NASA celebrates its fallen astronauts

NASA presents a video tribute to the astronauts of the Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia tragedies.

By Alan Boyle, Science Editor, NBC News

This should be the saddest week of the year for NASA ??which is marking the anniversaries of three fatal tragedies, including the 10th anniversary of the shuttle Columbia's catastrophic breakup. But the way NASA Administrator Charles Bolden sees it, this week is not just about mourning 17 dead astronauts.

"I think this is not a memorial. It's a celebration, because of what they made possible," he told NBC News this month during a visit to Seattle. "We're commemorating them, and we're thanking them by continuing to move forward ??and not dropping back and dwelling on the pain. They'd be pretty angry, I think, if they saw that."

The week of celebration?? and, yes, of commemoration?? begins on Sunday with the 46th anniversary of the 1967 Apollo 1 launch-pad fire. The 27th anniversary of the 1986 Challenger explosion follows on Monday. This year, NASA is focusing the most on Friday, the 10th anniversary of the Columbia tragedy, which has been set aside as the agency's "Day of Remembrance" for all of its fallen astronauts.

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Ever since the loss of Columbia and its crew of seven, NASA has organized solemn commemorations during the last week of January.

"We honor the memory of all three crews that were lost over the history of human spaceflight," Bolden explained. "We thought it was fitting that it be somewhere around the dates of those three losses. We think about this every day, to be quite honest. But we take these particular times and set them aside, when we can let everyone else around the world join us and help celebrate."

There's that word again.

"I use the term 'celebrate' because we have to remember that, yeah, we lost some valiant people?? but what their sacrifice brought is what we should really be thinking about: the fact that they dared to challenge and do things differently," Bolden said. "Because of what they did, we're well on the cusp of going deeper into space than we've ever gone before."

Each tragedy?took a terrible?toll ? and in each case, NASA learned from its mistakes:

Apollo 1's three astronauts were Gus Grissom, one of the Mercury 7 pioneers; Ed White, the first American to do a spacewalk; and rookie spaceflier Roger Chaffee. They died during a pre-launch test at the launch pad when bad wiring sparked a blaze in the pure-oxygen environment inside their sealed capsule. After the fire, engineers overhauled the wiring system, switched over to a less flammable oxygen-nitrogen mix and redesigned the hatch to open outward instead of inward. Years later, Apollo 11 commander Neil Armstrong observed that the accident provided "the gift of time" ? a chance to change a lot of things for the better. "We got that added benefit, but we regret the price we had to pay," Armstrong said.

January 27, 1967:?The crew of Apollo 1, Command Pilot Virgil 'Gus' Grissom, Senior Pilot Edward H. White and Pilot Roger B. Chaffee were killed when a fire ripped through the spacecraft's cabin during a launch pad test. NBC's Bill Ryan reports.? ?

Challenger's crew of seven was led by commander Dick Scobee, but the best-known flier was Christa McAuliffe, who was tapped to be the first teacher in space. The other astronauts were Michael Smith, Ellison Onizuka, Judith Resnik, Ron McNair and Greg Jarvis. Their space shuttle blew up 73 seconds after launch, due to a bad seal on one of the solid rocket boosters. The investigation led to a redesign of the boosters, which worked without fail ever since. It also pointed up the problem of "go fever," which led NASA to give the go-ahead for launch amid dangerously low temperatures. Reforms in management procedures gave astronauts, engineers and contractors more of a role in ensuring launch safety.?

January 28, 1986: NBC's Dan Molina reports on the loss of the space shuttle Challenger and its crew of seven.

Columbia's crew included Israel's first astronaut, Ilan Ramon, as well as commander Rick Husband, David Brown, Laurel Clark, Michael Anderson,?Kalpana Chawla and William McCool. The shuttle broke up over Texas during its descent at the end of a 16-day science mission. Investigators concluded that flying foam insulation from the external fuel tank damaged the left wing during launch, setting the stage for the Feb. 1 tragedy. The fuel tank was redesigned, emergency rescue plans were updated, and an array of cameras was added to the shuttle to watch for damage. The investigators also pointed to lapses in NASA's "safety culture." The George W. Bush administration followed up on the investigative panel's recommendations and decided to close down the space shuttle program once construction of the International Space Station was complete. That day finally came on July 21, 2011, with the landing of the space shuttle Atlantis.

Dec. 31, 2008: NASA released new information about what the astronauts went through in their final moments on board the space shuttle Columbia in 2003. NBC's Tom Costello reports.

Bolden said the successful operation of the space station and the rise of a new generation of commercial space vehicles would not have been possible if it weren't for the sacrifices made by the fallen astronauts. Rather than shutting down America's space program, political leaders gave the go-ahead for more ambitious plans to go beyond Earth orbit, and ultimately to Mars.

"If we didn't have that coming along, then what would have been the point of losing them?" Bolden said.?

To recognize those sacrifices, Bolden will attend a space conference being conducted in Ramon's honor this week in Israel, and then will return to Washington in time for Friday's?wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. NASA's space centers are planning commemorations as well: Officials at Johnson Space Center will participate in memorial events in Texas on Thursday and Friday. Kennedy Space Center's ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET Friday at the visitor center's Space Mirror Memorial. That Florida observance is open to the public and will be broadcast on NASA TV.

Stay tuned for more about NASA's week of sad celebration in the days ahead ? and feel free to add your own reminiscences and tributes as comments below.

More about NASA's space tragedies:

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Alan Boyle is NBCNews.com's science editor. Connect with the Cosmic Log community by "liking" the log's?Facebook page, following?@b0yle on Twitter?and adding the?Cosmic Log page?to your Google+ presence. To keep up with Cosmic Log as well as NBCNews.com's other stories about science and space, sign up for the Tech & Science newsletter, delivered to your email in-box every weekday. You can also check out?"The Case for Pluto,"?my book about the controversial dwarf planet and the search for new worlds.

Source: http://cosmiclog.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/27/16716338-nasa-celebrates-its-fallen-astronauts?lite

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Misconceptions about a popular pet treat

Jan. 28, 2013 ? A popular dog treat could be adding more calories than pet owners realize, and possibly be contaminated by bacteria, according to a study published this month by researchers at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and the University of Guelph.

The treat in question: the "bully" or "pizzle stick." The American and Canadian researchers analyzed the caloric density and bacterial contamination of these popular items, made from the uncooked, dried penis of a bull or steer. They also administered a survey to pet owners to assess their knowledge of these treats.

The study, published in the January 2013 issue of the Canadian Veterinary Journal, examined 26 bully sticks purchased from retailers in the United States and Canada and made by different manufacturers.

A random subset of the 26 bully sticks was tested for caloric content. These bully sticks tested contained between nine to 22 calories per inch, meaning the average six inch stick packed 88 calories--nine percent of the daily calorie requirements for a 50-pound dog, and 30 percent of the daily calorie requirements for a 10-pound dog.

"While calorie information isn't currently required on pet treats or most pet foods, these findings reinforce that veterinarians and pet owners need to be aware of pet treats like these bully sticks as a source of calories in a dog's diet," said Lisa M. Freeman, DVM, PhD, DACVN, professor of nutrition at TCSVM who is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.

Freeman was first author on the paper. Co-authors were J. Scott Weese, professor in the Department of Pathobiology at the University of Guelph, and Nicol Janecko, a research associate at the Canadian university.

"With obesity in pets on the rise, it is important for pet owners to factor in not only their dog's food, but also treats and table food," Freeman added.

