the final days of negotiations that it looked as though an agreement would be reached.

Unemployed Americans reliant on federal programs: Federal benefits for Americans who have been without work for more than 26 weeks will be extended for one year, although the provision is not offset by spending decreases elsewhere.

Hollywood: The bill extended a tax break to the film and television entertainment industry for one more year. The tax incentive is meant to encourage production companies to film in the U.S. The provision costs federal coffers $430 million in potential revenue?which is something to remember when you spend $15 on a movie ticket.

'Losers'

House Speaker John Boehner: Although Boehner's efforts helped avoid the potential disaster of going over the fiscal cliff, much was conceded. Obama was able to increase federal spending and raise taxes, outcomes that many Republicans worked tirelessly to avoid. The process showed that Boehner still lacks control over his caucus, which largely rejected his own proposal. This includes his own deputies, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia and House Whip Kevin McCarthy of California, who voted against the final deal that Boehner helped negotiate.

The federal deficit: Compared with what would have happened had the federal government gone completely over the fiscal cliff?including the millions in tax increases and spending cuts that would have reduced the deficit but possibly plunged the nation into another recession?the new deal increases the deficit about $4.6 trillion over 10 years. "Washington missed this magic moment to do something big to reduce the deficit, reform our tax code and fix our entitlement programs," said Campaign to Fix the Debt co-founders Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson in a joint statement.

Grover Norquist: The founder and president of Americans for Tax Reform says the fiscal cliff deal is not a violation of his group's anti-tax pledge. (Almost every Republican member of Congress signed a pledge never to raise tax rates.) But compared with tax rates in 2012, the final deal increases federal revenue by about $600 billion over 10 years and most Americans will receive less take-home pay in the new year.

While Norquist isn't technically calling the vote for the deal a vote for a tax increase, it is the first time since the George H.W. Bush administration that so many Republicans have approved such a broad tax hike.

Workers who will pay more into the payroll tax: The deal does not extend the payroll tax holiday, which means the federal government will take 6.2 percent from paychecks, as opposed to the? 4.2 percent rate in 2012.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/fiscal-cliff-deal-leaves-everyone-bruised-more-others-180142256--politics.html

oklahoma news nascar news doppler radar colorado rockies moonshine news channel 4 radar weather

Religious Holidays 2013: An Interfaith Calendar (Christian, Hindu ...

Jan 1 - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Catholic)

This feast is a celebration of Mary's motherhood of Jesus. Photo: Pope Benedict XVI during the celebration of the solemnity of Mary, during the 42nd World Day for Peace in St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on January 1, 2009. AFP PHOTO/ Tiziana Fabi

Jan 1 - Feast of St. Basil (Orthodox Christian)

St. Basil died on 1st January and the Orthodox Church celebrates his feast and with the Feast of Circumcision of Christ on this day. The Anglican Church celebrates the Feast of St. Basil on January 2 while the Episcopal church celebrates it on January 14. On this day, the Eastern Orthodox church, Lutheran church and some Anglican churches also celebrate the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ.

Jan 1 - Gantan-Sai (Shinto)

Gantan Sai is the Shinto New Year's festival.

Jan 5 - Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti (Sikh)

This is the birthday of the 10th and last Sikh guru, also the founder of Sikhism. Photo: Indian Sikh devotees carry the Palki Sahib, with the Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy scriptures of Sikhism, during a procession from the Sri Akal Takhat at The Golden Temple in Amritsar January 10, 2011 as part of the ongoing 345th Prakash Utsav birthday celebrations for Sikh Guru Gobind Singh. AFP PHOTO/NARINDER NANU

Jan 6 - Epiphany (Western Christianity)

This day celebrates the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. Western Christians commemorate principally (but not solely) the visitation of the Biblical Magi to the Baby Jesus, and thus Jesus' physical manifestation to the Gentiles.

Jan 6 - Feast of Theophany (Eastern Christianity)

On this day, Eastern Christians commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, seen as his manifestation to the world as the Son of God. Greek Orthodox swimmers hold a wooden cross in the Bosphorus river's Golden Horn after a mass as part of celebrations of the Epiphany day at the Church of Fener Orthodox Patriarchiate in Istanbul, on January 6, 2011. The Orthodox faith uses the old Julian calendar in which Christmas falls 13 days after its more widespread Gregorian calendar counterpart on December 25. AFP PHOTO / MUSTAFA OZER Many Catholics and Episcopalians celebrate the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by John the Baptist on Jan. 8.

