Friday, November 30, 2012

How to Use Trusts to Achieve a Special Purpose

trust e1321291303821 How to Use Trusts to Achieve a Special Purpose Trusts are generally used to preserve and manage assets for trust beneficiaries, but there are certain trusts designed to help you achieve a special purpose, like caring for a special needs person, protecting assets from being spent unwisely or simply minimizing estate taxes.? Some special trusts include:

Crummey Trust:? designed to preserve assets for a child?s future use, this trust is generally used when a child is a minor or ill-equipped to deal with a financial windfall.? A Crummey Trust utilizes the annual gift tax exclusion -- $13,000 in 2012 or $14,000 in 2013 ? that the grantor places into the trust to preserve for future use by the beneficiary.

Totten Trust:? a simple trust established through a financial institution, where the account is in the grantor?s and the beneficiary?s names.? The grantor adds funds to the account during his or her lifetime, and when the grantor dies, the account automatically goes to the beneficiary.

Spendthrift Trust:? this trust features a special provision that prevents the beneficiary from squandering trust assets.? The trustee controls all distributions from the trust, protecting assets from creditors, divorce or a spendthrift beneficiary.

Special Needs Trust:? this trust is used to provide for the educational and/or discretionary spending needs for a person with special needs without jeopardizing his or her eligibility for governmental benefits.? A trustee manages the assets of the trust for the benefit of the special needs beneficiary.

An experienced Annapolis estate planning attorney can help you understand all your options for estate planning.? Experienced Estate Planning Attorney Seth B. Zirkle can discuss all your options and create a plan with you.? Call Mr. Zirkle at Hyatt & Weber, P.A. today at 410-505-4553.

Source: http://hyattweberestateplanning.com/maryland-trusts/how-to-use-trusts-to-achieve-a-special-purpose/

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Why greenhouse gases hit record high in 2011

Carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas emitted by human activities, reached 390.9 parts per million last year, or 40 percent above the pre-industrial level, the World Meteorological Organization said. It cited fossil fuel as the primary source.

By Staff,?Reuters / November 20, 2012

This month, California?s largest greenhouse gas emitters began buying permits in a landmark ?cap-and-trade? system meant to control emissions of heat-trapping gases and spur investment in clean technologies. At left, an oil refinery o in Bakersfield, Calif.

(AP Photo/The Bakersfield Californian, Casey Christie/File)

Enlarge

Atmospheric volumes of greenhouse gases blamed for climate change hit a new record in 2011, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said in its annual Greenhouse Gas Bulletin on Tuesday.

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The volume of carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas emitted by human activities, grew at a similar rate to the previous decade and reached 390.9 parts per million (ppm), 40 percent above the pre-industrial level, the survey said.

It has increased by an average of 2 ppm for the past 10 years.

RECOMMENDED: Are you scientifically literate? Take the quiz.

Fossil fuels are the primary source of about 375 billion tonnes of carbon that has been released into the atmosphere since the industrial era began in 1750, the WMO said.

WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud said the billions of tonnes of extra carbon dioxide would stay in the atmosphere for centuries, causing the planet to warm further.

"We have already seen that the oceans are becoming more acidic as a result of the carbon dioxide uptake, with potential repercussions for the underwater food chain and coral reefs," he said in a statement.

Levels of methane, another long-lived greenhouse gas, have risen steadily for the past three years after levelling off for about seven years. The reasons for that evening out are unclear.

Growth in volumes of a third gas, nitrous oxide, quickened in 2011. It has a long-term climate impact that is 298 times greater than carbon dioxide.

The WMO, the United Nations' weather agency, said the three gases, which are closely linked to human activities such as fossil fuel use, deforestation and intensive agriculture, had increased the warming effect on the climate by 30 percent between 1990 and 2011.

The prevalence of several less abundant greenhouse gases was also growing fast, it said.

Sulphur hexafluoride, used as an electrical insulator in power distribution equipment, had doubled in volume since the mid-1990s, while hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) were growing at a rapid rate from a low base.

But chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and most halons were decreasing, it said.

RECOMMENDED: Are you scientifically literate? Take the quiz.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/science/~3/j2ox4ZvcxUA/Why-greenhouse-gases-hit-record-high-in-2011

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Abbas: UN vote last chance on two-state solution

UNITED NATIONS (AP) ? Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told the U.N. General Assembly before a historic vote on Thursday that it "is being asked today to issue the birth certificate of Palestine."

The Palestinians were certain to win U.N. recognition as a state, but Israel and the United States warned it could delay hopes of achieving an independent Palestinian state through peace talks with Israel.

Abbas said the vote is the last chance to save the two-state solution.

Israel's U.N. ambassador, Ron Prosor, warned the General Assembly that "the Palestinians are turning their backs on peace" and that the U.N. can't break the 4,000-year-old bond between the people of Israel and the land of Israel.

