Deaths up among teen drivers, research shows

By M. Alex Johnson, staff writer, NBC News

The number of 16- and 17-year-old drivers who died in traffic accidents rose significantly in the first half of 2012, creeping back toward what traffic safety experts called "unacceptable" levels, according to research published Tuesday.

The report ? a preliminary compilation of data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia by the Governors Highway Safety Association ? found that 240 16- and 17-year-olds died behind the wheel from January through June 2012. That's a 19 percent increase over the same period in 2011 and a startling 26 percent more than in the first half of 2010.

It also outpaces the rise in overall traffic deaths last year, which increased by 5 percent, the National Safety Council reported?last week.

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The report identified no single overarching reason teen mortality jumped. Instead, it theorizes that two-decade-old state regulations on the youngest drivers haven't kept up with the teen driving population, which has been given more reasons to drive by the improving economy.?And like numerous other traffic safety groups, the governors association warned of the distractions posed by cellphones and other electronics.

"We know from research and experience that teen drivers are not only a danger to themselves, but also a danger to others on the roadways," said Kendall Poole, chairman of the governors' safety organization and director of the Tennessee Governor's Highway Safety Office.

The rise in deaths last year is "unacceptable," he said.

Separate data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, peg traffic accidents as the single biggest killer of U.S. teens, accounting for more than third of all deaths among Americans 15 to 20 years old.

Read the full report, including state-by-state data (.pdf)

Until 2011, the number of deaths among beginning drivers had been falling since 2002, when it hit a modern annual record of 544. That was roughly a decade after states began adopting so-called graduated driver licensing laws, which impose restrictions on the youngest drivers in stages as they approach age 18.?

All 50 states now have such laws, and increases in deaths over the last two years could simply reflect officials' and parents' letting their guard down as the laws have become a part of everyday life, said Allan Williams, former chief scientist for the National Highway Traffic Safety Institute, who conducted the study.

The improving economy may also be an incentive for more teenagers to drive, statistically increasing their risk, Williams said.

Whatever the reason, "based on 2011 final data and the early look at 2012, it appears that we are headed the wrong direction," he said.

The report called on states to renew their focus on graduated driving laws and to establish programs to help parents keep their children safe.

"Parents have a huge responsibility to ensure safe teen driving behavior," said Barbara Harsha, executive director the governors group. "States can facilitate this by providing innovative programs that bring parents and teens together around this issue."

The NHTSA has proposed new federal grants to help states fine-tune and enforce their graduated driver laws. To qualify for the money, states would have to require new drivers to go through a learner's permit stage and an intermediate permit stage before they could get full licenses.

Public comment on the proposals closes April 23.

The proposals closely mirror a three-part program to restrict beginning drivers recommended by the governors safety group. That template calls for:

• A learner's permit beginning no earlier than age 16, lasting at least six months and requiring 30 to 50 hours of parent-certified supervision.
• An intermediate stage lasting at least until age 18, including a ban on driving after 9 or 10 p.m., with a limit of one teen passenger.
• A ban on all cellphones and other electronic devices.

"Our main goal is to save lives," said Jeff Bledsoe, sheriff of Dickson County, Tenn., whose state has already put most of those ideas in place.

Dickson especially stressed the ban on electronics behind the wheel, telling NBC station WSMV of Nashville: "With all of the technology we have these days ? with cell phones and other items in the vehicle that could take our focus off the roadway ? we have to be cautious and know what a huge responsibility it is when we operate a vehicle."

Related

National Safety Council: Traffic deaths surged in 2012

Red state, blue state divide reflected in fatal traffic accidents

Authorities could go even further in West Virginia, where a measure was introduced in the state House last week to require beginning drivers to pass drug tests ? three of them, once before they could get a learner's permit, again before they could step up to an intermediate license and one last time before they could get a full license.

"Obviously, any time you can take an opportunity to try and eliminate drugs ? and especially in driving ? that's obviously a good thing," said Bernie Buttrey, a driver's education instructor in Parkersburg, W.Va.

Buttrey told NBC station WTAP of Parkersburg that he was hesitant because of the constitutional implications, but he said such tests may be reasonable to ensure that beginning teenage drivers remain safe.

"We've passed laws that some people think maybe are excessive in the use of your cellphones, but I think evidence proves that the less you use your cellphone, the less you're distracted," he said. "So this is just maybe another step in the right direction."

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Source: http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/25/17089961-deaths-among-beginning-drivers-on-the-increase-research-shows?lite

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ALHOSN University discusses modern youths? learning needs with academic elite at 3rd Universities Forum

2013-02-24 13:49:23 - Sharjah?s major educational event plots well-rounded developmental path for UAE Nationals

February 24, 2013
ALHOSN University, a leading Abu Dhabi-based university dedicated to high-quality, value-based education, joined some of the UAE?s top educational institutions and experts in discussing important issues affecting the learning environment and abilities of youths ? particularly UAE Nationals ? during the 3rd Universities forum which ran from February 19 to 20, 2013 at the Waset Youth Center in Al Sweihat, Sharjah.

Organized by the Youth Centers Department of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Sharjah, this year?s Forum enlightened student attendees on their career options and the right attitudes they need to bring into college and through employment. Daily sessions were held from 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 10pm.

ALHOSN took this opportunity to inform participants of

its holistic approach to personal and professional development under its philosophy of ?global knowledge with local vision? and shared its views on the growth of young Emiratis. The university encouraged students to consider unique programs for both genders and entertained inquiries from top students interested in the ALHOSN brand and mission.

?The UAE needs bright, young, driven leaders to sustain the success it has amassed over just four decades of existence. Sharjah?s Universities Forum has always been an important platform for ALHOSN University to determine how to best empower Emirati youths with the knowledge, skills and character they need to continue building this country?s future. As usual we were very pleased with the warm response from the participants and we hope to see many of these faces become part of our university?s family soon,? said Professor Abdul Rahim Sabouni, Vice Chancellor and CEO of ALHOSN University..

The annual Universities Forum in Sharjah was first held in 2011 to support the UAE?s Emiratization program and has since grown into one of Sharjah?s leading special events. The Forum has consistently drawn over 1,500 attendees every year since its inception.
Founded in 2005 by the Abu Dhabi Holding Company to provide high-quality, value-based education to students of all nationalities, ALHOSN University has been at the forefront of dialogue on meaningful and education-driven Emiratization. The university offers 12 officially certified undergraduate and 7 graduate programs under the Faculties of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Business, and Arts and Social Sciences.

Source: http://www.pr-inside.com/alhosn-university-discusses-modern-youths-r3594264.htm

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Posing For Fitness: Yoga Vs. Pilates | fortcollinsclub.net

It might not necessarily be a bad thing to be called a poser after all. At least, when the person applying that label is referring to your enjoyment of either yoga or Pilates classes. Both yoga and Pilates have gotten quite popular in the last few years, and both of them provide an excellent fitness program that utilizes diverse body poses to increase your strength, flexibility and overall health. If you are thinking about checking out one or the other of these programs, you may be a bit confused on what exactly the difference is between yoga classes and Pilates classes. Well, that?s why we?re here to help you understand.