All 26 treats were tested for bacterial contaminants. One (4 percent) of the sticks was contaminated with Clostridium difficile; one (four percent) was contaminated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics; and seven (27 percent) were contaminated with Escherichia coli, including one tetracycline-resistant sample.

The number of treats sampled was small and not all of these bacterial strains have been shown to infect humans. However, the researchers advise all pet owners to wash their hands after touching such treats, as they would with any raw meat or raw meat diets. The very young, elderly, pregnant, immunocompromised and other high-risk individuals should avoid all contact with raw animal-product based treats and raw meat diets, note the scientists.

To learn more about veterinarian and pet owner perceptions of dog foods and treats, the research team developed a 20-question Web-based survey. The survey was posted online for public participation for 60 days and all responses were anonymous. It was completed by 852 adults from 44 states and six countries. Most respondents were female dog owners.

"We were surprised at the clear misconceptions pet owners and veterinarians have with pet foods and many of the popular raw animal-product based pet treats currently on the market," said Freeman. "For example, 71 percent of people feeding bully sticks to their pets stated they avoid by-products in pet foods, yet bully sticks are, for all intents and purposes, an animal by-product."

Another surprising finding was the large number of people who did not know what bully sticks actually were. A higher proportion of veterinarians (62 percent) were able to correctly identify the source of bully sticks as bull penis compared to general respondents (44 percent). Twenty-three percent of the respondents fed their dogs bully sticks.

Further research with a larger sample size is needed to determine whether the calorie content and contamination rate found in this study is representative of all bully sticks, or other types of pet treats, according to the authors.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Tufts University, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

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

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Journal Reference:

1. Lisa M. Freeman, Nicol Janecko, J. Scott Weese. Nutritional and microbial analysis of bully sticks and survey of opinions about pet treats. Canadian Veterinary Journal, January 2013

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

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/living_well/~3/mAJUX0F5Meo/130128082912.htm

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RIM lowers minimum app prices on BlackBerry World

BlackBerry-toting penny-pinchers have cause to rejoice, as RIM is introducing lower price tiers in BlackBerry World, starting with the British Pound and Euro. New price tags have yet to take hold across the board, but the the UK will see their lowest level fall from £1.00 to £0.75 (around $1.20). When it comes to the Euro, prices will vary by country, and we spotted apps as low as €0.75 ($1) on Spain's version of the shop. According to RIM, the tweak takes currency exchange rates and VAT requirements into account, and is an effort to gain a competitive edge and catch the eyes of consumers. It's certainly a far cry from how things used to be.

Filed under: Mobile, RIM

Comments

Via: N4BB

Source: BlackBerry Developer Blog

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/28/rim-lower-pricing-tiers-blackberry-world-apps/

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Gastronomically yours' | Chef Brian Henry

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So what?s in a name anyway? Well there can be a lot of history to the origins of our lexicon?for example ?cuisine? comes from the Latin word ?coquna? and is now a French term meaning the manner or practice of food preparation.? The word restaurant originally meant ?food that restores? and pertained more directly to a particular soup that was believed to have restorative capabilities. Now hang on as we pick up the pace a bit.

One foggy morning you awaken to a Tequila (town in Jalisco, Mexico where this strong liquor is made from fermented and distilled Agave sap.) Sunrise (cocktail made with orange juice, tequila and a shot of grenadine) and head down to the local caf? (French noun for coffee pertaining to a coffee house.). For breakfast you order Huevos Ranchero (Spanish for ?Country Eggs? or ?Rancher?s Eggs? served with salsa and fresh tortillas.) with a side of Chorizo (spicy Mexican sausage). You drink a couple of cups of caf? con leche (Spanish for coffee and milk also known as caf? au lait.) to wash down breakfast.

As the day goes on you find yourself in need of a nosh (Yiddish for snack or light meal.) You decide to lunch al fresco (Spanish for fresh and cool outdoor dining) at a bistro (French for small restaurant that serves simple food and drink). Your waitron (American circa 1980?s unisex term for waiter/waitress.) comes to the table and presents you with a Tapas (Spanish verb to cap or to cover, its original purpose was to cover your drink and keep the flies out of it. Mmm. Now it is used to describe small appetizer-size portions of food.) .You order a Roasted Portabello (Spanish word referring to an over grown Crimino mushroom. The word was invented, as a marketing ploy in the early 80?s to sell the oversized mushrooms that other wise would end up as pig fodder. Marketing psychobabble) Mushroom with basil aioli (French Provence style garlic mayonnaise.) and marinated Aubergine (eggplant) served on a Ciabatta bun (Italian for slipper, a long, slender sweet bun.). When your lunch arrives, you notice that it has a Mesclun (mixture of shoots and leaves from a variety of plants including dandelion, spinach, and tat soi.) salad with it. You drizzle your salad with a Balsamic (Italian vinegar made from Trebbiano grapes.) vinaigrette (French for oil and vinegar that has been emulsified into a salad dressing.). While enjoying your Po? Boy (American for a sandwich served on a elongated bun stuffed with what ever is on hand) you quietly sip away at a Cuba Libre (cocktail made from dark rhum, lime juice and cola). You decide on having Cr?me Brulee (French for Burnt cream. A stirred custard that is baked and dusted with sugar that has been caramelized under extreme heat.) for dessert.

After lunch you decide that you will skip High Tea (British tradition of an early supper), but decide to call for dinner reservations (this is a concept represented by proper etiquette to call well in advance to notify an establishment that you are coming. This allows the people who will be servicing your needs to be better prepared to do so.).

You punctually arrive for your reservation (see above aforementioned). The Sommelier (French for Wine Steward.) presents you with the wine list and recommends a Pinot Noir (French for a red grape used to produce French red burgundies as well as Pinot Noir itself. A wine made very popular this year by movie marketing psychobabble.) With notes (tasting notes, or flavors) of Cassis (French European currant.) and tobacco.

The Maitre d?h?tel (French for headwaiter or house steward), approaches your table with the evening?s table d?h?te menu (French for table of the host, in restaurants it?s a multi-course menu at a fixed price.). The maitre d? (shortened version of Maitre d?h?tel) then begins to describe how the New Zealand Orange Roughy (white flesh fish from New Zealand whose original name was Slimehead? more marketing psychobabble.) is prepared. The description of the Baked Slimehead with a dollop (small glob of food) of this and a tuile (French for tile, a crisp thin cookie) of that is too much to resist. You close your menu in surrender and order the Slimeheaded Roughy. As you begin your appetizer (small course of food prior to the entr?e [American for the main course of meal, French for the course served between the fish and meat courses or Australian for appetizer] Whew!) of Escargot (French for snail), the maitre d? returns looking quite flustered. Apparently the chef (French for chief) 86?d(kitchen patois for being out of something) the Orange Headed Slimy thing you ordered. As the trumpet horns of death (strong flavored, black mushroom) sound in you ears with disappointment you throw down your napkin in disgust and begin to walk out of the restaurant. You are stopped at the door by the restaurateur (the owner of the restaurant. Note that there is no ?N? in restaurateur) who apologizes for the situation, but it?s too late, you had your heart set on the Roughy, you leave vowing never to come back.

Out on the street you find that you?re still hungry and you head towards a neon sign. Alas a sushi (Japanese culinary preparation of rice sweetened with rice vinegar also known as sushi meshi.) house. You order nigiri sushi (thin layers of raw fish formed over rice.), hosomaki (sushi wrapped and rolled in seaweed with fish and/or vegetables) and sashimi (thin slices of raw fish served with daikon [Japanese radish], pickled ginger and wasabi {green Japanese horseradish.}). For wine you order Sake (Japanese wine made from rice, served cold with hot foods and hot with cold foods) and finish the evening with a steaming pot of Gunpowder (the highest quality of Japanese green tea).