The General Assembly vote was certain to succeed, with most of the 193 member states sympathetic to the Palestinians. Several key countries, including France, recently announced they would support the move to elevate the Palestinians from the status of U.N. observer to nonmember observer state.

Jubilant Palestinians crowded around outdoor screens and television sets at home Thursday to watch the United Nations vote.

Palestinians say a successful vote will strengthen their hand in future talks with Israel, which has lambasted the recognition bid as an attempt to bypass such negotiations.

The vote would grant Abbas an overwhelming international endorsement for his key position: establishment of a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem, the territories captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war. With Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu opposed to a pullback to the 1967 lines, this should strengthen Abbas' hand if peace talks resume.

The U.N. bid also could help Abbas restore some of his standing, which has been eroded by years of standstill in peace efforts. His rival, Hamas, deeply entrenched in Gaza, has seen its popularity rise after an Israeli offensive on targets linked to the Islamic militant group there earlier this month.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/abbas-un-vote-last-chance-2-state-solution-210740078.html

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Uncover numerous attributes of Best mobile web design

Uncover numerous attributes of Best mobile web design
Running an online business? If yes, then in order to provide the finest customer experience, you certainly need to look into mobile trade as well. In today?s high tech savvy world, best mobile web design plays a vital role to determine the needs and preferences of commoners.
Generally, mobile web design involves the development of internet connected apps to view on tablet PC and smartphone. This is the new initiative to develop best practices and to make web apps accessible and reliable as well.
With the help of mobile technology, you can build your brand image which means that there will be an increased range of visitors on your site and surely you will be happy to see that planning is going in the right direction.
Prior to make a final decision; take a look at some important features of mobile web design which are here as under:
??? ?Evade duplicate content: In order to develop a different set of web pages for your mobile devices, make sure that the content is dissimilar as Google can punish you site for having number of pages and that too with the identical content. ?
??? ?Applications: Thinking of developing an app? If yes, then as per the requirements of your organization, you can purchase a program or there are sites available which are providing for free as well.
??? ?Make a mobile style sheet: To update the site, the finest way available for you to use a different CSS sheet as it will also help you to avoid replica.
??? ?Keep pictures to lowest: if you really want to provide a magnificent experience to your customers, then it would be recommended to keep the images to minimum as it will help you to achieve the desired results.
??? ?Check stats: Google analytics will let you know about the type of people visiting your site. Further on, you will be able to assess the requirement of resources.
Wish to know more? If yes, then internet is here to assist you with the valuable information and that you can access from any part of the world.
Readers! What are you thinking about? Do some research online and uncover the reliable online service provider that keeps you updated and help you in the accomplishment of desired goals.
Do not lose the opportunity to find an easiest way to meet all the expectations of consumers. Certainly, the results will not be too far away from you. Wish you all the best for your next business deal.

Source: http://www.articleshub.org/article/220198/Uncover-numerous-attributes-of-Best-mobile-web-design.html

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Sundance books record slate of female filmmakers

This undated publicity photo provided by the Sundance Institute shows Keri Russell, left, and Bret McKenzie, in a scene from the film, "Austenland," included in the U.S. Dramatic Film competition at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. (AP Photo/Sundance Institute)

This undated publicity photo provided by the Sundance Institute shows Keri Russell, left, and Bret McKenzie, in a scene from the film, "Austenland," included in the U.S. Dramatic Film competition at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. (AP Photo/Sundance Institute)

This undated publicity photo provided by the Sundance Institute shows Jessica Biel in a scene from the film, "Emanuel and the Truth About Fishes," included in the U.S. Dramatic Film competition at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. (AP Photo/Sundance Institute)

This undated publicity photo provided by the Sundance Institute shows Rooney Mara, left, and Casey Affleck, right, in a scene from the film, "Ain't Them Bodies Saints," included in the U.S. Dramatic Film competition at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. (AP Photo/Sundance Institute, Steve Dietl)

This undated publicity photo provided by the Sundance Institute shows a scene from the film, "99%: The Occupy Wall Street Collaborative Film," included in the U.S. Documentary Film competition for the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. (AP Photo/Sundance Institute)

This undated publicity photo provided by the Sundance Institute shows Keri Russell, left, and JJ Feild, in a scene from the film, "Austenland," included in the U.S. Dramatic Film competition at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. (AP Photo/Sundance Institute)

(AP) ? The Sundance Film Festival has an apparent record lineup of female directors competing for its top honor this January.

Half the entries ? eight of the 16 films ? announced Wednesday in the festival's U.S. dramatic competition were directed by women for the next installment of Robert Redford's independent-cinema showcase, which runs Jan. 17-27 in Park City, Utah.

