NEWS & NEWS IN SPANISH
A man who laid siege to a one-room Amish schoolhouse told his wife he had molested young children decades ago and left a note saying he had "dreams of molesting again," state police Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller said Tuesday
Earlier Tuesday, two more children died of wounds from the shootings, raising the death toll to five girls plus the gunman.
Five other girls remained hospitalized, four in critical condition, though state police spokeswoman Linette Quin said the survivors were "coming along very well."
The two girls who died, ages 7 and 9, had "very severe injuries," she said.
Of the injured, a 6-year-old girl remained in critical condition and a 13-year-old girl was in serious condition at Penn State Children's Hospital, spokeswoman Buehler Stranges said. Three other girls, ages 8, 10 and 12, were flown to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where they were out of surgery but in critical condition, spokeswoman Peggy Flynn said.
A milk-truck driver carrying three guns and a childhood grudge stormed a one-room Amish schoolhouse Monday, sent the boys and adults outside, barricaded the doors with two-by-fours, and then opened fire on a dozen girls, killing three people before committing suicide.
The county coroner says at least three people were killed in a shooting at a one-room Amish schoolhouse, where state police said earlier a gunman killed "a number" of people Monday in Pennsylvania's bucolic Lancaster County.
At least seven other victims were critically wounded, authorities said.
It was the nation's third deadly school shooting in less than a week, and it sent shock waves through Lancaster County's bucolic Amish country, a picturesque landscape of horse-drawn buggies, green pastures and neat-as-a-pin farms, where violent crime is virtually nonexistent.
Most of the victims had been shot execution-style at point-blank range after being lined up along the chalkboard, their feet bound with wire and plastic ties, authorities said. Two young students were killed, along with a female teacher's aide who was slightly older than the students, state police Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller said.
"This is a horrendous, horrific incident for the Amish community. They're solid citizens in the community. They're good people. They don't deserve ... no one deserves this," Miller said.
Miller told Fox News late Monday that a fourth girl had died at Hershey Medical Center. However, a spokeswoman for the hospital, Amy Buehler Stranges, said that there had been no change in the condition of the three girls at that hospital.
The gunman, Charles Carl Roberts IV, a 32-year-old truck driver from the nearby town of Bart, was bent on killing young girls as a way of "acting out in revenge for something that happened 20 years ago" when he was a boy, Miller said.
Miller refused to say what that long-ago hurt was.
Roberts was not Amish and appeared to have nothing against the Amish community, Miller said. Instead, Miller said, he apparently picked the school because it was close by, there were girls there, and it had little or no security.
The attack bore similarities to a deadly school shooting last week in Bailey, Colo., but Miller said he believed the Pennsylvania attack was not a copycat crime. "I really believe this was about this individual and what was going on inside his head," he said.
Miller said Roberts was apparently preparing for a long siege, arming himself with a 9mm semiautomatic pistol, a 12-gauge shotgun and a rifle, along with a bag of about 600 rounds of ammunition, two cans of smokeless powder, two knives and a stun gun on his belt. He also had rolls of tape, various tools and a change of clothes.
Roberts had left several rambling notes to his wife and three children that Miller said were "along the lines of suicide notes." The gunman also called his wife during the siege by cell phone to tell her he was getting even for some long-ago offense, according to Miller.
From the suicide notes and telephone calls, it was clear Roberts was "angry at life, he was angry at God," Miller said. And it was clear from interviews with his co-workers at the dairy that his mood had darkened in recent days and he had stopped chatting and joking around with fellow employees and customers, the officer said.
Miller said that Roberts had been scheduled to take a random drug test on Monday. But the officer said it was not clear what role that may have played in the attack.
Miller said investigators were looking into the possibility the attack may have been related to the death of one of Roberts' own children. According to an obituary, Roberts and his wife, Marie, lost a daughter shortly after she was born in 1997.
As rescue workers and investigators tromped over the surrounding farmland, looking for evidence around this tiny village about 55 miles west of Philadelphia, dozens of people in traditional plain Amish clothing watched — the men in light-colored shirts, dark pants and broad-brimmed straw farmer's hats, the women in bonnets and long dark dresses.
The victims were members of the Old Order Amish. Lancaster County is home to some 20,000 Old Order Amish, who eschew automobiles, electricity, computers, fancy clothes and most other modern conveniences, live among their own people, and typically speak a German dialect known as Pennsylvania Dutch.
Bob Allen, a clerk at a bookstore in the Amish country tourist town of Intercourse, said residents see the area as being safe and the Amish as peaceful people. "It just goes to show there's no safe place. There's really no such thing," he said.
The shooting took place at the one-room West Nickel Mines Amish School, a neat white building set amid green fields, with a square white horse fence around the schoolyard. The school had about 25 to 30 students, ages 6 to 13.
According to investigators, Roberts walked his children to the school bus stop, then backed his truck up to the Amish school, unloaded his weapons and several pieces of lumber, and walked in around 10 a.m. He released about 15 boys, a pregnant woman and three women with babies, Miller said.
He barricaded the doors with two-by-fours and two-by-sixes nailed into place, piled-up desks and flexible plastic ties; made the remaining girls line up along a blackboard; and tied their feet together with wire ties and plastic ties, Miller said.
The teacher and another adult at the school fled to a farmhouse nearby, and someone there called 911 to report a gunman holding students hostage.
Roberts apparently called his wife around 11 a.m., saying he was taking revenge for an old grudge, Miller said. Moments later, Roberts told a dispatcher he would open fire on the children if police didn't back away from the building. Within seconds, troopers heard gunfire. They smashed the windows to get inside, and found his body.
Miller said he had no immediate evidence that the victims were sexually assaulted.
Killed were two students, and a female teacher's aide who was 15 or 16 years old, authorities said.
No one answered the door at Roberts' small, one-story home on Tuesday afternoon. Children's toys were strewn on the porch and in the yard.
A family spokesman, Dwight Lefever, read a short statement from Roberts' wife that said, in part, "Our hearts are broken, our lives are shattered, and we grieve for the innocence and lives that were lost today. Above all, please pray for the families who lost children and please pray too for our family and children."
The shootings were disturbingly similar to an attack last week at Platte Canyon High School in Bailey, Colo., where a man singled out several girls as hostages in a school classroom and then killed one of them and himself. Authorities said the man in Colorado sexually molested the girls.
"If this is some kind of a copycat, it's horrible and of concern to everybody, all law enforcement," said Monte Gore, undersheriff of Park County, Colo.
Miller, though, said he believed the Pennsylvania attack was not a copycat crime: "I really believe this was about this individual and what was going on inside his head."
On Friday, a school principal was shot to death in Cazenovia, Wis. A 15-year-old student, described as upset over a reprimand, was charged with murder.
The Pennsylvania attack was the deadliest school shooting since a teenager went on a rampage last year on an Indian reservation in Red Lake, Minn., killing 10 people in all, including five students, a teacher, a security guard and himself.
Nationwide, the 1999 Columbine High School massacre in Littleton, Colo., remains the deadliest school shooting, with 15 dead, including the two teenage gunmen.
A "number" of people were killed in a shooting at a one-room Amish schoolhouse Monday, state police said
"There are a number of people dead. ... The exact number I do not know yet," state police Cpl. Ralph Striebig said.
The person who fired the shots was among those killed, Striebig said. There are also a number of casualties, he said.
Police surrounded the one-room school in southeastern Lancaster County late Monday morning. The Lancaster County 911 Web site reported that dozens of emergency units were dispatched to a "medical emergency" at 10:45 a.m. Monday.
Officials at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center confirmed that victims were being admitted there. A spokeswoman said the hospital anticipated treating more than one patient, but did not know how many.
About three dozen Amish people were seen standing behind a police line, and at least two ambulances had left the scene. Television news helicopters also showed a person being taken away on a stretcher to a waiting medical helicopter.
FDA Warns Consumers Not To Drink Bolthouse Farms Carrot Juice Due to Botulism Concerns
Oct 1, 2006
In response to a fourth case of botulism being linked to Bolthouse Farms, Bakersfield, California brand carrot juice, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to drink Bolthouse Farms Carrot Juice, 450 ml and 1 liter plastic bottles, with "BEST IF USED BY" dates of NOV 11 2006 or earlier. Consumers should discard this product. FDA is also reiterating its advice to consumers to keep carrot juice - including pasteurized carrot juice - refrigerated.
The fourth case of botulism poisoning involves an adult female in Florida who is currently suffering from paralysis. To date, one link between the illness and the consumers appears to be that the juice they drank was not properly refrigerated once it was in the home, which allowed the Clostridium botulinum spores to grow and produce toxin. FDA is investigating other possible links.
Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium commonly found in soil. Under certain conditions these bacteria can produce a toxin that if ingested can result in botulism, a disease that may cause paralysis or death. Cases of botulism from processed food are extremely rare in the U.S.
Symptoms of botulism can include: double-vision, droopy eyelids, altered voice, trouble with speaking or swallowing, and paralysis on both sides of the body that progresses from the neck down, possibly followed by difficulty in breathing. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Adequate refrigeration is one of the keys to food safety and is essential to preventing bacterial growth. Refrigerator temperatures should be no higher than 40°F and freezer temperatures no higher then 0°F. Consumers should check the temperatures occasionally with an appliance thermometer.
Consumers should look for the words "Keep Refrigerated" on juice labels so they know which products must be kept refrigerated. FDA is looking into whether industry's current juice labels provide clear refrigeration instructions.
ExcelAire Statement on Brazil Aircraft Accident
September 30, 2006 -- All of us at ExcelAire extend our condolences to the families and those affected by the crash of the Gol Boeing 737 jet in Manaus.
On Sept. 29, the Brazilian-made Legacy in the ExcelAire fleet was flying from Sao Paulo to Manaus, on its inaugural flight from Embraer, where it was manufactured. While in flight, the Legacy suffered a jolt to the aircraft, and noticed the left winglet was gone along with damage to the leading edge.
We have learned that the two crew and five passengers onboard the ExcelAire's Legacy are uninjured, and are fortunate that our pilots were able to safely land the jet at an Air Force base in Brazil.
We are fully supporting the investigation by Brazilian authorities, along with Embraer and Boeing into this incident, and await their findings.
ExcelAire has a flawless safety record and has never had an accident in the history of the company, founded in 1985.
Delphi's Labor and GM Contract Rejection Hearing Dates Adjourned as Stakeholder Discussions Continue
Chambers conferences set for October 19, 2006
Sept. 28 Delphi Corporation announced today that the Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of New York has granted continued adjournments of hearings on Delphi's motions to reject collective bargaining agreements and modify retiree benefits under Sections 1113 and 1114 of the Bankruptcy Code and for authority to reject after notice certain commercial contracts with General Motors (GM) Corp. under Section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code. The 1113/1114 and Section 365 motion hearings were previously adjourned on Sept. 18, 2006. The Court has scheduled chambers conferences on October 19, 2006 for status and scheduling purposes with Delphi and the respondents to each motion.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020315/DEF002LOGO )
The action follows a chambers conference conducted by the Court on September 28, 2006 and discussions between Delphi and its major stakeholders including its statutory committees, labor unions and GM. The adjournments are intended to allow the parties to continue to focus on ongoing commercial and labor discussions.
For more information about Delphi's (Pink Sheets: DPHIQ) bankruptcy proceedings, visit http://www.delphidocket.com/ .
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT
This press release, as well as other statements made by Delphi may contain forward-looking statements within the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that reflect, when made, the company's current views with respect to current events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are and will be, as the case may be, subject to many risks, uncertainties and factors relating to the company's operations and business environment which may cause the actual results of the company to be materially different from any future results, express or implied, by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: the ability of the company to continue as a going concern; the ability of the company to operate pursuant to the terms of the debtor-in-possession ("DIP") financing facility; the company's ability to obtain court approval with respect to motions in the chapter 11 proceeding prosecuted by it from time to time; the ability of the company to develop, prosecute, confirm and consummate one or more plans of reorganization with respect to the Chapter 11 cases; risks associated with third parties seeking and obtaining court approval to terminate or shorten the exclusivity period for the company to propose and confirm one or more plans of reorganization, for the appointment of a chapter 11 trustee or to convert the cases to chapter 7 cases; the ability of the company to obtain and maintain normal terms with vendors and service providers; the company's ability to maintain contracts that are critical to its operations; the potential adverse impact of the Chapter 11 cases on the company's liquidity or results of operations; the ability of the company to execute its business plans, including the transformation plan described in the Company's March 31, 2006 press release, and to do so in a timely fashion; the ability of the company to attract, motivate and/or retain key executives and associates; the ability of the company to avoid or continue to operate during a strike, or partial work stoppage or slow down by any of its unionized employees; and the ability of the company to attract and retain customers. Other risk factors are listed from time to time in the company's United States Securities and Exchange Commission reports, including, but not limited to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. Delphi disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events and/or otherwise.
Similarly, these and other factors, including the terms of any reorganization plan ultimately confirmed, can affect the value of the company's various pre-petition liabilities, common stock and/or other equity securities. Additionally, no assurance can be given as to what values, if any, will be ascribed in the bankruptcy proceedings to each of these constituencies. A plan of reorganization could result in holders of Delphi's common stock receiving no distribution on account of their interest and cancellation of their interests. Under certain conditions specified in the Bankruptcy Code, a plan of reorganization may be confirmed notwithstanding its rejection by an impaired class of creditors or equity holders and notwithstanding the fact that equity holders do not receive or retain property on account of their equity interests under the plan. In light of the foregoing and as stated in its October 8, 2005, press release announcing the filing of its Chapter 11 reorganization cases, the company considers the value of the common stock to be highly speculative and cautions equity holders that the stock may ultimately be determined to have no value. Accordingly, the company urges that appropriate caution be exercised with respect to existing and future investments in Delphi's common stock or other equity interests or any claims relating to pre-petition liabilities.
Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced the successful field testing of its new Enhanced/Synthetic Vision System (E/SVS) designed to increase situational awareness for rescue mission pilots during approach and landing in various environmental and ambient lighting conditions.
Sept 28th 2006
Developed by Boeing Advanced Systems and Boeing Phantom Works, the E/SVS will be integrated into the HH-47 aircraft proposed for the U.S. Air Force Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) program. The E/SVS will provide pilots real-time images and passive/active detection of hazards present in landing areas.
"This system is an added measure of protection and safety for rescue pilots and crews," said Van Horn, Capture Team lead on Boeing's CSAR proposal. "The E/SVS will be a substantial enhancement for our aircraft and will significantly improve mission performance during search and rescue operations."
The E/SVS demonstration field test validated the integration of multiple sensors, including infrared low-light level video cameras and laser radars that provided real-time, 185 degree panoramic viewing for pilots and crew via sensor and synthetic data fusion. The demonstration also evaluated millimeter wave radar and hyperspectral sensors.
The system will detect obstructions such as wires, vehicles or personnel present in landing areas, but hidden in brownout, whiteout or other zero-visibility conditions. The operational E/SVS system will provide 360 degree coverage with video data available to the flight crew through five Head Mounted Displays and one spare cabin video system.
The E/SVS is supplemented with terrain references from Digital Terrain Elevation Data, charts or satellite imagery and will provide imaging in a variety of conditions where pilots and crew would normally operate on instruments.
The system can be utilized on standard CH-47 Chinook and AH-64 Apache helicopters as well as the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor in future applications.
Pacific Coast Fruit Company Voluntarily Recalls Spinach Salad Products and Pizza Because of Possible Health Risk
Contact:
Tom Brugato
503-320-2727
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Portland, OR -- September 22, 2006 -- Pacific Coast Fruit Company of Portland, Oregon is recalling products that may include spinach supplied by Natural Selections Foods a California Grower and Processor. The products listed below may be contaminated with Escherichia coli 0157:H7 bacteria. (E.Coli 0157:H7) This bacteria causes a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.
-- Portland, OR -- September 22, 2006 -- Pacific Coast Fruit Company of Portland, Oregon is recalling products that may include spinach supplied by Natural Selections Foods a California Grower and Processor. The products listed below may be contaminated with Escherichia coli 0157:H7 bacteria. (E.Coli 0157:H7) This bacteria causes a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.Products include:
Baby Spring Mix Salad Kit (4.6 lbs)
Chef on the Run- Bacon Spinach Salad (9oz plus 2fl oz dressing)
Chef on the Run- Spring Greens Salad (5oz plus 2fl oz dressing)
Chef on the Run- Willamette Valley Salad (10oz plus 2fl oz dressing)
Trader Joe's- Baby Spinach and Greens with Bleu Cheese, Candied Pecans and Cranberries with Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing (10oz)
Trader Joe's- Baby Greens and Spinach Salad with Wild Maine Blueberry Dressing (10oz)
Mediterranean Veggie Blend Kit- 15 lbs
My Brothers Pizza Spinach and Garlic- 15oz and 36oz.
Product listed were distributed through various retail outlets in Alaska, Oregon, Washington and Idaho. There is no international distribution.
Most Salad Products can be identified by the labels Trader Joe's, My Brothers Pizza or
Chef on the Run. Salad containers are easily identified in "clam shells". Pizza products are easily identified as they are on "round cardboard bottoms with a plastic over wrap". All salad products will have a "USE BY DATE" on or before Sept 20, 06. Pizza products will have a "USE BY DATE" on or before September 23, 06.
No illnesses have been reported to date. Pacific Coast Fruit Company stopped making all products with Spinach supplied from California on September 14, 2006. FDA has recommended "fresh spinach" not be consumed at this time.
The recall was initiated after it was announced by FDA that products contaminated with E.Coli 0157:H7 from Natural Selections in California were being recalled. An investigation by the FDA, several states, and Natural Selections Foods is ongoing to identify the cause of the possible ecoli contamination.
Consumers are being asked to return any product listed below to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company @ 1-503-731-9677.
Triple B Corporation dba S.T. Produce Recall of Fresh Spinach Salad Products for Possible E. coli Contamination
Contact:
Bill Bagley
206-625-1412
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Seattle, WA -- September 22, 2006 -- Triple B Corporation dba S.T. Produce, Seattle, WA. is initiating a northwest states voluntary recall of certain salad products that may contain spinach with a Use by Date of 08/22/2006 thru 09/20/2006.
-- Seattle, WA -- September 22, 2006 -- Triple B Corporation dba S.T. Produce, Seattle, WA. is initiating a northwest states voluntary recall of certain salad products that may contain spinach with a Use by Date of 08/22/2006 thru 09/20/2006.The products recalled by S.T. Produce are:
S.T. PRODUCE ITEMS WITH SPINACH:
NWG Spinach Salad (5 oz.)
Spinach Salad, QFC (5 oz.)
Charlie's Spinach Salad (5 oz.)
Charlie's Tabouli & Goat Cheese Salad (10 oz.)
NWG Tabouli & Goat Cheese Salad (10 oz.)