Jan 6 - Nativity of Jesus (Armenian Orthodox Christianity)

On this day, Armenian Orthodox Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, in connection with Epiphany. Photo: Greek Orthodox priests take part in a Christmas procession at Manger Square outside the Church of the Nativity, the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on January 6, 2011. The Orthodox faith uses the old Julian calendar in which Christmas falls 13 days after more widespread Gregorian calendar. AFP PHOTO/MENAHEM KAHANA

Jan 7 - Christmas Day (Orthodox Christian)

A Greek Orthodox priest celebrates Christmas mass at a church in Gaza city on January 7, 2011, as Orthodox Christians use the old Julian calendar in which Christmas falls 13 days after the date in the more widespread Gregorian calendar. AFP PHOTO/MAHMUD HAMS

Jan 13 - Lohri (Sikh)

Indian girls dressed as Punjabi folk dancers smile as they fly kites, at the Jagat Jyoti High School in Amritsar prior to the Lohri festival. The Lohri festival is an annual thanks giving day and an extremely popular harvest festival in India, especially Northern India. AFP PHOTO / NARINDER NANU

Jan 14 - Makar Sankranti (Hindu)

A decorated cow is led by an Indian Hindu handler as it walks through fire as part of the Makar Sankranti celebrations in Bangalore. The Makar Sakranti harvest festival signals the end of the traditional farming season in the region, with many farmers observing prayers to crops and farm animals that toil their land. AFP PHOTO/Dibyangshu SARKAR

Jan 19 - Timkat (Ethiopian Orthodox Christian)

Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA: Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarch Paolos Abuna watches 19 January 2006 while supervising the beginning of the Timqat celebrations in Addis Ababa. Timqat (Timkat) or Epiphany is celebrated on Tir 11th according to the Ithiopian (Ethiopian) calendar or 19th January (western calendar) which is 12 days after Orthodox Christmas. It is the greatest of the Christian Festivals and celebrates the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. AFP PHOTO/MARCO LONGARI

Jan 20 - World Religion Day (Bahai)

World Religion Day was initiated in 1950 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'i faith in the United States. The purpose was to call attention to the harmony of the world's religions and emphasize that the aims of religion are to create unity among people, to ease suffering, and to bring about peace. The day is observed with gatherings in homes, public meetings and panel discussions, and proclamations by government officials.

Jan. 24 - Mawlid al-Nabi (Muslim)

Pakistani Muslims participate in a religious procession to celebrate Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Mohammed, in Lahore. Eid-E-Milad-un Nabi or Maulid (Mawlid), is the Islamic festival which marks the birth anniversary of the Prophet Mohammed, who was born in the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca on the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awwal 571 A.D. AFP PHOTO/ ARIF ALI Shia Muslims celebrate this 5 days later. Some Muslims do not approve of celebrating the birthday, and regard doing so as an innovation.

Jan. 26 - Tu B'Shevat (Jewish)

The ultra-Orthodox rabbi of the Belz Hasidim washes his hands before the start of the celebration of the Jewish feast of 'Tu Bishvat' or Tree New Year in Jerusalem. Among the most learned Jewish scholars were the Belz, a Hasidic dynasty named after a small town in Western Ukraine. AFP PHOTO/MENAHEM KAHANA

Jan 25 - Conversion of St. Paul (Christian)

The Conversion of Paul the Apostle, as depicted in the Christian Bible, refers to an event reported to have taken place in the life of Paul of Tarsus which led him to cease persecuting early Christians and to himself become a follower of Jesus; it is normally dated by researchers to AD 33-36. Photo: Pope Benedict XVI (C) leads the celebration of the second vespers of the solemnity of the conversion of Saint Paul on January 25, 2011 in St Paul's basilica outside the walls in Rome. AFP PHOTO / ANDREAS SOLARO

Jan 27-30 Mahayana New Year (Buddhist)

In Mahayana countries the new year starts on the first full moon day in January.

Feb 2 - Candlemas (Christian)

A boy holds a statue of the baby Jesus during a celebration of the Dia de Candelaria, or Day of Candlemas, in the working-class neighborhood of Candelaria, Mexico City, Monday, Feb. 2, 2009. Mexicans flocked to area churches Monday carrying depictions of baby Jesus, to mark the day in the Bible when Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Feb 2 - Imbolc (Pagan)

Also called Oimelc and Candlemas, Imbolc celebrates the awakening of the land and the growing power of the Sun.