Going back to 1992, the best showing previously for female filmmakers was in 2000, when six of the 16 U.S. dramatic contenders were directed by women.

Sundance organizers were still trolling back to the early years of the festival's 33-year history, but this January's eight competition films appears to be most ever from women and the first time the entries have been evenly split between female and male directors.

Among the competition films from female filmmakers are Francesca Gregorini's "Emanuel and the Truth About Fishes," whose cast includes Jessica Biel and Frances O'Connor in the story of a troubled girl fixated on a mysterious neighbor; Lynn Shelton's "Touchy Feely," featuring Rosemarie DeWitt, Allison Janney and Ellen Page in a tale of a massage therapist who develops a distaste for bodily contact; and Liz W. Garcia's "The Lifeguard," with Kristen Bell as a reporter who moves home to Connecticut and takes a job as a lifeguard.

The festival's U.S. dramatic lineup also features the first Sundance entry for "Harry Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe, who stars as Allen Ginsberg in director John Krokidas' "Kill Your Darlings."

Male directors still dominate the big-screen, but the low-budget indie world has been narrowing the gender gap. Sundance director John Cooper said some Sundance film categories have had a nearly even split between male and female directors in the past, a sign that more and more women are breaking into filmmaking.

"I think that's absolutely it," Cooper said. "Also, what we've found is that through our short-film programs, they've been coming close to 50-50 in certain years or at least a high level of women directors. So it's more of a coming-up-through-the-ranks situation" as female directors graduate from short films to feature-length stories.

Sundance has scheduled 113 feature-length films, chosen out of 4,044 titles submitted.

The festival will feature four opening-night films, one each from its U.S. drama and documentary and world-cinema drama and documentary categories. Among the opening films is director Cherien Dabis' U.S. drama contender "May in the Summer," in which she stars as a woman in conflict with her family after returns home to Jordan as her wedding nears.

Other films in the U.S. dramatic lineup include "Napoleon Dynamite" co-writer Jerusha Hess' directing debut, "Austenland," starring Keri Russell and Jennifer Coolidge in a romance about a "Pride and Prejudice"-obsessed woman searching for love at a Jane Austen theme resort; "In a World ...", the directing debut of actress Lake Bell, who stars in the story of a woman trying to follow her father's footsteps to become a voice-over star; Jill Soloway's "Afternoon Delight," with Kathryn Hahn and Juno Temple in the tale of a Los Angeles housewife who takes in a stripper as a live-in nanny; and David Lowery's "Ain't Them Bodies Saints," featuring Rooney Mara and Casey Affleck in a drama about an escaped prisoner crossing the Texas hills to reunite with his family.

The U.S. documentary competition also has an even gender split, with eight of the 16 films directed or co-directed by women. That's not a record, though, as women have made stronger in-roads into documentary filmmaking and have accounted for more than half of the entries in Sundance's non-fiction lineup in the past.

Among films in the U.S. documentary program are Audrey Ewell, Aaron Aites, Lucian Read and Nina Kristic's "99%: The Occupy Wall Street Collaborative Film," which examines the 2011 protests over economic inequality; Martha Shane and Lana Wilson's "After Tiller," profiling doctors providing late-term abortions after the murder of a colleague by an abortion opponent; and Gabriela Cowperthwaite's "Blackfish," which explores the consequences of captivity for killer whales, one of which was involved in the deaths of three people.

The opening-night film for the U.S. documentary lineup is Morgan Neville's "Twenty Feet From Stardom," a portrait of pop music's generally anonymous backup singers. On the world-cinema front, the opening-night dramatic entry is Chilean director Sebastian Silva's "Crystal Fairy," with Michael Cera and Gabby Hoffmann in a South American road trip adventure, while the opening documentary is British filmmaker Marc Silver's "Who Is Dayani Cristal?," chronicling the search for the identity of an anonymous body found in the Arizona desert.

Sundance announces its lineup of premieres featuring bigger-name stars and filmmakers on Monday.

___

Online:

http://www.sundance.org/festival

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/4e67281c3f754d0696fbfdee0f3f1469/Article_2012-11-28-Film-Sundance%20Competition/id-a2f7654cc1474b65b6141cc6e597716f

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AFP 33: Niche Sites Are NOT A Business | AdSense Flippers

Niche Sites Are Not A Business

The title of this podcast may sound a little?off?coming from guys that have built thousands of niche sites.? This topic is brought up pretty often from both supporters and critics and so we wanted to dig into the subject a bit and show you why we agree.? We wanted to highlight some of the qualities that represent a true online business and contrast that with someone sitting at home, furiously building out niche websites.

Some have fundamental misunderstandings about where the real value in our business lies.? That?s likely because Internet Marketers and Entrepreneurs don?t necessarily go hand in hand?you can be one and not the other.? We wanted to peel back the curtain and show you what separates niche site builders from actual businesses and explain exactly how the two cross over.