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Tags: @ChefBrianHenry, Caterer Kawartha`s, Caterer Lakefield, Caterer Peterborough, Catering, Chef, Chef Algonquin Park, Chef Bobcaygeon, Chef Brian Henry, Chef Cottage Country, Chef Haliburton, Chef Muskoka, Chef Peterborough, consultant, cooking classes, Food Safety Training, food writer, ice carving, ice sculptures, Kawarthas, Personal Chef, Private chef, professor

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Posted on Sunday, January 27th, 2013 at 2:01 pm and is filed under Catering, Cooking Classes, Events, Private Chef Services, Recipes.
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Source: http://www.chefbrianhenry.com/gastronomically-yours-47/

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TNR Relaunches

newrepublic.com:

The New Republic unveiled its redesign on Sunday.

Read the whole story at newrepublic.com

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/27/obama-cover_n_2562795.html

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Britney Spears plans alleged $150000 plastic ... - Aurora Clinics

Posted: 9/01/2013

Britney, who spent a lot of 2012 on TV as a judge on US X Factor, is reportedly unhappy with the way she looks. To rectify that the pop star is supposedly planning a radical face and body makeover which will include extreme dieting and exercising, as well as plastic surgery, according to US tabloid The National Enquirer.

According to their source the star is: ?unhappy when she sees photos of herself with a very obvious triple chin, and she complains she has fat on her back and on her stomach.?

As well as ploughing in to a strict health and fitness regime the source explained she?s also planning to have eyelid surgery and liposuction on her body. Other plans apparently include Botox, lip fillers and chemical peels.

The songstress will return to the small screen for the next series of US X Factor however she has said to have already informed Simon Cowell that this will be her last. She won the 2012 series with 13-year-old singing sensation, Carly-Rose.

Aurora Clinics are a UK based plastic surgery group with clinics in Buckinghamshire, London, Northampton and Birmingham. Our expert surgeons offer the full range of cosmetic surgery procedures. For information or advice, or to book a free consultation, contact us on 01844 214362 or email info@aurora-clinics.co.uk.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 9th, 2013 at 9:42 am and is filed under General News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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Source: http://www.aurora-clinics.co.uk/blog/general-news/britney-spears-plans-alleged-150000-plastic-surgery-overhaul/

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Polaroids New Mirrorless Cameras Have Sensors in Their Lenses

Along with the Android mirrorless camera that we reported on earlier, Polaroid has two other mirrorless cameras that don't run Android but do have their sensor built inside the lens. It's a low-end camera made for the entry level photographer. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/k0Z81sgO2_g/polaroids-new-mirrorless-cameras-have-sensors-in-the-lens

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CT REIA Announces January 2013 Meeting With Real Estate ...

West Hartford, CT (January 7, 2013) ? The Connecticut Real Estate Investors Association, or CT REIA, in association with Joe Metcalfe, is announcing its January 2013 monthly meeting. This event will take place on January 21, 2013 from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. The location for this event is the Courtyard by Marriott, located at 4 Sebethe Drive in Cromwell, CT. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for networking opportunities.

Joe Metcalfe is the right hand man and top manager for Kent Clothier, CEO and founder of Find Cash Buyers Now, national speaker, and real estate investor. Joe has been working alongside Kent for over 3 years and has been a major factor in the growth of Kent?s companies during that time. Before joining Kent and his team, Joe worked for CT Homes LLC, a real estate investment company in New Haven, CT. This company, which is owned by real estate guru Than Merrill, has been so successful that they have been documented on A&E?s hit TV show ?Flip This House?.

Attendees of this event will learn: all about a unique and simple strategy that Kent has coined as reverse wholesaling; how to find true and active cash buyers within 5 minutes from a laptop; how to market to cash buyers within 5 minutes and get a response; how to find the exact properties that cash buyers want; how to own a business and not a job; how to leveraging other people and technology to gain back time in the day; the most up to date investment strategies; real tools for today?s market; and much more.

The schedule for this event is as follows. At 5:45 pm attendees can network with vendors. At 6:00 pm there will be an Early Bird Workshop. Here attendees can meet 2012 CT REIA award winners and learn about the deals that got them there. At 6:30 pm there will be speed networking. Attendees are encouraged to bring plenty of business cards. At 7:00 pm CT REIA members will present their deals. There will also be a raffle for a flip camera. At 7:15 Joe Metcalfe will begin his presentation.

About The Company:
CT REIA is an organization that provides motivation, networking opportunities, and up-to-date education for people who want to buy their own home or investment property. Each month nationally recognized real estate investing trainers hold seminars at CT REIA. Real estate professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, landlords, property managers, realtors, contractors, wholesalers, rehabbers, and the general public are invited to attend our monthly meetings for educational and networking opportunities. For more information on this and other?real estate investing training?from CT REIA, please call (860) 265-4414 or visit the?Connecticut Real Estate Investors?Association website.

Contact:
Nicole Post
press@ctreia.com
(860) 265-4414

http://www.ctreia.com

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Source: http://blog.ctreia.com/ct-reia-announces-january-2013-meeting-with-real-estate-wholesale-expert-joe-metcalfe/

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New target for common heart condition identified

Jan. 8, 2013 ? Researchers have found new evidence that metabolic stress can increase the onset of atrial arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. The findings may pave the way for the development of new therapies for the condition which can be expected to affect almost one in four of the UK population at some point in their lifetime.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) study, led by University of Bristol scientists and published in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, found that metabolic stress -- a condition induced by insufficient oxygen supply to the heart (e.g. following blockage of a coronary artery) -- caused marked changes in the electrical activity of the heart's atria (the upper chambers of the heart).

While it has been recognised for many years that metabolic stress causes ventricular arrhythmias -- abnormal heart rhythms that originate in the two lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles) and which form the basis to heart attacks -- it is the first time it has been demonstrated for arrhythmias in the atria.

The research team led by Dr Andrew James from the University's School of Physiology and Pharmacology together with Professor Saadeh Suleiman in the School of Clinical Sciences, examined the contribution of a particular kind of protein underlying the electrical activity of the atria during metabolic stress.

These proteins, known as KATP channels enable cells to respond to changes in metabolism. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is a small molecule that represents the 'energy currency' for cell metabolism and when ATP levels inside cells fall, KATP channels are activated. For example, KATP channels in the pancreas are involved in the regulation of insulin secretion and drugs targeting these channels are used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Dr Andrew James, the study's lead author, said: "It is well-established that KATP channels in the ventricles of the heart can become activated following metabolic stress caused by blockage of a coronary artery. In principle, their activation could protect the heart muscle cells against metabolic stress-induced damage. On the other hand, the activation of ventricular KATP channels can contribute to disturbances in the electrical activity of the heart known as arrhythmias.

"Arrhythmias in the ventricles can be very dangerous, leading to ventricular fibrillation and death. Atrial arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation (AF), are not usually immediately fatal but they are very common and a major cause of stroke. Notably, KATP channels are also found in the atria but, in contrast to the ventricles, their role in atrial arrhythmias remains unknown."

The findings show that metabolic stress caused marked changes in the electrical activity of the atrium consistent with the activation of KATP channels. Electrical stimulation was applied to try to evoke atrial arrhythmia. It was possible to induce atrial arrhythmia during, but not before, metabolic stress.