Tabouli & Goat Cheese Salad, QFC (10 oz.)
T/H Spring Mix Salad (5.5 oz.)
T/H Mozzarella Spring Mix Salad (5.5 oz.)
T/H Baby Spinach Salad (5.5 oz.)
Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad w/ Grilled Chicken Breast (6.5 oz.)
Larry's Market Tabouli & Goat Cheese Salad (10 oz.)
Charlie's Seasonal Greens Salad (2.5 oz.)
Charlie's Seasonal Greens Salad (4 oz.)
Charlie's Baby Spinach Salad (6 oz.)
Charlie's Baby Spinach Salad (5oz)
Caesar Bowtie Noodle Salad Kit with Grilled Chicken Breast (6.9lbs)
Spinach used in these products may have been supplied from Natural Selections Foods, a California grower and processor, to S.T. Produce. This recall was initiated when Natural Selections Foods issued a nation-wide recall of all their products that contain spinach because they may be contaminated with Escherichia coli 0157:H7 bacteria (E. coli). E. coli 0157:H7 causes a diarrhea illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.
The recalled products were distributed in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana to Retail stores and Deli's. The salad products were sold in a hard plastic clamshell container with a "Use By" date of 08/22/2006 to 09/20/2006 located on the bottom of the container.
An investigation by the FDA, several states, and Natural Selections Foods is ongoing to identify the cause of the possible E. coli contamination.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for full refund. Customers with questions may contact the company through:
Bill Bagley - Food Safety Director - 206-625-1412 Monday --Friday.
Information on what is discrimination Just a few examples and where to go for help if you feel you have been discriminated against.
Definitions of discrimination on the Web:
- unfair treatment of a person or group on the basis of prejudice
- the cognitive process whereby two or more stimuli are distinguished
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn - To discriminate is to make a distinction. There are several meanings of the word, including statistical discrimination, or the actions of a circuit called a `discriminator`. This article addresses the most common colloquial sense of the word, invidious discrimination. That is, irrational social, racial, religious, sexual, ethnic and age-related discrimination of people.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discrimination - An intentional or unintentional act which adversely affects employment opportunities because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, marital status, or national origin, or other factors such as age (under particular laws.) See Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967.
www.uri.edu/affirmative_action/definitions.html - Refusal of an insurer to provide comparable insurance or use comparable rates for certain individuals or groups with basic characteristics the same as those to whom the coverage or rates are offered. Unfair discrimination is prohibited by law.
www.nv-insurance.com/GlossaryD.htm - Any act or failure to act, impermissible based in whole or in part on a person's race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, physical or mental handicap, and/or reprisal, that adversely affects privileges, benefits, working conditions, and results in disparate treatment, or has a disparate impact on employees or applicants.
266fincom1.hqusareur.army.mil/EEO/EEO%20terminology.htm - Behavior that shows prejudice. Failure to treat people equally because of a bias based on characteristic such as race, religion, sex, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, and disability.
www.austin.cc.tx.us/audit/Glossary/LetterD.htm - One of the seven goals; called "rejection" in Yarbro. Its positive pole is sophistication; its negative pole is prejudice. It is used for lifetimes emphasizing critical faculties. It is one of the least frequently used goals. Read more about discrimination.
www.michaelteachings.com/glossary.html - an act based on prejudice.
www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/health/scos/07glossary - Treating people in a different, usually bad, manner because of their class, race, gender or some other category instead of who they are as individuals. ^
youthink.worldbank.org/glossary.php - Unequal treatment of persons, whether through hiring or employment rules or through variation of the conditions of employment, because of sex, age, marital status, race, creed, union membership, or other activities. In many cases discrimination is an unfair labour practice under federal or provincial laws.
broadway.sfn.saskatoon.sk.ca/business/sdlc/cd.html - Unequal treatment of qualified individuals with disabilities as members of the general public. Failure to provide reasonable accommodation may also constitute discrimination.
projects.education.uiowa.edu/icater/at_glossary.htm - The denial of opportunities and equal rights to individuals and groups because of prejudice and for other arbitrary reasons.
www.uihome.uidaho.edu/default.aspx - means making differences and distinctions among people, ideas, places and things. Treating people differently with respect to employment because of their race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, or disability is considered illegal discrimination.
www.ofa.noaa.gov/~civilr/glossary.htm - The differential treatment of individuals considered to belong to particular groups or categories.
www.unk.edu/offices/aaeo/index.php - The perception of fine distinctions or differences between stimuli. [1]
www.keithyates.com/glossary.htm - (from Latin - difference), cutting of one group's rights because of their nationality, race, sex, religion and another specifics. In this context is limiting by community the rights of HIV-infected and their families
www.aids.undp.kg/en/aids/glossary/ - A situation in which a plan, through its provisions or through its operations, favors highly compensated employees to the detriment of other employees.
www.asppa.org/resources/res_news_glossary.htm - The illegal treatment of a person or a group of persons based on a prohibited factor. Prohibited factors include race, national origin, color, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or veteran status.
www.usd.edu/equalopp/definitions.cfm - Allows the detector to selectively reject certain metal objects or junk.
www.detecting.com/activities/terminology.cmdl - an unfair difference in treatment.
dizzy.library.arizona.edu/branches/ccp/education/guides/reframe/glossary.html - 1. The act of denying equal opportunity to a person of differing ethnicity, religion, or gender solely for reasons of prejudice.
www.republicandictionary.com/rd_d.shtml - Occurs in the labour market when employment decisions are taken on the basis of ethnic origin or gender rather than ability.
www.econ100.com/eu5e/open/glossary.html - Denial of equal access to social resources to people on the basis of their group membership.
www.elissetche.org/dico/D.htm - The ability to choose between two closely related responses to a specific stimulus.
www.neiu.edu/~dbehrlic/hrd408/glossary.htm - Discrimination is the restrictive treatment of a person or group based on prejudiced assumptions of group characteristics, rather than on individual judgment. It is the denial of justice prompted by prejudice.
www.adl.org/children_holocaust/more_resources.asp - is the mental faculty of differentiation, of making an exact distinction between things in mind and in action, the power of accurately observing differences, for example, between right and wrong. Discrimination, which is both acute and discerning, is the faculty that governs right choice. Discrimination is doing the right thing next.
miriams-well.org/Glossary/ - Actions against a full-time or part-time ACBL employee, independent contractor, member, or participant in an ACBL sanctioned event because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, disability, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics covered by law.
www.d21acbl.com/Discipline/Definitions. - sex
- relationship status
- pregnancy
- parental status
- breastfeeding
- age
- race
- impairment
- religious belief or religious activity
- political belief or activity
- trade union activity
- lawful sexual activity
- gender identity
- sexuality
- family responsibilities
- association with, or relation to, a person identified on the basis of any of the above attributes
- work and work-related areas
- education area
- goods and services area
- superannuation area
- insurance area
- disposition of land area
- accommodation area
- club membership and affairs area
- administration of state laws and programs area
- local government area
Prejudice and discrimination are negative manifestations of integrative power. Instead of bringing or holding people together, prejudice and discrimination push them apart. Ironically, even prejudice and discrimination imply some sort of relationship, however. If there is no relationship people would be completely unaware of another person's or group's existence. When there is any relationship at all--even a negative one--there is some integration. Kenneth Boulding referred to this as "disintegrative power"-"the integration that is achieved through hatred, fear, and the threat of a common enemy." (Boulding, 1989, p. 62.) This is seen in military patriotism, in nationalism, and in any situation of "negative identity" in which one group defines itself in terms of what it is not. This tends to lead into a "pathological situation of internal violence, often perpetuated through the family itself." While this is especially obvious and destructive when it occurs on a large scale--as it did in the Balkans, Somalia, Sri Lanka, or the Middle East--it also occurs on smaller scales as well, when one group holds negative stereotypes of another group and discriminates against members of that group based on those stereotypes.
In general terms, discrimination is any practice that makes distinctions between individuals or groups that disadvantage some and advantage others.
The Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 prohibits discrimination on the basis of the following attributes:
Prohibited type of discrimination
The Act prohibits the following two types of discrimination:
Direct discrimination which entails treating a person with a certain attribute less favourably than a person without the attribute in similar circumstances.
For example if, R refuses to hire C as an employee because C is pregnant and R expects that C will therefore take a lot of time off and will be less productive.
Indirect discrimination which entails imposing a requirement or practice with which a person with a certain attribute does not or is unable to comply, with which a higher proportion of people without the attribute can comply, and which is not reasonable. Reasonableness depends on relevant circumstances including consequences of not being able to comply and the cost of alternatives.
For example, Organisation X has decided to employ managers only on a full-time basis, even though full-time employment is not necessarily required to fulfil the job in a satisfactory manner. The requirement for full-time employment may indirectly discriminate against women, as they are often the primary carers in the family and may therefore not be able to work full-time.
For certain actions to be considered discriminatory, it is not necessary that the person who discriminates considers or is aware that the treatment is less favourable. In addition, the person’s motive for discriminating is irrelevant.
Areas of activity in which discrimination is prohibited
The Act outlines ten areas in which discrimination is prohibited, including:
Sections 13 to 23 (Chapter 2, Part 4) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 outlines prohibitions on discrimination in work and work-related areas.
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
Initiative to Combat Post-9/11 Discriminatory Backlash
About the Initiative – description of the formation and responsibilities of the Initiative.How to File a Complaint – provides information about illegal discrimination and how to file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division and several other federal, state, and local entities.
Update on Civil Rights Division Activities – Provides an overview of recent Civil Rights Division activities regarding discriminatory backlash.
Statements of Federal Agencies – links to statements from various government offices stating that it is illegal to discriminate against those perceived to be Arab, Muslim, Sikh or South-Asian American.
Your Rights and What You Can Do to Prevent or Respond to Discrimination – links to information from several federal agencies that detail your rights to be free from discrimination and methods you can use to prevent and respond to incidents of discrimination.
Other Post-9/11 Information and Homeland Security Information
4/6/2005 – links to information relating to homeland security, airport screening, watch list clearance procedures, immigration legal resources, and terrorism sanctions.
Brochure – links to the Civil Rights Division brochure "Federal Protections Against National Origin Discrimination" which provides more information about the laws the Division enforces. The brochure is available in several languages.
Sikh and Muslim Head Coverings – links to the Civil Rights Division's "Common Sikh American Head Coverings" and "Common Muslim American Head Coverings" posters, which describe and give examples of religious headwear worn by these groups.
Contact:
Civil Rights Division
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
Room 5644
Washington, D.C. 20530
For those that do not know
IRISH SOFT COATED WHEATEN TERRIER
F.C.I.: 40
1.2.01
Origin - Ireland
UTILIZATION:
Wheaten Terriers were always used by small farmers to kill vermin or help with the work about the farm. They were used for a long time in the difficult job of hunting badgers and otters.
CLASSIFICATION F.C.I.
Group 3 Terriers
Section 1
Large and medium sized Terriers Without working trial.
IRISH CLASSIFICATION
Terrier Group
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY
The history of the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has been somewhat obscured by its closeness to the other Irish Terrier breeds. The Wheaten is probably the oldest of the four breeds. Its existence for at least 200 years can be inferred from textual references to "soft-coated" dogs. The relation of the modern Irish Terrier to the Wheaten, though less well documented, appears to have been the result of deliberate breeding experiments. So the humble Wheaten probably has a fairly mixed ancestry. Despite the long history of the Wheaten, it wasn't until 1937 that the Soft Coated Wheaten was officially recognized by the Irish Kennel Club. The breed has grown steadily in popularity since and is now well known world-wide.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
A hardy, active, short coupled dog, well built, giving the idea of strength. Not too leggy nor too low to the ground.
BEHAVIOUR/TEMPERAMENT
Spirited and game. Good tempered. Most affectionate and loyal to his owners. Most intelligent. A trusty, faithful friend, defensive without aggression.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
HEAD: In general powerful without being coarse. Long, in good proportion to the body. Hair same colour as on body.
CRANIAL REGION
Skull: Flat and clean between ears, not too wide.
Stop: Defined
FACIAL REGION
Nose: Black and well developed.
Muzzle: Foreface not longer than skull.
Jaws: Jaws strong and punishing.
Teeth: Teeth large, regular; scissor or level bite, (i.e. edge to edge) neither undershot nor overshot.
Cheeks: Bones not prominent.
Eyes: Dark, dark hazel, not too large, not prominent, well placed.
Ears: Small to medium, carried in front, level with skull. Dark shading on base of ear allowed, and not uncommon, accompanied by a light wheaten coloured overlay. This is the only area of the dog where under-coat is allowed. "Rose" or "Flying" ears are objectionable.
NECK: Moderately long and strong but not throaty.
BODY: Compact.Not too long. Length from withers to base of tail approximately the same as from ground to withers.
Back: Strong and level with even top line.
Loins: Short, powerful.
Chest: Deep, ribs well sprung.
TAIL: Well set, not too thick. Carried gaily but never over the back The tail is docked so that two thirds of its original length remains assuming it is in proportion to the dog. An undocked tail is permitted.
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS:
Shoulders: Fine, well laid back, muscular
Forelegs perfectly straight viewed from any angle. Good bone and muscle.
HINDQUARTERS:
Well developed with powerful muscle.
Thighs: Strong and muscular.
Stifles: Bent.
Hocks: Well let down, turned neither in nor out. Hind dewclaws should be removed.
FEET: Small, not spreading. Toenails preferably black but varying dark colours allowed.
GAIT/MOVEMENT:
Straight action fore and aft, going and coming. Elbows tucked in. Side view : free, light co-ordinated movement.
COAT
HAIR:
A single coated dog. Texture soft and silky to feel and not harsh. Young dogs excluded from this. Trimming permitted.
Trimmed dogs Coat cut close at neck, chest and skull, and left especially long over eyes and under jaw. Whiskers encouraged. Profuse feathering on legs. Body coat trimmed to follow the outline of the dog but not sculpted. Tail trimmed close and neatly tapered.
Untrimmed dogs: The coat at its longest not to exceed five inches (12.7 cm). Soft, wavy or loosely curled with the sheen of silk. Under no circumstances should the coat be "fluffed out" like a Poodle or an Old English Sheepdog. Dogs shown in this condition should be heavily penalised as they give a wrong impression of type and breed. Special attention is drawn to puppy coat development. Pups are seldom born with the correct coat of maturity, care must be taken when assessing this point. They go through several changes of colour and texture before developing the mature adult coat. This usually occurs between 18 months and 2½ years.
Pups: Are seldom born with the correct colour or texture of coat. They come reddish, greyish and sometimes clear wheaten. The masks are generally black. Sometimes there is a black streak down the centre back or black tips to the body coat. These dark markings clear away with maturity.
COLOUR
A good clear wheaten of shades from light wheaten to a golden reddish hue.
SIZE (Height & Weight)
Height at the withers:
Dogs 18-19 ins (46-48 cm). Bitches somewhat less.
Weight: Dogs 40-45 lbs (18 - 20.5kg). Bitches somewhat less.
FAULTS:
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
o Nose any colour other than black.
o Undershot mouth. Overshot mouth.
o Overall mature coat not clear wheaten colour.
o Nervousness. Viciousness.
ELIMINATING FAULTS:
o Yellow eyes.
o Dull, thick, woolly or cottony textured hair.
o White coat. Brown coat.
Dogs carrying any of the above eliminating faults should never be bred from.
NB. Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
American Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Breed Standard
Terrier Group
General Appearance
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized, hardy, well balanced sporting terrier, square in outline. He is distinguished by his soft, silky, gently waving coat of warm wheaten color and his particularly steady disposition. The breed requires moderation both in structure and presentation, and any exaggerations are to be shunned. He should present the overall appearance of an alert and happy animal, graceful, strong and well coordinated.
Size, Proportion, Substance
A dog shall be 18 to 19 inches at the withers, the ideal being 18½. A bitch shall be 17 to 18 inches at the withers, the ideal being 17½. Major Faults--Dogs under 18 inches or over 19 inches; bitches under 17 inches or over 18 inches. Any deviation must be penalized according to the degree of its severity.
Square in outline. Hardy, well balanced. Dogs should weigh 35-40 pounds; bitches 30-35 pounds.
Head
Well balanced and in proportion to the body. Rectangular in appearance; moderately long. Powerful with no suggestion of coarseness. Eyes dark reddish brown or brown, medium in size, slightly almond shaped and set fairly wide apart. Eye rims black. Major Fault--Anything approaching a yellow eye. Ears small to medium in size, breaking level with the skull and dropping slightly forward, the inside edge of the ear lying next to the cheek and pointing to the ground rather than to the eye. A hound ear or a high-breaking ear is not typical and should be severely penalized. Skull flat and clean between ears. Cheekbones not prominent. Defined stop. Muzzle powerful and strong, well filled below the eyes. No suggestion of snipiness. Skull and foreface of equal length. Nose black and large for size of dog. Major Fault--Any nose color other than solid black. Lips tight and black. Teeth large, clean and white; scissors or level bite. Major Fault--Undershot or overshot.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck medium in length, clean and strong, not throaty. Carried proudly, it gradually widens, blending smoothly into the body. Back strong and level. Body compact; relatively short coupled. Chest is deep. Ribs are well sprung but without roundness. Tail is docked and well set on, carried gaily but never over the back.
Forequarters
Shoulders well laid back, clean and smooth; well knit. Forelegs straight and well boned. All dewclaws should be removed. Feet are round and compact with good depth of pad. Pads black. Nails dark.
Hindquarters
Hind legs well developed with well bent stifles turning neither in nor out; hocks well let down and parallel to each other. All dewclaws should be removed. The presence of dewclaws on the hind legs should be penalized. Feet are round and compact with good depth of pad. Pads black. Nails dark.
Coat
A distinguishing characteristic of the breed which sets the dog apart from all other terriers. An abundant single coat covering the entire body, legs and head; coat on the latter falls forward to shade the eyes. Texture soft and silky with a gentle wave. In both puppies and adolescents, the mature wavy coat is generally not yet evident. Major Faults--Woolly or harsh, crisp or cottony, curly or standaway coat; in the adult, a straight coat is also objectionable.
Presentation--For show purposes, the Wheaten is presented to show a terrier outline, but coat must be of sufficient length to flow when the dog is in motion. The coat must never be clipped or plucked. Sharp contrasts or stylizations must be avoided. Head coat should be blended to present a rectangular outline. Eyes should be indicated but never fully exposed. Ears should be relieved of fringe, but not taken down to the leather. Sufficient coat must be left on skull, cheeks, neck and tail to balance the proper length of body coat. Dogs that are overly trimmed shall be severely penalized.
Color
Any shade of wheaten. Upon close examination, occasional red, white or black guard hairs may be found. However, the overall coloring must be clearly wheaten with no evidence of any other color except on ears and muzzle where blue-gray shading is sometimes present. Major Fault--Any color save wheaten. Puppies and Adolescents--Puppies under a year may carry deeper coloring and occasional black tipping. The adolescent, under two years, is often quite light in color, but must never be white or carry gray other than on ears and muzzle. However, by two years of age, the proper wheaten color should be obvious.