Check out this week?s episode here:

?

Direct Download ? Right Click And Save As

Topics Discussed This Week Include:

  • Comparing niche sites to investments or products
  • Businesses require customers
  • Transitioning a niche site into a full-blown business
  • Building a business AROUND niche sites
  • Niche sites as a gateway

Mentions:

What did you think about this episode?? (Sorry about the scratchy intro?ugh)? Please let us know in the comments below or feel free to say hi on Twitter!? You can also use Speakpipe to leave us a message below!? (Don?t worry?you can stop and start over if it doesn?t come out right the first time!)



Source: http://adsenseflippers.com/internet-marketing/afp-33-niche-sites-are-not-a-business/

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

The Halifax Reader - Halifax Public Libraries: Willaim Hall Sports ...


Now in its 24th year, the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award is the world's longest established and most valuable literary sports-writing prize. As well as a ?24,000 cash prize, the winning author will receive a ?2,000 William Hill bet, a specially-commissioned hand-bound copy of their book and a day at the races.

Winner:

The Secret Race : inside the hidden world of the Tour de France : doping, cover-ups, and winning at all costs (M)
by Tyler Hamilton and Daniel Coyle

"The Secret Race is a definitive look at the world of professional cycling?and the doping issue surrounding this sport and its most iconic rider, Lance Armstrong?by former Olympic gold medalist Tyler Hamilton and New York Times bestselling author Daniel Coyle. Over the course of two years, Coyle conducted more than two hundred hours of interviews with Hamilton and spoke candidly with numerous teammates, rivals, and friends. The result is an explosive book that takes us, for the first time, deep inside a shadowy, fascinating, and surreal world of unscrupulous doctors, anything-goes team directors, and athletes so relentlessly driven to succeed that they would do anything?and take any risk, physical, mental, or moral?to gain the edge they need to win."

Runners up:

Running with the Kenyans : passion, adventure, and the secrets of the fastest people on earth (M)
by Adharanand Finn

"Whether running is a recreation, a passion, or just a spectator sport, Finn's incredible journey to the elite training camps of Kenya will captivate. Part travelogue, part memoir, this quest uncovers the secrets of the world's greatest runners--and puts them to the test." - Publisher

A Life Without Limits : a world champion's journey (M)
by Chrissie Wellington

"In 2007, Chrissie Wellington shocked the triathlon world by winning the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. As a newcomer to the sport and a complete unknown to the press, Chrissie's win shook up the sport. A life without limits is the story of her rise to the top, a journey that has taken her around the world, from a childhood in England, to the mountains of Nepal, to the oceans of New Zealand, and the trails of Argentina, and first across the finish line."- Publisher

That Near-Death Thing ? Inside the TT : the world?s most dangerous race (M)
by Rick Broadbent
"If there's one motorcycle race that deserves a quality hardback, it's the Isle of Man TT. Commonly seen as the world's most dangerous race, Rick Broadbent gets behind the scenes and into the helmets of four leading racers over the course of two seasons -- 2010 and 2011 -- following the riders through the numerous vicissitudes of an average season." - Publisher

Be Careful What You Wish For (M)
by Simon Jordan

"Simon Jordan grew up a stone's throw from Crystal Palace Football Club. As a boy he used to break into the Palace ground for a kick-about on the hallowed turf. On leaving school he entered the mobile phone business. By the age of thirty-two, he'd built a company from nothing, sold it for ?75 million and bought his childhood club. By the age of forty-two Palace was in administration and Jordan had lost nigh on everything..." - Publisher

Fibber in the Heat (M)
by Miles Jupp

" Fanatical about cricket since he was a boy, MILES JUPP would do anything to see his heroes play. But perhaps deciding to bluff his way into the press corps during England's Test series in India wasn't his best idea. By claiming to be the cricket correspondent for BBC Scotland and getting a job with the (Welsh) Western Mail, Miles lands the press pass that will surely be the ticket to his dreams." - Publisher

Shot and a Ghost: a year in the brutal world of professional squash
by James Willstrop (not yet available in Canada)

"Englishman James Willstrop is one of the world's leading squash players and one of the sport's most complex and cerebral characters. Brought up in Pontefract, he is anything but the archetypal Yorkshireman - a poetry-loving vegetarian with a love of musicals, Morrissey, Oscar Wilde and Philip Larkin. He became world No 1 in January 2012 despite being accused by many of being `too nice' to be a winner. James, 28, has just written his first book - a diary account from January 2010 to February 2011. He writes with candid honesty about the issues that affect him, using flashbacks to earlier periods in his life. As critical of himself as of others, he talks openly about his close relationship with his father and coach, Malcolm; the devastating death of his mother, Lesley, and his fierce and often acrimonious rivalry with fellow Yorkshireman and former world No 1 Nick Matthew." - Publisher

Source: http://www.thereader.ca/2012/11/willaim-hall-sports-book-of-year-secret.html

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Cuba says jailed American doesn't have cancer

WASHINGTON (AP) ? The Cuban government says a test shows an American imprisoned in Cuba doesn't have cancer, countering a previous statement by a U.S. doctor that a mass on the man's shoulder should be assumed cancerous unless proven harmless.