Both yoga and Pilates have been around for over a hundred years, so although it may seem that they just recently caught on here in America, there have been loyal practitioners of each fitness program for quite a while. The similarities between yoga classes and Pilates classes lie in the fact that they both utilize elaborate body posing and stretching exercises to increase physical fitness. They also both come from a realization that wellness and balanced exercise must focus on the connection between mind and body. But, that?s where the similarities end.

Yoga and Pilates classes show why it's not a bad thing to be a poser. (photo by Vilanova i la Geltr? via Flickr)

Yoga is more focused on intention and flexibility. Some of the more advanced poses can be very demanding in terms of flexibility and concentration, but many yoga classes (except for Power yoga and a few others) largely ignore strength training. Yoga poses don?t utilize resistance or body weight exercises in order to build up muscle mass, although leaner and more flexible muscles are usually a result of the poses.

On the other hand, Pilates as a fitness program is designed to focus more on strengthening the core and not as much on flexibility. This focus on core strength has made Pilates very popular with professional dancers who use the exercises to increase the endurance and ability to perform. If you are wanting to strengthen your core muscles, in particular abdominal muscles in order to get that ever sought-after six pack then you will find Pilates a quite effective fitness program. Although yoga classes can result in some core strengthening, the focus is on breathing and flexibility in your entire body, rather than strengthening the muscles or focusing on the core.

Of course these differences are even more complicated by the fact that there are different styles and derivations of both yoga and Pilates (especially yoga classes, which seem to have no end to the different styles). Really the only way to decide which is best is to give them a try, but in the end both are excellent as a fitness program.

Source: http://www.fortcollinsclub.net/blog/posing-for-fitness-yoga-vs-pilates

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ASUS FonePad official: 7-inch tablet with phone functionality, priced at $249 (hands-on)

We already knew ASUS was prepping a product called the FonePad, a 7-inch tablet with built-in phone functionality (yes, just like the new Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0). Well, ASUS just formally unveiled it here at Mobile World Congress, which means we've got a few more details to share than we did previously. First off, the speculation about its specs was all true: this does indeed have an Intel processor -- a 1.2GHz Atom Z2420, to be exact -- along with 1GB of RAM, a PowerVR SGX540 GPU, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and an HSPA+ radio. What's more, the 4,270mAH battery is said to get up to nine hours of runtime, which would put this in the same league as other Atom tablets we've tested recently.

In terms of hardware features, the FonePad has a smooth metal back (available in gray and gold), making it drastically different in appearance from the similarly sized Nexus 7. 'Round back you'll find a panel where all the usual antennae are, and hidden underneath are both the micro-SIM slot and the microSD reader. That microSD slot, by the way, supports 32GB cards, which should come in handy considering this has just 16GB of built-in storage. Additionally, the tablet has a 1.2-megapixel front camera, attached to a 7-inch, 1,280 x 800 IPS display.

The FonePad will be available in Europe for £179 / €219. Here at MWC, ASUS also confirmed a US dollar price of $249, though we had heard rumblings it wouldn't actually be sold there. It arrives in March, but the specific on-sale date hasn't been revealed yet. We're hoping to test one ourselves soon enough, but until then, stay tuned for the usual round of hands-on shots.

Update: Our hands-on photos and video are in! Enjoy!

Gallery: ASUS FonePad

Gallery: ASUS FonePad hands-on

Filed under: Tablets, ASUS, Intel

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/3HreUwJ3ndk/

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McConaughey, Hunt win supporting Spirit Awards

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) ? Matthew McConaughey of "Magic Mike" and Helen Hunt of "The Sessions" won the supporting-acting prizes Saturday at the Spirit Awards, which honor independent film and are Hollywood's last pre-game show before the Academy Awards.

Both won for portraying sexually charged roles, McConaughey as a flamboyant stripper and Hunt as a sexual surrogate helping a man in an iron lung to lose his virginity.

"I had to take my pants off to win a trophy," said McConaughey, a Hollywood A-lister who has rarely been a contender at key film awards. McConaughey said that five of his last six films have been independent productions and were the "most creative fun of my acting career, hands down."

Hunt, also nominated for supporting actress at Sunday's Oscars, was coy backstage about what she'll be doing before Hollywood's big night.

"I will be eating breakfast and getting dressed," Hunt said of her day at the Oscars, where she previously won as best actress for "As Good as It Gets." ''I don't have any plans, but I'm going to put a dress on."

David O. Russell earned the directing and screenplay prizes for his oddball romance "Silver Linings Playbook," which centers on a shaky relationship between a man (Bradley Cooper) just out of a mental hospital and a young widow (Jennifer Lawrence). The film is up for best picture at the Oscars, where Russell is nominated for adapted screenplay and director, and Cooper and Lawrence are in the running for the lead-acting honors.

Russell said the film was for "any family that ever faced mood disorder or the stigma of mood disorder and mental illness."

Austrian writer-director Michael Haneke's old-age love story "Amour" won for best international film, a possible prelude to the Oscars, where his film is the favorite to win the foreign-language prize and is nominated for best picture.

"I have the impression I am the oldest man in the room," the 70-year-old Haneke joked in a room filled with young filmmakers.

Among other winners were the teen drama "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" as best first film, from director Stephen Chbosky, who adapted the picture from his novel; Derek Connolly for first screenplay for "Safety Not Guaranteed," a romantic comedy with a time-travel spin; and the bayou drama "Beasts of the Southern Wild" for cinematography for Ben Richardson.

Along with "Silver Linings Playbook" and "Amour," ''Beasts of the Southern Wild" also is up for best picture at the Oscars.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/mcconaughey-hunt-win-supporting-spirit-awards-231041637.html

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Laser mastery narrows down sources of superconductivity

Feb. 24, 2013 ? Identifying the mysterious mechanism underlying high-temperature superconductivity (HTS) remains one of the most important and tantalizing puzzles in physics. This remarkable phenomenon allows electric current to pass with perfect efficiency through materials chilled to subzero temperatures, and it may play an essential role in revolutionizing the entire electricity chain, from generation to transmission and grid-scale storage. Pinning down one of the possible explanations for HTS -- fleeting fluctuations called charge-density waves (CDWs) -- could help solve the mystery and pave the way for rapid technological advances.

Now, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory have combined two state-of-the-art experimental techniques to study those electron waves with unprecedented precision in two-dimensional, custom-grown materials. The surprising results, published online February 24, 2013, in the journal Nature Materials, reveal that CDWs cannot be the root cause of the unparalleled power conveyance in HTS materials. In fact, CDW formation is an independent and likely competing instability.

"It has been difficult to determine whether or not dynamic or fluctuating CDWs even exist in HTS materials, much less identify their role," said Brookhaven Lab physicist and study coauthor Ivan Bozovic. "Do they compete with the HTS state, or are they perhaps the very essence of the phenomenon? That question has now been answered by targeted experimentation."