Importantly, blockade of KATP channels with drugs used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes (glibenclamide and tolbutamide), completely reversed the effects of metabolic stress on the electrical activity of the atrium and prevented the induction of atrial arrhythmia. The anti-diabetic drugs were without effect in the absence of metabolic stress.

The findings represent a 'proof-of-principle' (the stage at which any new drug must undergo before full-scale clinical trials can begin) that atrial KATP channels can be activated by metabolic stress and facilitate atrial arrhythmias. Thus, atrial KATP channels may represent a target for drugs for the treatment of atrial arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation.

However, Dr James added: "Further studies are required and a key point to address will be whether differences exist between the properties of atrial, ventricular and pancreatic KATP channels that might be exploited to produce an atrial-selective drug. Perhaps these channels might be useful as targets to treat atrial arrhythmias."

Professor Jeremy Pearson, Associate Medical Director at the BHF, commented: "Atrial fibrillation is a very common irregular heart rhythm which greatly increases the risk of stroke. This study brings us closer to understanding how it develops, in particular in people whose hearts are under greater pressure due to the effects of a previous history of heart disease. It's vital that we continue to improve our understanding of this condition so we can find new treatments for patients in the future."

The BHF-funded study, entitled 'Activation of Glibenclamide-Sensitive KATP Channels during ?-Adrenergically-Induced Metabolic Stress Produces a Substrate for Atrial Tachyarrhythmia' is published online in the journal Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by University of Bristol.

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Journal Reference:

1. S.-J. Kim, H. Zhang, I. Khaliulin, S. C. M. Choisy, R. Bond, H. Lin, S. El Haou, J. T. Milnes, J. C. Hancox, M. S. Suleiman, A. F. James. Activation of Glibenclamide-Sensitive K_ATP Channels during ?-Adrenergically-Induced Metabolic Stress Produces a Substrate for Atrial Tachyarrhythmia. Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, 2012; 5 (6): 1184 DOI: 10.1161/CIRCEP.112.975425

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

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/~3/GXDK6LaqcaY/130108091816.htm

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7 Hot Health and Fitness Trends That Will Own 2013 - Diets in Review

As we end the first week of 2013, it seems appropriate to look ahead and forecast what will be the hot fitness and health trends of the upcoming year. It?s always fun to not only look back to archive a year, but seeing which trends will be big and make a mark this year is, too. We?ve rounded up the seven things we think everyone will be chatting about this year and in to 2014!

1. Fitness and Health Smartphone Apps. Last year was another big one for fitness apps. Just this week Consumer Reports noted that MyFitnessPal was at the top of their list for ?DIY Dieting.? There are so many useful and effective programs available that, according to Huffington Post, it?s expected that even health professionals will start advocating for and recommending these apps to help keep their patients on track.

2. Crossfit and Women in the Weight Room. The popularity of Crossfit has yet to wane and as a result more women aren?t getting scared out of the weight room. It?s assumed that more women will take up these classes and practices this year. The benefits of heavy lifting are being revealed as social media has proven a great way to show off the results many women are seeing. Nevermind the internal benefits such as bone and heart health.

3. HIIT is Hot! In the same vein as other popular regimens, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) will keep keep busy people fit this year. HIIT boasts of being able to offer intense workouts in half the time. So, those who can handle the impact can stand to get in and out of the gym much faster this year. Give it a try with this Jessica Smith HIIT Workout for free.

4. Non-Traditional Races. The amatuer race scene exploded in 2012. Every month a new type of fun run was introduced. From the Color Run to Zombie Runs and even nighttime Glow Runs. If this trend continues, like it?s expected to, so many people will count themselves as runners for the first time and make this their most active year ever. This has proven to be the best side effect of these runs.

5. GMO Haters Will Keep Fighting the Good Fight. The past year brought GMOs to the mainstream for the first time. So many people finally learned about the ingredients in their food, and California took the country?s first real stand to have them labeled. While the November election didn?t yield mandatory labeling, many believe the fight has only just begun. Expect to hear plenty more about the farming industry and big biotech companies this year.

6. Gluten Free Maintains Mainstream. While the foodies and health nuts went crazy for gluten-free eating last year, the masses only began their affair with GF foods. It?s expected that GF options will become even more common in 2013, including availability at fast food restaurants. For those who have to eat gluten free, this is a blessing. No longer will they have to shop obscurely or eat awkward versions of the menu options. Will this also propel the trend that has nothing to do with health, just trendiness? Probably so.

7. Meatless Eating. In 2012 the ?Meatless Monday? trend seemed to pick up for many people. Really, the challenge to eat meatless a few days a week turned into more than a once a week ordeal and as 2013 progresses, it seems it?ll be quite prevalent. Whether it?s for personal beliefs, health, or simply a way to expand your plant-based diet, going meatless, even at the part-time level, is expected to trend this year. It can be seen by the offerings in the supermarket and by the fact that even the heartland, aka cattle country, is seeing plenty of vegetarian restaurants pop up rapidly.

Also Read:

25 Most Popular Diets of 2012

7 Most Innovative Fitness and Health Products of 2012

Elizabeth Nyland Lost 60 Pounds with Crossfit and Paleo

January 7th, 2013

Source: http://www.dietsinreview.com/diet_column/01/7-hot-health-and-fitness-trends-that-will-own-2013/

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Efficient Web Hosting Spine Of Your On-Line Enterprise Strategy ...

Your website is mostly a direct reflection of your respective service and that?s why ?. It could be very hard, considering that struggling to compare personal internet internet hosting products may be like comparing apples and oranges. This compound, which can be employed by a QuickBooks distant obtain provider, are usually retrofitted into an present Halon 1301 method but to press the agent with the initial Halon pipe network, the pipe community really should get replaced or an additional nitrogen cylinder needs to be utilized. Template within the website will mean that you may figure out structure, create, coloration schemes together with other visible facets, whereas the functionality within just the location addresses the operator interface that establishes how effortless or tricky it would be for letting the people to appreciate proactive strategy. Also, be certain that youre not lured in by a very massive space for storing. Inside the earlier if there was a sudden rush of traffic to a web site it could consider out the server, and guests wouldn?t have the opportunity to have to see the website. Possibly way, it?s smart to ensure that the internet hosting small business will allow a wide range of domains inside a person package deal. With this particular, you will successfully form cPanel backlinks which you can entry out of your desktop or from an online browser, so you can work with your website and Online server files by using CPanel making use of your own laptop or computer or any secure desktop computer anyplace. This kind of provider has the skilled technical stuffs to offer step-by-step assistance. I have witnessed a large amount of many people supplying inexpensive website design providers below. Combining collectively the very best methods for hosting can then assist you to search out the necessary answers for creating your internet site whereas setting up a several process with the software programs that are needed. This is where e-Fuzion, is among some of the most established and recognized internet outsourcing merchants, comes in. You need a web hosting contributor that provides prominent dependability, steadiness and facilitation. To make sure that the security of the online site along with your using the net home business, you will also should opt a web hosting option that is definitely respectable for prime notch stability. This means that they will choose care of all of the web site server servicing and protection making sure which you have highest up-time on your own webpage. Should you are merely merely putting a site together with your contacts internet based, I wouldnt advocate working with a database backend, just as before for that time that it expenditures to produce and particularly to the small bonus that you will see. Regarding location security on your Web-based servers selecting the best HTTP proxy or paid SOCKS proxy can be a daunting project. This is where you?ll need to get a hosting account to park your domain and internet webpages for presentation. Anything server rack you end up picking, ensure that you?ll be obtaining with place for advancement (added servers). With additional and even more variants of apple iphone and iPad and more or less all cell phone turning into Android-controlled, web design has made another entity concentrating on cell website designs and styles which may have contact monitor ability. Shopper help refers to some huge range of causes you will need to get in touch with the web site hosting organisation. Among other necessities, the online host needs to suspend a client?s website once the host receives a proper notice that meets the statutory requirement. In case your new to e mail merchandising then this may not be the most effective remedy that you should get started with you may well be more suitable off choosing a 3rd social gathering services to start with. The manufacturer graphic and straightforward navigation with the consumer needs to be noticed with utmost concern. Even when most designers and pattern companies are legitimate, service-oriented entities, it may well be on your interest to apply independent hosting if you want to shield yourself. If all you deliver can be an email in your homepage, your legitimacy possibly will be questioned. With having said that, there will be adult internet websites which have either viewed their ranking drop greatly within the SERPs or seem to have been completely jettisoned by lookup engines because of over optimization. May want to you ever arrive across any difficulties with BlackBerry Business Server licensing or BESx software systems set up, it is actually a good idea to get hold of a certified specialised assistance assistance.