Cuban and U.S. officials met Monday to discuss Alan Gross' health, Cuban officials said in a statement to The Associated Press on Wednesday. Officials discussed an Oct. 24 biopsy that confirmed that a lump on Gross' right shoulder is not cancerous. The one-page statement from Cuba's Ministry for Foreign Affairs said the test "could not be performed before due to Mr. Gross' refusal" and that Gross' wife was given the test results during a meeting Monday in Washington, where she lives.

Gross' case has become a source of tension in U.S.-Cuba relations. Both sides have spent months going back and forth with statements about the growth on his shoulder. His lawyer and family want Gross to be examined by a doctor of their choosing. The Cuban government has said his health is fine.

The Cuban medical team treating Gross said "the general health condition of Mr. Gross is normal," though he is being treated for "chronic illnesses that are typical of his age."

Gross, 63, was arrested in Cuba in late 2009 while on a USAID-funded democracy-building program and sentenced to 15 years for crimes against the state. He says he was only trying to help the island's small Jewish community gain Internet access.

On Wednesday, one of Gross' U.S. lawyers, Jared Genser, questioned the results of the biopsy and repeated requests that Gross be allowed to choose a doctor to examine him. Genser said in a statement that the biopsy removed fluid, but it wasn't clear that it removed tissue, a recommendation of doctors. Genser also questioned the public release of medical records without Gross' consent.

"We urge the Cuban government to allow this to happen promptly so we can put questions about Mr. Gross's health to rest," Genser said in a statement.

A New York rabbi who saw Gross on Tuesday also said the growth was not cancerous. Rabbi Elie Abadie told The Associated Press in an interview that he had examined Gross and received a lengthy briefing from the team of Cuban physicians who have attended him.

Genser said the value of Abadie's assessment is limited because he is a gastroenterologist. But, he added, if the Cuban government is now allowing American doctors to examine Gross they will have an oncologist apply for a visa to see him.

A U.S. doctor who previously reviewed tests performed on Gross in Cuba and said they were inadequate said in a letter released to reporters that the results of the biopsy were "hopeful but not definitive." Dr. Alan A. Cohen, a radiologist, repeated his suggestion of having an MRI and suggested a biopsy using a larger needle.

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Wednesday the department has continued to express concerns about his deteriorating health. Nuland noted he has lost more than 100 pounds since he was arrested.

"He's got severe degenerative arthritis which affects his mobility, and he has other health problems that require treatment and that cause him quite a bit of pain," Nuland said. "He has not been allowed to see a doctor of his own choosing, let alone be released on humanitarian grounds, which is what we've been calling for, for a very long time now."

___

Associated Press Writer Matthew Lee contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/cuba-says-jailed-american-doesnt-cancer-234243626.html

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Blaast Gives Carriers In Developing Countries A Way To Offer Flexible Data Plans

Screen Shot 2012-11-28 at 7.41.41 PMAs affordable Android phones start reaching consumers on developing countries like Indonesia and Bangladesh, more will spring for data plans. But the problem is that carriers see very low average revenue per user in these markets, perhaps around $2 to 3 per month per person. Most won't be able to afford standard plans, so how do carriers consumers a flexible range of options? Maybe even a la carte access to specific apps?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/fUPfhPxC6qU/

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Chevy Spark guts revealed, we go eyes-on

Chevy Spark guts revealed, we go eyeson

Details of Chevy's first all-electric car, the Spark EV, hit the web yesterday, and today the diminutive car got its official unveiling at the LA Auto Show. Since we're here in SoCal, we figured we'd bring you some shots of GM's latest electrical offering, and Chevrolet was kind enough to cut apart a Spark for us to see its innards. Head on down to our gallery below, where you'll find the 130hp electron-powered motor, 20kWH battery pack, and MyLink-equipped infotainment system displayed in all their glory.

Mark Hearn contributed to this post.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/wJtM9zl2mzo/

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FDA advisory panel backs efficacy of J&J TB drug

(Reuters) - An advisory panel to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday voted that data suggest an experimental Johnson & Johnson drug for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is effective, the drugmaker said.

The medicine, called bedaquiline, is a member of a new class of drugs that target adenosine triphosphate synthase, an enzyme the tuberculosis bacterium needs to generate its energy.

