argumentative apologize: February 2013

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Magnitude 6.9 quake hits off Russia's Kamchatka

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia in the original "Star Wars" trilogy, was briefly hospitalized due to her bipolar disorder, the actress' spokeswoman said on Tuesday after video emerged of Fisher giving an unusual stage performance. The video came from a show Fisher gave aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean last week, according to celebrity website TMZ, which posted the clip. The clip shows Fisher, 56, singing "Skylark" and "Bridge Over Troubled Waters," at times appearing to struggle to remember the lyrics. ...

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/magnitude-7-quake-hits-off-russias-kamchatka-peninsula-142340060.html

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New Hampshire Republican: 'A lot of people like being in abusive ...

By Stephen C. Webster
Wednesday, February 27, 2013 16:13 EST

A Republican lawmaker in New Hampshire made a startling comment Tuesday during a debate on a bill that would reduce the penalties for simple assault, claiming that ?a lot of people like being in abusive relationships.?

The remark by state Rep. Mark Warden (R) was caught on tape during a meeting of the New Hampshire House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee. He was speaking in support of a bill his fellow lawmakers on the committee overwhelmingly voted to kill.

?Is the solution to those kind of dysfunctional relationships going to be more government, another law?? he said. ?I?d say no. People are always free to leave.?

Warden told The Concord Monitor on Wednesday that his remarks were ?taken out of context, but that?s all I?m going to say about that.?

While it is in fact common for people to return to abusive relationships, experts and therapists say it can often result in further violence. Additionally, many abusive partners manipulate their victims through physical and emotional means, making it difficult, and sometimes impossible, for them to leave in the first place.

?Victims of domestic violence have historically been characterized as masochistic women who enjoy being beaten. Evidence does not support this anachronistic psychological theory,? the Virginia-based Women?s Center explains. ?Rather, victims of domestic violence desperately want the abuse to end, and engage in various survival strategies, including calling the police or seeking help from family members, to protect themselves and their children. Silence may also be a survival strategy in some cases. Moreover, enduring a beating to keep the batterer from attacking the children may be a coping strategy used by a victim, but does not mean that the victim enjoys it.?

This video was published to YouTube on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013.

Photo: Facebook.

Source: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/02/27/new-hampshire-republican-a-lot-of-people-like-being-in-abusive-relationships/

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Evolution and the ice age

Feb. 26, 2013 ? Dr John Stewart has made important contributions to a growing body of work that shows how the evolution of ecosystems has to be taken into account when speculating between different geological eras. Go back to the time of the dinosaurs or to the single-celled organisms at the origins of life, and it is obvious that ecosystems existing more than 65 million years ago and around four billion years ago cannot be simply surmised from those of today.

Although the most drastic evolutionary changes occur over long spans of time, the effects can be seen relatively recently, argues Dr Stewart.

Stewart has studied the interaction between ancient ecosystems -- paleoecology -- and evolution of humans and other organisms over the past 100,000 years, undertaking everything from excavating cave sites in Belgium to exploring the desert of Abu Dhabi.

In one milestone collaborative study, Dr Stewart has taken existing knowledge of the geographical spread of plant and animal species throughout the warming and cooling of the Ice Ages to provide insights into human origins, including the evolution and extinction of Neanderthals.

He has also examined the rise of the 'first Europeans', along with the Denisovans -- a newly discovered group -- mysterious cousins of the Neanderthals, who occupied a vast realm stretching from the chill expanse of Siberia to the tropical forests of Indonesia.

The key insight in this work, conducted alongside Prof Chris Stringer of London's Natural History Museum, came from understanding the important role of the refuge taken by a species from harsher conditions -- known as a refugium -- which has a tremendous influence on the evolutionary future of the species. Once the climate changes again, for instance as ice sheets melt, these refuges can expand or connect up again.

But, of course, there's a twist. Evolution has also had a huge influence. The inhabitants are not the same as the original populations as a result of genetic mutations. The time spent apart in refuge generally serves to splinter a once unified species.

Previous research into hedgehogs, polar bears and other animals suggest that, even once an Ice Age ends and the different populations start intermingling again, they never really merge back together as a single group. This process drives important evolutionary changes, which can ultimately lead to the origins of a new species.

Ultimately, this explains why Homo sapiens are still here and our archaic human cousins went extinct some 30,000 years ago: our ancestors chose the right refuge to wait out the Ice Age.

Today, Dr Stewart's work has shifted away from fossil remains to ancient DNA. Traditionally insights into the evolution of species have come from fossils, but we now know that the genetic changes that underlie a major change in body shape can be minor.

"The most exciting development in my field has been the ability to analyse ancient DNA, which has begun to allow us to see evolution happening over the last several dozen thousand years," explains Dr Stewart.

His claim that climate change caused the Neanderthals' demise is supported by work by Love Dal?n at the Swedish Museum of Natural History in Stockholm, who has looked at the genes in 13 Neanderthal fossils found in southern Europe and western Asia.

All Neanderthal fossils more than 48,000 years old, and those found in Asia, had a higher level of genetic diversity than later European fossils, suggesting that the Neanderthals probably went through an evolutionary 'bottleneck' where a significant percentage of them perished.

When a bottleneck occurs, the remaining individuals are often a much less diverse group, which makes it more difficult for them to evolve and adapt to a changing environment.

Dr Stewart, who is doing DNA studies in collaboration with teams at the Natural History Museum in Stockholm and the Universities of York and Royal Holloway, is now focusing on using genetics to elucidate the evolution of a wide range of creatures.

He has conducted recent studies at the cave site of Trou Al'Wesse, a refugium once occupied by Neanderthals, in Belgium. He is studying how animal populations changed as a result of Ice Age climate change to understand the evolutionary processes that have taken place over the last 50,000 years.