Gait
Gait is free, graceful and lively with good reach in front and strong drive behind. Front and rear feet turn neither in nor out. Dogs who fail to keep their tails erect when moving should be severely penalized.
Temperament
The Wheaten is a happy, steady dog and shows himself gaily with an air of self-confidence. He is alert and exhibits interest in his surroundings; exhibits less aggressiveness than is sometimes encouraged in other terriers. Major Fault--Timid or overly aggressive dogs.
Approved February 12, 1983
Reformatted July 20, 1989
Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was awarded two of the prestigious Sitara-i-Eisaar (Star of Sacrifice) awards by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf. The special investiture ceremony took place at the Embassy of Pakistan and was conferred in recognition of "meritorious services rendered in disaster relief operation after the earthquake in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and North West Frontier of Pakistan in October 2005." The Sitara-i-Eisaar awards were created especially to recognize outstanding contributions made in Pakistan earthquake relief and rehabilitation work.
Immediately following the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan on October 8, 2005, USAID deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to Pakistan to assess humanitarian needs, provide technical support, and assist with targeting and coordination of U.S. Government assistance in conjunction with the USAID Mission in Pakistan.
USAID's DART Leader Bill Berger accepted the award on behalf of the DART, "This award is a great honor which recognizes the contributions of countless people at USAID who worked to save lives and eliminate the suffering of the Pakistani people. I know our efforts made a real difference in the lives of many Pakistanis, and my colleagues and I are proud to have worked on the response effort on behalf of the United States."
USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator of Asia and the Near East Lisa Chiles, the former USAID/Pakistan Mission Director, who served in Pakistan during the earthquake and beginning of reconstruction efforts, accepted the award on behalf of the USAID/Pakistan Mission and the Asia and Near East bureau. "The United States was helping Pakistan dig out from under the earthquake within 24 hours, and we continue to be a strong partner in the recovery and reconstruction process. Our assistance is an _expression of our continuing commitment to the People of Pakistan," Ms. Chiles said.
The United States Government, through USAID, is providing more than $1.5 billion in development assistance to Pakistan over the next five years to improve education, health, governance and economic growth. In addition, the United States has pledged a total of $510 million in earthquake relief and reconstruction efforts to assist the people of Pakistan and to support Pakistani government relief and reconstruction efforts.
For more information about the U.S. relief efforts for the South Asia Earthquake, please visit: http://www.usaid.gov/locations/asia_near_east/south_asia_quake/.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded the Afghanistan Infrastructure and Rehabilitation Program (AIRP) contract to the joint venture of The Louis Berger Group, Inc. and Black & Veatch Special Projects Corp. for rehabilitation and construction of vital energy, water and transportation infrastructure across Afghanistan. The AIRP total contract value is $1.4 billion and extends through 2011.
The initial work will focus on rehabilitating and extending roads, power generation capacity, and power transmission networks across Afghanistan. Subsequent stages are expected to address water and sanitation infrastructure, as well as a broad range of public building improvements. The joint venture will also assist the Government of Afghanistan (GOA) in strengthening institutional capabilities to move the GOA towards sustainable operating capabilities and the ability to attract foreign investments.
The Louis Berger Group, Inc. offers professional services in the areas of civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and environmental engineering; program management; planning; environmental sciences; cultural resources; information science; finance; economics; and construction management. The firm's Web site address is www.louisberger.com.
Black & Veatch is a leading global engineering, consulting, construction and program management company specializing in infrastructure development in energy, water, telecommunications, management consulting, federal and environmental markets. The company's Web site address is www.bv.com.
For more information on USAID's programs in Afghanistan, please visit www.usaid.gov.
Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced a $100 million award to the nonprofit research organization RTI International to reduce the impact of neglected tropical diseases in developing nations.
The project, which will treat more than 40 million people for five years, represents one of the first large-scale efforts to integrate existing disease-specific treatment programs to care for millions of the world's poorest people. The project will build on the success of those programs, bringing them to national scale and enhancing their effectiveness and efficiency by integrating treatment, monitoring and evaluation programs.
"This significant investment will improve the lives of millions of people afflicted with disabling conditions through effective, low-cost, mass drug administration and associated education programs," said Richard Greene, Director of the Office of Health, Infectious Disease and Nutrition at USAID.
The USAID-funded program will focus on controlling seven of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases; trachoma (blinding eye infection), hookworm, ascaris, trichuris (three soil-transmitted worms), onchocerciasis (river blindness), schistosomiasis (snail fever) and lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis).
These particular diseases were chosen because they cause a tremendous disease burden and can be treated through large-scale integrated programs using safe and effective drugs made available through public-private partnerships.
While they have little name recognition in developed societies, these diseases cause severe disabilities such as blindness, reduced mobility, impaired childhood growth and intellectual development, and disfigurements. Neglected diseases are responsible for about 415,000 deaths annually worldwide and are among the leading contributors to poverty in developing countries because those affected are often unable to join the workforce.
The project will target countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America that have a high prevalence of these diseases and have recognized them as a national health priority.
RTI and its partners will work with the ministries of health and nongovernmental organizations in each country to develop treatment programs that best meet the needs of each country. As part of the project, RTI will establish an independent committee that will award and oversee grants to countries and organizations that will benefit from mass treatment campaign.
For more information on USAID's programs in neglected tropical diseases, please visit http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_health/.
Buffalo Gold amplía sus prospecciones en Mt. Kare a la zona de roscoelita noroeste
September 21, 2006 -- Buffalo Gold Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: BUF.U)(OTCBB: BYBUF)(FWB: B4K) se complace en anunciar los nuevos resultados correspondientes a los estudios del programa de prospecciones del proyecto aurífero de Mt. Kare en Papúa-Nueva Guinea. Entre los aspectos más destacados de los resultados de las prospecciones se incluyen:
Zona de roscoelita noroeste
- 30,0 metros de 19,2 g/t de oro en el pozo MK06-58
- Incluidos 6,5 metros de 41,8 g/t de oro
- 25,0 metros de 22,6 g/t de oro en el pozo MK06-63
Zona de roscoelita suroeste
- 29,2 metros de 1,9 g/t de oro en el pozo MK06-68
- Más 24,5 metros de 2,5 g/t de oro
- Más 11,0 metros de 2,9 g/t de oro
En la Tabla 1 que aparece más abajo se puede encontrar un resumen de las intersecciones de las prospecciones.
Desde el último comunicado de prensa de Buffalo se han recibido los resultados de cuatro perforaciones (Véase el comunicado de Buffalo del 28 de agosto de 2006, "Buffalo Gold sigue encontrando mineralizaciones significativas en Mt. Kare"). Los pozos MK06-58 y MK06-63 han sido protegidos mediante collarín hasta 125m y 100m, respectivamente, hacia la zona de roscoelita noroeste. Los resultados de los pozos MK06-58 y MK06-63 demuestran la extensión hacia el norte de la mineralización de alta calidad en la zona de roscoelita noroeste (ZRNO).
Los pozos MK06-39 y MK06-68 fueron perforados en la zona de roscoelita suroeste, y cortaron una mineralización que se corresponde a los recursos conocidos. Únicamente se han recibido resultados del pozo MK06-68 hasta una profundidad de 148 metros, los cuales finalizaban en mineralización, quedando pendientes los resultados del resto del pozo. Un quinto pozo, el MK06-62, fue abandonado debido a que las condiciones de prospección estaban por encima del objetivo de mineralización.
"Estamos entusiasmados al comprobar que, a medida que nos desplazamos hacia el norte, no sólo seguimos encontrando intersecciones de mineralización significativas, sino también oro de mayor calidad," comentó el Presidente y Director General de Buffalo, Damien Reynolds.
La zona de roscoelita noroeste está abierta en profundidad en el norte y en el noreste, y el programa de prospecciones en marcha cuenta con pozos planificados para la exploración de ambas áreas. La reinterpretación de los datos existentes sobre los puntos de intersección demuestra que la principal zona de anomalías de los puntos de intersección, relacionada con la mineralización, está abierta hacia el sur y el suroeste y a una profundidad por debajo de 200m. Para las prospecciones se han identificado algunos objetivos en los datos sobre los puntos de intersección, así como numerosos objetivos alejados de las principales zonas de mineralización.
A continuación se muestra un resumen de la geología y la mineralización en estas perforaciones:
El pozo MK06-58 exploró la extensión del buzamiento descendente de la mineralización de alta calidad encontrada en un pozo previamente perforado por Madison, el MK99-73. Desde los 78m hasta los 104m, el pozo cortó limolitas y rocas intrusivas brechiformes fuertemente alteradas con inclusiones de zonas de pirita-esfalerita de semi-masivas a localmente masivas y una pequeña mineralización de roscoelita (una de las rocas encajantes de mineralización de oro más comunes en Mt. Kare y Porgera).
El pozo MK06-63 verificó la parte norte de la ZRNO entre los pozos históricos, concretamente el pozo MK97-73, con una buena mineralización, y el MK97-69, menos robusto. El pozo cortó una sucesión de cubiertas de areniscas, brechas de limolita y rocas intrusivas hasta 98m. Por debajo de esta profundidad, se encontró una zona de mineralización principal a 123m, formada por rocas intrusivas y brechas fuertemente alteradas con inclusiones de vetas de metales comunes, sulfuros locales semi-masivos y estrechas vetas de cuarzo-carbonato-roscoelita.
El pozo MK06-39 tenía como finalidad explorar la extensión del buzamiento hacia el este de la gran mineralización encontrada en el pozo MK06-38 (114,8m a 4,03 g/t Au). El pozo de perforación cortó una sucesión de areniscas y esquistos arcillosos con zonas brechiformes y rocas intrusivas de poca importancia hasta el contacto con la unidad del piso de esquistos arcillosos de color marrón a 188m. Entre 140m y 185m se produce una mineralización de metales comunes débil e irregular.
Estaba previsto que el pozo MK06-62 comprobase la extensión del buzamiento descendente y hacia el este de la zona con buena mineralización encontrada en el pozo MK06-50 (49m a 10,4 g/t Au). Las fuertes lluvias desestabilizaron la plataforma de perforación, lo que provocó el abandono del pozo a 105m sin alcanzar la profundidad prevista.
El pozo MK06-68 se perforó en un intento de ayudar a determinar la naturaleza y las características de la mineralización en la parte sur de la ZRO, siendo su objetivo las zonas de buena mineralización del pozo histórico MK99-146. El pozo de perforación cortó material de desprendimiento hasta 24m, seguido por una secuencia de limolitas y rocas intrusivas silicificadas con inclusiones de vetas de pirita hasta los 62m y, a 45m, una brecha silicificada de 1,3m con cuarzo-roscoelita.
------------------------------------------------------------ Tabla 1. Resumen de las intersecciones de las prospecciones en Mt. Kare entre el 28 de agosto y el 18 de septiembre de 2006 ------------------------------------------------------------ Prospección Desde Hasta Intercepción Oro Plata Nº (i) (m) (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ MK06-39 146,0 184,0 38,0 0,6 PENDIENTE ------------------------------------------------------------ MK06-58 78,0 108,0 30,0 19,2 PENDIENTE ------------------------------------------------------------ Incluyendo 94,0 100,50 6,5 41,8 PENDIENTE ------------------------------------------------------------ MK06-62(ii) 0 105 Sin intersecciones significativas ------------------------------------------------------------ MK06-63 98,2 123,2 25,0 22,6 PENDIENTE ------------------------------------------------------------ MK06-68 2,1 31,3 29,2 1,9 PENDIENTE ------------------------------------------------------------ Más 43,5 68,0 24,5 2,5 PENDIENTE ------------------------------------------------------------ Más 137,0 148,0 11,0 2,9 PENDIENTE ------------------------------------------------------------ (i) Los pozos no han sido perforados en orden numérico o secuencial. (ii) Pozo abandonado a causa de las condiciones de prospección.
Todavía no se ha realizado el cálculo de las anchuras reales de las intersecciones de las perforaciones. La presencia de oro en todas las muestras fue analizada por PT Intertek Utama Services en Yakarta, que forma parte de un grupo de pruebas de laboratorio reconocido internacionalmente con la acreditación ISO 17025 en sus instalaciones de Yakarta. Las muestras fueron analizadas utilizando un ensayo al fuego de 50g y finalización con absorción atómica en el caso del oro y una digestión en agua regia y finalización mediante ICP-OES (espectrometría de emisión óptica con plasma acoplado inductivamente) en el caso de la plata.
Buffalo tiene prevista la realización de una conferencia telefónica para informar a los accionistas y a las partes interesadas acerca de todas las actividades de la compañía. Los detalles de la conferencia se ofrecerán en un próximo comunicado.
El Sr. Brian McEwen, PGeol., Presidente y Director de Operaciones de Buffalo Gold, es la persona calificada para el proyecto de Mt. Kare, y ha autorizado los contenidos de este comunicado de prensa.
Buffalo Gold Ltd., con sede en Vancouver, Canadá está activamente involucrada en la prospección y la explotación de propiedades de oro, uranio y níquel en Australasia. La directiva tiene como objetivo maximizar el valor para los accionistas a través de estrategias de crecimiento con especial énfasis en la prudente valoración de las oportunidades y la atenta gestión de los proyectos.
Para conocer más acerca de Buffalo Gold Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: BUF.U), consulte la página web de la compañía en la dirección www.buffalogold.ca.
En nombre del Consejo de Administración de BUFFALO GOLD LTD.
Damien Reynolds, Presidente del Consejo de Administración y Director General
Nota preventiva para los inversores estadounidenses - La Comisión de Valores y Bolsa de Estados Unidos ("SEC") permite que las compañías mineras que realizan presentaciones ante ella revelen únicamente los yacimientos de minerales que una compañía puede extraer o producir tanto económicamente como legalmente. En este comunicado de prensa la compañía emplea determinados términos, tales como "recursos deducidos", cuya inclusión en las presentaciones ante la SEC está estrictamente prohibida por las directrices de la misma. Se recomienda a los inversores estadounidenses que estudien atentamente la revelación incluida en la Declaración de Registro del Formulario 20-F de la compañía, nº de expediente 000- 30150. Las presentaciones de la compañía están disponibles en la página web de la SEC, en la dirección http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.
TSX Venture Exchange no ha revisado la veracidad de este comunicado de prensa, ni acepta ninguna responsabilidad por ello.
"They told me that I should be careful after I called him the devil — and I think he is the devil — because he might kill me" Chavez told a crowd packed into the Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Harlem.
"But, I place myself in the hands of God," he said.
Chavez, who was introduced at the podium by activist-actor Chavez, who was introduced at the podium by activist-actor Danny Glover, was visiting the church as part of ceremonies to announce the sale of discounted home heating oil sale of discounted home heating oil to qualified low-income families.The appearance came a day after Chavez delivered an insult-riddled speech at the U.N. General Assembly in which he called President Bush the 'devil.'As Chavez spoke in Harlem,
U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel railed against the Venezuelan leader for choosing his New York congressional district to launch an attack on the president of the United States."You don't come into my country, you don't come into my congressional district and criticize my president, " Rangel said from Capitol Hill.
He added that "it would be crazy to think that Americans do not feel offended" by Chavez's remarks.
In the past year, the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus moved rapidly outside of Southeast Asia and spread into Europe, Eurasia, and Africa. The disease has been detected in 53 countries and threatens to derail the significant progress we have made in international development.
Globally, the disease has borne a tremendous toll. It has already cost governments and private industries billions of dollars, and caused the death or destruction of at least 220 million birds, hurting agribusiness, trade, and opportunities for economic growth. To date, it has also infected 247 humans in 10 countries; almost 60 per cent of these cases have been fatal.
In addition to loss of life, avian influenza and the risk of a pandemic pose enormous challenges to global stability. Without aggressive measures to help build preparedness and response capacity in developing countries, the disease could proliferate into a pandemic capable of overwhelming even the most sophisticated healthcare and governmental systems. The international community must remain committed to fighting avian influenza by providing assistance to developing countries to prepare for and respond to a possible pandemic.
The U.S. Government is providing emergency assistance and preparedness planning to 53 countries through support to international organizations, including the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization, foreign governments, private-sector partners, and in-country organizations. With the funds announced today, USAID's total avian influenza commitment is $191 million. These funds will strengthen preparedness, surveillance and response efforts in countries around the world.
The U.S. is training first responders to learn how to use personal protective equipment, collect and ship samples, detect disease using improved laboratory equipment, and provide emergency response to outbreak situations. To protect frontline field workers so they do not contract or spread the virus, USAID has deployed approximately 93,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) kits to 66 countries this year, and is building a stockpile of 1.5 million protective kits, 100 lab kits, and 15,000 decontamination kits for use by surveillance and outbreak-response workers.
The avian influenza virus is a major global challenge that is threatening livelihoods as well as economic and social stability, especially in countries with developing infrastructures. With our continued international engagement, as with the International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza, we can be best prepared to address the challenges presented by avian influenza and the threat of a pandemic. The global community must remain vigilant and committed to fighting the virus
Wal-Mart Cuts Generic Prescription Medicines to $4 Nearly 300 Generics to Be Available in Tampa on Friday; Florida Statewide By January; Company Aims to Take Nationwide
As part of its ongoing commitment to providing more affordable healthcare for America's working families, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) today announced that it will make nearly 300 generic drugs available for only $4 per prescription for up to a 30-day supply at commonly prescribed dosages. The program, to be launched on Friday, will be available to customers and associates of the 65 Wal-Mart, Neighborhood Market and Sam's Club pharmacies in Tampa Bay, Fla. area, and will be expanded to the entire state in January 2007.
"Each day in our pharmacies we see customers struggle with the cost of prescription drugs," said Wal-Mart CEO H. Lee Scott, Jr. "By cutting the cost of many generics to $4, we are helping to ensure that our customers and associates get the medicines they need at a price they can afford. That's a real solution for our nation's working families."
Key components of the program include:
* The $4 pricing will be available to all pharmacy customers with a
prescription from a doctor that can be filled with a covered generic
medicine.
* This program will be available to the uninsured.
* Insurance will be accepted.
* The program presently covers 291 generic medications from many of the
most common therapeutic categories.
* The medicines represented are used to treat and manage conditions
including allergies, cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Some antibiotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics and prescription
vitamins are also included.
* The program will be available statewide in Florida in January 2007.
* Wal-Mart intends to take the program to as many states as possible
next year.
"Competition and market forces have been absent from our healthcare system, and that has hurt working families tremendously," Scott said. "We are excited to take the lead in doing what we do best -- driving costs out of the system -- and passing those savings to our customers and associates."