J&J said the panel of outside medical experts, in a vote of 18 to 0, found that trial data support the efficacy of bedaquiline in adults, taken in combination with standard treatments.

In September, the FDA granted priority review of the medicine, based on data from two mid-stage trials that tested it among patients with tuberculosis that is resistant to standard drugs.

J&J is hoping the agency will grant accelerated approval of the drug, on the basis of favorable data from mid-stage trials. The company plans to begin a larger Phase 3 study in the fourth quarter.

In a pair of completed Phase 2 trials, two doses of the medicine were tested for 24 weeks, in combination with standard treatments, followed by continuation of standard therapy for a year to 18 months.

The planned larger trial will involve nine months of treatment with bedaquiline, in combination with standard drugs, compared with standard drugs alone for the same period. The total nine-month treatment period would be far shorter than the current 18- to 24-month treatment period for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis drugs recommended by the World Health Organization, J&J said.

Cowen and Co has forecast peak annual sales of $300 million for bedaquiline, which would make it a fairly modest product for the diversified healthcare company.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is caused by strains of the bacterium that have become resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin, the two most potent drugs for TB.

Resistance to anti-TB drugs can occur when they are misused or mismanaged, for instance when patients don't complete their full course of treatment or when doctors prescribe the wrong treatment, wrong dose or length of time taking the drugs.

An estimated 8.7 million people in 2011 fell ill with tuberculosis - which is spread by coughing and sneezing -- while 1.4 million died from the disease, according to the World Health Organization. About 310,000 cases of multidrug-resistant TB were reported the same year, the organization said, with almost 60 percent in India, China and Russia.

(Reporting by Ransdell Pierson; Editing by Jan Paschal and Carol Bishopric)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/fda-advisory-panel-backs-efficacy-j-j-tb-214739384--finance.html

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Bug a Bitter Threat to California Citrus

White, waxy tubules are a tell-tale sign of Asian citrus psyllid. (Credit: UC Riverside)

California farmers find themselves in a pitched battle against a little insect with a taste for citrus. The Asian citrus psyllid is having such a grand 'ole time sucking juice from plants across Southern California, it's moving north into the state's agriculture heartland. This week, a quarantine goes into effect in Tulare County, where state agriculture officials recently identified the third psyllid found in the county this year.

Entomologist Mark Hoddle of UC Riverside told the California Report it's not so much the wee psyllid that worries farmers as a bacterial disease that often travels inside the bug: huanlongbing (also known as "citrus greening").

The Asian citrus psyllid essentially acts "like a flying syringe," Hoddle says. It injects bacteria into each citrus tree it feeds on. "Once infected, there is no cure. It is a 5-8 year death sentence for the tree!" The disease has hit Florida citrus production hard since its discovery there in 2005.

Despite efforts to get the word out to citizens with citrus trees in their backyards, Californians can unwittingly move trees and fruit from infested to un-infested areas. That, and there are so many citrus trees in California backyards, it's easy for the psyllid to hopscotch from one property to another. "As you can imagine," Hoddle says, "it's very difficult to police."

Farmers have been applying topical pesticides to protect against infestation. They also wash fruit ahead of shipping it to market, so it's not something consumers have to worry about - yet.

Some folks think the larger impact will be on nurseries that serve farms and civilian gardeners - and organic farmers. What happens if it spreads over the entire Central Valley, the "nightmare scenario" as Hoddle calls it?? Organic pesticides now commercially available are not that effective.

Hoddle has personally (with permission) imported a natural predator to the psyllid: the Punjabi wasp.? It has a gruesome habit of injecting its eggs into the psyllid nymph for the future larvae to feast on. After releasing about 25,000 wasps into Southern California, Hoddle says the parasites have spread up to three miles beyond their initial release sites. That would indicate there's plenty of psyllids for the wasps to attack.

After the initial feed fest, Hoddle is hopeful both populations will decline. "The safety testing clearly demonstrated that the only food the psyllid parasite is interested in attacking is the Asian citrus psyllid."

Look outside. Are there little critters waving their fannies at you from your citrus trees?

It's time to call the California Department of Food & Agriculture at 800-491-1899.

Source: http://blogs.kqed.org/newsfix/2012/11/28/bug-a-bitter-threat-to-california-citrus/

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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Obama promotes tax agenda, Congress in stand-off

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Tuesday launched a public relations push for his bid to raise taxes on wealthy Americans, but U.S. lawmakers remained deadlocked over dramatic, year-end tax increases and spending cuts known as the "fiscal cliff."

At the White House, small business leaders emerged from a one-hour meeting with Obama to voice support for his goal of extending low tax rates for the middle class beyond the end of the year, while letting rates rise for wealthier taxpayers.