But his work is not confined to the past. It informs the present too. Recently there had been a proposal to eradicate the Eagle Owl because it killed other birds, such as hen harriers, and was not thought to be a native species. But Dr Stewart's studies of fossils and more recent archaeological records revealed the bird, or something like it, has been present in Britain for up to 700,000 years. The plan to cull the birds has now been abandoned.

And his research can help us predict the future. The fear is that our ever-expanding impact on the planet will trigger ecological collapse. But the only way to know for sure is to look back into the past.

"By studying how organisms have reacted to past climate change," explains Dr Stewart, "we can learn lessons about what may take place due to human-caused global warming."

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Bournemouth University, via AlphaGalileo.

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

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

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/top_environment/~3/jCPuJPg8uuc/130226135241.htm

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PFT: Jets avoided Revis' reps while in Indy

Giants right tackle David Diehl said he hasn?t been asked to take a pay cut yet, or? heard any inkling about his future with the team.

But he?s seen enough to know his time could come any time.

Diehl offered Newsday?s Tom Rock a glimpse into the mind of a smart NFL veteran, admitting he never knows when he shows up at the office whether it?s going to be his last.

?The thing you realize at an early age is that as an NFL player you have an expiration date on you and it comes with a price tag,? Diehl said. ?That?s the way that it always goes. Nothing has been said to me yet, but that?s all things you can?t control. The only things you can control are the way you prepare each and every day, getting myself healthy, and whenever that comes about we?ll deal with it. But as of now, nothing has been said.?

The Giants have already parted ways with Chris Canty, Michael Boley and Ahmad Bradshaw, and more moves could be coming.

Diehl has been showing up daily at the Giants facility to rehab his right knee after an arthroscopic procedure, which he had right after the season. Getting well is a big deal, whether it?s for the Giants or another team.

The 32-year-old tackle is entering the last year of his contract, set to earn a base salary of $4.475 million. That makes him ripe for some degree of transaction depending on other moves the Giants make up front.

With Will Beatty and Kevin Boothe pending unrestricted free agents, the Giants might have to prioritize.

?Am I shocked or surprised? No,? Diehl said of Giants roster turnover so far. ?This has happened year in and year out since I?ve been in the NFL, not only with our team but with teams across the league. This is something that always happens.?

Diehl?s approach is at once fatalistic and realistic, as very few players get to leave on their own terms. And with the salary cap a factor in every transaction, having a big salary is only good news if you get to keep it into the regular season.

Source: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/02/26/report-jets-avoided-revis-reps-while-in-indy/related/

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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Iran: Nuclear negotiations end on positive note

Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary and chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili speaks during talks on Iran's nuclear program in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013. World powers hope Iran will respond positively on Wednesday to their new offer to lift some sanctions if Tehran scales back nuclear activity the West fears could be used to build bombs. (AP Photo/ Shamil Zhumatov, Pool)

Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary and chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili listens during a meeting on Iran's nuclear program, in Almaty, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013. Seeking even a small step forward in a yearslong dispute, negotiators from Iran and six world powers mulled options for preserving Tehran's nuclear program while still trying to keep it from becoming an atomic arsenal. (AP Photo/Shamil Zhumatov, Pool)

ALMATY, Kazakhstan (AP) ? Negotiations with world powers over how to curb Iran's nuclear program have reached a "turning point" for the better after nearly breaking down last year, the Islamic republic's top official at diplomatic talks said Wednesday at the close of two days of delicate discussions aimed at preventing Tehran from building an atomic arsenal.

While still guardedly optimistic, the comments by Saeed Jalili, the secretary for Iran's Supreme National Security Council, marked a significant step forward in a years-long process that has been rife with suspicions and, if it fails, could lead to a new Mideast war. The Obama administration is pushing for diplomacy to solve the impasse but has not ruled out the possibility of military intervention in Iran to prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Jalili said a new offer this week by the world powers to compromise is more realistic than what has been offered in the past. He described the new offer "including some relief from international sanctions" as a step to build confidence between the two sides after similar negotiations in Moscow were nearly derailed last June.

"In this round of talks we have witnessed that despite all the attitudes during the last eight months, they tried to get closer to our viewpoints," Jalili told reporters at the close of two days of talks in Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, speaking through an interpreter. "We believe this is a turning point."

Jalili did not detail what the sanctions relief might include, or what Iran was willing to do to in exchange.

If they offer steps aimed at strengthening trust, this is important, he said. One important step is dealing with a series of crippling sanctions that the U.S., E.U. and U.N Security Council have imposed on Iran to try to force it to bend on its nuclear program. The sanctions have caused unemployment and inflation in Iran to skyrocket, while depressing its daily oil output and value of its currency, the rial.

A senior U.S. official at the talks said the offer included some sanctions relief ? but not on Iran's oil and financial industries, where the measures have hit the hardest. The official declined to characterize what sanctions might be lifted, but said a number of the restrictions imposed by the U.S and E.U. would be suspended. Additionally, the U.N. Security Council and E.U. would impose no new sanctions against Iran.

In exchange, the U.S. official said, Iran would have to end any uranium enrichment that nears or reaches 20 percent. The official added that Iran would be required to restrict its current stockpile of enriched uranium to that level, which is just a few steps away from being ready for use as a nuclear warhead.

Tehran would also have to suspend enrichment at its underground Fordo facility and prevent it from being able to re-start that process quickly. U.N. inspectors also would also be given greater room to monitor Iran's nuclear program, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive talks more candidly.

The Iranian negotiators "appeared to listen carefully to the offer," the U.S. official said. There was no deadline on when the offer might expire, but the official warned that time is already running out for Tehran to accept it.

Jalili said the Iranian people remained defiant despite the punitive sanctions leveled against it.

Even in the economic area, the pressure they have talked about could not bring the results they were wishing, he said, speaking through an interpreter.

He would not budge on Iran's longtime insistence, and a main sticking point in the talks, that it has the right to enrich uranium to 20 percent.

"Whatever we need, we will of course pursue that ? whether it is 5 percent or 20 percent," Jalili said. "It is important to us to have the 20 percent."