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Holmes' hearing in theater shootings may serve as 'mini-trial'

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) ? The suspect in the Colorado movie theater killings returns to court this week for a hearing that might be the closest thing to a trial the victims and their families will get to see.

James Holmes, a former neuroscience graduate student, is charged with killing 12 people and injuring 70 by opening fire in a darkened theater in the Denver suburb of Aurora last July.

At a weeklong preliminary hearing starting Monday, prosecutors will outline their case against Holmes, the first official public disclosure of their evidence. The judge will then determine whether to send the case to trial.

Legal analysts say that evidence appears to be so strong that Holmes may well accept a plea agreement before trial. In such cases, the preliminary hearing can set the stage for a deal by letting each side assess the other's strengths and weaknesses, said Laurie Levenson, a former federal prosecutor and now a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.

Preliminary hearings "are often the first step to resolving the case, a mini-trial so both sides can see the writing on the wall," Levenson said.

Judges rarely throw out a case at this stage because prosecutors must only meet a "probable cause" standard ? much lower than the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard for a guilty verdict at trial, said Mimi Wesson, a professor of law at the University of Colorado Law School.

Holmes, who faces more than 160 counts including first-degree murder and attempted murder, could have waived his right to a preliminary hearing, allowing lawyers on both sides to prepare for trial. But defense lawyers sometimes go through with the hearing because it gives them a clearer picture of prosecution evidence.

"In this case, I think it likely that the genuine purpose of the hearing would be information-gathering by the defense," Wesson said.

Court officials expect many survivors and family members of the dead to attend the preliminary hearing, along with scores of spectators and reporters. At least two overflow rooms are being prepared where the hearing can be observed by video and audio feeds.

District Judge William B. Sylvester has imposed a gag order on attorneys and investigators, and many court documents have been filed under seal, so little is known about Holmes' path from promising graduate student to suspect in a mass murder.

The few details that have been made public suggest a disturbing descent.

Holmes enrolled in the University of Colorado, Denver Ph.D. program in neuroscience in 2011. In the spring of 2012, authorities say, he began buying weapons, high-capacity magazines, ammunition, explosives and combat gear. At some point in the school year, he began seeing a university psychiatrist. He failed an oral exam on June 7 and withdrew from the university three days later.

He was arrested outside the theater shortly after the July 20 shootings. Federal authorities have said he entered the theater with a ticket and is believed to have propped open a door, slipped out to his car and returned with his weapons.

Hours later, investigators found his apartment booby-trapped with potentially deadly explosives, police said.

In previous hearings ? many witnessed by victims and survivors ? Holmes' appearance and behavior ranged from bizarre to unremarkable. On his first day in court, his hair was a shocking orange-red, his face was covered with stubble and he seemed to be in a daze.

By last week, his hair was a natural-looking brown and he wore a full beard. He sat quietly and seemed to be aware of the proceedings.

Holmes could get the death penalty or life in prison without parole if he goes to trial and is convicted of murder. He could avoid the death penalty if his lawyers argue he is mentally ill or innocent by reason of insanity.

Holmes' mental health is expected to be a major factor whether his case ends in a plea agreement or goes to trial.

His lawyers have told the judge that Holmes was mentally ill, and court records indicate they may call witnesses in the preliminary hearing to testify about his mental health. The defense team has not said whether Holmes would enter an insanity plea.

An insanity plea is different from the competency argument used for Jared Loughner, who pleaded guilty to killing six people and wounding 13, including then-Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, in Arizona in 2011.

A judge ruled in May 2011 that Loughner was mentally incompetent to stand trial and ordered him to undergo psychiatric treatment. After Loughner spent more than a year in treatment, the judge ruled he had become competent, and Loughner accepted a plea agreement that carried a sentence of life in prison without parole instead of execution.

The decision on whether to seek the death penalty will be up to the new district attorney for Arapahoe County, George Brauchler, who was elected in November and takes office Tuesday, after the preliminary hearing begins. Brauchler has not indicated what he will do.

A spokeswoman for outgoing District Attorney Carol Chambers, who oversaw the filing of charges against Holmes, declined to comment.

If prosecutors do not seek the death penalty, and if Holmes is convicted of or pleads guilty to first-degree murder charges, he would face a mandatory sentence of life without parole.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/hearing-may-mini-trial-theater-shootings-175547355.html

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Lilliputian debuts Nectar Mobile Power, promises two weeks of battery life per cell

Lilliputian's not exactly known for consumer devices, in that the company's created approximately none before today. But tonight at a pre-CES 2013 event, Lilliputian debuted its first entry into the consumer market: the Nectar Mobile Power system. For $299.99, you'll snag the device itself, and any additional pods (with two weeks worth of power, claims Lilliputian) cost an extra $9.99. It'll arrive this summer exclusively at Brookstone retail outlets and Brookstone.com.

Gallery: Nectar Mobile Power

Continue reading Lilliputian debuts Nectar Mobile Power, promises two weeks of battery life per cell

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HBO extends exclusive, $2 billion deal with Universal Studios until 2022

HBO is determined to maintain its position as pay TV's top dog and will break the bank to ensure it does. It's inked a decade-long extension to a deal that gives it exclusive rights to Universal Studios movie catalogue until 2022. While neither HBO nor Universal have talked figures, Hollywood sources "in the know" think the Emmy Award-farm is paying around $200 million a year. All of these exclusive deals make us slightly nervous -- after all, it looks like we'll have to sign up with four or five different providers just for a decent selection...oh, so that's the idea then.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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Source: All Things D, LA Times

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/06/hbo-universal-deal/

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Report: Syrian journalist dies of wounds

A child uses a megaphone to lead others in chanting Free Syrian Army slogans during a demonstration in the neighborhood of Bustan Al-Qasr, Aleppo, Syria, Friday, Jan. 4, 2013. The U.N. said Wednesday that more than 60,000 people have been killed since Syria's crisis began in March 2011 ? a figure much higher than previous opposition estimates. (AP Photo/Andoni Lubaki)

A child uses a megaphone to lead others in chanting Free Syrian Army slogans during a demonstration in the neighborhood of Bustan Al-Qasr, Aleppo, Syria, Friday, Jan. 4, 2013. The U.N. said Wednesday that more than 60,000 people have been killed since Syria's crisis began in March 2011 ? a figure much higher than previous opposition estimates. (AP Photo/Andoni Lubaki)

BEIRUT (AP) ? A Syrian journalist for a pro-government television station died of wounds sustained in shooting attack in the suburbs of Damascus, the state media said Saturday, as rebels fighting to topple President Bashar Assad pressed on with an offensive to take the capital, the seat of his power.