The program will help alleviate a major challenge for seniors who have fallen into the "doughnut hole" coverage gap in their Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and now find themselves responsible for paying 100 percent of their prescription medicine costs.
"This act of good corporate citizenship will help consumers manage healthcare costs, while benefiting Florida's growing population," said Florida Governor Jeb Bush. "In addition to providing a great service, Wal-Mart is encouraging important conversations between patients and their doctors about the cost savings associated with generic prescriptions. I am pleased Wal-Mart chose Florida to launch this initiative where our large population of seniors will greatly benefit."
"Fifty-bucks for a year's supply of prescription drugs is a pretty darn good deal for consumers," said U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), an outspoken proponent of giving people access to lower-cost prescriptions. "Because Wal- Mart has the ability to shape the market, maybe other retailers will follow suit."
In addition, the program provides a solution for the nearly 2.7 million uninsured Floridians who may also avoid filling prescriptions and remain untreated. Wal-Mart estimates that the program will save the state's Medicaid program hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
In announcing the program, Bill Simon, executive vice president of the Professional Services Division for Wal-Mart, noted that purchasing a 30-day supply of the popular diabetes drug, Metformin, for $4 represents a nearly 50 percent savings from the cost of the brand name version of the drug. In addition, purchasing a 30-day supply of the brand name blood-pressure drug typically costs $12. Getting the generic, Lisinopril, for $4 saves customers nearly $100 annually.
"These are medicines for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, colds and infections -- the kinds of medicines that working families need so they can treat illness, manage conditions and stay well," said Simon. "Rising healthcare costs are eating up more and more of families' budgets, so this program brings a lot of value to our customers, associates and communities."
Generic medications contain the same active ingredients as their "brand- name" counterparts and are equally effective, but cost significantly less. Consumers interested in saving money on prescriptions through the program should ask their doctor if a generic is available for their prescription and is right for them. At this time, the $4 prescriptions are not available by mail order and are available on-line only for in-person pickup in the Tampa Bay, Fla. area. Not all generics in each therapeutic category are included.
For further information on the program, customers can call 1-800-WALMART or visit their Tampa area Wal-Mart, Neighborhood Market or Sam's Club to discuss the program with their pharmacist or pick up a brochure that explains program details.
About Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart discount stores, supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM'S CLUB locations in the United States. The company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The company's securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and NYSE Arca, formerly the Pacific Stock Exchange, under the symbol WMT.
Source: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Web site: http://www.walmartstores.com/
http://www.walmartfacts.com/
http://www.walmart.com/
EDITORIAL
Would environmentalists and the Democratic party destroy the economy, cost jobs and raise prices all over this country to protect the future as they see it?
Look no further then Prop 87: California Clean Energy Initiative to see that they would.
Environment California has endorsed Proposition 87, the California Clean Energy Initiative, which will be on the ballot on Nov. 7.
California has long been a leader in promoting a clean energy future. Our most recent victories – the governor’s signing of our Million Solar Roofs bill (SB 1) and the passage of the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32) -- are two excellent examples of California’s landmark initiatives pushing toward a true clean energy future.
Of course, even as we celebrate our progress, we must press on as we have still only scratched the surface when it comes to truly tapping into all of the renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions available to us. The fact is, California still relies on fossil fuels for 90 percent of our total energy needs. And while we’ve made significant advances toward greening our electricity supply with renewable energy technologies such as wind, solar and geothermal power, we remain dangerously dependent on fossil fuels for the vast majority of our energy needs.
The good news is, we have options. We can continue to pass state-level policies to promote alternatives to oil and other fossil fuels, and we can build support among California’s congressional delegation to bring about positive changes at the federal level as well. Hands down, the next best opportunity for Californians to promote true clean energy is to support the YES on 87 campaign, the California Clean Energy Initiative.
YES ON 87
Prop 87 is, simply put, the single biggest step Californians can take toward cleaner air and cleaner energy for California. On the ballot this November 7th, Prop 87 will:
- Reduce gas and diesel usage by 25% over 10 years;
- Create lots of new jobs and help grow our economy;
- Generate $4 billion in funds to promote clean energy technologies such as solar power, energy efficiency technologies and conservation strategies.
- Reduce air pollution that causes asthma attacks, lung disease and cancer;
- Make oil companies pay their fair share for oil drilling in California, just like they already pay in every other oil-producing state -- even Texas;
- Make it illegal for oil companies to pass the cost along to us by raising gas prices.
The initiative works like this:
A) Prop 87 will create a new $4 billion fund to reduce California's dependence on oil by 25% over the next 10 years. This new fund will come from fees assessed on oil drilling in California paid by oil companies. The fee is on a sliding scale from 1.5% to 6% based on the price of oil so that the more oil companies are making off of California’s oil resources, the more they pay. Once $4 billion is raised, the fee will end. These fee levels are on par with what other oil-producing states, such as Alaska, Florida and Texas charge oil companies for the right to drill in their state.
B) Prop 87 meets our “polluter pays” principle by making oil companies pay – not consumers. California’s Attorney General has confirmed that Prop 87 makes it illegal for oil companies to raise gas prices at the pump as a result of this Initiative.
C) Prop 87 aims to reduce California’s use of oil by expanding the use of existing technologies and funding the development of improved and new technologies. Prop 87 will provide financial incentives to make clean energy options more affordable.
Specifically, Prop 87 will fund:
- Rebates for cars and trucks that run on cleaner, cheaper fuels;
- New incentives for increased use of wind, solar and other renewable energies;
- Upgrades to public service vehicle fleets (emergency, school bus, waste disposal, mass transit);
- Alternative fuel infrastructure (filling stations, etc.);
- Matching funds to help clear hurdles like engine certification, crash-testing, and Underwriters’ Laboratory approval to get new technologies onto the market;
- Research at California universities.
D) Prop 87 will create the non-partisan California Energy Alternatives Program Authority which will oversee Prop 87 funds. The nine-member Authority will include citizen experts in business, the environment, energy, and public health. As a State Agency, it will be bound by State conflict of interest and competitive bidding laws. Prop 87 also contains additional accountability, conflict of interest, and competitive bidding provisions.
The attorney general says they can not raise the price of gas to offset the taxes. They can raise it if it is not from California.
They can also give the environmentalists a major in name only victory by stopping drilling in California.
Economy all over the nation tanks. Prices rise everywhere, major job losses but they get their victory even in name only. The companies won't lose a dime and will end up making money as a result of this ballot measure.
The oil companies are not nice people and they would love the opportunity to say we were forced to take these measures or go out of business. They can show this by shutting all of their business down in California.
There are many ways of getting money from the oil companies where we all win. This is not one.
E. Coli Outbreak Raises Cleaning Questions in Industry
FIT Fruit and Vegetable Wash Can be Used as a "Kill Step" in Washing Process
Sept. 20 Now that health officials and the produce industry have begun the investigation to identify the sources of multiple E. coli outbreaks in spinach, there are steps the produce and food service industries, as well as consumers, can take in the future to help protect themselves, said Todd Wichmann, chemical engineer and president of HealthPro Brands, maker of FIT Fruit and Vegetable Wash.
"As we've heard, the current produce industry washing procedures (with low levels of chlorine solutions) do not kill the E. coli once it makes contact with the leaf. And of course the FDA had, until recently, advised consumers to wash produce with water alone at home. We now know that doesn't work," said Wichmann. "We need to find a way to ensure consumers can have confidence in food safety so they are able to eat more produce, not less. Clearly the industry is making this their number one priority and we agree with that and think we can help."
Wichmann said regulators, growers, processors, restaurants, and consumers too, need to place more attention on the "kill steps" in their processes and habits when washing and processing fresh produce.
Industry Practices
It is widely known that fresh cut produce processors use chlorine bleach or chlorine dioxide to wash produce. However, as the FDA has acknowledged, bacteria can be tightly attached to produce and the current guidelines are not designed to kill the E. coli on the produce itself. Wichmann said FIT's commercial produce wash can help overcome that problem when washing fresh cut and other processed produce. FIT helps provide the much needed "kill step" the industry is not currently practicing.
The ingredients in FIT, specifically its natural surfactants, act as "wetting agents" which are designed to lift off and kill the pathogens on processed produce. FIT is able to get into "nooks and crannies" that other washing systems may not do.
FIT's commercial formula has been found to be effective in killing 99.9 percent of bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus associated with food-borne illnesses on processed produce.
FIT is made from all natural and every day food ingredients, such as citric acid and grapefruit oil. It rinses away clean and, unlike chlorine, leaves no aftertaste or smell. Wichmann said FIT also cleans faster than chlorine, saving energy, time and water for industry users.
"We found it works better than chlorine," said Sandy Watts of Mundo Exports, a Texas-based mango importer who has been using FIT to wash and sanitize mangos and flowers sold to the floral industry. "Chlorine dissipates too fast, but this pH-balanced product lasts longer," he said. "Another advantage is that it is more environmentally friendly than chlorine," said Watts. Furthermore, the U.S. Army has been ordering FIT to help clean and sanitize produce in Iraq.
What Consumers Can Do In the Future
Following this current outbreak period, Wichmann suggests FIT at home for consumers, which is available in select grocery stores or can be located on www.fitwash.com. Consumers and businesses can also purchase FIT online. FIT also makes the produce look, smell, and even taste better, according to Wichmann.
Food Facts
Consumers are eating more produce, much of it raw and pre-packaged. The Food and Drug Administration estimates that 40 to 50 percent of produce consumed by Americans is imported, with as much as 75 percent of fresh fruits and vegetables harvested beyond U.S. borders in the winter. Only two percent of the food imported annually is inspected. And produce is typically handled multiple times before it reaches our dining room tables.
More About FIT
FIT Fruit and Vegetable Wash removes up to three times more chemicals and residues than washing with water alone. The product underwent extensive testing in it's own laboratories and by an independent laboratory. A comparison of the effectiveness of FIT versus water was conducted by applying commonly occurring residues to popular fruits and vegetables.
Some substances, notably wax, are water-insoluble and cannot be adequately removed with water alone. Unlike soap products, FIT is completely safe and natural and has been specially formulated for use on produce. FIT's formula rinses away with water, leaving behind the true flavor and goodness nature intended.
FIT was originally developed by Procter & Gamble in 2000 and was sold to HealthPro Brands Inc. in 2006. FIT is the only produce wash certified Kosher and recommended by the American Vegetarian Association. More information can be found online at www.fitwash.com.
Source: FIT Fruit and Vegetable Wash
Web site: http://www.fitwash.com/
U.S. Trading Co. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk Protein in Dragonfly Pudding Products
September 20, 2006 -- U.S. Trading Co. of Hayward, California is recalling the following products because it contains undeclared dairy protein (casein).
Dragonfly Brand Mango Pudding Net Wt.: 2.82oz packed in 6 clear plastic cups
Dragonfly Brand Banana Pudding Net Wt.: 2.82oz packed in 6 clear plastic cups
Dragonfly Brand Jackfruit Pudding Net Wt.: 2.82oz packed in 6 clear plastic cups
Dragonfly Brand Pink Guava Pudding Net Wt.: 2.82oz packed in 6 clear plastic cups
Dragonfly Brand Coconut Pudding Net Wt.: 2.82oz packed in 6 clear plastic cups
Dragonfly Brand Pandan Pudding Net Wt.: 2.82oz packed in 6 clear plastic cups
Dragonfly Brand Papaya Pudding Net Wt.: 2.82oz packed in 6 clear plastic cups
Dragonfly Brand Taro Pudding Net Wt.: 2.82oz packed in 6 clear plastic cups
Dragonfly Brand Assorted Pudding Net Wt.: 50.76oz packed in clear plastic container
Dragonfly Brand Mini Lychee Pudding Net Wt.: 14oz packed in clear plastic bag
Dragonfly Brand Mini Mango Pudding Net Wt.: 14oz packed in clear plastic bag
Dragonfly Brand Mini Tropical Pudding Net Wt.: 14oz packed in clear plastic bag
Dragonfly Brand Mini Tropical Pudding Net Wt.: 33.6oz packed in clear plastic container
People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to dairy (casein) run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
Dragonfly Pudding was distributed in retail stores throughout the state of California, Nevada, Oregon, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. All Codes are affected in this recall.
No illnesses have been reported to date.
Recall was initiated after it was discovered that products containing dairy (casein) was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of dairy (casein).
Customers who have purchased these products and are allergic to milk protein are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-453-5502.
RLB Food Distributors Issues a Multiple East Coast States Recall of Fresh Spinach Salad Products for Possible E. coli Contamination
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- West Caldwell, NJ -- September 19, 2006 -- RLB Food Distributors, L.P., West Caldwell, NJ, is initiating a multiple east coast states voluntarily recall of certain salad products that may contain spinach with an Enjoy Thru date of 9/20/06.
The products recalled by RLB are:
- Balducci's Mesclun Mix 5 oz.
- Balducci's Organic Baby Spinach 5 oz.
- Balducci's Mixed Greens 5 oz.
- FreshPro Mesclun Mix 5 oz.
- FreshPro Organic Baby Spinach 5 oz.
- FreshPro Mixed Greens 5 oz.
- FreshPro Salad Mix with Italian Dressing 4.75 oz.
- FreshPro Salad Mix with Ranch Dressing 5.25 oz
Spinach used in these products may have been supplied from Natural Selections Foods, a California grower and processor, to RLB Food Distributors. This recall was initiated when Natural Selections Foods issued on 9/15/06 a nation-wide recall of all their products that contain spinach because they may be contaminated with Escherichia coli 0157:H7 bacteria (E. coli). E. coli 0157:H7 causes a diarrhea illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.
The recalled products were distributed in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and Washington DC. They can be identified by an "Enjoy Thru" date of 9/20/06 or before that is located on the bottom of the package.
No illnesses have been reported to us as of this date from consuming these products.
An investigation by the FDA, several states, and Natural Selections Foods is ongoing to identify the cause of the possible E. coli contamination.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for full refund. Customers with questions may contact RLB Food Distributors at 973-575-9526 X154.
President Bush Meets with Iraqi President Talabani
PRESIDENT BUSH: I want to thank the President of Iraq for joining us. President Talabani, you and your colleagues here have given us time so we can strategize together to help you succeed, help you become a democracy, a country that can sustain itself and govern itself and defend itself, in the heart of the Middle East.
want to congratulate the Iraqi people on your courage. These are tough times. There is still violence in your midst because extremists want to stop the advance of a free society. We spent time strategizing on how we can continue to help the Iraqi government provide security for her people. It's not only security that comes from troops, but security that comes from economic vitality.
We had a very good meeting yesterday on the compact for Iraq. The international community came and listened very carefully to the Iraqi government's proposals and pledged support for this new democracy, and that ought to hearten the Iraqi people. I made it very clear to the President that it's important for the government of Iraq to continue to make very difficult decisions so that the people of Iraq see progress, to see different political parties capable of working together for the good of the country and for the good of the people. I'm optimistic that this government will succeed. And I've told the President of Iraq that America has given her word to help you and we will keep our word. The people of Iraq must know that.
I spoke today at the United Nations, and in my speech I spoke directly to the people of Iraq. I wanted them to know that we're thinking about them during this difficult period of time. I want them to know we appreciate their courage. And I want them to know that the United States of America stands with them, so long as the government continues to make the tough choices necessary for peace to prevail.
So Mr. President, thank you for coming again. I appreciate your time. I appreciate your long-standing courage and support for freedom and liberty. History will judge you kindly, Mr. President, when they look back and realize that under your leadership a new democracy began to flourish in the heart of the Middle East, called Iraq.
Welcome.
PRESIDENT TALABANI: Thank you. Today we were honored to meet President Bush, who we consider him as the hero of liberation of Iraq, and who we are very much appreciate the sacrifice of brave American army, those who gave their life to liberate our country from the worst kind of dictatorship, which left behind mass graves with hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqis in it. And the liberation of Iraq from this kind of dictatorship opened the door for Iraqi people to enjoy democracy, human rights and all kinds of liberties, and to have free election, the national assembly then elects the presidency and speaker and prime minister, and to have national unity, a government headed by Dr. Maliki.
This government is representing main portions of Iraqi people, of course Arabs, Sunnis, Shias, Turkomans, Christians, Muslims, everyone represented in this government, and is working well for national reconciliation. I briefed his Excellency, President, about the steps we have taken towards implementing -- implementation of national reconciliation program, and also I told him that we are trying to do our best to remove all obstacles in the way of national reconciliation to try to review, some of those like de-Baathification and look to the amendment of a constitution and also try to have some kind of discussion, free discussion about federation and some other issues. We have also our roadmap in Iraq, which was decided by a political council of national security for solving other problems of Iraqi people.
We, again, expressed our gratitude to his Excellency, our dear friend, President George Bush, and to American people. We hope that America also understand that we are grateful to them, to the America, and we will never forget those friends who helped us in the difficult days of Iraq, and Iraq will be always in the future in very good relation and be the friend of the United States and partner of United States in fighting against tyranny, dictatorship and terrorism. You can count on the Iraqi people, Mr. President, in fighting against terrorism and for democratization of whole Middle East.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you, sir.
President Bush Meets with French President Chirac
PRESIDENT BUSH: It's been a pleasure to have a meaningful, strategic dialogue with Jacques Chirac. We talked about a lot of subjects. It's important that France and the United States work closely to keep the peace. We talked about Iran, we talked about Syria, we talked about the Palestinian-Israeli issue, we talked about Darfur; we talked about common problems and how to solve those problems. It was a very constructive and important dialogue
Mr. President, welcome back to America and thank you for your time.
PRESIDENT CHIRAC: (As translated.) We're always welcome in the United States. Relations between the United States and France are long-standing and deeply rooted.
Well, indeed, today we have discussed and evidenced the fact that we have common approaches and a common sense of the main issues that we discussed, relating as they do to peace and to development throughout the world -- in fact, this coincides with the 61st U.N. General Assembly, which is going to meet today.
So we discussed peace and development. And particularly on the subject of peace-related issues, we addressed the issue of Iran, of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we addressed Lebanon and, of course, Africa, in particular, in Africa. And with respect to Africa we addressed the issue of what's going on in Darfur.
And we, as a result of this, have once again confirmed that we are entirely on the same wave length -- we have the same approach to the different issues, which are of deep and grave concern to us, as they challenge and jeopardize peace in different parts of the world.
I repeat what I've already said, namely that we concur, our views concur on these matters, particularly on the issue of a possible agreement with the Iranians. And, therefore, France, I'm convinced, the United States, the American administration and the French government see eye-to-eye on these matters and on how to address them.
PRESIDENT BUSH: One question a side. Nedra.
Q Yes, thank you, Mr. President. President Chirac has proposed suspending the threat of sanctions against Iran as an incentive to get them to the negotiating table. What do you think of that idea?
PRESIDENT BUSH: First of all, France and the United States share the same goal, and that is for the Iranians not to have a nuclear weapon.