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who is leading the negotiations, urged Iran to quickly respond to the offer because "we need to see the progress necessary for the confidence the international community needs."

"I hope the Iranians are looking positively on the proposals we put forward," Ashton said. "I believe in looking at what the results are."

Technical experts for each side will meet in Istanbul in mid-March to discuss the world powers' offer and the high-level diplomats will re-convene again April 5 in Almaty.

Senior U.S. diplomats have described technical expert negotiations as an especially useful and practical forum in which to clarify some of the more complex sticking points.

Off-and-on talks between Iran and the world powers ? the United States, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany ? began after the six offered Tehran a series of incentives in 2006 exchange for a commitment from Tehran to stop enrichment and other activities that could be used to develop weapons.

Tehran maintains it is enriching uranium only to make reactor fuel and medical isotopes, and insists it has a right to do so under international law. It has signaled it does not intend to stop, and U.N. nuclear inspectors last week confirmed Iran has begun a major upgrade of its program at the country's main uranium enrichment site.

Iran insists, as a starting point, that world powers must recognize the republic's right to enrich uranium. Tehran also has said shuttering Fordo is out of the question and that Iran first wants the U.N. Security Council to withdraw all of the sanctions it has heaped on the nation.

Iran has been unimpressed with earlier offers by the powers to provide it with medical isotopes and lift sanctions on spare parts for civilian airliners, and new bargaining chips that Tehran sees as minor are likely to be snubbed as well.

___

Follow Lara Jakes on Twitter at https://twitter.com/larajakesAP and Peter Leonard at https://twitter.com/pete_leonard

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2013-02-27-AP-Iran-Nuclear/id-c51864ce12c542e8a675d722921d4c61

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Ship noise makes crabs get crabby

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

A study published today in Biology Letters found that ship noise affects crab metabolism, with largest crabs faring worst, and found little evidence that crabs acclimatise to noise over time.

The team from the Universities of Bristol and Exeter found that crabs exposed to recordings of ship noise showed an increase in metabolic rate, indicating elevated stress. In the real world this could have implications for growth and, if the metabolic cost of noise causes crabs to spend more time foraging to compensate, could also increase the risk of predation.

Researcher Matt Wale from Bristol's School of Biological Sciences describes the study: "We used controlled experiments to consider how shore crabs of different sizes respond to both single and repeated exposure to playback of ship noise. Ship noise is the most common source of noise in the aquatic environment."

Explains Dr Andy Radford, Reader in Behavioural Ecology at Bristol: "We found that the metabolic rate of crabs exposed to ship noise was higher than those experiencing ambient harbour noise, and that larger individuals were affected most strongly. This is the first indication that there might be different responses to noise depending on the size of an individual."

If commercially important crabs and lobsters are affected by noise, these findings have implications for fisheries in busy shipping areas where large individuals may be losing out. Conversely, if reducing noise reduces metabolic costs, then quietening aquaculture facilities may lead to higher yields.

Dr Steve Simpson from the University of Exeter warned: "Since larger crabs are affected more strongly by noise this could have implications for fisheries in noisy areas. Also, many crustacean species, particularly prawns, are grown in aquaculture, so if acoustic disturbance has a metabolic cost then operational noise in farms may impact on growth, and quieter farms may be more profitable."

###

University of Bristol: http://www.bristol.ac.uk

Thanks to University of Bristol for this article.

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Source: http://www.labspaces.net/127041/Ship_noise_makes_crabs_get_crabby

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Protecting fish from antidepressants by using new wastewater treatment technique

Feb. 26, 2013 ? Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm have developed a new technique to prevent pharmaceutical residues from entering waterways and harming wildlife.

The new water treatment technology -- called membrane distallation -- separates drug residues from sewage with the help of district heating, says Andrew Martin, a professor at KTH's Institute of Energy Technology who worked on the development project with IVL and Scarab Development AB.

Martin says that water vapor passes through a thin, hydrophobic membrane of material similar to Goretex, and through an air gap, where it condensed onto a cold surface. Drug residues collect on one side of the membrane and pure water on the other.

"There is currently no technology capable of doing this cleaning process on a large scale," Martin says. "And for the membrane distillation process to work, the water temperature does not need to be very high, which is good."

Pharmaceutical residues in wastewater have been found to alter fish behavior and could even affect the growth of algae. A recent study at Sweden's Ume? University shows even low levels of Oxazepam detected in the Fyris River, in central Sweden, caused perch to become more antisocial, risk prone and active, making them an easier target for predators such as pike. The study measured levels of Oxazepam found in the perch, which were six times higher than in the water itself.

The study also indicated that the release of anti-anxiety drugs can affect entire ecosystems in a waterway, possibly contributing to an increases or decreases in the incidence of algae.

In a test of the membrane distillation technique at Hammarby Sj?stadsverket in Sweden, researchers found a level of 282 nanograms of Oxazepam per litre of wastewater. After ordinary treatment, that level of pharmaceuticals would essentially remain unchanged when the water is returned to the local waterway. But when treated with the membrane distillation system, the concentration was reduced to less than 2 nanograms per litre.

"Of all the 20th century-tested drugs, it is only the remains of the antidepressant Sertraline that we failed to clear 100 percent," Martin says. "We have some theories, but cannot yet explain why."

Martin and his colleagues are now awaiting results from the next step in the evolution of the technique. They are testing membrane distillation with drug residue levels that are nearly 10 times higher. "These samples are out for analysis right now," he says.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by KTH The Royal Institute of Technology.

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Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/top_technology/~3/fs6za3HLe-8/130226081157.htm

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Three killed, seven injured in Swiss workplace shooting

ZURICH (Reuters) - Three people, including the suspected assailant, have been killed in a shooting at a factory near the Swiss city of Lucerne, police said on Wednesday.

Seven others were injured in the attack which happened just after 9 a.m. (0800 GMT) at a wood processing company in the town of Menznau, west of Lucerne, the police said in a statement.