Custom-grown Superconductors

Electricity travels imperfectly through traditional metallic conductors, losing energy as heat due to a kind of atomic-scale friction. Impurities in these materials also cause electrons to scatter and stumble, but superconductors can overcome this hurdle -- assuming the synthesis process is precise.

For this experiment, Bozovic used a custom-built molecular beam epitaxy system at Brookhaven Lab to grow thin films of LaSrCuO, an HTS cuprate (copper-oxide) compound. The metallic cuprates, assembled one atomic layer at a time, are separated by insulating planes of lanthanum and strontium oxides, resulting in what's called a quasi-two-dimensional conductor. When cooled down to a low enough temperature -- less than 100 degrees Kelvin -- strange electron waves began to ripple through that 2D matrix. At even lower temperatures, these films became superconducting.

Electron Sea

"In quasi-two-dimensional metals, low temperatures frequently bring about interesting collective states called charge-density waves," Bozovic said. "They resemble waves rolling across the surface of a lake under a breeze, except that instead of water, here we actually have a sea of mobile electrons."

Once a CDW forms, the electron density loses uniformity as the ripples rise and fall. These waves can be described by familiar parameters: amplitude (height of the waves), wavelength (distance between waves), and phase (the wave's position on the material). Detecting CDWs typically requires high-intensity x-rays, such as those provided by synchrotron light sources like Brookhaven's NSLS and, soon, NSLS-II. And even then, the technique only works if the waves are essentially frozen upon formation. However, if CDWs actually fluctuate rapidly, they may escape detection by x-ray diffraction, which typically requires a long exposure time that blurs fast motion.

Measuring Rolling Waves

To catch CDWs in action, a research group at MIT led by physicist Nuh Gedik used an advanced ultrafast spectroscopy technique. Intense laser pulses called "pumps" cause excitations in the superconducting films, which are then probed by measuring the film reflectance with a second light pulse -- this is called a pump-probe process. The second pulse is delayed by precise time intervals, and the series of measurements allow the lifetime of the excitation to be determined.

In a more sophisticated variant of the technique, largely pioneered by Gedik, the standard single pump beam is replaced by two beams hitting the surface from different sides simultaneously. This generates a standing wave of controlled wavelength in the film, but it disappears rapidly as the electrons relax back into their original state.

This technique was applied to the atomically perfect LaSrCuO films synthesized at Brookhaven Lab. In films with a critical temperature of 26 degrees Kelvin (the threshold beyond which the superconductivity breaks down), the researchers discovered two new short-lived excitations -- both caused by fluctuating CDWs.

Gedik's technique even allowed the researchers to record the lifetime of CDW fluctuations -- just 2 picoseconds (a millionth of a millionth of a second) under the coldest conditions and becoming briefer as the temperatures rose. These waves then vanished entirely at about 100 Kelvin, actually surviving at much higher temperatures than superconductivity.

Ruling out a Suspect

The researchers then hunted for those same signatures in cuprate films with slightly different chemical compositions and a greater density of mobile electrons. The results were both unexpected and significant for the future of HTS research.

"Interestingly, the superconducting sample with the highest critical temperature, about 39 Kelvin, showed no CDW signatures at all," Gedik said.

The consistent emergence of CDWs would have bolstered the conjecture that they play an essential role in high-temperature superconductivity. Instead, the new technique's successful detection of such electron waves in one sample but not in another (with even higher critical temperature) indicates that another mechanism must be driving the emergence of HTS.

"Results like this bring us closer to understanding the mystery of HTS, considered by many to be one of the greatest problems in physics today," Bozovic said. "The source of this extraordinary phenomenon is slowly but surely running out of places to hide."

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by DOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory.

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

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

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/most_popular/~3/R3e5kmat5ag/130224142911.htm

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Microsoft might unveil the successor of Xbox 360 in April

The much awaited next generation gaming console from Microsoft is rumored to be showcased in the month of April. According to a report from Computer and Video Games, Redmond is currently planning to hold a press event in the month of April and the successor of the Xbox 360, which is reportedly named Xbox 720, might be unveiled in the event.

Furthermore, users at NeoGAF have noticed a domain named XboxEvent.com, which has been registered by Eventcore. The agency has handled many of the previous product launch preparations for the Windows giants and it looks like the agency has already started its preparation for a launch event, which is very likely to feature the latest console from Microsoft.

Meanwhile, Sony has unveiled its next generation PlayStation and it?s high time Microsoft answer back to the move of its arch rival.

Source

Source: http://blog.gsmarena.com/microsoft-might-unveil-the-successor-of-xbox-360-in-april/

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Statement by Majority Leader Benacquisto Regarding Governor Scott?s Decision to Support Medicaid Expansion in Florida

CONTACT: Dan Dawson, 850-487-5184

STATEMENT BY MAJORITY LEADER BENACQUISTO REGARDING GOVERNOR SCOTT?S DECISION TO SUPPORT MEDICAID EXPANSION IN FLORIDA

Tallahassee, FL ? Majority Leader Lizbeth Benacquisto released the following statement regarding Governor Scott?s decision to support the expansion of Medicaid in Florida.

?I appreciate Governor Scott?s thoughts on the issue of Medicaid expansion. President Gaetz formed the Senate Select Committee on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in order conduct a comprehensive assessment of the impact of the law on Florida, and evaluate the state?s options under the law. I have the utmost faith in Chairman Negron as he and the committee continue to examine the potential outcomes of the healthcare law and look forward to their recommendations to the Senate.

# # #

Source: http://capitalsoup.com/2013/02/21/statement-by-majority-leader-benacquisto-regarding-governor-scotts-decision-to-support-medicaid-expansion-in-florida/

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NASA's Kepler mission discovers tiny planet system: Smallest planet yet found around a star similar to our sun

Feb. 20, 2013 ? NASA's Kepler mission scientists have discovered a new planetary system that is home to the smallest planet yet found around a star similar to our sun.

The planets are located in a system called Kepler-37, about 210 light-years from Earth in the constellation Lyra. The smallest planet, Kepler-37b, is slightly larger than our moon, measuring about one-third the size of Earth. It is smaller than Mercury, which made its detection a challenge.

The moon-size planet and its two companion planets were found by scientists with NASA's Kepler mission, which is designed to find Earth-sized planets in or near the "habitable zone," the region in a planetary system where liquid water might exist on the surface of an orbiting planet. However, while the star in Kepler-37 may be similar to our sun, the system appears quite unlike the solar system in which we live.

Astronomers think Kepler-37b does not have an atmosphere and cannot support life as we know it. The tiny planet almost certainly is rocky in composition. Kepler-37c, the closer neighboring planet, is slightly smaller than Venus, measuring almost three-quarters the size of Earth. Kepler-37d, the farther planet, is twice the size of Earth.

The first exoplanets found to orbit a normal star were giants. As technologies have advanced, smaller and smaller planets have been found, and Kepler has shown that even Earth-size exoplanets are common.