Secondly, we share the same goal; we'd like to solve this problem diplomatically. And we understand working together is important. And the Iranians have got to understand we share the same objective, and we're going to continue to strategize together.
The EU3 will continue to dialogue with the Iranians to get them to the table so that they will suspend, verifiably suspend their enrichment activities, in which case, the United States will come to the table. And we believe time is of the essence. Should they continue to stall, we will then discuss the consequences of their stalling. And one of those consequences, of course, would be some kind of sanction program.
But now is the time for the Iranians to come to the table. And that's what we discussed.
PRESIDENT CHIRAC: For the past two days I've had the opportunity to speak very clearly on the subject -- at least I hope I've been very clear -- and let me take this opportunity once again to say that the present views of the United States and I again see eye to eye on this one. I totally agree with President Bush. We are both determined to push forward on this one, to move ahead in a constructive manner. And the first thing we need to do is to find a solution so that, indeed, and end be put to the uranium enrichment activity being engaged in, and then we can move on to finding solutions to the other problems that arise and stem from this issue
PRESIDENT BUSH: Final question. Do you want to call on somebody?
Q (Asked in French.)
PRESIDENT CHIRAC: There never has been any ambiguity as to the positions adopted respectively by the Europeans, by the six, by the United States, and in particular by France. We have always said very clearly that any negotiations -- and let's face it, this is the normal course of events, this negotiation is the normal way in which one expects to address and, indeed, settle, solve such a thorny issue as this one -- that negotiations are the way we are heading.
Nonetheless, we have equally said that we cannot have negotiations if we do not have prior suspension, on the one hand, of uranium enrichment activity on the part of Iran, and on the other, on the part of the six, the agreement not to approach the Security Council on this matter, in particular, this will include the possibility of examining a sanction program.
I think this has been said abundantly clearly time and again, and I do not really understand what kind of controversy has arisen or misunderstanding could have crept in, insofar as this, as I said, has been repeatedly said. Maybe it's due to a lack of understanding of the situation, but there's no ambiguity on our side.
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you, Jacques.
Barix conecta Clear Channel Satellite Services a las torres de radio de la región del golfo de México para realizar transmisiones de audio sobre IP en situaciones de emergencia
September 19
Barix AG, empresa pionera en audio, intercomunicación, control y supervisión basados en IP, anunció hoy que Clear Channel Satellite Services de Englewood, Colorado, está utilizando los dispositivos Instreamer (conversor de audio digital y analógico en flujo de MP3), Exstreamer (reproductor de audio MP3 basado en red) y Barionet (interfaz universal de automatización basada en red) de Barix, para la conectividad IP punto a multipunto desde Englewood a las torres de radio de Clear Channel distribuidas por todo el sureste de los Estados Unidos. El sistema, lanzado en junio, antes de la temporada de ciclones de 2006, conecta las estaciones de radio de la región del golfo de México. Ahora las estaciones de Clear Channel en esta región pueden permanecer en el aire incluso cuando los estudios se queden sin electricidad bajo condiciones climáticas muy desfavorables o en otras condiciones extremas, lo que permite a las estaciones emitir información importante a la población local en situaciones de emergencia.
La instalación de Englewood transmite audio a todas horas y durante todos los días del año a las torres de radio, utilizando los dispositivos Instreamer y Extreamer para codificar y decodificar audio en preparación para la emisión en caso de que los estudios sufran cortes en la alimentación eléctrica. Los dispositivos Barionets, instalado con los Exstreamers de cada emplazamiento de torre de radio, se utilizan para activar y conmutar automáticamente la transmisión de audio de reserva Exstreamer para su transmisión aérea. Los dispositivos Barionet se controlan a través de las instalaciones de Englewood mediante la conexión IP por satélite.
Ahora las estaciones de radio de Clear Channel de Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia y las Carolinas están conectadas al sistema. Clear Channel Satellite Services espera ampliar el sistema utilizando dispositivos Barix para conectar casi 900 torres durante el año que viene - una verdadera hazaña que proporcionaría conectividad de audio IP por satélite a todas las estaciones de radio de Clear Channel desde Englewood.
"El huracán Katrina y el caos que se produjo después nos hizo investigar como podíamos conectar mejor las instalaciones de Clear Channel durante estas situaciones extremas", declaró Don Harms, presidente y director general de Clear Channel Satellite Services. "Clear Channel Radio cubre aproximadamente el 98 por ciento de la población de los Estados Unidos. Necesitábamos una estrategia fiable para mantener nuestras torres en funcionamiento, para así mantener informados a los residentes de las zonas afectadas mediante transmisiones de radio terrestre. Cuando los estudios y torres dejan de funcionar, los residentes de la zona no reciben la información que necesitan sobre lo que vendrá a continuación y en donde obtener ayuda. Durante el desastre del Katrina, estos puntos cruciales de comunicación estaban ausentes cuando las estaciones de radio no pudieron activar sus torres".
La etapa de entrega era de importancia crucial, ya que Clear Channel Satellite Services disponía de menos de tres meses para colocar sus primeras instalaciones en línea, y Harm indicó que la capacidad de Barix a la hora de proporcionar un producto disponible libremente en el mercado era una ventaja importante. La empresa instaló un banco Instreamer en Englewood y construyó cajas 1 RU con dispositivos Barionet y Exstramer adaptados para cada emplazamiento de transmisión o torre. Toda la red se puede controlar y supervisar desde la instalación de Englewood mediante una WAN (red de área amplia) interna.
Acerca de Barix AG (http://www.barix.com)
FDA Statement on Foodborne E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak in Spinach
Update: Sunday, September 17, 2006
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will continue to provide the public with regular updates on the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak each day until further notice.
Case Reports
To date, 109 cases of illness due to E. coli infection have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including 16 cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) and one death. Illnesses continue to be reported to CDC. This is considered to be an ongoing investigation.
Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 Illness
E. coli O157:H7 causes diarrhea, often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called HUS. HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.
States Affected
There are 19 confirmed states: California, Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Consumer Advice
FDA advises consumers to not eat fresh spinach or fresh spinach-containing products until further notice.
If individuals believe they may have experienced symptoms of illness after consuming fresh spinach or fresh spinach-containing products, FDA recommends that they seek medical advice.
Two (2) Recalls
FDA has been informed that River Ranch, of California, is recalling packages of spring mix containing spinach. River Ranch obtained bulk spring mix containing spinach from Natural Selections. The following brands are involved: Farmers Market, Hy Vee, Fresh and Easy. Products that do not contain spinach are not part of this recall.
Natural Selection Foods, LLC, of San Juan Bautista, California, is recalling all of its products containing spinach in all brands they pack with "Best if Used by Dates" of August 17, 2006 through October 1, 2006. These products include spinach and any salad with spinach in a blend, both retail and food service products. Products that do not contain spinach are not part of this recall.
Natural Selection Foods, LLC brands include: Natural Selection Foods, Pride of San Juan, Earthbound Farm, Bellissima, Dole, Rave Spinach, Emeril, Sysco, O Organic, Fresh Point, River Ranch, Superior, Nature's Basket, Pro-Mark, Compliments, Trader Joe's, Ready Pac, Jansal Valley, Cheney Brothers, Coastline, D'Arrigo Brothers, Green Harvest, Mann, Mills Family Farm, Premium Fresh, Snoboy, The Farmer's Market, Tanimura & Antle, President's Choice, Cross Valley, and Riverside Farms.
The affected products were also distributed to Canada and Mexico. FDA continues to investigate whether other companies and brands are involved.
Lettuce Safety Initiative
The FDA developed the Lettuce Safety Initiative http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/lettsafe.html in response to recurring outbreaks of E.coli O157:H7 in lettuce. As a result of this outbreak, the initiative has been expanded to cover spinach. The primary goals of the initiative are to reduce public health risks by focusing on the product, agents and areas of greatest concern and to alert consumers early and respond rapidly in the event of an outbreak. This initiative is based on the 2004 Produce Safety Action Plan, intended to minimize the incidence of food borne illness associated with the consumption of fresh produce.
FDA continues to work closely with the CDC and state and local agencies to determine the cause and scope of the E.coli outbreak in spinach. Please check www.fda.gov for updates.
FDA Consumer Advisory on Refrigeration of Carrot Juice
Three Cases of Botulism Possibly Caused by Improper Refrigeration
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers of the vital importance of keeping carrot juice-including pasteurized carrot juice-refrigerated. There are three cases of botulism in the state of Georgia associated with pasteurized carrot juice that may have been due to the product not being properly refrigerated.
FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and health authorities in Georgia have been closely monitoring and continue to investigate these three cases of foodborne botulism.
On September 15, 2006, Georgia health authorities issued a press statement, which in part stated the following: "...At this time we believe that these three cases are an isolated incident.... During the investigation, other community members have been identified as having purchased and consumed the same product from the same vendor within the past three weeks. These persons have not become ill or developed any symptoms. The fact that additional cases have not been identified suggests that the toxin was not present before the sale of the product..."
"Because botulism is such a potentially serious illness, we want to remind consumers that it is critical to refrigerate carrot juice for safety. Consumers should not keep carrot juice unrefrigerated," said Dr. Robert Brackett, Director of FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). Inadequate refrigeration of carrot juice allows botulinum spores to multiply to the level at which they can cause illness.
Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by botulinum toxin, a nerve poison that under certain conditions is produced by Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium commonly found in soil. Botulism can be fatal and is considered a medical emergency. Foodborne botulism is not common in the United States; an average of 24 cases are reported each year. Botulinum poisoning can result in the following symptoms: double-vision, droopy eyelids and altered voice or trouble with speaking or swallowing, and paralysis on both sides of the body that progresses from the neck down, possibly followed by difficulty in breathing. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.
Adequate refrigeration is one of the keys to food safety. Cold temperatures keep most harmful pathogens from growing and multiplying. Refrigerator temperatures should be no higher than 40°F and freezers no higher then 0°F. Consumers should check the temperatures occasionally with an appliance thermometer.
Consumers should look for the words "Keep Refrigerated" or "Refrigerate After Opening" on juice labels to know whether the product should be refrigerated. FDA is looking into whether the industry is providing clear labeling on refrigeration of juice products during storage.
Guidance on labeling of foods that need refrigeration by consumers, particularly for safety, is available at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fr970224.html.
As of 1 PM (ET) September 17, 2006, Sunday, 109 persons infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported to CDC from 19 states.
Among the ill persons, 55 (50%) were hospitalized, 16 (15%) developed a type of kidney failure called hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), and an adult in Wisconsin died. Eighty-one (74%) were female and 6 (6%) were children under 5 years old.
Dates of illness onset ranged from August 2 to September 9, 2006. The states that have reported cases are California (1 case), Connecticut (2), Idaho (4), Indiana (8), Kentucky (4), Maine (2), Michigan (6), Minnesota (1), New Mexico (5), Nevada (1), New York (7), Ohio (10), Oregon (5), Pennsylvania (3), Utah (14), Virginia (1), Washington (2), Wisconsin (32), and Wyoming (1).
The following is advice for consumers about this outbreak:
- Currently, the FDA has advised to not eat any fresh spinach or salad blends containing fresh spinach that are consumed raw.
- E. coli O157:H7 in spinach can be killed by cooking at 160 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds. (Water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit.) If spinach is cooked in a frying pan, and all parts do not reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit, all bacteria may not be killed. If consumers choose to cook the spinach, they should avoid cross-contamination of the fresh spinach with other foods and food contact surfaces, and wash hands, utensils, and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after handling the spinach.
- Persons who develop diarrhea after consuming fresh spinach or salad blends containing fresh spinach are urged to contact their health care provider and ask that their stool specimen be tested for E. coli O157.
- Persons who ate fresh spinach or salad blends and feel well do not need to see a health-care provider.
Abbott Voluntarily Issues a Nationwide Recall for One Lot Of Alimentum, Two Lots of Similac Advance Liquid Infant Formula Ready-To-Feed 32-Ounce Plastic Bottles and One Lot of Hospital Discharge Kits
-- Sept. 17, 2006 -- As part of its commitment to ensure the highest quality nutrition products, Abbott's Ross Products Division today announced that it is voluntarily recalling the following lots of liquid ready-to-feed infant formula in 32-ounce plastic bottles:
- One lot of Similac Alimentum Advance liquid ready-to-feed infant formula (Stock Code #57512, Lot #401895V, use-by 1 May 2007 -- printed on the back of the bottle)
- Two lots of Similac Advance with Iron liquid ready-to-feed infant formula (Stock Code #55961, Lots #40177RH and #40172RH, use-by 1 November 2007 - printed on the back of the bottle)
- Additionally, one lot of Similac Advance Hospital Discharge Kits may have included some of the affected 32-ounce plastic bottles. The lot number for these discharge kits (Stock Code #58986, Lot #41699D5) can be found on the back of the bear tag attached to the kit.
Abbott is voluntarily initiating this recall because some bottles from these lots may not contain as much vitamin C as indicated on the label. Abbott discovered this problem as a result of consumer complaints for an unusually dark formula color. This problem is due to an isolated bottle defect, which has been corrected by the third-party supplier of the bottles.
No serious medical complaints have been reported.
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient needed for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body. Vitamin C deficiency symptoms could appear in infants if dietary intake is inadequate for more than two to four weeks. Symptoms of early vitamin C deficiency include increased irritability with generalized tenderness. It is highly unlikely that an infant will be fed affected bottles of the recalled formula exclusively for a long enough period of time to cause vitamin C deficiency symptoms. However, if parents or caregivers have any questions about their baby's health, they should contact their healthcare provider.
No other liquid or powder infant formula products are involved with this recall.
These infant formula lots were distributed between May 18, 2006, and September 5, 2006, in the United States, Puerto Rico and Guam. If consumers have purchased any of the specific lots mentioned above at retail or received them from hospitals or doctor's offices, they should contact Abbott's Ross Products Division at 1-800-624-3412. Abbott will replace product from these lots free of charge.
Ready Pac Issues Precautionary Recall on One Item Made by Co-Packer
One Pound Organic Spring Mix With Spinach in a Clamshell Was in Limited Distribution at Costco in Texas and Arizona Only
15, 2006 -- As a precautionary measure in response to the recent warning issued by the FDA regarding fresh bagged spinach, Ready Pac is voluntarily recalling one of its salad items. The item being recalled is the Ready Pac Organic Spring Mix in the one pound plastic clamshell size with a "Use By" date of on or before October 1st. Importantly, this item has been available in limited distribution only at Costco stores and only in Texas and Arizona.
Today, Ready Pac was notified by the company that produces this item that it is voluntarily recalling all of the products it produces that contain spinach. This recall by the producer, Natural Selections, includes the one pound Ready Pac Organic Spring Mix and is the only Ready Pac product impacted. If you have purchased this product, please return it to Costco for a full refund or if you choose, destroy it and contact Ready Pac for a refund.
Yesterday, Ready Pac suspended shipments of its spinach-based items, as a further precautionary measure following the FDA notification.
For more than 35 years, the proud associates of Ready Pac have earned an outstanding reputation for quality and are committed to producing exceptionally healthy and fresh products. We appreciate the public's understanding and trust during this situation. Consumers can check for updates from Ready Pac at its website at www.readypac.com. Consumers can also visit the FDA's website for further information at www.fda.gov
California-based Ready Pac is a premier processor of fresh-cut produce. With processing facilities across the U.S., Ready Pac's award-winning salads, fresh-cut fruit and convenience vegetables are distributed in supermarkets and restaurant chains across North America. For more information, visit www.readypac.com.
FDA Warning on Serious Foodborne E.coli O157:H7 Outbreak
One Death and Multiple Hospitalizations in Several States
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing an alert to consumers about an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in multiple states that may be associated with the consumption of produce. To date, preliminary epidemiological evidence suggests that bagged fresh spinach may be a possible cause of this outbreak.
Based on the current information, FDA advises that consumers not eat bagged fresh spinach at this time. Individuals who believe they may have experienced symptoms of illness after consuming bagged spinach are urged to contact their health care provider.
"Given the severity of this illness and the seriousness of the outbreak, FDA believes that a warning to consumers is needed. We are working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local agencies to determine the cause and scope of the problem," said Dr. Robert Brackett, Director of FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN).
E. coli O157:H7 causes diarrhea, often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death. To date, 50 cases of illness have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including 8 cases of HUS and one death.
At this time, the investigation is ongoing and states that have reported illnesses to date include: Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin.
FDA will keep consumers informed of the investigation as more information becomes available.
Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Bill Requiring Drivers to Use Hands Free Devices While Talking on a Mobile Phone
Gov. Schwarzenegger signed SB 1613 by Sen. Joseph Simitian (D-Palo Alto) that would prohibit the use of a cell phone in a moving vehicle unless the driver is using a hands free device.
“The simple fact is it’s dangerous to talk on your cell phone while driving. CHP data show that cell phones are the number one cause of distracted-driving accidents,” said Gov. Schwarzenegger. “So getting people’s hands off their phones and onto their steering wheels is going to make a big difference in road safety. The ‘Hands-Free’ cell phone bill will save lives by making our roads safer. I want to thank Senator Simitian for authoring this bill and for his commitment to the safety of his fellow Californians.”
Specifically, SB 1613 will:
- Prohibit the use of cell phones by drivers unless the driver is using a hands-free device starting July 1, 2008.
- Allow drivers of commercial vehicles to use push-to-talk phones until July 1, 2011.
- Allow drivers to make emergency phone calls without using a hands-free device.
- Allow drivers of emergency response vehicles to use cell phone without a hands-free device.
Distracted driving leads to tens of thousands of car accidents annually, with many of these accidents resulting in serious injuries or even death. Distractions while driving include eating, drinking, changing the radio station, reading and using a cell phone. For many of these distractions, there is no practical alternative other than banning the activity. However, there is a practical alternative to holding a cell phone – using a hands-free device. Hands-free devices are very inexpensive and most new phones come with an earpiece.
Using a hands-free device while driving does not eliminate the distraction that comes with cell phones. Talking on the phone and dialing and hanging up the phone create a distraction. However, requiring drivers to use hands-free devices better ensures that drivers have two hands free to place on the wheel while driving.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Ardsley, NY -- September 14, 2006 -- Raw Indulgence, Ltd. is voluntarily recalling approximately 8000 food bars described below because they may contain metal fragments:
Raspberry and Chocolate [red wrapper]: Net Wt. 2.2 oz. (64 g), Lot 060907 and UPC 899587000257 (bar); Date Code EXP060907 and UPC 899587000332 (box); AND
Raisin and Chocolate [purple wrapper]: Net Wt. 2.2 oz. (64g), Lot 060907 and UPC 899587000240 (bar); Date Code EXP060907 and 899587000325 (box).