Emergency services were at the scene and the area had been cordoned off. A news conference is due at 2 p.m. (1300 GMT).

Last month, a gunman killed three women and injured two men in the Swiss village of Daillon, stirring a debate about Switzerland's firearm laws that allow men to keep guns after their mandatory military service.

There is no national gun register but some estimates indicate that at least one in every three of Switzerland's 8 million inhabitants keeps a gun, many stored at home. Citizens outside the military can apply for a permit to purchase up to three weapons from the age of 18 in a country where sharp shooting and hunting are popular sports.

A shooting in the Zug regional parliament in 2001, in which 14 people were killed, prompted calls to tighten laws, but the majority of Swiss citizens rejected a proposal in 2011 for extra measures such as lock-ups for guns outside service periods.

(Reporting by Emma Thomasson; Editing by Louise Ireland)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/three-killed-seven-injured-shooting-swiss-factory-124134215.html

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Benedict to be called 'emeritus pope,' wear white

Two nuns walk past a photo of Pope Benedict XVI as they leave a souvenir shop just outside the Vatican, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. Pope Benedict XVI will be known as "emeritus pope" in his retirement and will continue to wear a white cassock, the Vatican announced Tuesday, again fueling concerns about potential conflicts arising from having both a reigning and a retired pope. The pope's title and what he would wear have been a major source of speculation ever since Benedict stunned the world and announced he would resign on Thursday, the first pontiff to do so in 600 years. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Workers climb down scaffolding set up for video screens in front of St. Peter's Basilica, ahead of Pope Benedict XVI's last general audience, scheduled for Wednesday, at the Vatican, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. Pope Benedict XVI will be known as "emeritus pope" in his retirement and will continue to wear a white cassock, the Vatican announced Tuesday, again fueling concerns about potential conflicts arising from having both a reigning and a retired pope.The pope's title and what he would wear have been a major source of speculation ever since Benedict stunned the world and announced he would resign on Thursday, the first pontiff to do so in 600 years. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Nuns walk in St Peter's Square, a day before Pope Benedict XVI's last general audience, at the Vatican, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. Pope Benedict XVI will be known as "emeritus pope" in his retirement and will continue to wear a white cassock, the Vatican announced Tuesday, again fueling concerns about potential conflicts arising from having both a reigning and a retired pope.The pope's title and what he would wear have been a major source of speculation ever since Benedict stunned the world and announced he would resign on Thursday, the first pontiff to do so in 600 years. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Tourists are reflected in a portrait of Pope Benedict XVI's in St. Peter's Square, a day before the Pope last general audience, scheduled for Wednesday, at the Vatican, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. Pope Benedict XVI will be known as "emeritus pope" in his retirement and will continue to wear a white cassock, the Vatican announced Tuesday, again fueling concerns about potential conflicts arising from having both a reigning and a retired pope.The pope's title and what he would wear have been a major source of speculation ever since Benedict stunned the world and announced he would resign on Thursday, the first pontiff to do so in 600 years. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

A man looks at postcards of Pope Benedict XVI, just outside St. Peter's Square, a day before the Pope last general audience, scheduled for Wednesday, at the Vatican, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. Pope Benedict XVI will be known as "emeritus pope" in his retirement and will continue to wear a white cassock, the Vatican announced Tuesday, again fueling concerns about potential conflicts arising from having both a reigning and a retired pope.The pope's title and what he would wear have been a major source of speculation ever since Benedict stunned the world and announced he would resign on Thursday, the first pontiff to do so in 600 years. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

VATICAN CITY (AP) ? Two pontiffs, both wearing white, both called "pope" and living a few yards from one another, with the same key aide serving them.

The Vatican's announcement Tuesday that Pope Benedict XVI will be known as "emeritus pope" in his retirement, be called "Your Holiness" and continue to wear the white cassock associated with the papacy has fueled concerns about potential conflicts arising from the peculiar reality now facing the Catholic Church: having one reigning and one retired pope.

Benedict's title and what he will wear have been a major source of speculation since the 85-year-old pontiff stunned the world and announced he would resign Thursday, the first pope to do so in 600 years.

There has been good reason why popes haven't stepped down in past centuries, given the possibility for divided allegiances and even schism. But the Vatican insists that while the situation created by Benedict's retirement is certainly unique, no major conflicts will arise.

"According to the evolution of Catholic doctrine and mentality, there is only one pope. Clearly it's a new situation, but I don't think there will be problems," Giovanni Maria Vian, the editor of the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, said in an interview.

Critics aren't so sure. Some Vatican-based cardinals have privately grumbled that it will make it more difficult for the next pope with Benedict still around.

Swiss theologian Hans Kueng, Benedict's one-time colleague-turned-critic, went further: "With Benedict XVI, there is a risk of a shadow pope who has abdicated but can still indirectly exert influence," he told Germany's Der Spiegel magazine last week.

The Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, said Tuesday that Benedict himself decided on his name and wardrobe in consultation with others, settling on "Your Holiness Benedict XVI" and either "emeritus pope" or "emeritus Roman pontiff."

Lombardi said he didn't know why Benedict had decided to drop his other main title: bishop of Rome.

In the two weeks since Benedict's resignation announcement, Vatican officials had suggested that Benedict would likely resume wearing the traditional black garb of a cleric and would use the title "emeritus bishop of Rome" to avoid creating confusion with the future pope.

Adding to the concern is that Benedict's trusted secretary, Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, will be serving both pontiffs ? living with Benedict at the monastery being converted for him inside Vatican grounds while keeping his day job as prefect of the new pope's household.

Asked about the potential for conflict, Lombardi was defensive, saying the decisions had been clearly reasoned and were likely chosen for the sake of simplicity.

"I believe it was well thought out," he said.

Benedict himself has made clear he is retiring to a lifetime of prayer and meditation "hidden from the world." However, he still will be very present in the tiny Vatican city-state, where his new home is right next door to the Vatican Radio transmission tower and has a lovely view of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica.