"Even Kepler can only detect such a tiny world around the brightest stars it observes," said Jack Lissauer, a planetary scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif. "The fact we've discovered tiny Kepler-37b suggests such little planets are common, and more planetary wonders await as we continue to gather and analyze additional data."

Kepler-37's host star belongs to the same class as our sun, although it is slightly cooler and smaller. All three planets orbit the star at less than the distance Mercury is to the sun, suggesting they are very hot, inhospitable worlds. Kepler-37b orbits every 13 days at less than one-third Mercury's distance from the sun. The estimated surface temperature of this smoldering planet, at more than 800 degrees Fahrenheit (700 degrees Kelvin), would be hot enough to melt the zinc in a penny. Kepler-37c and Kepler-37d, orbit every 21 days and 40 days, respectively.

"We uncovered a planet smaller than any in our solar system orbiting one of the few stars that is both bright and quiet, where signal detection was possible," said Thomas Barclay, Kepler scientist at the Bay Area Environmental Research Institute in Sonoma, Calif., and lead author of the new study published in the journal Nature. "This discovery shows close-in planets can be smaller, as well as much larger, than planets orbiting our sun."

The research team used data from NASA's Kepler space telescope, which simultaneously and continuously measures the brightness of more than 150,000 stars every 30 minutes. When a planet candidate transits, or passes, in front of the star from the spacecraft's vantage point, a percentage of light from the star is blocked. This causes a dip in the brightness of the starlight that reveals the transiting planet's size relative to its star.

The size of the star must be known in order to measure the planet's size accurately. To learn more about the properties of the star Kepler-37, scientists examined sound waves generated by the boiling motion beneath the surface of the star. They probed the interior structure of Kepler-37's star just as geologists use seismic waves generated by earthquakes to probe the interior structure of Earth. The science is called asteroseismology.

The sound waves travel into the star and bring information back up to the surface. The waves cause oscillations that Kepler observes as a rapid flickering of the star's brightness. Like bells in a steeple, small stars ring at high tones while larger stars boom in lower tones. The barely discernible, high-frequency oscillations in the brightness of small stars are the most difficult to measure. This is why most objects previously subjected to asteroseismic analysis are larger than the sun.

With the very high precision of the Kepler instrument, astronomers have reached a new milestone. The star Kepler-37, with a radius just three-quarters of the sun, now is the smallest bell in the asteroseismology steeple. The radius of the star is known to three percent accuracy, which translates to exceptional accuracy in the planet's size.

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Journal Reference:

1. Thomas Barclay, Jason F. Rowe, Jack J. Lissauer, Daniel Huber, Fran?ois Fressin, Steve B. Howell, Stephen T. Bryson, William J. Chaplin, Jean-Michel D?sert, Eric D. Lopez, Geoffrey W. Marcy, Fergal Mullally, Darin Ragozzine, Guillermo Torres, Elisabeth R. Adams, Eric Agol, David Barrado, Sarbani Basu, Timothy R. Bedding, Lars A. Buchhave, David Charbonneau, Jessie L. Christiansen, J?rgen Christensen-Dalsgaard, David Ciardi, William D. Cochran, Andrea K. Dupree, Yvonne Elsworth, Mark Everett, Debra A. Fischer, Eric B. Ford, Jonathan J. Fortney, John C. Geary, Michael R. Haas, Rasmus Handberg, Saskia Hekker, Christopher E. Henze, Elliott Horch, Andrew W. Howard, Roger C. Hunter, Howard Isaacson, Jon M. Jenkins, Christoffer Karoff, Steven D. Kawaler, Hans Kjeldsen, Todd C. Klaus, David W. Latham, Jie Li, Jorge Lillo-Box, Mikkel N. Lund, Mia Lundkvist, Travis S. Metcalfe, Andrea Miglio, Robert L. Morris, Elisa V. Quintana, Dennis Stello, Jeffrey C. Smith, Martin Still, Susan E. Thompson. A sub-Mercury-sized exoplanet. Nature, 2013; DOI: 10.1038/nature11914

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

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/most_popular/~3/51VBYOuF2CM/130220133551.htm

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Parade WAGs Paris Saint Germain

Vic Beckham harus siap-siap kalah populer di Paris.

Klub

Kekasih Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Helena Seger (Zimbio)

VIVAbola - Selama ini pesona WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends) selalu menjadi menarik perhatian. Tak jarang di antara mereka bahkan lebih ngetop dibanding kekasih mereka yang berprofesi sebagai pesepakbola.

Di Inggris, kita sudah sering melihat para WAGs pergi ke klub malam atau sekedar belanja dengan pasangan. Tapi tidak dengan WAGs klub Prancis, Paris-Saint Germain. Praktis selama ini kita tidak mengetahui kehidupan pribadi mereka.

Maklum saja, mereka tidak menyukai publikasi dan jarang melakukan interview dengan media. Mereka lebih menyukai pergi ke butik-butik dan hotel eksklusif di kawasan fashion Paris, seperti hotel Le Bristol.

Ketenaran WAGs PSG mulai muncul saat David Beckham berlabuh ke Parc des Princes. Hal ini tak lain karena Becks, Victoria yang merupakan Ratu WAGs Inggris.

Tapi ketenaran Victoria di Paris belum sebanding dengan Helena Seger yang tak lain adalah kekasih Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Di Paris, Helena merupakan Ratu WAGs, wanita 38 tahun tersebut sudah bersama Ibra sejak 2002. Sebelum menjadi pengusaha, Helena berprofesi sebagai model dan cukup terkenal di negaranya, Swedia. Kini keduanya sudah dikaruniai dua anak laki-laki, Maximilian, tujuh tahun dan Vincent, lima tahun.

Selain Helena, ada tiga WAGs PSG yang menarik perhatian publik, siapa sajakah mereka?

Emilie Nefnaf
Emilie merupakan kekasih dari gelandang Jeremy Menez. Dia cukup terkenal di Prancis karena merupakan pemenang dari reality show, "Secret Story". Keduanya sudah berpacaran sejak 2011. Pada November 2012, Emilie melahirkan anak perempuan yang dinamakan Maella.

Chiara Picone
Chiara adalah kekasih dari? Javier Pastore. Keduanya sudah berpacaran sejak Pastore bermain untuk Palermo. Di Italia, Chiara adalah seorang presenter televisi.

Yanina Screpante
Sama seperti kekasihnya, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Yanina juga berasal dari Argentina. Seperti WAGs pada umumnya, Yanina berprofesi sebagai model. Tak jarang dia tampil seksi dengan balutan bikini di majalah Argentina. Dia salah satu orang yang mempengaruhi Lavezzi untuk pindah dari Napoli setelah ditodong menggunakan senjata tajam di pusat kota Naples. (ibk)

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Source: http://bola.viva.co.id/news/read/392138-parade-wags-paris-saint-germain

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David Einhorn is taking his Apple cash fight to the public

Einhorn is ready to play. AP Photo / Bill Kostroun

This item has been updated.