The company's investigation of several recent complaints has led us to conclude that a single metal washer may have fallen into a mixing vat during production on June 9, 2006, resulting in metal fragments being discovered in some food bars made that day. People who bite into or swallow the metal fragments could possibly be injured. The company believes that only these flavor bars made on that day may potentially contain metal fragments, and therefore is only recalling the bars made on June 9, 2006. No other flavors or other lot numbers of the Raspberry and Chocolate or Raisin and Chocolate flavors are affected by the recall.
The bars were distributed nationwide to distributors and retail stores and possibly through some internet sales. -- Ardsley, NY -- September 14, 2006 -- Raw Indulgence, Ltd. is voluntarily recalling approximately 8000 food bars described below because they may contain metal fragments:The bars were distributed nationwide to distributors and retail stores and possibly through some internet sales.The Raspberry and Chocolate food bars are packaged in red & black colored wrappers. The Raisin and Chocolate food bars are packaged in purple & black colored wrappers. The bars are sold individually, and there are 12 bars per display box.
No serious injuries were reported, although several consumers reported finding metal fragments, and one consumer bit into a metal fragment in a bar, resulting in minor injury.
The company has advised its distribution network to quarantine the affected products."Our utmost concern is consumer safety and we are working with the FDA to remedy this problem" said Alice Benedetto, the company founder and president. "We are strengthening controls to avoid a similar situation in the future" she continued.
Consumers who have purchased the above products are advised not to consume them and to return them to the place of purchase or to Raw Indulgence, Ltd. for a full refund or exchange. Send affected products to: Raw Indulgence, Ltd. 923 Saw Mill River Road, Suite 170, Ardsley, NY 10502.
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today confirmed Hainan Airlines' order for 15 Boeing Next-Generation 737 airplanes, completing a 150-airplane order by the China Aviation Supplies Import and Export Group.
Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Shandong Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines and Xiamen Airlines earlier this year placed orders for 65 Boeing Next-Generation 737s that were identified on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries Web site in August.
China Aviation Supplies Import and Export Group originally announced its intentions to order 150 airplanes in November 2005. The first 50 of those Next-Generation 737 airplanes were booked in December 2005 with an additional 20 booked in January 2006.
The orders signed between the eight carriers and Boeing are valued at about $10 billion, based on average list prices. These airplanes are scheduled for delivery between 2006 and 2010.
| Airline Carrier | Model | 2005 Quantity | 2006 Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air China | 737-800 | 25 | |
| China Eastern Airlines | 737-700 737-800 | 3 1 | 11 5 |
| China Southern Airlines | 737-700 737-800 | 9 11 | 3 7 |
| Hainan Airlines | 737-800 | 6 | 19 |
| Shandong Airlines | 737-800 | 12 | |
| Shanghai Airlines | 737-700 737-800 | 5 | 3 5 |
| Shenzhen Airlines | 737-800 | 5 | 5 |
| Xiamen Airlines | 737-800 | 10 | 5 |
The 737 is ideally suited for the Chinese market and represents a large portion of the country's fleet. Of the 529 Boeing airplanes in China's fleet, 394 are 737 family aircraft, comprising 41 percent of China's total fleet.
"It is gratifying to partner with Chinese airlines in their quest to achieve profitability and to provide their passengers with reliable, comfortable service," said Rob Laird, vice president, China Sales - Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737, especially the Next-Generation 737, has played an integral role in Chinese aviation."
The Next-Generation 737s fly higher, faster and farther than comparable airplanes, while offering greater fuel efficiency. The 737 is the world's best-selling commercial jet airplane, with more than 6,500 ordered by 236 customers. As of Aug. 31, 2006, 100 customers have placed orders for more than 3,300 Next-Generation 737s; the program has 1,360 unfilled orders with a value of about $91 billion at current list prices.
Boeing Strengthens 787 GoldCare Team with Rockwell Collins Agreement
Sept 14, 2006 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today named Rockwell Collins as the latest partner for GoldCare, the revolutionary lifecycle support solution for the 787 Dreamliner.
"Rockwell Collins supplies more than a quarter of the systems by value onboard the 787, so its leadership in joining GoldCare is a terrific boost," said Bob Avery, Boeing's vice president 787 Services & Support. "GoldCare is a powerful business alternative for airline leaders who want to minimize costs and enhance predictability as they acquire, operate and transition their fleets. We’re delighted Rockwell Collins is committing to this new way of helping our customers.”
Under GoldCare, Boeing leads and integrates a global team to deliver maintenance, engineering and materials management tasks within a predictable per-flight-hour cost. With maintenance operations and logistics simplified, GoldCare customers can focus on their passengers -- all the while knowing that their airplane assets achieve maximum utilization and are maintained to the highest standards of excellence by Boeing through GoldCare partners.
Rockwell Collins, headquartered in Cedar Rapids , Iowa , provides displays, communication and surveillance systems, pilot controls and the core network cabinet for the 787 and under GoldCare will be responsible for ensuring spare parts are available at guaranteed levels of availability, managing the maintenance of parts removed from aircraft and ensuring that equipment reliability is optimized.
“Rockwell Collins is proud to be part of the GoldCare program. This new business model will reduce the risk associated with the cost of operations for the airlines,” shares Kent Statler, senior vice president and general manager of Services for Rockwell Collins. “The program aligns Rockwell Collins and Boeing to provide superior customer services around the globe.”
Boeing currently offers GoldCare as a strategic business choice for 787 customers, helping them leverage the game-changing innovation of the Dreamliner to reduce introduction and infrastructure costs, minimize financial and operational risk, improve operating costs and simplify maintenance.
Boeing has completed its first technical pilot program for GoldCare, signed its first Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul partner and, including Rockwell Collins, partnered with three major equipment suppliers for systems on the aircraft. Further partnership agreements with suppliers are expected to be completed in 2006.
“We’re on schedule with the airplane and with the GoldCare service,” said Avery. “Introducing a partner of the caliber of Rockwell Collins brings yet more experience and quality to the team.”
GoldCare
GoldCare is Boeing's comprehensive life-cycle management service specially developed for the 787 Dreamliner, offering a new strategic business choice for customers to acquire, operate and transition their fleets. GoldCare offers two levels of service:
- GoldCare: A lifecycle management solution offering guaranteed schedule reliability through comprehensive fleet maintenance management and parts support. Boeing uses globally recognized maintenance providers and component suppliers to offer top-tier service and includes the GoldCare Integrated Materials Management Service.
- GoldCare Integrated Materials Management Service: A comprehensive logistical and supply chain integration service for spare parts; including repair and overhaul of components. Boeing provides guaranteed parts availability service levels.
Both GoldCare services include new enabling technologies that turn airplane operating data into actionable information and knowledge. That information can be used simultaneously by operators, suppliers, maintenance providers and Boeing to enhance operational efficiency and improve airplane dispatch reliability and availability. GoldCare team partners include SR Technics, Smiths Aerospace, Hamilton Sundstrand and Rockwell Collins. For more information visit the GoldCare Web site.
Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL ) is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronics solutions for both commercial and government applications. Rockwell Collins expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications and information management is strengthened by 17,000 employees, and a global service and support network that crosses 27 countries. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com.
Ford Motor Co. will offer buyout and early retirement plans to all of its hourly U.S. employees — more than 75,000 of them — as part of a broad restructuring plan aimed at cutting its costs in light of slumping sales.
Ford confirmed the plans Thursday after union officials disclosed the company would make the buyout offers of up to $140,000 each to workers.
The automaker had about 82,000 workers represented by the United Auto Workers at the end of last year, but about 6,500 have taken previous buyout and early retirement offers made mainly at plants slated for closure, company spokeswoman Marcey Evans said. The new offer would cover the remaining unionized workers.
at the end of last year, but about 6,500 have taken previous buyout and early retirement offers made mainly at plants slated for closure, company spokeswoman Marcey Evans said. The new offer would cover the remaining unionized workers.The news came a day before the nation's second biggest automaker was to reveal details of a restructuring plan that likely will include massive job cuts and additional plant closures.
The buybacks are aimed at helping Ford cut costs as its sales shrink under fierce competition from more fuel-efficient models from Asian automakers.
The UAW announced the proposal in a statement to its members Thursday, saying that the offers are available to all active Ford workers represented by the union.
"Once again, our members are stepping up to make hard choices under difficult circumstances," UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said in a statement. "Now, it's Ford Motor Co.'s responsibility to lead this company in a positive direction — which means using the skills, experience and dedication to quality that UAW members demonstrate every day in order to deliver quality vehicles to customers."
The buyouts are part of a larger restructuring plan approved by the Ford board of directors during a two-day meeting that ended Thursday. Ford said Thursday that it would announce details of the new plan Friday morning.
Ford shares fell 10 cents to close at $9.09 on the New York Stock Exchange. Its shares have traded in a 52-week range of $6.06 to $10.09.
Separately, Ford said that Anne Stevens, an architect of the restructuring effort at Ford and one of the auto industry's highest ranking women, is retiring. Stevens, 57, had been at the center of Ford's turnaround efforts since October 2005 when she was named executive vice president.
Ford has been battered by the auto market's shift from trucks and sport utility vehicles to more fuel-efficient cars and crossovers. Its market share and sales have dropped while its Japanese competitors have gained.
Under the plan, detailed in a UAW statement, workers can choose between eight packages that offer from $35,000 to $140,000 depending on their years of service, age and how close they are to retirement age.
"I think it's a good package," said Chris Kimmons, president of UAW Local 919 at the Norfolk, Va., assembly plant. "I think they worked real hard on it. They've got to do something to help Ford out of this crisis."
Depending on which plan is chosen, workers may have to give up health benefits.
Ford lost $1.4 billion during the first half of the year and is under pressure from Wall Street to make further cuts and roll out new cars and trucks more quickly.
In July, the company pledged to accelerate its "Way Forward" restructuring plan, which when introduced in January called for cutting up to 30,000 jobs and closing 14 facilities by 2012.
A Detroit newspaper reported Thursday that the automaker could lose up to $9 billion this year including the costs of a massive restructuring plan.
The Detroit News reported that Chief Financial Officer Don Leclair's office has said in a financial forecast report that Ford's global automotive operations will post a pretax loss of $5.6 billion to $5.9 billion this year.
Once restructuring costs are factored in, the loss could widen to $9 billion, the newspaper said, citing a senior Ford official who it said had firsthand knowledge of the report.
The report said most of the loss would come from Ford's North American operations, the newspaper said.
Company spokeswoman Becky Sanch said Ford would not discuss the report.
"Those aren't numbers that we shared, and we're not commenting," she told The Associated Press on Thursday.
Ford recorded the largest net loss in its history in 1992, $7.4 billion, but most of it was due to accounting changes. Ford also posted a $5.5 billion net loss in 2001, in part due to a restructuring plan.
Does the Israel Lobby Have Too Much Influence on U.S. Foreign Policy?
John Mearsheimer Debates Critics in Panel Discussion Hosted By the London Review of Books
Sept.14 A prominent panel of leading academics, politicians, and intellectuals will debate the extent of the pro-Israel lobby's influence on United States foreign policy -- in an effort to foster a rational and open discussion on our national strategic interests.
The event, hosted by the London Review of Books, will be held at Cooper Union's Great Hall, located at 7 East 7th Street, New York. The debate will take place at 7PM, Thursday, September 28th, and tickets may be purchased at www.ticketcentral.com or 212.279.4200.
The London Review of Books has assembled a top-notch panel which includes: Shlomo Ben-Ami, Martin Indyk, Tony Judt, Rashid Khalidi, John Mearsheimer, Dennis Ross, and Anne-Marie Slaughter, as moderator.
"We know this is a controversial question, but no topic should be beyond discussion, including America's relationship with Israel. And the London Review of Books has brought together a very distinguished, and interesting, panel to hear all sides of this highly topical debate," said Mary-Kay Wilmers, editor of the London Review of Books.
The London Review of Books was the only publication to print Professors John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt's paper, which contends that the centerpiece of U.S. foreign policy is its intimate relationship with Israel.
"It is unfortunate that no American paper was willing to publish Mearsheimer and Walt's article. The United States has a long and rich history of open discussion on foreign policy, and this debate will continue that tradition," said Mary-Kay Wilmers.
NOTES ON PARTICIPANTS:
* Shlomo Ben-Ami is a former Israeli foreign and security minister and
the author of Scars of War, Wounds of Peace: The Israeli-Arab Tragedy.
* Martin Indyk is Director of the Saban Center for Middle East Policy and
Senior Fellow in Foreign Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution.
* Tony Judt is Erich Maria Remarque Professor in European Studies and
Director of the Remarque Institute at New York University.
* Rashid Khalidi is Edward Said Professor of Arab Studies and Director of
the Middle East Institute at Columbia University.
* John Mearsheimer is the R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service
Professor of Political Science and the co-director of the Program on
International Security Policy at the University of Chicago.
* Dennis Ross is Counselor and Ziegler Distinguished Fellow of the
Washington Institute for Near East Policy and the author of The Missing
Peace: The Inside Story of the Fight for Middle East Peace.
* Anne-Marie Slaughter is Dean of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and
International Affairs and the Bert G. Kerstetter '66 University
Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Princeton
University.
WHEN: Thursday, September 28th, 7pm
WHERE: Great Hall, Cooper Union 7 East 7th Street
PANELISTS: Shlomo Ben-Ami, Martin Indyk, Tony Judt, Rashid Khalidi,
John Mearsheimer, Dennis Ross, Moderator: Anne-Marie
Slaughter
COST: $25 per person, $15 Students
TICKETS: Call Ticket Central 212-279-4200 or visit
www.ticketcentral.com
PRESS PASSES: Jonathan Freedman, 212.751.3326, jf@groupsjr.com
About the London Review of Books
Founded in 1979, The London Review of Books is dedicated to carrying on the tradition of the English essay -- giving contributors the space and freedom to develop their ideas at length and in depth.
Source: London Review of Books
Survey: Kids Wish Parents Would Work Less, Spend More Outdoor Time With Them, Adults Spending Little Time Supervising Kids Online; Boys & Girls Clubs of America Launches Boys & Girls Clubs Day for Kids September 16
Billy Ray Cyrus and Daughter Miley Host National Celebration of Adults and Children Spending Meaningful Time Together
Sept. 14 A survey of more than 1,500 Boys & Girls Club members from across the nation has identified how young people define meaningful time. The results show kids wish parents would work less and spend more outdoor time with them. It also shows adults are spending little time supervising their kids online. The survey was conducted for the first "Boys & Girls Clubs Day for Kids," a new national event on Sept. 16.
On Sept. 16, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) will launch "Boys & Girls Clubs Day for Kids," a major new family event on our nation's calendar. Boys & Girls Clubs Day for Kids (BGC Day for Kids) will be an annual event highlighting the value of meaningful time between caring adults and children. BGC Day for Kids will be celebrated with millions of adults and kids participating in some 2,000 events at Boys & Girls Clubs and other locations nationwide.
BGC Day for Kids Survey
A survey conducted this summer of more than 1,500 Boys & Girls Club members from across the nation identified how young people define meaningful time.
- The results revealed that most young people (78%) feel they do spend
enough meaningful time with their parents.
- BUT ... The young people surveyed (39%) said they want their parents
to work less and spend more outdoor time with them (43%).
- Young people (68%) say their parents or guardians are the most
important role models in their lives and that the most important thing
they learn from them are positive values (37%).
- While most (79%) say their parents have talked with them about Internet
safety, most parents never or very rarely (67%) surf the Internet with
their children or ask them who they are talking to online (55%).
- Most young people are participating in physical activities and games
with their parents several times a week (55.1%) and eating home-cooked
dinners together regularly (77%).
Events, celebrity appearances and special promotions will highlight BGC Day for Kids. National spokespersons for the day, platinum-selling recording artist and actor Billy Ray Cyrus and his daughter Miley Cyrus, both of Disney Channel's hit series "Hannah Montana," will kick off the day in Los Angeles.
"Miley and I have a great relationship," said Cyrus. "I think it's important as parents and neighbors that we spend quality time with children and to encourage others in our communities to do the same."
Added Miley: "My dad and I talk all the time about the important stuff in my life. He and my mom know how much I appreciate them and our relationship is good because we spend time together. I am happy to be a part of this day to help other kids feel the same way."
Unlike most other industrialized nations, the U.S. is one of the few nations that does not have an official day set aside to honor its young people. In a country ranked first in wealth and productivity, we do not have a day in which we recognize our most precious resource. Americans recognize the link between spending meaningful time with their kids and the tough issues facing young people, but say they don't have the time, skills or resources to do as much for their children as they feel they should.
BGCA is spearheading a national effort to establish Boys & Girls Clubs Day for Kids as an "official day" on the National Calendar. But while September 16 is the official day, created to bring attention to the messages of Boys & Girls Clubs Day for Kids, in reality every day should be a day for kids.
To assist parents, practitioners and other caring adults, BGCA has created engaging educational resources to help them encourage and develop positive relationships with kids. A year-round web site, www.dayforkids.org, also launches this week, providing tools, resources and tips that support their interactions with young people.
Blockbuster Inc., a founding sponsor of the Boys & Girls Clubs Day for Kids initiative, will encourage people to invest in America's youth. Blockbuster will support BGC Day for Kids through an in-store promotion. The public can stop by local participating BLOCKBUSTER(R) stores starting September 12 to learn how they can make a difference.
American Express is a presenting sponsor of BGCA's Centennial 2006 Celebration and is supporting BGC Day for Kids with local events, Cardmember and online promotions at www.mylifemycard.com/bgca.
More than 2,000 Day for Kids events are planned nationwide (all events open to the public) including:
- Los Angeles - Activities at the Santa Monica Pier featuring an
appearance by Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus and other activities at the
Pacific Park Amusement Park.
- Dallas - More than 3,000 youth will enjoy a day at the Bahama Beach
Waterpark, including games, face painting, free school supplies and
appearances by Dallas Mavericks players.
- NYC - A street festival in the Bronx, including song and dance, a back-
to-school fashion show, the NY Mets mascot, a health fair and equipment
from the NY Police and Fire Depts.
"We created Boys & Girls Clubs Day for Kids to foster stronger relationships between adults and children by educating them on the importance and value of spending meaningful time together," says Roxanne Spillett, president, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "BGC Day for Kids will provide the opportunity for every adult to take a break, celebrate and renew their commitment to the nation's children."
Boys & Girls Clubs of America leads the national campaign with support from American Express, Blockbuster Inc. and Disney. Non-profit partners include America's Promise, Association of Children's Museums, Association for Library Service to Children, Communities in Schools, Home Safety Council, National AfterSchool Association, National Neighbor Day, National Wildlife Federation and Youth Service America.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) comprises a national network of more than 3,900 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving some 4.6 million young people, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as "The Positive Place for Kids," the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.