Kueng said it was a mistake for Gaenswein to serve both men and for Benedict to remain so close to the center of action.

"No priest likes it if his predecessor sits next to the rectory and watches everything he does," Kueng was quoted as saying in Der Spiegel. "And even for the bishop of Rome, it is not pleasant if his predecessor constantly has an eye on him."

However, others reasoned that Benedict's retirement plans and title were in keeping with those of other retired heads of state.

"I was somewhat surprised that Benedict would still be called 'His Holiness' and would wear white, but it's akin to the former U.S. presidents being addressed as 'Mr. President,'" said the Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit writer and editor. "It's a mark of respect for the former office he once held."

"Overall, I don't think that after the conclave there will be any doubt about who the pope is, or who is in charge," he said.

While Benedict will no longer wear his trademark red shoes, he has taken a liking to a pair of hand-crafted brown loafers made for him by artisans in Leon, Mexico, and given to him during his 2012 visit. He will wear those in retirement, Lombardi said.

Lombardi also elaborated on the College of Cardinals meetings that will take place after the papacy becomes vacant ? crucial gatherings in which cardinals will discuss the problems facing the church and set a date for the start of the conclave to elect Benedict's successor.

The first meeting isn't expected until Monday, Lombardi said, since the official convocation to cardinals to come to Rome will only go out on Friday ? the first day of what's known as the "sede vacante," or the vacancy between papacies.

In all, 115 cardinals under the age of 80 are expected in Rome for the conclave to vote on who should become the next pope. Two other eligible cardinals have already said they are not coming, one from Britain and another from Indonesia. Cardinals who are 80 and older can join the College meetings but won't participate in the conclave or vote.

Benedict has already given the cardinals the go-ahead to move up the start date of the conclave ? tossing out the traditional 15-day waiting period. But the cardinals won't be able to set a date until their official meetings begin Monday.

Lombardi also described Benedict's final 48 hours as pope: On Tuesday, he was packing, arranging for documents to be sent to the various Vatican archives and separating out the personal papers he will take with him into retirement.

On Wednesday, Benedict holds his final public general audience in St. Peter's Square ? an event that has already brought in 50,000 ticket requests. He won't greet visiting prelates or VIPs as he normally does, but will meet some visiting leaders ? from Slovakia, San Marino, Andorra and his native Bavaria ? privately afterward.

On Thursday, the pope meets with his cardinals in the morning and then flies by helicopter at 5 p.m. to Castel Gandolfo, the papal residence south of Rome. Benedict will greet parishioners there from the palazzo's balcony ? his final public act as pope.

Then, at 8 p.m., the exact time at which his retirement becomes official, the Swiss Guards standing outside the doors of the palazzo at Castel Gandolfo will go off duty, their service protecting the head of the Catholic Church finished.

Benedict's personal security will be assured by Vatican police, Lombardi said.

___

Follow Nicole Winfield at www.twitter.com/nwinfield

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2013-02-26-EU-Vatican-Pope/id-c47a9c96bb404942b02f6257eb060796

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#SciAmBlogs Tuesday - PTSD, ideal of objectivity, energy sequester, synaesthesia, Mars sample, Your Brain on Cookies, and more.

By Bora Zivkovic?| February 26, 2013 |??

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Bora Zivkovic is the Blog Editor at Scientific American, chronobiologist, biology teacher, organizer of ScienceOnline conferences and editor of Open Laboratory anthologies of best science writing on the Web. Follow on Twitter @boraz.

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#SciAmBlogs Tuesday ? PTSD, ideal of objectivity, energy sequester, synaesthesia, Mars sample, Your Brain on Cookies, and more.

About the Author: Bora Zivkovic is the Blog Editor at Scientific American, chronobiologist, biology teacher, organizer of ScienceOnline conferences and editor of Open Laboratory anthologies of best science writing on the Web. Follow on Twitter @boraz.

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The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily those of Scientific American.

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Tuesday, February 26, 2013

City proposes bike parking alternatives (Offthekuff)

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Israel says it successfully tests new missile defense

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel carried out a successful test of its upgraded Arrow interceptor system on Monday, which is designed to destroy in space the kind of missiles held by Syria and Iran, the Israeli Defense Ministry said.

The U.S.-backed Arrow III system deploys "kamikaze" satellites that target ballistic missiles above the earth's atmosphere, hitting them high enough to allow for any non-conventional warheads to disintegrate safely.

Monday's test was the first live flight for the Arrow III, but did not involve the interception of any target.

"The test examined for the first time the capabilities and the performance of the new Arrow III, considered to be the most innovative and revolutionary interceptor in the world," the Defense Ministry said.

A ministry official said the test, which was conducted from a site along Israel's Mediterranean coast and lasted six and a half minutes, was "100 percent successful".

Designers say the system has proved a success in up to 90 percent of previous tests.

"The success of the test is an important milestone in the operational capabilities of the state of Israel to be able to defend itself against threats in the region," the ministry statement added.

But the ministry official said the timing of the test, which took months to prepare, was not related to current tensions with Iran or Syria. He said Israel plans another flight test followed by a simulated interception in space over the Mediterranean.

U.S. BACKING

Arrow is the long-range segment in Israel's three-tier missile shield. This also includes the successfully deployed "Iron Dome", which targets short-range rockets and projectiles, and the mid-range "David's Sling", still under development. They can be deployed alongside other U.S. systems.

Officials say that if Arrow failed to hit an incoming missile at high altitude, there would still be time to destroy it with other systems before it hit its intended target.

The Pentagon and the U.S. firm Boeing are partners in Arrow. Washington has described its support for Israeli missile interceptors as a means of reassuring Israel, which in the past has launched preventative wars against perceived threats, that it has a more passive means of defending itself.

Israel has accused Iran of seeking to build nuclear weapons and has hinted it might strike the Islamic Republic in an effort to halt its atomic program.

Boeing thinks that potential clients for the system may include India, Singapore and South Korea.