Feb 3 - Setsubun (Shinto)

A parent of kindergarten children wearing a demon-like mask to scare pupils takes part in a bean-throwing ceremony to drive away evil and bring good luck at the annual Setsubun Festival at Tokyo's Sensoji Temple on February 3, 2011. Some 400 children attended the festival to greet the coming of spring. AFP PHOTO / Yoshikazu TSUNO

Feb 11 - Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes (Catholic)

This marks the day in 1858 when St. Bernadette had her first vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Feb 13 - Ash Wednesday (Catholic)

A worshiper receives ashes during Ash Wednesday services at Saint Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and involves the placing ashes on the foreheads of Christian believers as a sign of repentance which occurs 40 days, excluding Sundays, before Easter. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Feb 14 - Nirvana Day (Buddhist)

This is a Mahayana Buddhist festival marking the anniversary of the Buddha's death.

Feb 15 - Saraswati Puja (Hindu)

Indian artist Sakharam Raj Vohra paints a statue of Hindu goddess Mata Saraswati at a roadside in Amritsar ahead of Saraswati Puja. The festival, which is dominated by the colour yellow, is celebrated by appeasing Goddess Saraswati as she symbolises the constant flow of wisdom and also represents the blossoming of nature. AFP PHOTO / NARINDER NANU

Feb 15 - Vasant Panchami (Sikh)

Indian Sikh devotees pay their respects at the Sikh Shrine Gurdwara Chheharta Sahib, some 7kms west of Amritsar on the occasion of Basant Panchami. Basant Panchami is celebrated during February-March, at the end of winter to welcome spring. AFP PHOTO/NARINDER NANU

Feb. 24 - Purim (Judaism)

Israeli settlers and their children dressed in costumes hold balloons as they celebrate the annual Purim parade in the divided West Bank city of Hebron on March 20, 2011. Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jews from the ancient Persians as described in the book of Esther. AFP PHOTO/MENAHEM KAHANA

Mar 2-20: Baha'i Fast (Baha'i)

The Nineteen-Day Fast (2 March-20 March) is a nineteen-day period of the year, during which members of the Bah?'? Faith adhere to a sunrise-to-sunset fast. Along with obligatory prayer, it is one of the greatest obligations of a Bah?'?, and its chief purpose is spiritual; to reinvigorate the soul and bring the person closer to God. The fast was instituted by the B?b, and accepted by Bah?'u'll?h, the founder of the Bah?'? Faith, who stated its rules in his book of laws, the Kit?b-i-Aqdas.

Mar 10 - Shivratri (Hindu)

Indian Hindu devotees pour milk over a Shiva Lingam, a stone deity sculpture representing the creative energy of the Universe and the infinite nature of Shiva. AFP PHOTO/ NARINDER NANU

Mar 17 - St. Patrick's Day (Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran)

Saint Patrick's Day is a religious holiday celebrated internationally on 17 March. It commemorates Saint Patrick (c. AD 387-461), the most commonly recognized of the patron saints of Ireland, and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. It is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion (especially the Church of Ireland), the Eastern Orthodox Church and Lutheran Church. Saint Patrick's Day was made an official feast day in the early 17th century, and has gradually become a secular celebration of Irish culture in general.

Mar 18 - Clean Monday (Christian Orthodox)

Carnival revellers dance as they parade in the streets of Strumica late on March 8, 2011. The carnival, which marks the beginning of the Christian Orthodox lent, attracted hundreds of participants and tens of thousands visitors to Strumica. AFP PHOTO / ROBERT ATANASOVSKI

Mar 20 - Nowruz (Baha'i, Zoroastrian, Iranian New Year)

Afghan devotees walk at the Hazrat Ali Shrine in Mazar-i-Sharif on March 20, 2009. Tens of thousands of Afghans from all over the war-scarred country have poured into the northern Afghan town ahead of the Afghan New Year, called Naw Ruz which is due on March 21. Afghans come to the city because of the presence of the Hazrat Ali shrine where special religious ceremonies are taking place to mark New Year's Day. AFP PHOTO/SHAH Marai

Mar 20 - Spring Equinox (Pagan)

Spring Equinox celebrates the renewed life of the Earth that comes with the Spring.