Rebels have frequently targeted pro-government reporters as well as officials and state institutions such as ministries, in addition to attacks on military, intelligence and security facilities.

The state-run SANA agency said that Suheil al-Ali of Addounia TV died on Friday, four days after a "terrorist" fired on him as he was returning home from work. The Syrian state media refers to opposition fighters as "terrorists."

Fighting has raged for weeks in neighborhoods and towns around Damascus that have been opposition strongholds since the uprising against Assad began in March 2011. The revolt started as peaceful protest but morphed into a civil war that has killed more than 60,000 people, according to the United Nations recent estimate.

Rebels have assassinated regime figures in the past, most dramatically in July when they detonated explosives inside one of the regime's crisis meetings in Damascus, killing four officials including Assad's brother-in-law and the defense minister. Massive bombings like the one that struck the Interior Ministry have been a trademark of Islamic radicals fighting alongside the Syrian rebels, raising concerns about the extremists' role in the civil war.

Most recently, the country's interior minister was injured in a suicide bombing that targeted his ministry in Damascus last month. After the Dec. 12 attack, al-Shaar was secretly brought to neighboring Lebanon for treatment of a back injury, but was rushed out of a Beirut hospital and back home Dec. 26 for fear of being arrested by Lebanese authorities.

On Saturday, SANA denied reports of al-Shaar's death, saying that the minister is "in good health and recovering."

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2013-01-05-Syria/id-980e5cbfecc7433ebc71702d6201dd02

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Venezuela's Chavez fighting severe lung infection

FILE - In this Oct 9, 2012 file photo, Venezuela?s President Hugo Chavez holds a miniature copy of his country's constitution during a news conference in Caracas, Venezuela. The ailing president's health crisis has raised contentious questions ahead of the swearing-in set for Jan. 10, including whether the inauguration could legally be postponed. Officials have raised the possibility that Chavez might not be well enough to take the oath of office, without saying what will happen if he can't. The constitution says that if a president or president-elect dies or is declared unable to continue in office, presidential powers should be held temporarily by the president of the National Assembly and that a new presidential vote should be held within 30 days. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd, File)

FILE - In this Oct 9, 2012 file photo, Venezuela?s President Hugo Chavez holds a miniature copy of his country's constitution during a news conference in Caracas, Venezuela. The ailing president's health crisis has raised contentious questions ahead of the swearing-in set for Jan. 10, including whether the inauguration could legally be postponed. Officials have raised the possibility that Chavez might not be well enough to take the oath of office, without saying what will happen if he can't. The constitution says that if a president or president-elect dies or is declared unable to continue in office, presidential powers should be held temporarily by the president of the National Assembly and that a new presidential vote should be held within 30 days. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd, File)

In this photo provided by Miraflores Presidential Press Office, Venezuela's Vice-President Nicolas Maduro, center, delivers a speech during a visit to "Fama de America" government-run coffee plant in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013. Maduro said Thursday that reports of recent contacts between U.S. and Venezuelan diplomats have been distorted and that Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez authorized the conversations. (AP Photo/Miraflores Presidential Press Office)

In this photo provided by Miraflores Presidential Press Office, Venezuela's Vice President Nicolas Maduro, center, delivers a speech during a visit to "Fama de America" government-run coffee plant in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013. Maduro said Thursday that reports of recent contacts between U.S. and Venezuelan diplomats have been distorted and that Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez authorized the conversations. At right, Venezuela's National Assembly's President Diosdado Cabello. (AP Photo/Miraflores Presidential Press Office)

A boy plays behind a poster with an image depicting Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013. The ailing president's health crisis has raised contentious questions ahead of the swearing-in set for Jan. 10, including whether the inauguration could legally be postponed. The ailing president's health crisis has raised contentious questions ahead of the swearing-in set for Jan. 10, including whether the inauguration could legally be postponed. Officials have raised the possibility that Chavez might not be well enough to take the oath of office, without saying what will happen if he can't. The constitution says that if a president or president-elect dies or is declared unable to continue in office, presidential powers should be held temporarily by the president of the National Assembly and that a new presidential vote should be held within 30 days. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

People walk a mural depicting Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez past in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013. The ailing president's health crisis has raised contentious questions ahead of the swearing-in set for Jan. 10, including whether the inauguration could legally be postponed. Officials have raised the possibility that Chavez might not be well enough to take the oath of office, without saying what will happen if he can't. The constitution says that if a president or president-elect dies or is declared unable to continue in office, presidential powers should be held temporarily by the president of the National Assembly and that a new presidential vote should be held within 30 days. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) ? Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is being treated for "respiratory deficiency" after complications from a severe lung infection, his government said, pointing to a deepening crisis for the ailing 58-year-old president.

Chavez hasn't spoken publicly or been seen since his Dec. 11 operation in Cuba, and the latest report from his government Thursday night increased speculation that he is unlikely to be able to be sworn in for another term as scheduled in less than a week.

"Chavez has faced complications as a result of a severe respiratory infection. This infection has led to respiratory deficiency that requires Commander Chavez to remain in strict compliance with his medical treatment," Information Minister Ernesto Villegas said Thursday night, reading the statement on television.

The government's characterization raised the possibility that Chavez might be breathing with the assistance of a machine. But the government did not address that question and didn't give details of the president's treatment.

"It appears he has a very severe pneumonia that he suffered after a respiratory failure. It is not very specific," said Dr. Alejandro Rios-Ramirez, a pulmonary specialist in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, who is not involved in Chavez's treatment. "It does imply the gravity of his pulmonary infection that led to a respiratory failure. It doesn't mean yet that he is breathing with a machine."

Dr. Michael Pishvaian, an oncologist at Georgetown University's Lombardi Cancer Center in Washington, said such respiratory infections can run the gamut from "a mild infection requiring antibiotics and supplemental oxygen to life threatening respiratory complications."

"It could be a very ominous sign," Pishvaian said.

The government expressed confidence in Chavez's medical team and condemned what it called a "campaign of psychological warfare" in the international media regarding the president's condition. Officials have urged Venezuelans not to heed rumors about Chavez's condition.

The statement didn't point to any particular rumors but said "this campaign aims ultimately to destabilize the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela ... and end the Bolivarian Revolution led by Chavez."

Venezuela's opposition has demanded that the government provide more specific information about Chavez's condition.

Chavez has undergone four cancer-related surgeries since June 2011 for an undisclosed type of pelvic cancer. He also has undergone chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

He was re-elected in October to another six-year term, and two months later announced that the cancer had come back. Chavez said before the operation that if his illness prevented him from remaining president, Vice President Nicolas Maduro should be his party's candidate to replace him in a new election.

This week, the president's elder brother Adan and National Assembly President Diosdado Cabello joined a parade of visitors who saw Chavez in Havana, and then returned to Caracas on Thursday along with Maduro.

"In the past hours, we've been accompanying President Hugo Chavez and taking him the courage and strength of the Venezuelan people," Maduro said on television. Appearing next to Cabello visiting a government-run coffee plant in Caracas, he said they had been with Chavez together with the president's brother, his son-in-law Jorge Arreaza, Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez and Attorney General Cilia Flores.

Chavez's health crisis has raised contentious questions ahead of the swearing-in set for Jan. 10, including whether the inauguration could legally be postponed and what will happen if Chavez can't begin his new term. The plans of Chavez's allies remain a mystery.