Hedge fund manager David Einhorn of Greenlight Capital pointed out that Apple?s $137 billion cash stockpile is larger than the market capitalization of all but 17 companies on the S&P 500.

It?s one of the points Einhorn made as he takes his campaign to shake more cash out of Apple directly to the public. He?s hosting a conference call right now to argue why Apple should issue perpetual preferred stock to return some of its cash pile back to investors.

?It?s not complicated. It?s merely unfamiliar,? Einhorn said of his plan for perpetual preferred stock. He also called it ?innovative.?

Einhorn has sued Apple to bar the company from enacting a shareholder proposal that he says will get rid of Apple?s ability to issue preferred shares, a claim the company disputes. A US District judge on the case said earlier this week that Greenlight has a likelihood of success. Shareholders are scheduled to vote on the measure on Feb. 27.

Although Apple CEO Tim Cook called the dispute with Einhorn a ?silly sideshow,? Apple has said it is studying Einhorn?s proposal and is considering ways to return more cash to investors. Last year, it announced a plan to return $45 billion to shareholders over three years.

Investors have been grumbling about Apple?s lack of generosity to shareholders for years, but many didn?t see an opportunity to pressure the tech giant because it?s stock had been performing so well. That has changed over the last several months, with Apple stock falling by more than 35% since September amid intense competition with Samsung for tablets and mobile phones.

Not every Apple shareholder is on board with Einhorn?s plans. The largest US pension fund, Calpers, supports Apple?s proposal because it requires a shareholder vote before eliminating the ability to issue preferred shares.

Updated at 2:30 p.m. ET:?Einhorn says Apple?s handling of cash has been ?exceedingly non innovative.? He also says Apple?s ?war chest? is more like a ?war vault.? He categorized IBM and Coca-Cola among the shareholder friendly companies while Dell is not, which is why he sold out of Dell stock.

Updated at 2:40 p.m. ET: Einhorn calls his mechanism for returning cash to Apple shareholders ?iPrefs,? the product Apple doesn?t yet know it needs, slyly using the mantra of Apple providing products that consumers don?t yet know they need. He says through iPrefs, Apple would issue a dividend every quarter forever, which translates into $470 million each quarter. Apple could attract a new kind of investor, one seeking a safe source of income.

Updated at 2:50 p.m. ET:?Einhorn says ?while Apple wants to keep its cake (cash), shareholders get to eat it, too.? He said the iPrefs method would give Apple shares a value of $480, higher than where it is trading now. He also argues it would put Apple?s cost of capital to the lowest quartile of the market, where it deserves to be, compared to the highest quartile, where it is now.

Source: http://qz.com/55739/david-einhorn-is-taking-his-apple-cash-fight-to-the-public/

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Russian PM in Brazil seeking arms, nuclear technology deals

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev met with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff on Wednesday on a visit to Brazil aimed at sealing defense and nuclear technology deals with a fellow member of the BRIC bloc of emerging nations.

On their agenda was the possible sale of Russian anti-aircraft missile systems to Brazil, a Brazilian government spokesman said.

Brazil is beefing up its air defenses ahead of the World Cup soccer tournament next year and the 2016 Olympic Games to ward off the threat of a terrorist attack during the global sporting events, which will draw massive crowds of foreigners.

Medvedev's trip follows a visit by Rousseff to Moscow in December that underlined the importance both countries attach to building relations among the BRIC club of emerging economies.

The BRIC countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - have a combined GDP of $14.9 trillion and have become increasingly vocal in criticizing developed nations' hold over global economic policies.

Ties between Brazil and Russia have been strengthening and they want to raise annual trade turnover to $10 billion from the current $6.5 billion.

Moscow will tout its advanced energy expertise and technology aiming to get involved in Brazil's plans to build new nuclear power stations to meet surging demand for electricity that has overwhelmed its generating capacity.

"We would like to offer our participation in the construction of nuclear plants and would like to get an invitation to participate in (the upcoming) tender," a senior official in the Russian delegation said.

He said Russia could train Brazil's nuclear staff, design research reactors and supply fuel for the future plants.

Medvedev also will try to clinch the sale of Russia's anti-aircraft missile technology, including the Pantsir S1 combined missile and artillery system and Igla-S portable surface-to-air missiles.

Brazil is interested in buying three Pantsir batteries with medium-range missiles and wants to acquire the technology to build the missiles itself in the future.

"We have already signed a commercial protocol on Igla-S supplies, which also foresees the opportunity of licensed production, but talks are ongoing," the Russian official said. "Licensed production launch may take some time, so they have expressed interest in importing Igla-S in the meantime too."

Russia is the world's second largest arms exporter and a deal with Brazil would largely be seen as a symbolic penetration of the Latin American defense market, after Russia lost some key contracts due to the Arab Spring uprisings in the Middle East.

Medvedev also will discuss the possible increase of Brazilian meat supplies to Russia, its largest buyer, the official said, but Moscow's sanitary authorities will make sure it is compliant with all the necessary standards.

As a sign of the two countries drawing closer, Brazil on Tuesday became the first country outside Russia to host a monitoring station for the Russian satellite navigation system GLONASS, a global positioning system that uses 24 satellites.

Medvedev also will visit Cuba, a former Cold War-era ally, where Moscow expects to sign deals on medicine, space and aviation, possibly including on the supply to Havana of three Ukrainian-Russian Antonov-158 regional jets.

(Additional reporting by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Bill Trott)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/russian-pm-brazil-seeking-arms-nuclear-technology-deals-145018857.html

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Money, sexism, violence keep women out of Kenyan politics

NAIROBI, Feb 20 (TrustLaw) - Violence, a deeply chauvinistic society and a lack of cash are locking women out of elected office in Kenya, east Africa's leading economy but a laggard when it comes to female representation.

The country's new constitution guarantees women a third of seats in parliament, but two and a half years since its adoption, Kenya's male-dominated assembly has still not passed the necessary legislation to put the constitutional principle into practice.

In next month's general election only one of eight presidential runners is female, and women held just 10 percent of seats in the last parliament, half the sub-Saharan average.

"Society sees our place being the kitchen and the bedroom. Nothing beyond there," parliamentary candidate Sophia Abdi Noor told Reuters. Noor is the only woman running for parliament in the remote, arid northeast.

Hailing from Kenya's conservative ethnic-Somali community, Noor and her family have been on the receiving end of public taunts and curses since her first foray into politics in 1997.

"People abused my husband. They told him, 'Now wear the skirt, let Sophia wear the trousers'," said Noor, who in 2007 was handed a seat reserved for marginalized groups.

The northeastern region has never elected a female lawmaker.

Across Kenya, from the fertile slopes of the Rift Valley to the steamy Indian Ocean coastline, female political aspirants painted the same picture: politics is the preserve of men in a country that struggles to deal with women in authority.

Many look with envy to Rwanda, where more than half of legislators are women, more than anywhere in the world.

There women have pushed through reforms granting them equal inheritance, property and citizenship rights. The lack of women in Kenyan politics, critics say, means women's and children's rights rarely get a proper hearing in the rowdy parliamentary chamber.