"As we prove out that technology, and show that it's not only affordable but effective, we think there will be additional global market opportunities for that capability," Dennis Muilenburg, chief executive of Boeing's defense, space and security arm, told Reuters last year.

The United States and Israel have been developing Arrow jointly since 1988. Boeing's counterpart on the project is state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries.

The U.S. financial contribution to progressively improved versions of the Arrow system tops $1 billion, the Congressional Research Service said in a March 2012 report to lawmakers.

(Reporting by Dan Williams; Editing by Kevin Liffey)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/israel-carries-arrow-missile-interceptor-test-official-064443952.html

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Shazam conjures iPad and Android tablet versions, zips past 300 million users

If you've finally caught up to the curve with the latest tablet but are still hopelessly behind on the latest tunes or TV programs, Shazam now has a slate-friendly flavor of its media-discovery software for iPad and Android. The update includes new touches like a refreshed home page, improved tag result layout, a new way to browse your friends' tagging and interactive mapping that shows users' taste in cities around the world, as shown above. The outfit says the interface is enhanced for the slate environment and that it just passed 300 million users worldwide, giving you plenty of sources to find the latest thing. It'll arrive for free at the App Store and Google Play in a few weeks, according to Shazam -- hit the PR after the break for more.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/25/Shazam-tablet-ipad-android-300-million/

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Some Common House Painting Questions | Home Improvement ...

Before choosing the house painting company that?s best for you, you need to make sure that the painters you hire are reliable. Before making any decisions regarding the best painter that is right for you, you must make sure that the painting company is reliable and reputable.Make sure you screen multiple painters before hiring and check all of their professional references to find the best contractor. It is always a good sign when a house painting company hires their own employees rather than subbing out their work to other contractors.

Always be sure to see if your contractor is licensed and make sure the painters working on your home have experience and are skilled workers. It is a good idea to check and see if there are any outstanding complaints online about the contractor you are considering hiring. If you follow these steps and use your common sense you will be closer to getting a trustworthy house painting company to work on your home, said some painters Christchurch.

A variety of different factors will contribute to the time it takes to complete your house painting project.The time it takes to paint an interior is different than the amount of time it takes to paint the exterior. Setbacks in the schedule can occur based on the weather during your particular project so it is important to also consider things like humidity, heat and rain that can affect your project. The time it takes to finish the project can also be affected by the square footage and height of the building which may require crews to take extra safety precautions and extra ladder movements which can add to the time. To insure that your needs and deadlines are met by the house painting company you want, make sure you schedule your project weeks or even months in advance.

Every house we paint is totally different than the last as each homeowner has different preferences making no two jobs the same. The cost of painting your home depends on a variety of factors when calculating the exact price. Some of the factors that influence pricing are the experience of the Phoenix painters on the job, the square footage of the house, the quality of the paint being used and whether or not you are getting the interior or exterior of the house painted. These are just a few of the many considerations that we use when calculating a price to paint your house.

Be very cautious of any contractor looking to do your painting for very cheap. It?s common that these low priced painting contractors will leave you with a disappointing paint job and they will use illegal workers and low quality paint.Spend the extra money to get your paint job done right the first time and you will be glad you did. Eclipse Painting is dedicated to giving you the highest quality standards in craftsmanship, service and product. One can also refer to http://www.mrcarpetcleaner.co.nz/ for the related services.

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Source: http://www.23cdk.com/some-common-house-painting-questions/

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Standard Digital News - Kenya : Coffee societies face auction over ...

Updated 8 hrs 27 mins ago

By Erastus Mulwa

KENYA:? Coffee farmers in Kangundo and Matungulu districts, Machakos County have called on the Government to step in and save their factories from imminent auction by creditors and former employees.

The farmers drawn from at least three coffee societies, including Sengani and Kyaume -both in Matungulu District, as well as Mbilini in Kangundo District have expressed fears that they would incur huge loses should their creditors make good their threat to wind up their coffee societies owing to unsettled debts running to millions of shillings.

In a letter dated January 22 this year, addressed to the chairman of Sengani Farmers Co-operative Society Ltd, several creditors and former employees have through their lawyer Anthony Mulekyo, issued a notice of intention to wind up the society.

According to the notice, the petitioners are demanding a prompt payment of a cumulative amount of Sh2,400,239 together with an interest at court rates, failure to which winding up against the society shall commence.

Interest

The letter further alleges the debt had been accruing for a long period, and that the society had breached all consents entered into between all parties in court.

?By copy of this letter, we have taken liberty to inform the PS, Ministry of Co-operatives of our intentions to file a winding up and a petition cause under section 64 of the Co-operative Societies Act, unless the outstanding total of Sh2,400,239 is paid as demanded together with accrued interest,? reads the notice in part.

Credible sources have confined to The Standard that similar notices have been issued to Kyaume and Mbilini farmers? co-operative societies.

The debts, The Standard established, relate to unpaid salaries and benefits, legal and accounting fees as well as NHIF/NSSF deductions by the petitioners which the management committees have been accused of failing to deposit with the said statutory institutions.

On Sunday, area DCO Maisha Muthoka confirmed he disbanded the Sengani management committee after it emerged officials had been engaging in corrupt practices. ?I convened a special general meeting of the farmers on February 21 where members appointed an interim committee to investigate the activities of the former office bearers and table a report within 90 days,? said Muthoka.

Source: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000078073&story_title=Kenya:%20Coffee%20societies%20face%20auction%20over%20debts

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Monday, February 25, 2013

Italy 9 Wales 26: Davies and Cuthbert tries give Dragons comfortable win in Rome

By Matt Lloyd

PUBLISHED: 11:19 EST, 23 February 2013 | UPDATED: 18:00 EST, 23 February 2013

It may not be pretty but Wales are not about to give up their RBS Six Nations title without a fight. Gone are the swagger and flair synonymous with Welsh rugby and with it the days of glorious failure.