Source: Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Web site: http://www.bgca.org/
http://www.dayforkids.org/
http://www.mylifemycard.com/bgca
Verizon Wireless, Sony BMG y John Legend Dejarán en Manos de los Fanáticos la Selección del Próximo Sencillo del Nuevo Álbum Once Again
Los Fanáticos de Verizon Wireless Podrán ser 'Magnates de la Música' y Seleccionar el Próximo Éxito Radiofónico Legend
LOS ÁNGELES, 14 de septiembre Verizon Wireless, Sony BMG y John Legend anunciaron hoy una primicia en la industria de la música al lanzar el concurso* "Verizon Wireless Music Mogul" en todo el país para que los fanáticos desempeñen un codiciado papel en la manera como la nueva música de John Legend, un artista galardonado con el Grammy Award(R), se estrene en el mundo: los fanáticos seleccionarán el próximo sencillo de su nuevo álbum Once Again. El concurso comienza hoy y se extenderá hasta el 13 de octubre del 2006. El ganador del Premio Mayor representará a los abonados a Verizon Wireless de todo el país que son entusiastas de la música de John Legend, y en tal calidad, el ganador grabará una introducción vocal al sencillo que se transmitirá en las estaciones radiales cuando la canción se estrene en el país. El ganador acompañará también al artista en una importantísima interpretación que se ofrecerá en Europa.
Para participar, los fanáticos con ciertos teléfonos podrán enviar el mensaje de texto "LEGEND" al 2227 para recibir un mensaje multimedia con muestras de audio de las nuevas canciones sin estrenar de John Legend: "Show Me," una espiritual canción de amor evocadora de Stevie Wonder y Marvin Gaye, y "Heaven Only Knows," la canción producida por Kanye West que trata de los altibajos de las relaciones personales. Valiéndose de mensajes de texto, los fanáticos votarán entonces a favor de la canción que, según ellos, debería estrenarse como un sencillo. Verizon Wireless aplicará cargos por envío de mensajes, pero los fanáticos podrán también votar gratis en línea en http://www.johnlegendconcerts.com/.
En los próximos dos meses, Verizon Wireless V CAST Music ofrecerá varias canciones nuevas de John Legend en forma de ofertas exclusivas para que los clientes las descarguen como canciones de tamaño completo, tonos de llamada y Ringback Tones. El nuevo álbum de John Legend, Once Again, no llegará a los minoristas musicales Web ni a las tiendas de venta al detalle sino hasta el 24 de octubre, de manera que el único lugar para escuchar o ver la nueva música de John Legend será a través de Verizon Wireless.
"He estado viajando mucho en los últimos dos años, y he tenido la oportunidad de conocer y relacionarme con muchos de mis fanáticos. Para ellos hago mi música, y este concurso es esencialmente una manera de conseguir sus reacciones y comentarios, y entender qué les gustaría oír de mi nuevo álbum", declaró John Legend. "Ahora, no sólo mis fanáticos lograrán escuchar temprano mi nueva música, sino podré averiguar qué piensan - un caso del intercambio instantáneo que la tecnología móvil hace posible".
"Gracias a nuestra asociación con Verizon Wireless y John Legend, este concurso permite a Sony expresar su respeto al juicio y gusto del consumidor", señaló Lisa Ellis, presidenta de Sony Urban Music. "Creemos que las comunicaciones móviles son el medio perfecto para eliminar las conjeturas y preguntar directamente a los fanáticos qué música prefieren, para sacarla directamente".
"Los móviles proveen una oportunidad muy única para que los fanáticos no sólo reaccionen a la música, sino también realicen intercambios de parecer", destacó John Harrobin, vicepresidente de mercadeo y medios digitales en Verizon Wireless. "En esta era marcada por la personalización, los fanáticos quieren no sólo ser oyentes pasivos, sino participar y relacionarse con sus artistas favoritos".
El álbum debut de John Legend en el 2004, Get Lifted, le mereció ocho candidaturas al Grammy 2005 y tres premios, entre ellos Best New Artist (Mejor Artista Nuevo). En el 2003, Legend se convirtió en el primer artista contratado para Kon Man Entertainment (más tarde llamado Getting Out Our Dreams) de Kanye West. Un acuerdo de producción con Columbia Records siguió en mayo del 2004.
Más todavía que en Get Lifted, John siguió audazmente su dirección creativa en Once Again, optando por escribir no con una perspectiva de mercadeo, sino desde el punto de vista del corazón, el alma y la experiencia personal. Once Again será un estreno ofrecido por G.O.O.D./Sony Urban Music/ Columbia Records el 24 de octubre del 2006.
Acerca de Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless tiene y opera la red móvil más confiable del país y cuenta con 54.8 millones de clientes de sus servicios de voz y datos. Verizon Wireless, con sede en Basking Ridge, Nueva Jersey, es una sociedad conjunta de Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) y Vodafone (NYSE y LSE: VOD). Para más información, visite http://www.verizonwireless.com/. Si desea recibir secuencias de video, con resolución apropiada para difusión, y fotografías de alta resolución sobre las operaciones de Verizon Wireless, visite http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
* No es preciso comprar nada. Es preciso tener 13 años o más y ser residente legal de Estados Unidos. Es nulo fuera de Estados Unidos y donde esté prohibido. Verizon Wireless aplicará cargos por envío de mensajes. Hay limitaciones aplicables. Consulte por favor las reglas oficiales en http://www.johnlegendconcerts.com/.
Source: Verizon Wireless
Hip-Hop Summit Action Network presenta 'Get Your Money Right'
Una cumbre sobre finanzas en Atlanta, el sábado 16 de septiembre, en el Morris Brown College
QUÉ: Los fundamentos de finanzas y gira de capacitación "Get Your Money Right" de la Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN). Celebridades del Hip-Hop y expertos de Chrysler Financial hablarán con la audiencia juvenil sobre la importancia del manejo personal del dinero.
Los temas a tratarse incluyen fundamentos de trámites bancarios, propiedad de bienes raíces, reparación de crédito e interpretación de puntajes crediticios, iniciativa empresarial, financiación de vehículos y otros. El libro de trabajo "Get Your Money Right", que será entregado a todos los participantes, está disponible en inglés y español y puede descargarse en el sitio http://www.hsan.org/ .
QUIÉNES:
Participantes del HSAN: Russell Simmons, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jermaine Dupri, Ludacris, Paul Wall, Bobby Valentino, Chaka Zulu, DJ Drama, Chingo Bling, Remy Ma, Roberta Shields (Madre de Ludacris), Shakir Stewart y Bryan- Michael Cox.
Oportunidades para Entrevistar a Expertos de Chrysler Financial:
William F. Jones Jr., Vicepresidente de Chrysler Financial
James Whitlow y Gerrod Parchmon, panelistas de Chrysler Financial
CUÁNDO: Sábado 16 de septiembre
Llegada de artistas, panelistas y VIPs: Mediodía
Llegada de medios de comunicación: Mediodía
Las Puertas se Abrirán: Al mediodía
Programa: 1:30 p.m. a 3:30 p.m.
DÓNDE: Atlanta University Center, John Lewis Gymnasium
Morris Brown College
643 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30314
NOTA: Resultados de una encuesta reciente, dados a conocer durante una conferencia de prensa en la sala de juntas de la Reserva Federal, revelan que los adolescentes de EE.UU. carecen de los conocimientos básicos en cuanto a finanzas personales. Según la Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, los resultados de un sondeo tomado a 5,775 alumnos de último año de secundaria en 37 estados, demuestran que la educación financiera es un área que aún debe ser considerablemente mejorada en los jóvenes. El Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment (Cumbre de Hip-Hop sobre capacitación financiera) es un esfuerzo comunitario destinado a ayudar a los jóvenes a involucrarse en discusiones acerca de la importancia de las finanzas personales.
Socios Comunitarios: Los socios comunitarios proveerán no sólo respaldo financiero, sino que además aportarán 20 voluntarios para trabajar el día de la Cumbre.
* National Conference of Black Mayors
* NAACP-Atlanta Chapter
* The Ludacris Foundation
* 100 Black Men of Atlanta
* FCE Entertainment
* National Black MBA Association
Hay información adicional y noticias disponibles de DaimlerChrysler en Internet: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
Campaña de Anuncios de Interés Público Dirigida a "Nuestra Juventud, Nuestro Futuro, Nuestro Legado", con 17 Miembros Hispanos del Congreso
CHCI y Comcast Revelan Campaña Bilingüe de Anuncios de Interés Público - Llegando a más de 23 Millones de Hogares
14 de septiembre El Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), la principal organización hispana en la nación orientada a la formación de liderazgo y educación para jóvenes, anunció hoy, en asociación con Comcast Corporation, la principal empresa proveedora de servicios de medios y entretenimiento en el país, el lanzamiento de "Our Youth, Our Future, Our Legacy," (Nuestra juventud, nuestro futuro, nuestro legado), la primera campaña bilingüe de Anuncios de Interés Público (PSA, por sus siglas en inglés) con un componente de video de flujo continuo en Internet, donde aparecen 17 miembros hispanos del Congreso.
CHCI y Comcast colaboraron en esta campaña PSA, que representa un elemento en una asociación más amplia para educar a estudiantes hispanos y sus familias sobre las posibilidades disponibles a través de las oportunidades de premios reconocidos en todo el país, de Public Policy Fellowship, Congressional Internship, y Scholarship Awards en Washington, D.C. La campaña destaca específicamente las contribuciones hispanas realizadas a través de negocios y educación en todo el país.
"Este es el primer paso en una campaña nacional creativa y original de alcance educativo y concientización hispana", señaló Esther Aguilera, Presidenta y CEO de CHCI. "Desde 1978, CHCI ha estado a la vanguardia en la capacitación de jóvenes hispanos -- al inicio de sus carreras -- para asumir papeles protagónicos en agencias de gobierno estatal, local y federal, y en las empresas de Estados Unidos".
David L. Cohen, vicepresidente ejecutivo de Comcast, declaró que..."Nuestra asociación con CHCI refleja nuestro continuo compromiso con la diversidad y la comunidad hispana en particular. Estamos satisfechos de haber creado con CHCI este programa de alcance comunitario y continuaremos colaborando en proyectos creativos para proveer oportunidades de éxito a la comunidad hispana".
Susan Gonzáles, directora senior de Comcast, añadió que..."Esta singular campaña de PSA alienta a los jóvenes hispanos a buscar oportunidades para prepararse para un futuro de liderazgo. Nos enorgullecemos de presentar esta campaña a la comunidad".
Los PSAs saldrán al aire desde el 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre en todos los mercados de Comcast del país, llegando a más de 23 millones de hogares, y las versiones en español estarán disponibles en video de flujo continuo en Comcast Latino, el portal en español de Comcast en http://www.comcast.net/. La campaña saldrá también al aire en mercados de Time Warner en California y Texas, del 14 de noviembre al 15 de diciembre.
Participarán en los PSAs 17 miembros del Congreso y el Senador Nacional Bob Menéndez (NJ). Los congresistas son: Hon. Joe Baca (CA-43), Hon. Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Hon. Jim Costa (CA-20), Hon. Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Hon. Charles A. González (TX-20), Hon. Raúl Grijalva (AZ-7), Hon. Luis Gutiérrez (IL-4), Hon. Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15), Hon. Grace Flores Napolitano (CA-38), Hon. Solomon P. Ortiz (TX-27), Hon. Ed Pastor (AZ-4), Hon. Silvestre Reyes (TX-16), Hon. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34), Hon. John Salazar (CO-3), Hon. Linda Sánchez (CA-39), Hon. Loretta Sánchez (CA-47), y Hon. Hilda L. Solis (CA-32).
Para ver una muestra del anuncio de interés público con el Hon. Xavier Becerra, ingrese al siguiente URL: http://mfile.akamai.com/7076/wmv/ccbn.download.akamai.com/7076/Comcast/Xavier_ Becerra.asx
Acerca del Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
El Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), una organización 501 (c)(3) sin fines de lucro ni afiliación política, ofrece programas de formación de liderazgo y educación a estudiantes y a jóvenes líderes en desarrollo. La Junta Directiva de CHCI está compuesta de Miembros Hispanos del Congreso, líderes de organizaciones sin fines de lucro, y ejecutivos de empresas. Para más información acerca de CHCI, llame al (202) 543-1771 ó visite http://www.chci.org/. La Conferencia 2006 de Políticas Públicas de CHCI, la Noche Reyes de la Comedia y la 29a. Gala Anual, se llevarán a cabo en Washington, D.C., del 2 al 4 de octubre.
Acerca de Comcast
Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) (NASDAQ:CMCSK) (http://www.comcast.com/) es la principal proveedora de productos y servicios de cable, entretenimiento y comunicaciones en el país. Con 23.3 millones de usuarios de cable, 10 millones de abonados al servicio de acceso a Internet de alta velocidad y 1.6 millones de usuarios de servicios de voz, Comcast está principalmente involucrada en el desarrollo, gestión y operación de redes de cable de banda ancha y en la entrega de contenido de programación.
Las redes de contenido e inversiones de la compañía incluyen E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, The Golf Channel, OLN, G4, AZN Television, PBS KIDS Sprout, TV One y cuatro Comcast SportsNets regionales. La compañía posee además un interés mayoritario en Comcast-Spectacor, cuyas propiedades más importantes incluyen el equipo de hockey de la NHL Philadelphia Flyers, el equipo de baloncesto de la NBA Philadelphia 76ers, y dos grandes estadios para eventos diversos en Filadelfia.
Source: Comcast
37 States Experience Fewer Train Accidents During First Six Months of 2006
As Train Derailments and Collisions Show Significant Declines
Thirty-seven states experienced fewer train derailments and collisions during the first half of 2006 as compared to the same period last year Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph H. Boardman announced today noting that railroads were doing a better job focusing on safety performance.
A review of the preliminary statistics compiled by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for January through June 2006 reveals that railroads had 262 fewer train accidents, or a 16.1 percent reduction, when compared to the first half of 2005, Boardman said. Specifically, the number of derailments decreased by 13.6 percent and train-to-train collisions fell 34.1 percent. A total of 16 states saw a decrease of 10 or more train accidents, including Texas (28), Ohio (14), New Jersey (11), and California (10), Boardman said.
“It is encouraging that railroads are making improvements in many areas of rail safety," Boardman said. "But more needs to be done to make our trains and grade crossings truly safe."
The data shows that train accidents caused by human error—the leading cause of all train accidents--declined 22.9 percent, Boardman said. Train accidents caused by track issues decreased 13.4 percent, and those caused by equipment failure and signal problems fell by 13 percent and 28.6 percent, respectively. In addition, the number of highway-rail grade crossing collisions was unchanged, but grade crossing fatalities rose by 5.8 percent. Trespass fatality numbers are also unchanged from the same period in 2005.
Boardman said that aggressive implementation of FRA’s National Rail Safety Action Plan was a contributing factor in the overall improvement in railroad safety. The Action Plan targets the most frequent, highest-risk causes of train accidents; increases the use of data to focus the FRA’s inspection and enforcement resources; and accelerates research and development activities that have the potential to mitigate the largest risks.
A state-by-state list comparing the train accident data from the first six-months of 2006 to the first six-months of 2005 can be found on the FRA web site at www.fra.dot.gov.
Taiwan's attempt to get into UN a "dangerous" step(09/13/06)
China said in Beijing on Sep.13 that an attempt by Taiwan authorities to gain accession to the United Nations is a "dangerous" step.
Li Weiyi, spokesman of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, told a news briefing that such an attempt is a "new" and "dangerous" step made by the Taiwan leader who continues to push secession and exposes his intention to speed up secessionist activities.
On Aug. 10, Burkina Faso, Gambia and a few other countries, under the subornation of the Taiwan authorities, wrote to the UN secretary-general, requesting the 61st session of the UN General Assembly to discuss the issue and a proposal on the maintenance of peace across the Taiwan Straits.
The General Committee of the 61st Session of the UN General Assembly decided on Tuesday against inclusion into the agenda of the current session the so-called "question of the representation of Taiwan in the UN".
Li said the UN's rejection demonstrated the majority of UN members believed there was only one China, and Taiwan, as part of China, was not qualified to join the United Nations in any name or through any means.
Li said it had been proved, and it would continue to be proved that any actions breaching the tenet of the UN Charter and the Resolution 2758 of the UN General Assembly, no matter what guises they took, would have no support from the vast majority of UN member countries and were therefore doomed to failure.
Li also denounced the Taiwan leader's attempt to push "de jure independence" through so-called "constitutional reform", saying such activities would seriously damage cross-Strait relations and harm the interests of compatriots and peace across the Taiwan Strait.
On Wednesday, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang also issued a statement, hailing UN's rejection of Taiwan's "representation" proposal.
Qin urged the Taiwan authorities and certain countries used by the Taiwan authorities to follow the historical trend and stop all secessionist activities.
The Resolution 2758 was adopted in 1971 at the 26th UN General Assembly, which granted the People's Republic of China full legal status in the United Nations.
Since 1993, the General Assembly has for the 14th time thwarted Taiwan's attempts to join the world body composed of sovereign states. Enditem
Mainland hopes Taiwan can preserve social stability
BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese official expressed hope here Wednesday that Taiwan can preserve its stability amid protests demanding the resignation of the island's leader Chen Shui-bian.
Li Weiyi, spokesman of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at a news briefing "We have taken note of relevant reports" from local media about the protest, and "We do not want to see unfortunate events occur."
Cross-Strait Agricultural Co-op Forum to be held
BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Cross-Strait Agricultural Cooperation Forum will be held from Oct. 17 to 18 in Bo'ao, Hainan Province, said Li Weiyi, spokesman of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council here on Wednesday.
Li said the forum could not be convened in Taiwan as originally planned as authorities on the island would not allow mainland delegates to attend.
Administration measures to benefit cross-straits news exchanges: spokesman
BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- News exchange and cooperation across the Taiwan Straits will proceed more smoothly after the promulgation of the measures concerning foreign news agencies' release of news and information in China, said a spokesman on Wednesday.
The measures, which went into effect on Sept. 10, will apply to the release of news and information on the mainland by news agencies and similar organizations in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan.
Family of injured Taiwanese tourists to arrive in China
CHANGCHUN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-four family members of 18 Taiwanese tourists injured in a fatal traffic accident in northeast China will on Wednesday night arrive in Yanji, capital of the Korean Autonomous Prefecture of Yanbian, Jilin Province.
Meanwhile, two senior doctors dispatched by the provincial health authorities will also arrive Wednesday night to help treat the injured.
Two Beijing doctors sent to save injured Taiwanese tourists
CHANGCHUN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Two senior doctors sent by the Ministry of Health arrived in the northeastern Chinese city of Yanji Wednesday afternoon to help save 18 Taiwanese tourists injured in Monday's fatal traffic accident.
They are Li Jingsheng, a neurosurgery expert from Beijing Tiantan Hospital, and Song Feiqiang, a cerebral surgery expert from Beijing Anzhen Hospital.