The business owners urged Obama "to fight to keep the middle-class tax cuts," said Lew Prince, co-founder of Vintage Vinyl, an independent music store in St. Louis, Mo.

"What grows jobs in America is consumers spending money, and the average person needs that two or three thousand dollars a year in his pocket to help drive the economy," Prince told reporters at the White House.

Republicans want to extend low tax rates - enacted a decade ago under the administration of former Republican President George W. Bush - for all taxpayers, including households earning more than $250,000 a year.

Raising tax rates on the wealthy would discourage investment and hiring at a time of high unemployment, Republicans say.

Congressional Democrats allied with the president showed no sign of backing down from his stance on raising taxes for the wealthy. But both sides have softened on some long-held positions: Republicans have been showing a willingness to consider new revenue increases while Democrats have relaxed their hard line against new savings to the costly government-run Medicare and Medicaid healthcare programs.

With just a month left before the Bush tax cuts expire and automatic spending cuts begin to take hold, markets were anxious about predictions that falling off the "fiscal cliff" could trigger another recession.

"There remains no clarity on the ultimate status on the Bush tax cuts, which have to be resolved before you can move forward with the remainder of the fiscal cliff," said Chris Krueger, an analyst at Guggenheim Securities' Washington Research Group.

MARKETS DOWN MODESTLY

Stock prices declined modestly despite government reports that planned U.S. business spending rose again in October and that single-family home prices rose again in September.

Despite a mild sell-off in stocks, the Dow Jones industrial average closed at about 12,878, up 14 percent from a year ago.

Brian Gardner, an analyst at financial firm Keefe Bruyette & Woods, said a limited deal would likely be struck to avert the fiscal cliff, with larger fiscal issues pushed into 2013.

"Fiscal cliff headlines could have the biggest impact on the market," he said. "Over the coming weeks, we expect many headlines that will raise and then dash investors' hopes ... The next three weeks could be a bumpy ride."

Fresh from his November 6 re-election, Obama was set to hold another meeting with business executives from larger companies on Wednesday and then to travel to a toy factory in Pennsylvania on Friday to press his case on taxes.

Chief executives from Goldman Sachs, Deloitte LLP, Caterpillar Inc, Yahoo Inc, and Comcast Corp were among the group of leaders set to meet with the president, the White House said.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell ripped into Obama for planning to take his agenda on the road. "Rather than sitting down with lawmakers of both parties and working out an agreement, he's back out on the campaign trail," McConnell roared on the Senate floor.

"We already know the president is a very good campaigner. What we don't know is whether he has the leadership qualities necessary to lead his party to a bipartisan agreement."

Obama last met with congressional leaders on November 16. A follow-up session was not expected this week, but could come next week, congressional aides said.

In the interim, little progress was made over the holidays in meetings between the staffs of the White House and Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner, aides said.

LEADERS CANVAS RANKS

Ron Bonjean, a former aide to Republican leaders in the House and Senate, said leaders were still checking with their rank-and-file members to gauge what concessions they might be able to stomach. In a week or so, Bonjean said, "the level of intensity will go up" with more meetings.

Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid said he was disappointed there has been "little progress" on a deal to avoid the "fiscal cliff" and warned that "we only have a couple weeks to get something done.

Despite frustration, Reid said he was optimistic lawmakers would avoid plunging off the "cliff," a convergence of an estimated $600 billion in tax increases and spending cuts. "I'm extremely hopeful, and I do not believe that the Republicans are going to allow us to go over the cliff," he said.

While Republicans have not shifted from their opposition to tax rate increases, a few have publicly disavowed a no-new-taxes pledge to which most of them have adhered for years, putting tax revenues, if not higher rates, on the negotiating table.

Also on Tuesday, Dick Durbin, a senior Senate Democrat and close Obama ally, urged fellow liberals to consider reforming Medicare and Medicaid, signaling possible compromise in an area where Democrats have steadfastly resisted change.

"Progressives should be willing to talk about ways to ensure the long-term viability of Medicare and Medicaid" for the elderly and poor, Durbin said in excerpts from a speech.

But he added that Medicare and Medicaid should not be part of the current negotiations on averting the fiscal cliff. On that front, Durbin stood firmly with Obama, urging extension of middle-class tax cuts for 98 percent of Americans.

(Additional reporting by Thomas Ferraro, Kim Dixon, Patricia Zengerle, Lucia Mutikani and Mark Felsenthal, with Adam Kerlin in New York. Writing by Kevin Drawbaugh. Editing by Karey Wutkowski, Jackie Frank, Vicki Allen and Paul Simao)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/obama-promotes-tax-agenda-u-congress-stand-off-020557101--business.html

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New Event: LA Lawyers Philharmonic and Legal Voices: Holiday Gala Concert @ Wilshire United Methodist Church (Los Angeles, CA)

  • Rockettes-083012
    Radio City Christmas Spectacular: The Rockettes Celebration!