Mar 24 - Palm Sunday (Christian)

Chrisitian pilgrims carry palm branches during the Palm Sunday procession from Mt. Olives into Jerusalem's old city, marking the triumphant return of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem when a cheering crowd greeted him waving palm leaves the week before his death. AFP PHOTO/GALI TIBBON

Mar 26 - Apr 2 - Passover (Jewish)

Jewish men wrapped with prayer shawls attend the Annual Cohanim prayer, or Priest's blessing, for the Pesach (Passover) holiday at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's old city. Thousands of Jews make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem during Pesach, which commemorates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt some 3,500 years ago. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images)

Mar 27 - Holi (Hindu)

Hindu devotees play with coloured powders during Holi celebrations at the Bankey Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, India. Holi, the spring festival of colours, is celebrated by Hindus around the world in an explosion of colour to mark the end of the winter. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

Mar 28 - Hola Mohalla (Sikh)

Indian Sikh devotees spray perfume on the Palki Sahib which carries The Guru Garnth Sahib (Holy Book of Sikhs) in a procession from the Golden Temple to Sri Akal Takhat Sahib in Amritsar on the occasion of Hola Mohalla. Hola Mohalla or Hola Mahalla or simply Hola is a Sikh festival which originated in the time of Guru Gobind Singh who held the first mock fighting event at Anandpur in February 1701, which on the first of the lunar month of Chet which usually falls in March following the Hindu festival of Holi. During the three day festival, mock battles, exhibitions, display of weapons are held followed by kirtan, music and poetry competitions. Nihang Sikh 'warriors' perform Gatka (mock encounters with real weapons), and other feats including tent pegging and bareback horse-riding. AFP PHOTO/NARINDER NANU

Mar 28 - Maundy Thursday (Christian)

Indian Catholic Bishop of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad Reverend M. Joji (C) offers The Holy Eucharist during the evening mass of the Lord Supper celebrated as Maundy Thursday service at St. Anthony's Church in Hyderabad. The ceremony commemorates the symbolic example of Jesus Christ washing the feet of his apostles at the Lord's Supper on the eve of his crucifixion. AFP PHOTO/Noah SEELAM

Mar 29 - Good Friday (Christian)

French bishop Andre Vingt-Trois carries a wooden cross to the Montmartre Basilica during a Good Friday procession to commemorate the death of Christ. AFP PHOTO PIERRE VERDY

Mar 30 - Holy Saturday (Christian)

It is the day before Easter and the last day of Holy Week in which Christians prepare for Easter. It commemorates the day that Jesus Christ's body laid in the tomb. Photo: Pope Benedict XVI waves to worshippers following a Papal mass on Holy Saturday at St Peter's basilica at The Vatican. AFP PHOTO / FILIPPO MONTEFORTE

Mar 31 - Easter (Western Churches)

Pakistani Christians pray during an Easter Sunday Mass at a church in Lahore. Christian believers around the world mark the Holy Week of Easter in celebration of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. AFP PHOTO/Arif ALI (Photo credit should read Arif Ali/AFP/Getty Images)

Apr 6 - Theravada New Year (Buddhist)

A Sri Lankan Buddhist devotee offers prayers at a temple in the Bellanvila suburb of Colombo as part of the traditional new year rituals. The timing of Sri Lanka's Sinhala New Year coincides with the new year celebrations of many traditional calendars of South and Southeast Asia. AFP PHOTO / Lakruwan WANNIARACHCHI

April 8 - Annunciation (Christian)

The Annunciation, also referred to as the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary or Annunciation of the Lord, is the Christian celebration of the announcement by the angel Gabriel to Virgin Mary, that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus the Son of God.

Apr 11 -- Akshaya Tritiya (Hindu, Jain)

Akshaya Tritiya is a holy day observed by Hindus and Jains around the world. More <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/24/akshaya-tritiya-2012-hindus-jains-photos_n_1447869.html">here</a>. An Indian sales person arranges bangles made of gold and other precious metals on the eve of the Hindu festival, Akshaya Tritiya in Ahmedabad on April 23, 2012. Akshaya Tritiya is a day on which to avail infinite benefits, both cosmic and monetary, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. (Photo credit: SAM PANTHAKY/AFP/Getty Images)

Apr 14 - Vaisakhi (Sikh)

This day marks an ancient harvest festival, celebrated with great zeal across North India, and particularly in Punjab. Photo: Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, (C) pose for pictures as they met surviving veterans of the Sikh Brigade of the British Army at an event to mark the Sikh religious and cultural festival of Vaisakhi at St James Palace, London. The Prince of Wales today praised the courage of Sikh soldiers who fought in the Second World War. The Prince said the country owed an 'immense debt of gratitude' to the Sikhs who fought in both the First and Second World Wars. The veterans were among prominent members of the Anglo-Sikh community invited to the palace to celebrate Sikh New Year, or Vaisakhi. AFP PHOTO/Lewis Whyld/WPA POOL

April 20 - Ram Navami (Hindu)

Hindu priest wash statuettes of the Hindu deities Hanuman (L), Laxman (2L), Lord Rama (2R) and Goddess Sita (R) at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple in Ahmedabad, on the occasion of Rama Navami. Ram Navami commemorates the birth of Hindu God Lord Rama who is remembered for his prosperous and righteous reign, which has become synonymous with a period of peace and prosperity. AFP PHOTO/ Sam PANTHAKY

Apr 21-May 2 - Ridvan (Baha'i)

The start of a festival when Baha'is celebrate the day when Baha'u'llah said that he was the prophet predicted by the Bab.