Discovery Networks U.S. Hispanic Group celebra el mes de la hispanidad con programación original para la audiencia hispana en Estados Unidos
Discovery en Español estrena la serie documental PIONEROS con las historias de líderes latinos sobresalientes
Discovery Networks U.S. Hispanic Group, el proveedor líder de programación en español de alta calidad basada en hechos del mundo real, celebrará el Mes de la Hispanidad con programación original en sus tres canales que muestra las diversas contribuciones de los hispanos en los Estados Unidos. Discovery en Español estrenará este domingo 17 de septiembre a las 8:00PM (ET/PT) PIONEROS, la serie documental original en cuatro partes que presenta las contribuciones de prominentes líderes de la comunidad hispana en los Estados Unidos que tienen impacto en la sociedad actual. Discovery Kids en Español retrocederá en el tiempo para presentarnos a los héroes patrios en la historia de América Latina, mientras Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir) llevará a los espectadores a importantes sitios históricos hispanos dentro de los Estados Unidos.
“Para conmemorar el Mes de la Hispanidad, el portafolio de los canales hispanos de Discovery hará homenaje a través de una variedad de especiales de programación a las distintas contribuciones de los latinos influyentes que le han dado forma a nuestro país y han hecho una diferencia en nuestra sociedad”, dijo Luís Silberwasser, vicepresidente senior y director general de Discovery U.S. Hispanic Group. “Estos programas especiales demuestran nuestro compromiso de ofrecer programación de relevancia cultural en Español que presente con precisión a los hispanos y estimule a nuestros televidentes.”
DISCOVERY EN ESPANOL
PIONEROS, una serie documental inspiradora y motivadora, honrará los logros extraordinarios de muchos hispanos en Estados Unidos, que han sobresalido en nuestro tiempo. Cada episodio cuenta las historias de sacrificios y éxitos de aquéllos que han logrado posiciones prominentes en las artes, la ciencia y el espacio, en la política y los asuntos públicos, y en los deportes profesionales.
PIONEROS (“Las Artes”) saldrá al aire el 17 de septiembre a las 8:00PM (ET/PT) y nos presentará entrevistas exclusivas con el productor y empresario Emilio Estéfan, con el ganador del Oscar por la composición de la música original de la película “Secreto en la Montaña” (Brokeback Mountain), Gustavo Santaolalla, con la escritora Isabel Allende y con la actriz Michelle Rodríguez y los actores hispanos Edward James Olmos y Hector Elizondo.
PIONEROS (“Ciencia y Espacio”) se presentará el 24 de septiembre a las 8:00PM (ET/PT) e inspirará a los televidentes con entrevistas reveladoras con Franklin Chang Díaz, el primer astronauta hispano; Mario Molina, el ganador del Premio Nobel de química en 1995; José Szapocnik, psicólogo clínico y uno de los principales terapeutas familiares de la nación especializado en familias hispanas; Victor Penchaszadeth, director del Centro Colaborador de la Organización Mundial de la Salud para la Genética Comunitaria y la Educación, y con la sismóloga hispana, Inés Cifuentes.
PIONEROS (“Política y Asuntos Públicos”) se presenta el 1o de octubre a las 8:00 PM (ET/PT) para informar a los televidentes con interesantes discusiones con el Senador de los Estados Unidos, Mel Martinez (R-FLA); con Anthony Romero, director ejecutivo de la Unión Americana de Libertades Civiles; con Maria Elena Salinas, presentadora del noticiero Univision; con la representante Hilda Solis (D-CA) y con la Dra. Antonia Novello, Comisionada de Salud de Nueva York y Ex-Cirujana General de los Estados Unidos.
PIONEROS (“Deportes”) al aire el 8 de octubre a las 8:00PM (ET/PT) presentará entrevistas tras bambalinas con el beisbolista estrella de los Yankees de Nueva York Jorge Posada; con José Torres, el boxeador famoso a nivel mundial; con el jugador de baloncesto de los San Antonio Spurs, Manuel Ginobilli; con el beisbolista de los Florida Marlins, Miguel Cabrera; con la corredora de autos venezolana, Milka Duno y con el gran futbolista, Marcelo Balboa.
DISCOVERY KIDS EN ESPANOL
Durante el Mes de la Hispanidad, Discovery Kids en Español transmitirá una serie de programas, cortos animados originales, sobre las vidas de cuatro héroes latinoamericanos que lucharon por la libertad de sus países: El general Simón Bolívar (Venezuela) conocido como “El Libertador” y a menudo llamado el “George Washington de América del Sur”; el héroe nacional más grande y querido de México, Benito Juárez; Francisco de Paula Santander (Colombia) ex-presidente, soldado y hombre de estado que peleó junto a Simón Bolívar en la guerra por la independencia de América del Sur; y José Martí (Cuba), poeta y escritor latinoamericano, conocido por su oposición a la esclavitud y por su dedicación a la libertad del yugo colonial en Cuba.
DISCOVERY TRAVEL & LIVING (VIAJAR Y VIVIR)
Discovery Travel & Living (Vivir y Viajar) explorará sitios relevantes en los Estados Unidos que tienen un lugar importante en la historia hispana de América. Estrenándose durante el Mes de la Hispanidad, estos cortos sobre viajes destacarán los acontecimientos que ocurrieron en sitios históricos como por ejemplo: Las Misiones en California, La Torre de la Libertad o “Freedom Tower” en Miami y la ciudad más antigua de la nación, San Agustín, Florida. Estos cortos originales están destinados a ayudar a preservar la herencia cultural de la comunidad hispana en los Estados Unidos y para animar a los televidentes a que visiten estos sitios por su belleza excepcional y su legado histórico.
Además, Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir) presentará episodios de dos de sus programas más populares filmados en los Estados Unidos. En MIENTRAS NO ESTABAS, incautos residentes del Sur de California serán sorprendidos con transformaciones asombrosas de sus casas, cuando el equipo de diseñadores y trabajadores complete las transformaciones de sus sueños. MIENTRAS NO ESTABAS se transmitirá el viernes 15 de septiembre, el 29 de septiembre y el 13 de octubre a las 9:00PM ET/PT. En CIUDADES Y COPAS se presentará la cultura local y el carácter de Los Angeles y Miami, mientras se resaltan las selectas bebidas que representan estas vibrantes ciudades. Estos episodios especiales estarán al aire el domingo 22 de septiembre y el 9 de octubre a las 9:00 PM ET/PT.
Acerca de Discovery Networks U.S. Hispanic Group
Discovery Networks, U.S. Hispanic Group, es el proveedor líder de programación de alta calidad basada hechos del mundo real y estilo de vida para la audiencia hispano-parlante en Estados Unidos. Distribuyendo tres canales individuales distintos que ofrecen contenido proveniente de América Latina, al igual que contenido de los populares programas estadounidenses especialmente adaptados para la audiencia hispana en EE.UU., el portafolio de canales incluye Discovery en Español, el primer canal basado en hechos reales que proporciona contenido que estimula, informa y enriquece, brindándole a los televidentes una visión fascinante del increíble y a veces sorprendente mundo, desde una perspectiva latina; Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir), el primer canal sobre estilo de vida creado para la audiencia Hispana en EE.UU., que sirve como una ventana a lo mejor en viajes, comida y estilo que el mundo tiene que ofrecer; y Discovery Kids en Español, el canal líder para la audiencia infantil hispana en EE.UU. dedicado a ofrecer programación de primera calidad a la familia en un ambiente confiable que estimula la curiosidad y la sed de conocimiento para toda la vida. Discovery Networks lanzó a Discovery en Español en 1998 en respuesta a la creciente demanda de programación en español en EE.UU. y en el 2005, expandió su portafolio para satisfacer mejor el interés específico de la mujer latina, los niños y familias, con la adición de Discovery Kids en Español y Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir).
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Emphasizes Trade Role
New Office of Trade Will Consolidate Functions
Sept. 13 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today announced the formation of a new office, designed to spearhead its national trade policy, which will consolidate its trade policy, program development, and compliance measurement functions into a single Office of Trade. The Office of Trade, which will embark on its mission on October 15, 2006, will provide greater consistency within CBP with respect to its international trade programs and operations, and further CBP's ability to facilitate the flow of legitimate trade across U.S. borders while securing U.S. borders and protecting the American economy from unfair trade practices and illicit commercial enterprises. In addition, by consolidating these important functions under one office, CBP's close working relationship with the trade community -- already a hallmark of CBP's operations and programs -- will be even further enhanced.
According to CBP Commissioner Ralph Basham, "This is a significant event in the evolution of Customs and Border Protection, which has always had the twin goals of preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering our country, while, at the same time, facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. The newly constituted Office of Trade will further reinforce our commitment to the trade component of these goals."
"The creation of the Office of Trade underscores CBP's strong conviction that partnerships and outreach are necessary to facilitate legitimate trade and to effectively enforce trade laws," said Commissioner Basham. "By providing the trade with a focal point within CBP, we can better align our resources with the greatest risk while ensuring the fastest possible clearances for compliant trade," he added.
Currently at Customs and Border Protection, the functions of trade policy and program development are split among three offices within CBP: the Office of Strategic Trade, the Office of Regulations and Rulings, and the Office of Field Operations. The new Office of Trade will consolidate the trade policy, program development, and compliance measurement functions of CBP into one office without creating dual reporting mechanisms or overlapping, redundant management structures that would disrupt the closely interrelated activities of CBP officers and operators processing arriving cargo at U.S. ports of entry.
The Office of Trade will also develop national trade policies and programs that will guide the work done by the CBP officers in ports of entry, but managing and carrying out cargo processing operations on a day-to-day basis will remain the responsibility of CBP's Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Field Operations, working through his chain of command -- the Directors of Field Operations, Port Directors and front line supervisors.
The consolidation and streamlining of CBP's trade functions and the consequent enhancements to CBP's trade missions has been championed by leaders of Congress, most notably Senate Finance Committee Chairman, Charles Grassley (R-IA) who has worked closely with CBP on this concept and, according to Commissioner Basham, "deserves great credit for moving this forward."
Commissioner Basham has also announced his selection of Dan Baldwin as the Assistant Commissioner for the new Office of Trade. Mr. Baldwin, currently the Assistant Commissioner of CBP's Office of Strategic Trade, will assume leadership of the new office upon its establishment. Mr. Baldwin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in trade matters.
The new office will be responsible for: * Providing national strategic direction to facilitate legitimate trade while protecting the American economy from unfair trade practices. * Directing national enforcement responses through effective targeting of goods crossing the border as well as strict, swift punitive actions against companies participating in predatory trade practices. * Coordinating with international partners to ensure effective enforcement of textile admissibility issues as well as the enforcement of free trade agreement eligibility. * Cooperating with other U.S. agencies and like-minded foreign governments to achieve effective enforcement of intellectual property rights. * Maintaining effective internal controls over the revenue process. * Coordinating with other government agencies and international partners to identify risks to detect and prevent contaminated agricultural or food products from harming the American public or the nation's economy. * Promoting trade facilitation and partnership with the importing community and trade associations by streamlining the flow of legitimate shipments and fostering corporate self-governance as a means of achieving compliance with trade laws and regulations. * Managing a risk-based audit program to respond to allegations of commercial fraud and to conduct corporate reviews of internal controls to ensure importers comply with trade laws and regulations. * Providing legal tools to promote facilitation and compliance with customs, trade and border security requirements through: the issuance of all CBP regulations, legally binding rulings and decisions, informed compliance publications and structured programs for external CBP training and outreach on international trade laws and CBP regulations.
The effect of this reorganization on CBP employees is expected to be minimal, with minor changes to existing offices, divisions and branches. Most employees will see little or no change, other than a realignment to the new Office. However, while the transition to the new office may be transparent to most, the establishment of the Office of Trade will ensure strong and consistent trade policies and programs that will, in turn, enable CBP to successfully meet the challenges of the future.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
SBA Urges Victims to Visit Their Disaster Loan Outreach Centers as Soon as Possible
Pa., Sept. 13 The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announces the closing of two Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Pennsylvania, on September 15, 2006.
The Centers that are closing are listed below: Chester County Franklin County Government Services Center Franklin County Administration Annex 601 Westtown Road - Room 395 218 North 2nd Street West Chester, PA 19380-0990 Chambersburg, PA 17201 Open: Monday-Friday; Open: Monday-Friday; 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Closing: Friday, Sept. 15 at Closing: Friday, Sept. 15 at the close of business the close of business
"We want to express our thanks to the staff of the Government Services Center in Chester County and the Franklin County Administration staff for providing the space for the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers. By allowing SBA to use their facility, they have helped disaster victims in their community, and we deeply appreciate it," said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA Field Operations Center East.
The SBA is advising homeowners, renters, non-profit organizations and businesses that less than three weeks remains to submit disaster loan applications for damage caused by the severe storms, flooding and mudslides that occurred on June 23 thru July 10, 2006.
These SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) will remain open Monday- Friday; 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, until further notice:
Columbia County Susquehanna County Columbia CountyAg/Human Resources Blue Ridge School 702 Sawmill Road SR 1039 (AKA School Road) Bloomsburg, PA 17185 New Milford, PA 18834 Luzerne County Wayne County Emergency Management Agency Emergency Management Agency 185 Water Street Wayne County Park Street Complex Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 648 Park Street Honesdale, PA 18431 Northampton County Wyoming County Fork Township Community Center CEO Building 500 Zucksville Road 819 SR 29S Easton, PA 18040 Tunkhannock, PA 18657 Schuylkill County County Housing Authority Bldg. (Conference Room) 46 Peacock Street Pottsville, PA 17901
Anyone unable to visit one of the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers may obtain an application by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired), Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. EDT. Business loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA website at http://www.sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be returned to the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers or mailed to the: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Ft. Worth, TX 76155.
The deadline for physical damage applications is October 3, 2006; the deadline for economic injury applications is April 4, 2007.
For more information about the SBA's Disaster Loan Programs, visit our website at http://www.sba.gov/disaster
Source: U.S. Small Business Administration
Study in New England Journal of Medicine Suggests Heart Attack Patients Fare Better with CYPHER(R) Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stents Than Bare Metal Stents
Study is the First to Show Potential Benefits of a Drug-Eluting Stent in Patients Experiencing a Heart Attack
Sept. 13 The CYPHER(R) Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stent reduced the risk of target vessel failure (TVF) by almost half in patients who suffered a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction or AMI) compared to those who were treated with balloon angioplasty and a bare metal stent, according to data appearing today in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine.
At one year post implantation of the CYPHER(R) Stent, the study found that patients given the CYPHER(R) Stent were 49 percent less likely to experience TVF than those given a bare metal stent (BMS). Specifically, patients in the CYPHER(R) Stent arm of the study had a TVF rate of 7.3 percent compared to 14.3 percent in the BMS arm of the study (p<0.004). TVF is a composite of the need for re-treatment (target vessel revascularization or TVR), recurrent heart attack and death due to cardiac reasons. In addition, the overall mortality rate in both the CYPHER(R) Stent arm of the trial and the BMS group was exceeding low (2.2 percent in both).
These data were originally presented at the American College of Cardiology annual scientific session in March 2006.
"The results of this trial provide important information for doctors treating heart attack patients," said Christian Spaulding, M.D., F.A.C.C., Professor of Cardiology, Assistance Publique-Paris University Hospitals, Paris, France. "This study on the CYPHER(R) Stent is the first to show significant reductions in TVF in a multi-center, randomized clinical trial in patients experiencing a heart attack. Prior to the TYPHOON study, we did not have randomized clinical data to understand the potential use of a drug- eluting stent during the acute phase of a myocardial infarction. Now, doctors have results from a randomized study to help them evaluate the potential role of the CYPHER(R) Stent in patients suffering an acute heart attack."
TYPHOON (Trial to Assess the use of the CYPHER(R) Stent in Acute Myocardial Infarction Treated with BallOON Angioplasty) is the first randomized, multi-center clinical trial to study the safety and efficacy of the CYPHER(R) Stent in patients who have suffered an AMI. Data were reported on 712 patients who had suffered an AMI within 12 hours before the stent placement. The TYPHOON trial was conducted at 48 sites across Europe, Israel and Australia.
An angiographic sub-study was conducted in 210 patients who participated in the TYPHOON trial to assess the rate of re-blockage (restenosis) and the amount of tissue proliferation (late loss) within the stent eight months after receiving either a CYPHER(R) Stent or the bare-metal control stent. The study found that the CYPHER(R) Stent was associated with an 83 percent reduction in re-blockage rates and an 83 percent reduction in late loss. Specifically, patients in the CYPHER(R) Stent arm of the study had an in-stent restenosis rate of 3.5 percent compared to 20.3 percent in the BMS arm of the study (p=0.0010) and an average late loss of 0.14 mm compared to 0.83 mm in the BMS arm (p<0.0001.).
Since patients receiving bare-metal stents for the treatment of heart attacks are at an increased risk of stent thrombosis, there was initial concern about the use of a drug-eluting stent in this patient population. Through one-year follow-up in the TYPHOON trial, the stent thrombosis rates with the CYPHER(R) Stent (3.4 percent) and the bare metal stent (3.6 percent) arms of the study were comparable (12 events in the CYPHER(R) Stent group vs. 13 events in the group treated with bare metal stents).
"This study provides important clinical and angiographic evidence about the potential role of the CYPHER(R) Stent in patients experiencing a heart attack," said Dennis Donohoe, M.D., Worldwide Vice President of Clinical Research and Regulatory Affairs, Cordis Corporation. "With the TYPHOON data, our clinical body of knowledge for the CYPHER(R) Stent continues to grow into new areas such as acute myocardial infarction."
Cordis Corporation sponsored the TYPHOON trial. About the CYPHER(R) Stent
The CYPHER(R) Stent has been chosen by cardiologists worldwide to treat more than two million patients with coronary artery disease. The safety and efficacy of the device is supported by a robust clinical trial program that includes more than 40 studies, inclusive of independent clinical trials, that examine the performance of the CYPHER(R) Stent in a broad range of patients. Developed and manufactured by Cordis Corporation, the CYPHER(R) Stent is currently available in more than 80 countries and has the longest-term clinical follow-up of any drug-eluting stent. The first next generation drug- eluting stent, the CYPHER SELECT(TM) Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stent, was launched in Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Canada in 2003. More information about the CYPHER(R) Stent can be found at http://www.cypherusa.com/.
About Cordis Corporation
Cordis Corporation, a Johnson & Johnson company, is a worldwide leader in developing and manufacturing interventional vascular technology. Through the company's innovation, research and development, physicians worldwide are better able to treat the millions of patients who suffer from vascular disease.
* Cordis Corporation has entered into an exclusive worldwide license with Wyeth for the localized delivery of sirolimus in certain fields of use, including delivery via vascular stenting. Sirolimus, the active drug released for the stent, is marketed by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth, under the name Rapamune(R). Rapamune is a trademark of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
Source: Cordis Corporation