The Venezuelan Constitution says the presidential oath should be taken Jan. 10 before the National Assembly, and officials have raised the possibility that Chavez might not be well enough to do that, without saying what will happen if he can't.

The constitution says that if a president or president-elect dies or is declared unable to continue in office, presidential powers should be held temporarily by the president of the National Assembly, who is now Cabello. It says a new presidential vote should be held within 30 days.

Opposition leaders have argued that Chavez, who was re-elected to a six-year term in October, seems no longer fit to continue as president and have demanded that a new election be held within 30 days if he isn't in Caracas on inauguration day.

But some of Chavez's close confidants dismiss the view that the inauguration date is a hard deadline, saying Chavez could be given more time to recover from his surgery if necessary.

Aristobulo Isturiz, a state governor and leader of Chavez's United Socialist Party of Venezuela, said Thursday that if Chavez's swearing-in isn't held Jan. 10, it will be up to the Supreme Court to determine the place and date of the ceremony.

"The president has a right to recover," Isturiz said in remarks published by the state-run Venezuelan News Agency.

Caracas Mayor Antonio Ledezma, an opposition politician, proposed on Thursday that a commission travel to Cuba to determine the state of Chavez's health. He said the delegation should be made up of doctors, lawmakers and other officials such as state governors, including opposition leader Henrique Capriles.

"I'm not asking for permission to go to Cuba. I think it's our right to go there and see what's going on," Ledezma said in comments reported by the television channel Globovision. "Enough mysteries. Venezuela isn't a colony of Cuba."

Some of the brewing disagreements could begin to be aired Saturday, when the National Assembly, which is controlled by a pro-Chavez majority, convenes to select legislative leaders. That session will be held just five days before the scheduled inauguration day.

___

Associated Press writers Jorge Rueda and Christopher Toothaker in Caracas and Adriana Gomez Licon in Mexico City contributed to this report.

___

Ian James on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ianjamesap

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2013-01-04-Venezuela-Chavez/id-78a22d27222b441ca08582a4c5781a63

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Fliers likely to see higher fares, fewer airlines, more fees

22 hrs.

A. Pawlowski , NBC News contributor

Well, that didn't take long. Just four days into the new year, United Airlines and its Star Alliance partner Air Canada have launched the first attempted airfare increase of 2013.

The carriers are attempting?to hike more than 1 million fares across their?system, reports Rick Seaney, airfare analyst and CEO of FareCompare.com. The increase is between $2 and $5 each way.

The success of United's move appears to be in peril. Delta matched the fares early Friday before reversing course?later in the day, FareCompare reported.

Uncertainty often looms large when air travelers turn their calendars to January.?Will airfares keep climbing? What new fees will airlines come up with? Is merger mania about to engulf more carriers?

Seaney and other air travel experts weighed in on the developments that may shape your flying experience in 2013.

Airfare trends
There were seven attempted?domestic airfare hikes in 2012 and that number will likely grow slightly this year, which should raise ticket prices about 7 percent or so, Seaney said.

But some routes may see bargains. Expect Southwest Airlines to try to expand over water, with Hawaii on the carrier?s radar, Seaney added. It may even try to fly to parts of Canada, he predicted.

?As Southwest tries to become more like a legacy airline, the legacy airlines are trying to become more like Southwest. So it?s sort of a strange thing that?s going on,? Seaney said.

International fares will still be expensive because of fuel surcharges, but globetrotters may see some price breaks if they depart from U.S. cities where foreign carriers are expanding their service, said George Hobica, founder of Airfarewatchdog.com. Turkish Airlines is starting to fly from Houston this spring and that?s putting downward pressure on international airfares in that region, Hobica said.

Possible merger between American Airlines and US Airways
All of the travel experts who talked with NBC News said the merger ? which would reduce the number of U.S. legacy carriers to three???would likely lead to higher airfares and cuts in capacity.

?It?s a bad thing for travelers. Any time that competition is eroded, consumers lose,? said Charlie Leocha, director of the Consumer Travel Alliance.

Still, an announcement appears imminent. The board of directors of American's parent company, AMR Corp., could vote on a merger with US Airways as soon as next week, NBCDFW.com reported.

The carrier declined to confirm whether a decision on the merger would be made then.

?We can?t comment on the timeline or our board meeting, but we remain committed in our efforts to secure the best outcome for our financial stakeholders, our people and our customers,? American Airlines said in a statement to NBC News.

If American does merge with US Airways, expect fewer flights on overlapping routes and be prepared for some computer hiccups ? similar to the glitches that plagued United Airlines last year after its merger with Continental???when the carriers try to combine their systems.

But travelers accruing frequent flier miles with either airline or those who have earned elite status have nothing to worry about, said FareCompare.com's Seaney.

?Typically, you see newly merged airlines bending over backwards to make sure all their loyal customers are taken care of,? Seaney said. ?The last thing you want to do as a merged airline is alienate your best customers. I would expect them to offer more things than they normally would as opposed to cutting back.?

The next generation of fees
With carriers demanding extra money for everything from early boarding to on-board snacks, what else can they possibly charge for? Don?t worry???the number crunchers are still coming up with new ideas.

?Every time we think that the airlines can?t think up a new fee, they surprise us,? Leocha said.

Travelers will likely see a further push to self-service at the airport, so they may be asked to check themselves in for their flight and if they don?t, they?ll pay a fee, said Hobica.

Airlines could also introduce ?disincentives? to talk with airline personnel at the airport, he added.

Another trend is airlines offering fees in bundles ? so you have the option of buying a package deal of extra services rather than purchasing them individually, Leocha said.

For example, American Airlines last month introduced ?choice? fares that bundle extras such as early boarding, one checked bag and the ability to change flights for flat fees that range from $68-$88.

The next step? Carriers will be taking those bundles and discounting them, Seaney said.

New round of passenger protections
Under the latest proposal, the government would require that airline fees be displayed through ?all sale channels,? but last month, the Department of Transportation delayed action on addressing the issue from January to May.

?The real battle now is about comparison shopping. Consumers love to comparison shop, airlines hate it and they don?t want to give the comparison shopping sites their bundles of fees,? Seaney said.

The goal is to get the carriers to release their fees so that third-party websites, such as Priceline and Travelocity, can display them in real time and dynamically as they change, Leocha said. The debate over the issue will take place this year, but he doesn?t expect any changes to be implemented until 2014.

?Nothing moves quickly in Washington,? Leocha said. ?(Still,) this has been by far the most consumer friendly Department of Transportation that we?ve ever had.?

A better flying experience
Can it be true? Will you actually enjoy flying this year? Perhaps enjoy is a strong word, but chances are you will see some improvements.

Airlines are going to take delivery of a ?boatload of new aircraft? and those planes will have mood lighting, better breathing air, more legroom and other creature comforts, Seaney noted.

?I think people will finally, for the first time in over a decade, have a little bit better flying experience,? he said.

Wi-Fi will become prevalent on most flights, for a fee, Lisa Gill, senior editor at Conde Nast Traveler, told TODAY. Also expect to see more lie-flat beds in business class on long domestic flights, she said.