This is now a far more pragmatic Wales, putting substance before style and learning to win ugly. In torrential Roman rain, this victory was about as ugly as it gets.

Just as in Paris a fortnight ago, this display was about guts and determination to dig out the win as the scars of eight successive defeats begin to heal.

Full-stretch: Wales Alex Cuthbert break free clear of Kris Burton to dive over for their second try

Accurate: Wales' Leigh Halfpenny slotted over three penalties in the first-half

MATCH FACTS

Italy: Masi, Venditti, Benvenuti, Canale, McLean, Burton, Gori, Lo Cicero, Ghiraldini, Castrogiovanni, Pavanello, Minto, Zanni, Favaro, Manoa Vosawai.

Replacements: Geldenhuys for Minto (54), De Marchi for Lo Cicero (54), Giazzon for Ghiraldini (54), Garcia for Canale(63), Botes for Gori (65), Derbyshire for Favaro (69), ittadini for Castrogiovanni (70).

Not used: Orquera.

Pens: Burton 3.

Booked: Castrogiovanni

Wales: Halfpenny, Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Roberts, North, Biggar, Phillips, Gethin Jenkins, Hibbard, A. Jones, Coombs,? Evans, R. Jones, Tipuric, Faletau.

Replacements: James for Jenkins (45), A.W. Jones for Coombs (51), Owens for Hibbard (51), L. Williams for Phillips (63), Warburton for R. Jones (68), Hook for Biggar (68), S. Williams for Roberts (70), Mitchell for A. Jones (73),

Tries: Davies, Cuthbert.

Cons: Halfpenny 2.

Pens: Halfpenny 4.

Att: 73,526

Referee: Romain Poite (France).

It does not make for pleasant viewing but in the end the outcome was the same and few will be complaining if they return to Cardiff to face England on March 16 for the title.

Wales are proving hard to beat and if not for their horrendous opening half against Ireland, would now be more than halfway to another Grand Slam.

The title, however, remains in their sights after another win on the road, their fourth in a row. Happiest of all will be defence coach Shaun Edwards.

Not since Brian O'Driscoll squeezed over at the start of the second half of their opening game have Wales conceded a try.

Edwards said: 'We have excelled ourselves in defence to keep a clean sheet for the last two games and the only points we have conceded have been from scrum penalties. But a big part of defence is also to create turnovers and chances for our attack, and we did that again.'

Wales also showed a ruthless streak. In France they had one scoring chance and took it; here in Rome they had three and scored tries from two, through Jonathan Davies and Alex Cuthbert.

It was a measure of the game that when Davies touched down for the opening try after 44 minutes, it was his first touch of the ball.

A limited game swung in favour of Wales during a calamitous five minutes at the start of the second half, when Italy fumbled a clear scoring chance before Davies capitalised on a disastrous mix-up in the home defence.

Smash: Italy's Alessandro Zanni is tackled by Ryan Jones and Gethin Jenkins

Flower power: Wales supporters came in their numbers and some dressed up for the occasion

And the tie was ultimately decided while Italy's captain, Martin Castrogiovanni, watched from the sinbin after yet another scrum ended in a penalty.

Captain Ryan Jones said: 'It was a good day at the office for the scrum and we've got six very happy "lumpers" in the dressing room. But it was a great collective effort from all the forwards.'

Wales managed to silence the raucous home crowd with a promising start, though a penalty from the opening scrum allowed Kris Burton to cancel out Leigh Halfpenny's earlier effort.

Adam Jones, Richard Hibbard and Gethin Jenkins exacted their revenge with a series of devastating drives that twice enabled Halfpenny to kick Wales further ahead, to lead 9-3 after 20 minutes, though the lottery of the scrum allowed Burton to cut the gap before half-time.

Smiley: A delighted Jonathan Davies falls on the ball to give Wales their opening try

Given the handling skills, or lack of them, in the often torrential rain, it appeared the only way either side were going to score.

Cuthbert's fumble handed Italy an attacking position only for the home side to knock-on before Burton sliced his attempt to drop a goal.

Wales fared little better and Halfpenny pushed his effort wide before half-time then almost gifted Italy a try just 40 seconds into the second half.

Mike Phillips fumbled Burton's chip over the Welsh rush defence, Italy got a boot to the ball ahead of Halfpenny but Tommaso Benvenuti failed to collect, with the line at his mercy, under pressure from Dan Biggar.

Charge: Dan Bigger doing all he can to prevent Italy's Alberto De Marchi from an easy kick

Burton then sliced another drop-goal attempt from in front of the posts. Wales wasted no time in making the Italians pay. Biggar hoisted a speculative kick but had the tenacity to chase and regain possession.

Phillips capitalised on clear space behind with a clever chip and with Edoardo Gori and Burton looking to each other to sweep up, Davies picked up and touched down.

Burton clawed back a third penalty after Halfpenny had converted but momentum swung Wales' way when Poite brandished a yellow card for Castrogiovanni after yet another scrum went to ground.

Again Wales capitalised on the chance, kicking up field from where Biggar outfoxed the Italian defence with one well-aimed pass that found Cuthbert's angled run.

Italy could not lay a hand on the wing once he was clear and he darted into the corner for his seventh Test try.

Halfpenny expertly guided his conversion home from out wide and Wales were too smart - and Italy too limited - to make the final 19 minutes nothing less than a formality.

Grapple: Italy's Leonardo Ghiraldini wrestles with Toby Faletau

Tug: Cuthbert gets to grips with the fiery Martin Castrogiovanni

Celebrations: Wales players congratulate one another after scoring their second try

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-2283329/Italy-9-Wales-26-Davies-Cuthbert-tries-Dragons-comfortable-win-Rome.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

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LeBron's triple-double lifts Heat over 76ers

PHILADELPHIA (AP) ? Before he took a seat on the bench, LeBron James made sure to grab one more rebound.

James had 16 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for his 35th career triple-double and the Miami Heat cruised to their 10th straight win, 114-90 over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.