"We are a patriarchal society. Power and money are two things that are very difficult for men to let go of," said Naisola Likimani, a former head of advocacy at the Africa Women's Development and Communication Network.

GUNS, THREATS AND CONDOMS

That desire for power and money - and political office tends to bring both in Kenya - means that violent attacks, or threats of violence, against women are not uncommon.

Last month, Millie Odhiambo was seeking her party's nomination for the Mbita parliamentary constituency in western Kenya. Before voting even began in the party primary, she says, supporters of a rival loaded the ballot papers on to a pickup truck as three men in police uniforms entered the polling station firing guns in the air.

Their intent, she said, was to spoil the vote.

"I literally had to jump on the pickup to protect that ballot," Odhiambo told Reuters. She went on to win the ticket.

In other primaries, female candidates said they were threatened with rape and shunned by elders for violating tradition. One found a rival had littered the polling station with condoms with her name on them in an attempt, she said, to portray her as promiscuous in the eyes of conservative voters.

In next month's general election, 156 women will battle it out against men for parliamentary seats, a sharp fall on the 269 who contested the last ballot in 2007.

This is, in part, because another 300 will focus their bids on the 47 seats reserved for women representatives of each county, a new post. This, however, will only guarantee women 16 percent of the overall seats in the chamber.

A complete lack of political will was to blame for the last parliament's failure to implement constitutional guarantees of affirmative action, said social policy analyst Atieno Ndomo.

"People who are benefiting from this arrangement have no interest whatsoever to change it," she said.

Kenyan lawmakers are among the best paid in the world.

THE "IRON LADY"

One woman determined to shatter the common belief that Kenya is not ready for a female president is Martha Karua.

Nicknamed the 'Iron Lady' after the steely former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the former justice minister is the only female presidential candidate in the March 4 vote.

She won't win. The latest opinion polls show her with just 1-2 percent of the vote, a sign Kenyan voters are still not ready to depart from the old-boys-club style of politics that has defined Kenya's political scene since independence.

Karua's gender, and the fact she is divorced, often count against her in this deeply religious society.

"A woman is supposed to be under men," said 23-year-old Hyphe Ouya at a rally attended by Karua. "We don't believe a woman could be president."

Women politicians don't only need to change the minds of men like Ouya, they also need cash to run their campaigns.

One Nairobi think-tank estimates that the front-runners Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta will spend a combined $350 million on their campaigns, a record for Kenya [ID:nL5N0BDC7X]

Personal wealth and political and business ties are key to wracking up such huge campaign funds. Karua has said she can't match their spending power.

But sidelining women from politics when they make up more than half of Kenya's 40 million-strong population is not an option, says Karua.

"If you don't include women, then it is a sham democracy," she told Reuters.

"I don't want my daughter ever to be told that Kenya is not ready for a woman president. If there is a glass ceiling, I am here to break it." (TrustLaw is a global legal news service run by the Thomson Reuters Foundation and covering women's rights and governance issues)

(Writing by Richard Lough; Editing by Will Waterman)

(This story corrects the spelling of surname Likimani in para 11)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/cash-sexism-violence-keep-women-kenyan-politics-054240179.html

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Microsoft Backs Oracle Against Google Android

Microsoft Backs Oracle Against Google Android

What's the old saying? Something along the lines of the enemy of my enemy is my friend?

On Tuesday, according to court records, several companies and individuals filed statements in support of an Oracle appeal that seeks to show that Google illegally cloned the Java APIs, or application programming interfaces, software that developers use to build applications in the Java programming language. Microsoft was among them, filing a brief together with data storage giants EMC and NetApp.

Comments

Posted by Steve 7:02 PM (CST)??

Source: http://www.hardocp.com/news/2013/02/20/microsoft_backs_oracle_against_google_android/

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European shares rise as Germany boosts recovery hopes

LONDON (Reuters) - European shares saw their strongest gains in a week on Tuesday after a pick-up in German economic sentiment data bolstered hopes the region's biggest economy would rebound quickly from its recent bout of weakness.

Following last week's GDP figures showing that the euro zone saw a weaker end to 2012 than expected, Germany's ZEW survey of investors and analysts brightened the mood as it comfortably beat expectations to hit its highest level since April 2010.

"Financial market experts have made their peace with the weak fourth quarter of 2012," said ZEW president Wolfgang Franz. "In their opinion the German economy faces less of a headwind from the euro crisis than throughout the last months."

European stock markets, which have lost around 1.5 percent since the end of January, extended early morning gains after the figures were released to put them on track for their biggest gains in a week.

The FTSEurofirst 300 <.fteu3> had added 0.7 percent by 1120 GMT, led by 1 and 0.8 percent gains on Paris's CAC-40 <.fchi> and Frankfurt's DAX <.gdaxi> and 0.3 percent rises in London <.ftse> and Madrid <.ibex>.

"Even if the real economy only lives up to half the expectations recently created by soft indicators, any fears of a technical recession (in Germany) should turn out to have been unjustified," said ING economist Carsten Brzeski.

The euro also rose and German government bonds turned negative after the figures, though both moves proved to be brief, with the euro quickly back to $1.3340 and benchmark Bunds back in positive territory at 142.80.

European Central Bank President Mario Draghi's reiteration on Monday that the bank would continue to monitor the euro's recent strength kept downward pressure on the currency, as some took the comments as a hint that a rate cut could be on the cards.

Underscoring the drag Europe's economic sluggishness is creating, new figures showed car firms had their weakest January since the records of the Association of European Carmakers began in 1990, with sales dropping 8.5 percent.

"What most people are now waiting for is what the ECB meeting brings next month and whether we get a rate cut," said Tobias Blattner at Daiwa Securities in London.

YEN FIRMS

Elsewhere in the currency market, the yen rose after Japanese ministers played down talk of foreign-bond buying by the country's central bank, and sterling, another currency in the spotlight, edged away from a seven-month low.

The yen has dropped 20 percent against the dollar since mid-November, sparking talk of a "currency war", though Japan's expansive policies, which have driven the fall, escaped direct criticism from G20 policymakers last week.

Finance Minister Taro Aso told a news conference that he was not considering foreign bond purchases as a part of monetary easing, while Economy Minister Akira Amari said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's comments to that effect on Monday simply referred to policy options countries have in general.

Their comments sent the dollar down to 93.50 yen. The euro eased 0.5 percent to 124.74 yen, well below its peak since April 2010 of 127.71 yen touched on February 6.

The pound rose 0.1 percent to $1.5482, inching up from Monday's low of $1.5438. But with Bank of England minutes due on Wednesday, the recovery looked vulnerable to any further suggestion policymakers would like it weaker.

CONSOLIDATION MODE

MSCI's world equity index <.miwd00000pus> was slightly higher at midday, though markets have been falling for two weeks since a big run-up in January.

After a day off, U.S. stock index futures pointed to a higher open on Wall Street, with futures for the S&P 500 up 0.1 percent, Dow Jones futures up 0.1 percent and Nasdaq 100 futures up 0.2 percent.