Apr 23 -- Mahavir Jayanti (Jain)

Indian women perform a traditional dance as they take part in a procession for Mahavir Jayanti, in New Delhi, India,Thursday, April 5, 2012. The holiday celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, who created the defining rules of Jainism. (AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)

Apr 25 - Hanuman Jayanti (Hindu)

Indian Hindu devotees travel with a portrait of Hindu God Hanuman during a procession on a street on the occassion of Hanuman Jayanti - Hanuman's birthday. Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Hanuman, the monkey God. Hanuman known for his strength is worshipped for his unyielding devotion to Rama and is remembered for his selfless dedication to the God. AFP PHOTO/Noah SEELAM

May 1 - Beltane (Pagan)

Morris Men dance at a May Day dawn celebration service in front of St. Michael's Tower on Glastonbury Tor on May 1, 2011 in Glastonbury, England. Although more synonymous with International Workers' Day, or Labour Day, May Day or Beltane is celebrated by druids and pagans as the beginning of summer and the chance to celebrate the coming of the season of warmth and light. Other traditional English May Day rites and celebrations include Morris dancing and the crowning of a May Queen with celebrations involving a Maypole. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

May 5 - Easter (Orthodox Christian)

Women light candles during an Orthodox Easter service in the city of Chernobyl on April 24, 2011. AFP PHOTO/SERGEI SUPINSKY

May 9 - Ascension of Christ (Christian)

Ascension Day marks the last earthly appearance of Christ after his resurrection. Christians believe Christ ascended into heaven. It is celebrated 40 days after Easter.

May 15-16 - Shavuot (Jewish)

Members of the Black Hebrews community celebrate the Shavuot harvest festival in Dimona, Israel. The community, who call themselves the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem, moved to Israel in 1969 from the United States and have since maintained a vibrant culture which includes a communal lifestyle and a vegan diet. They are not recognized as Jews by Israel despite their belief in the Torah, but were granted permanent resident status in 2003. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images)

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/01/religious-holidays-2013_n_2372650.html

ted nugent veep los angeles kings earth day timothy leary jonathan frid pujols

Gunmen kill 5 female teachers in Pakistan

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) ? Gunmen killed five female teachers and two other people on Tuesday in an ambush on a van carrying workers home from their jobs at a community center in northwest Pakistan, officials said.

The van was transporting teachers and aid workers from the center in conservative Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Two health workers, one man and one woman, were also killed and the driver was wounded.

The attack was a reminder of the risks faced by educators and aid workers, especially women, in an area where Islamic militants often target women and girls trying to get an education. Many militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province oppose female education and have blown up schools and killed female educators as a way to discourage girls from getting an education.

In a case in the same province that gained international attention, a Taliban gunman shot 15-year-old Malala Yousufzai in the head last October for criticizing the militants and promoting girls' education. She is currently recovering in Britain.

The workers were on their way home from a community center in the town of Swabi where they were working at a primary school and adjoining medical center. Gunmen on motorcycles opened fire with automatic weapons, said Javed Akhtar, executive director of the non-governmental organization Support With Working Solutions.

The NGO conducts programs in the education and health sectors and runs a primary school and a medical clinic at the community center in Swabi, he said.

He provided the details on who was killed.

Swabi police chief Abdur Rasheed said most of the women killed were between the ages of 20 and 22. He said the four gunmen who used two motorcycles fled the scene and have not been apprehended.

No group has claimed responsibility for the incident.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2013-01-01-Pakistan/id-65d08fc9a1af44898875257bf79d6271

avengers soa andy williams andy williams Lady Gaga New Girl Avalanna

State Department made "grievous mistake" over Benghazi: Senate report (reuters)

Share With Friends: | | Politics - Top Stories News, RSS and RSS Feed via Feedzilla.

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/274092462?client_source=feed&format=rss

soledad o brien mega ball lottery winner lottery numbers mega millions lottery jackpot winning numbers mega millions