The three-time NBA MVP knew he was one board away from a special night so he went after it hard early in the fourth quarter. After Chris Anderson blocked Evan Turner's shot, James hauled it in, drove up court and banked a shot in for good measure.

"I was going to stay out there until I got it," James said. "I wasn't going to let this one slip away. I've had too many games where I was one assist, one rebound away. I wasn't coming out."

Dwyane Wade had 33 points, Mario Chalmers scored 14 and Chris Bosh added 13 to help the defending NBA champions improve to 39-14. The Heat have a comfortable 5?-game lead over Indiana in the Eastern Conference.

They've won four in a row on the road, including impressive wins over Oklahoma City before the All-Star break and Chicago on Thursday.

"It was a professional win," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "LeBron started it with his unselfishness, finding the open guy, making it contagious. Then it was an efficient shooting night."

Jrue Holiday scored 21 points and Nick Young had 19 for Philadelphia, which continues to fall further behind in the playoff chase. The Sixers entered 3? games behind Milwaukee for the No. 8 spot in the East.

A rare sellout crowd turned out for the nightcap of an NHL/NBA doubleheader at the Wells Fargo Center to see James, Wade and Co. There were even scalpers outside the arena selling tickets before the game for one of the few big draws of the season.

Fans roared when Spencer Hawes rejected James' shot late in the first quarter, swatting the ball back in his face.

Many of the same people jumped to their feet and cheered when James threw down a thunderous dunk off an alley-oop pass from Norris Cole late in the third quarter. By that time, the Heat were up 85-63 and the crowd was more interested in seeing James make a highlight play than rooting for the Sixers.

"He's so big and strong and powerful. He decides when he wants to be a passer or a scorer," Sixers coach Doug Collins said.

James got his first "Ooohs" and "Ahhhs" after a no-look backdoor pass to Bosh for an easy layup in the first. Chalmers followed with a rainbow 3-pointer and a reverse lay-up to give the Heat a 24-22 lead and they never trailed again.

"I get more pleasure out of kicking the ball than scoring," James said.

After registering his third triple-double of the season and seventh since joining the Heat, James got a mixture of cheers and boos when he went to the bench with 10:15 left.

Wade came in after a brief rest and continued his hot shooting, scoring six straight points on a driving layup, two free throws and a long jumper. He was 12 of 14 at that point before missing a 3-pointer.

"I think we're better than last season because we understand each other a lot more," Bosh said. "Everyone is coming together as a team and we feel comfortable with each other. I think we're starting to play like we know we're capable of playing. It's shown in this win streak. Even with the break, we've continued to play well. I think if we keep playing at this type of level, the sky is the limit for us."

While the Heat are gearing up to make a run at a repeat, the Sixers have lost four straight to fall a season-worst nine games below .500 at 22-31.

"In the first half, we did a lot of things well," Holiday said. "We have to sustain that for 48 minutes."

It's been a disappointing year for Philadelphia, which knocked off top-seeded Chicago in the first round of the playoffs a year ago and then took Boston to seven games in the conference quarterfinals.

A season that began with promise after the acquisition of center Andrew Bynum quickly fell apart. Bynum has yet to play a game this season because of bone bruises in both knees. He said earlier in the week he plans to play at some point. At this rate, it won't matter much for the Sixers.

"Holiday is a great player, but he needs help," James said. "We all thought Bynum would be a huge piece for them."

Notes: The Flyers beat the Winnipeg Jets 5-3 in an afternoon hockey game. ... The Heat have won 12 straight regular-season games against Philadelphia. The Sixers won one playoff game against Miami in the first round of the 2011 playoffs. ... Heat G Mike Miller remained in Miami because of ear problems resulting from a head cold. He's missed three straight games. ... James has scored in double figures in 472 straight games, sixth-best in NBA history.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/lebrons-triple-double-lifts-heat-over-76ers-025016390--spt.html

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Microsoft says small number of its computers hacked

Staff , Reuters ? ? ? 8 hrs.

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp said on Friday a small number of its computers, including some in its Mac software business unit, were infected with malware, but there was no evidence of customer data being affected and it is continuing its investigation.

The world's largest software company said the security intrusion was "similar" to recent ones reported by Apple Inc and Facebook Inc.

The incident, reported on one of the company's public blogs happened "recently", but Microsoft said it chose not to make any statement publicly while it gathered information about the attack.

"This type of cyberattack is no surprise to Microsoft and other companies that must grapple with determined and persistent adversaries," said Matt Thomlinson, general manager of Trustworthy Computing Security at Microsoft, in the company's blog post.

Over the past week or so, both Apple and Facebook said computers used by employees were attacked after visiting a software developer website infected with malicious software.

The attacks come at a time of broader concern about computer security.

Newspaper websites, including those of The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal, have been infiltrated recently. Earlier this month U.S. President Barack Obama issued an executive order seeking better protection of the country's critical infrastructure from cyber attacks.

(Reporting By Bill Rigby; Editing by Gary Hill and Andrew Hay)

(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2013. Check for restrictions at: http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/technolog/microsoft-says-small-number-its-computers-hacked-1C8513890

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Mad Catz F.R.E.Q. 7 gaming headset hands-on

Mad Catz announced the F.R.E.Q. 7 gaming headset last week, and the company has the $200 cans on hand here at Mobile World Congress. As you may recall, the marquee spec is Dolby Pro Logic IIx processing, which expands 5.1-channel audio to 7.1 channels for a richer aural experience. Another cool feature: these over-ears come bundled with both a standard stereo connector and a cord with USB for connecting directly to your computer (both have mini-USB on one end). The F.R.E.Q. 7 wasn't plugged in so we can't speak to sound quality, but they feel lightweight, and the red color really pops in real life. (There's also a matte black option.) The devices are currently available for pre-order, but you can get a hands-on look now in our gallery.

Gallery: Mad Catz F.R.E.Q. 7 gaming headset hands-on