The gradual improvement in the global economic environment has supported commodities, though concerns about Italy's election this weekend and talks in Washington over a package of budget cuts set to kick in on March 1 have helped limit gains.

Oil prices were little changed at $117.46 a barrel by midday as investors awaited the return of U.S.-based traders from a public holiday and the release of U.S. oil inventory data on Wednesday and Thursday.

Platinum prices, meanwhile, rose to near $1,700 an ounce, closing back in on the $1,740 high it hit earlier this month, after Anglo American Platinum shut all its operations in South Africa after workers stayed away following violence at one of the mines on Monday.

Gold rose for a second straight session when traders in China, returning from a week-long break, bought up the precious metal, having seen prices drop 3 percent in their absence.

Spot gold edged up 0.2 percent to $1,612.56 an ounce, just above the six-month low of $1,598.04 hit late last week.

(Additional reporting by Richard Hubbard; Editing by Will Waterman)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/yen-firmer-near-lows-asian-shares-capped-004411589--finance.html

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Sprint LTE also live in parts of Florida, New York City and Washington, DC (updated)

Sprint was clearly up to something good when we noticed LTE in parts of San Francisco. It turns out that this was just the tip of the iceberg -- the carrier has since confirmed that it's also flicking the switch in New York City, parts of New York state, Washington DC, and Florida cities that include Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa. The faster access is going live on a site-by-site basis in given areas rather than all at once, which bears out what we're hearing from readers and a Sprint spokesperson we reached for comment: LTE appears to be available in pockets in at least New York City and San Francisco. Sprint won't have a formal news release until it believes the coverage is complete, but we suspect most customers will be too busy testing the speed of their long-underused EVO 4G LTE or iPhone 5 to notice.

[Thanks, Derek and Revie]

Update: The full Sprint statement is after the break.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Sprint

Comments

Source: The Verge

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/bLqwWV9celo/

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Microsoft NSF-00001 Wireless Controller - Xbox 360, Up to 30 Feet Range, Requires 2 AA Batteries, Black for $29.99

Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Black Controller
Microsoft Xbox 360 wireless controllers help you get into the game like never before. Together with up to three friends, you can take complete control of the fun and play anywhere in the room up to 30 feet away. The 2.4GHz wireless technology found in these controllers can connect up to four controllers simultaneously on one Xbox 360 console. Along with the new matte black finish, the design of this controller also features an integrated headset port for communication on Xbox live. With the ability to even adjust the vibration feeback settings for longer battery life, the Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless black controller has everything you'd want in a perfect gaming controller. So when the game is on, don't let the wires trip you up, grab one of these controllers and go wireless today!

What It Is And Why You Need It:

2.4GHz wireless technology with 30-foot range
Use up to four controllers simultaneously on one console
Integrated headset port for Xbox LIVE play
Adjustable vibration feedback for longer battery life
Great new look with a matte black finish and gloss accents
Use the Xbox 360 Guide button to keep track of your friends, access your games and media, or power on and off your Xbox 360 console
Requires 2 AA Batteries

Source: http://www.dealigg.com/story-Microsoft-NSF-00001-Wireless-Controller-Xbox-360-Up-to-30-Feet-Range-Requires-2-AA-Batteries-Bl-2

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McDonald's path to mayor: fundraising scofflaw

Susan Watts/New York Daily News

For his defiance of the law, the McDonald campaign could be fined $57,050 by the city Campaign Finance Board. If he wins his suit, he will likely face no penalty, however. If he loses and returns the excess donations, he can dramatically reduce his financial penalty.

George McDonald's strategy to become mayor is built on breaking the law ? the city?s campaign finance law.

McDonald, an advocate for the homeless, has taken 10 campaign contributions greater than the city?s $4,950 legal limit ? including one for $40,000. And his campaign has obtained a $120,000 loan in violation of city election law, too.

It?s all intentional, part of an unprecedented attack on the city?s tough election law ? one that could allow more money to pour into local races if it is successful.

McDonald says that the city?s limits on contributions are unconstitutional, and he?s filed a lawsuit asking a judge to invalidate the law.

?No one has knocked it down in 23 years,? said Hofstra Law School dean Eric Lane, who helped to write the law 23 years ago.

But there are fans of McDonald?s legal challenge.

Ironically, one of them is a rival for the Republican nomination for mayor. Sources close to Joe Lhota say his campaign hopes McDonald can invalidate the contribution limits. Such a victory would make it easier for Lhota to raise cash, too.

By flouting the law, the McDonald campaign could be fined $57,050 by the city Campaign Finance Board, a board official said.

But that penalty would be reduced to $4,463 if McDonald lost the court case and returned the excess contributions. McDonald would likely face no penalty if he won his legal challenge.

It?s a risk McDonald is willing to take.

Spokesman David Catalfamo said the city?s strict donation limit makes it impossible to go up against wealthy candidates who can spend as much of their own money as they want.

?George . . . wants to be the next mayor, and in order to do that, he needs the resources to compete,? Catalfamo said.

?The current system favors candidates who can self-finance, like Mike Bloomberg or (Gristedes owner) John Catsimatidis or career politicians who spent years building donor rolls.?

McDonald argues the city contribution limit is unconstitutional because state election law allows a donor to give up to $41,100 to a candidate in a general election.

The city?s contribution limit was instituted as part of a landmark program that gives $6 in city funds to every $1 donated by city residents to qualifying candidates, up to a maximum ?match? of $1,050 per donor.

The $4,950 donation limit was instituted in 1988 for candidates participating in the city?s matching funds program. In 2004, it was expanded to cover all donations.

Campaign Finance Board spokesman Matthew Sollars said the contribution limit ?reduces the influence of deep-pocketed special interests and keeps corporate money out of our elections.?

?Combined with the public matching funds . . . these limits ensure that candidates listen to the voices of all New Yorkers.?

jlemire@nydailynews.com

Source: http://feeds.nydailynews.com/~r/nydnrss/news/politics/~3/nSg66RyoAIQ/story01.htm

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Ivory Coast's Gbagbo in court to hear if trial to proceed

THE HAGUE (Reuters) - A relaxed-looking former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo appeared in the International Criminal Court on Tuesday to hear whether accusations of crimes against humanity against him are strong enough for a full trial.

Gbagbo, accused of plunging his country into civil war after 2010 elections rather than relinquishing his grip on power, would be the first ex-head of state to be tried by the Court, whose credibility is at stake after a string of collapsed cases.

His lawyers accuse the Hague-based tribunal of doing the bidding of his successor, Alassane Ouattara, who has since sought to kickstart the economy of the world's top cocoa grower and the country that was once the commercial hub of West Africa.

The 67-year-old former history professor, who was dressed in a sobre business suit and whose face was expressionless as he watched proceedings from his seat at the back of the court, is not due to speak until late next week. The sessions have been spread over several days to take account of his frail health.