    Radio City Music Hall (New York, NY)

  • Anythinggoes-110912
    Anything Goes

    Ahmanson Theatre (Los Angeles, CA)

  • Marypoppins-091211
    Mary Poppins

    New Amsterdam Theatre (New York City, NY)

  • Donny-marie-osmond-christmas-0928121
    Donny & Marie: Christmas in Los Angeles

    Pantages Theatre (Hollywood, CA)

  • Catch-me-musical
    Catch Me If You Can

    Pantages Theatre (Hollywood, CA)

  • Daretodream
    Disney On Ice Presents Dare to Dream

    STAPLES Center (Los Angeles, CA)

  • 460x260-gse-peterpan-webbnr
    Peter Pan

    Pantages Theatre (Hollywood, CA)

  • Wicked-112112
    Wicked

    Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Segerstrom Hall (Costa Mesa, CA)

  • Bluemangroup-112612
    Blue Man Group

    Charles Playhouse (Boston, MA)

  • Backbeat-111912
    Backbeat

    Ahmanson Theatre (Los Angeles, CA)

  • Anythinggoes-1109121
    Anything Goes

    SHN Golden Gate Theatre (San Francisco, CA)

  • 460x260-gse-jkyllhyd-webbnr
    Jekyll & Hyde

    Pantages Theatre (Hollywood, CA)

  • Letchristmas-shine-rockettes-102612
    Radio City Christmas Spectacular: The Rockettes Celebration!

    Akoo Theatre at Rosemont (Rosemont, IL)

  • Tussaud-070212-main
    Madame Tussauds New York

    Madame Tussauds New York (New York, NY)

  • Setzerorchestra-111612
    Brian Setzer Orchestra: Christmas Rocks! Extravaganza

    Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal Citywalk (Universal City, CA)

  • Blue-man-group-111412
    Blue Man Group

    Fox Theatre (Atlanta, GA)

  • Memphis-111612
    Memphis

    Citi Emerson Colonial Theatre (Boston, MA)

  • Bobcats-celtics
    Charlotte Bobcats vs. Boston Celtics

    TD Garden (Boston, MA)

  • Sister-act
    Sister Act

    Boston Opera House (Boston, MA)

  • Suns-celtics
    Phoenix Suns vs. Boston Celtics

    TD Garden (Boston, MA)

  • Mbcwcb-goldstarlrg
    Mrs. Bob Crachit's Wild Christmas Binge

    The Adrienne Theatre (Philadelphia, PA)

  • Grizzlies-celtics
    Memphis Grizzlies vs. Boston Celtics

    TD Garden (Boston, MA)

  • The-producers-111412
    The Producers

    Fox Theatre (Atlanta, GA)

  • Donthugme-102312
    A Don't Hug Me Christmas Carol

    New Century Theatre (Minneapolis, MN)

  • We-three-kings-103112
    We Three Kings: A Stocking Full of Awesome II

    Brave New Workshop Comedy Theatre (Minneapolis, MN)

  • Elf-102512
    Elf

    Al Hirschfeld Theatre (New York, NY)

  • Cirque-iris-dolby-111612
    IRIS: A Journey Through the World of Cinema

    Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center (Hollywood, CA)

  • Spider-man-giftcert-111812
    Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark

    Foxwoods Theatre (New York, NY)

  • Rockingeverafter-disneyice-0730121
    Disney on Ice Presents Rockin' Ever After

    Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY)

  • War-horse-021212-main
    War Horse

    Kimmel Center - Academy of Music (Philadelphia, PA)

  • Rockingeverafter-disneyice-0730121
    Disney On Ice Presents Rockin' Ever After

    Wells Fargo Center - Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA)

  • Cirque-dreams-holidaze1
    Cirque Dreams Holidaze

    Tower Theatre (Upper Darby, PA)

  • Queen-mary-chill
    CHILL

    The Queen Mary (Long Beach, CA)

  • Beachblanketbabylon-061111
    Beach Blanket Babylon

    Club Fugazi (San Francisco, CA)

  • Christmas-carol-690
    A Christmas Carol

    A.C.T. (San Francisco, CA)

  • Grinch-xmas
    Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

    The Theater at Madison Square Garden (New York, NY)

  • 2506536-idiot-111812
    Green Day's American Idiot

    San Jose Center for the Performing Arts (San Jose, CA)

  • Disneyonice-111612
    Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic

    Xcel Energy Center (Saint Paul, MN)

  • Source: http://feeds.goldstar.com/~r/goldstar-los-angeles/~3/p4iIDEsyq_Y/la-lawyers-philharmonic-and-legal-voices-holiday-gala-concert

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