Some 300 or so supporters of Gbagbo gathered on a patch of grass opposite the court to demand his release. "He's not a dictator," said one supporter who called himself Babadwe.

"Gbagbo loves his people and his people love him. Have you ever heard of a president who kills his people and then have his people love him?"

The hearing is crucial for the Court's own prosecutors, who will seek to convince judges that Gbagbo has a case to answer after a string of high-profile failures.

They must prove that Gbagbo ordered his forces to commit murders, rapes and other human rights during violence in which some 3,000 people died in a four-month civil war that uprooted a million people from their homes.

Late last year Congolese warlord Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui was acquitted in the court's second ever verdict, and prosecutors have failed to make charges stick against four other African suspects.

RECONCILIATION EFFORTS

Gbagbo says he was leading government resistance against what he describes as Ouattara's foreign-backed northern rebellion. Ouattara saw himself as the champion of excluded northerners who suffered under Gbagbo's southern government.

The conflict came to an end only after Gbagbo was arrested by forces loyal to Ouattara, with the help of French troops, prompting Gbagbo's supporters to argue that he is the victim of post-colonial meddling.

Prosecutors have also issued an arrest warrant for Gbagbo's wife Simone, but Ivory Coast has not surrendered her to the ICC's custody.

A close Gbagbo ally, the leader of the Young Patriots youth movement Charles Ble Goude, was arrested last month in Ghana and was immediately extradited to face trial in Ivory Coast.

Gbagbo supporters and human rights groups have complained that abuses carry out by pro-Ouattara forces during the conflict have yet to be punished, arguing that this is holding back efforts to reconcile southerners and northerners.

Many Ivorians want to draw a line over the whole conflict.

"I think that the youth need to understand that Gbagbo has had his day and it's over now," said Norbert Toualy, a pensioner in the commercial capital Abidjan. "He can come back after his trial, but he's no longer going to be president."

(Additional reporting by Ange Aboa in Abidjan and Mark John in the Hague; editing by Mark John)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/ivory-coasts-gbagbo-court-hear-trial-proceed-141345661.html

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Ex-Detroit mayor's corruption case in hands of jury

By David Ashenfelter

DETROIT | Mon Feb 18, 2013 7:06am EST

DETROIT (Reuters) - It's now up to a federal jury in Detroit to weigh five months of trial testimony from more than 80 witnesses to decide the fate of former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, his father and a former city contractor in the biggest corruption probe to face the city in decades.

The nine women and three men on the jury were expected to begin deliberations on Tuesday in the trial of Kilpatrick, 42, his father Bernard Kilpatrick, 71, and mayoral pal and city contractor Bobby Ferguson, 44.

In the case before U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds, prosecutors have accused the three men of turning the mayor's office into "Kilpatrick Incorporated," extorting bribes from contractors who wanted to get or keep city contracts. Some contractors were forced to include Ferguson on jobs, even though he did little or no work, prosecutors said.

"The scale of corruption is breathtaking," Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Chutkow said in his closing argument on Friday.

Kilpatrick steered $83 million in city contracts to Ferguson in exchange for kickbacks that enabled Kilpatrick to spend $840,000 more than his $160,000-a-year mayor's salary would have allowed, prosecutors said.

The former mayor also is accused of using his nonprofit Kilpatrick Civic Fund for personal and political expenses.

The government said Kilpatrick's father, a governmental consultant, used his son's position to extort bribes from contractors.

Although the defendants didn't testify at trial, their lawyers said they were victims of overzealous prosecutors, flimsy evidence, and witnesses who lied to get lenient treatment in their own corruption cases.

Witnesses in the trial included a top former mayoral aide, a mayoral fundraiser and a former contractor at the city's convention center. Evidence included text messages, bank checks, federal wiretaps and surveillance video.

Kwame Kilpatrick's lawyer, James Thomas, told jurors the witnesses were "bought and paid for" by the government and that Kilpatrick's additional cash came from savings and gifts. Thomas said Kilpatrick never extorted anyone or forced anyone to hire Ferguson. Rather, he helped Ferguson because he knew Ferguson would hire Detroiters, Thomas said.

"Let Mr. Kilpatrick go home with his wife and kids," Thomas said in his closing argument.

Lawyers for Ferguson and Bernard Kilpatrick said they were honest and hard-working. Bernard Kilpatrick's lawyer said he was targeted because he is the former mayor's father.

The defendants are charged with racketeering, conspiracy and extortion, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Kwame Kilpatrick also faces mail and wire fraud charges.

Kwame Kilpatrick and Ferguson are also charged with bribery, punishable by up to 10 years behind bars. And both Kilpatricks are accused of filing false tax returns.

CITY DECAY MADE WORSE BY CORRUPTION

The ongoing corruption probe has led to criminal charges against two dozen others, including former vendors and city officials such as the former head of the city's water and sewer department, Victor Mercado, who pleaded guilty during the trial to one conspiracy count and faces up to 18 months in prison.

Legal expert Peter Henning, a Wayne State University law professor and former federal prosecutor, predicted that jurors would convict Kwame Kilpatrick and Ferguson on some charges, but might acquit Bernard Kilpatrick, who played a lesser role.

"They have to be happy with how their case has gone," Henning said of the prosecution. "There were some bumps in the road with some of the witnesses, but that's not surprising in a case like this."

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Detroit has a lot riding on the verdict after several high profile setbacks, including the acquittal in March of a militia group accused of plotting a violent anti-government revolt and a mistrial last June declared in a separate $12.9 million bid-rigging case against Ferguson.

Former Detroit Councilwoman Sheila Cockrel, who teaches Detroit political history at Wayne State, said the pay-to-play culture under Kilpatrick damaged the city.

"It was literally a cancer on the core of the city," Cockrel said. "I think the misuse of public funds for personal gain exacerbated an already deeply decayed financial infrastructure."

Detroit's population has plunged since the 1950s, leaving it with a shrinking tax base and huge debts. Governor Rick Snyder is considering a state-appointed emergency financial manager for Detroit, a step toward what could be the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.

Kilpatrick, a former state representative, was considered a rising star in the national Democratic Party when he was elected mayor in November 2001. His tenure turned out to be marked by accusations of cronyism, nepotism and lavish spending.

In 2008, he pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice for lying in a civil trial where he denied having an extramarital affair with his former chief of staff and conspiring with her to fire a deputy police chief. The deputy chief was investigating reports about a never-proven wild party at the mayoral mansion where Kilpatrick's wife supposedly attacked a stripper.

Kilpatrick agreed to resign and pay $1 million restitution to the city and was jailed for 99 days.

In 2010, a Wayne County judge sentenced Kilpatrick to prison for a probation violation - concealing assets to avoid paying the ordered restitution while living a lavish lifestyle in a Dallas, Texas, suburb. He served 14 months.

(Additional reporting by Maureen McDonald; Editing by David Bailey, Barbara Goldberg and Nick Zieminski)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Reuters/domesticNews/~3/NwU7MZdeFms/us-usa-crime-kilpatrick-idUSBRE91H09Q20130218

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