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/travel/travelkit/fliers-can-expect-higher-airfares-fewer-airlines-more-fees-experts-1B7828994

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Disputes brewing over Hugo Chavez's inauguration

A man sits next to posters with images of Venezuela President Hugo Chavez in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013. The ailing president's health crisis has raised contentious questions ahead of the swearing-in set for Jan. 10, including whether the inauguration could legally be postponed. Officials have raised the possibility that Chavez might not be well enough to take the oath of office, without saying what will happen if he can't. The constitution says that if a president or president-elect dies or is declared unable to continue in office, presidential powers should be held temporarily by the president of the National Assembly and that a new presidential vote should be held within 30 days. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

A man sits next to posters with images of Venezuela President Hugo Chavez in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013. The ailing president's health crisis has raised contentious questions ahead of the swearing-in set for Jan. 10, including whether the inauguration could legally be postponed. Officials have raised the possibility that Chavez might not be well enough to take the oath of office, without saying what will happen if he can't. The constitution says that if a president or president-elect dies or is declared unable to continue in office, presidential powers should be held temporarily by the president of the National Assembly and that a new presidential vote should be held within 30 days. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

In this photo provided by Miraflores Presidential Press Office, Venezuela's Vice-President Nicolas Maduro, center, delivers a speech during a visit to "Fama de America" government-run coffee plant in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013. Maduro said Thursday that reports of recent contacts between U.S. and Venezuelan diplomats have been distorted and that Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez authorized the conversations. (AP Photo/Miraflores Presidential Press Office)

People walk a mural depicting Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez past in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013. The ailing president's health crisis has raised contentious questions ahead of the swearing-in set for Jan. 10, including whether the inauguration could legally be postponed. Officials have raised the possibility that Chavez might not be well enough to take the oath of office, without saying what will happen if he can't. The constitution says that if a president or president-elect dies or is declared unable to continue in office, presidential powers should be held temporarily by the president of the National Assembly and that a new presidential vote should be held within 30 days. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

FILE - In this Oct 9, 2012 file photo, Venezuela?s President Hugo Chavez holds a miniature copy of his country's constitution during a news conference in Caracas, Venezuela. The ailing president's health crisis has raised contentious questions ahead of the swearing-in set for Jan. 10, including whether the inauguration could legally be postponed. Officials have raised the possibility that Chavez might not be well enough to take the oath of office, without saying what will happen if he can't. The constitution says that if a president or president-elect dies or is declared unable to continue in office, presidential powers should be held temporarily by the president of the National Assembly and that a new presidential vote should be held within 30 days. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd, File)

A boy plays behind a poster with an image depicting Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013. The ailing president's health crisis has raised contentious questions ahead of the swearing-in set for Jan. 10, including whether the inauguration could legally be postponed. The ailing president's health crisis has raised contentious questions ahead of the swearing-in set for Jan. 10, including whether the inauguration could legally be postponed. Officials have raised the possibility that Chavez might not be well enough to take the oath of office, without saying what will happen if he can't. The constitution says that if a president or president-elect dies or is declared unable to continue in office, presidential powers should be held temporarily by the president of the National Assembly and that a new presidential vote should be held within 30 days. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) ? President Hugo Chavez is due to be sworn in for a new term in less than a week and his closest allies still aren't saying what they plan to do if the ailing leader is unable to return from a Cuban hospital to take the oath of office.

Chavez hasn't been seen or heard from since his Dec. 11 cancer surgery, and speculation has grown that his illness could be reaching its final stages. The president's elder brother Adan and National Assembly President Diosdado Cabello joined a parade of visitors who saw Chavez in Havana this week, and then returned to Caracas on Thursday along with Vice President Nicolas Maduro.

"In the past hours, we've been accompanying President Hugo Chavez and taking him the courage and strength of the Venezuelan people," Maduro said on television. Appearing next to Cabello visiting a government-run coffee plant in Caracas, he said they had been with Chavez together with the president's brother, his son-in-law Jorge Arreaza, Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez and Attorney General Cilia Flores.

Chavez's health crisis has raised contentious questions ahead of the swearing-in set for Jan. 10, including whether the inauguration could legally be postponed, whether Supreme Court justices might travel to Havana to administer the oath of office, and, most of all, what will happen if Chavez can't begin his new term.

The main fault lines run between Chavez's backers and opponents.

But while the president's allies so far appear united, analysts have speculated that differences might emerge between factions led by Maduro, Chavez's chosen successor, and Cabello, who is thought to wield power within the military and who would be in line to temporarily assume the presidency until a new election can be held.

Standing together on Thursday, Maduro and Cabello said they are more united than ever.

"We've sworn before commander Hugo Chavez, and we've ratified the oath today before commander Chavez, that we're going to be united, together with our people, with the greatest loyalty," Maduro said.

He and Cabello dismissed rumors of divisions waiting to erupt, calling such talk lies cooked up by their adversaries.

"They're going to spend 2,000 years waiting for that to happen," Cabello said, urging Venezuelans: "Don't fall for the opposition's rumors."

"We aren't going to betray the nation," Cabello added.

The former military officer has been making similar assurances on Twitter and suggesting that the socialist party has its plans for the coming days all thought out.

"We Chavistas are very clear on what we will do," Cabello said in one message.

But the plans of Chavez's allies remain a mystery.

The Venezuelan Constitution says the presidential oath should be taken Jan. 10 before the National Assembly, and officials have raised the possibility that Chavez might not be well enough to do that, without saying what will happen if he can't.

Chavez said before his fourth cancer-related operation that if his illness prevented him from remaining president, Maduro should finish his current term and be his party's candidate to replace him in a new election.

The constitution says that if a president or president-elect dies or is declared unable to continue in office, presidential powers should be held temporarily by the president of the National Assembly, who is now Cabello. It says a new presidential vote should be held within 30 days.

Opposition leaders have argued that Chavez, who was re-elected to a six-year term in October, seems no longer fit to continue as president and have demanded that a new election be held within 30 days if he isn't in Caracas on inauguration day.

But some of Chavez's close confidants dismiss the view that the inauguration date is a hard deadline, saying Chavez could be given more time to recover from his surgery if necessary.

Cabello noted last month that the constitution says if a president is unable to be sworn in by the legislature, he may be sworn in by Supreme Court justices, who were appointed by the mostly pro-Chavez legislature.

"When? It doesn't say. Where? It doesn't say where," Cabello recently told a crowd of government supporters. His indication that the constitution does not specify where a president-elect should be sworn in by the Supreme Court has led to speculation that justices could travel to Cuba for the ceremony.

Opposition leaders chafe at the suggestion that Chavez could take office from a foreign country, saying the president made it clear before he left for the operation that his health was deteriorating by designating Maduro as his successor.

Aristobulo Isturiz, a state governor and leader of Chavez's United Socialist Party of Venezuela, said Thursday that if Chavez's swearing-in isn't held Jan. 10, it will be up to the Supreme Court to determine the place and date of the ceremony.

"The president has a right to recover," Isturiz said in remarks published by the state-run Venezuelan News Agency.

More than three weeks after Chavez's cancer surgery, government officials have been providing vague and shifting updates on his condition. Maduro announced over the weekend that Chavez had suffered complications due to a respiratory infection and was in "delicate" condition.

The vice president initially had said he would return from Cuba to Venezuela on Wednesday, but stayed another day while visiting Chavez along with Cabello and others.

Maduro didn't provide any new details about Chavez's condition on Thursday, only reiterating that "he is fighting a battle," which he described as "very complex." He said Chavez's respiratory problems "have seriously affected him."

Still, Maduro expressed hope: "In our hearts, we feel it, sooner rather than later we're going to see commander Hugo Chavez here in his homeland, here with us."

Caracas Mayor Antonio Ledezma, an opposition politician, proposed earlier Thursday that a commission travel to Cuba to determine the state of Chavez's health. He said the delegation should be made up of doctors, lawmakers and other officials such as state governors, including opposition leader Henrique Capriles.

"I'm not asking for permission to go to Cuba. I think it's our right to go there and see what's going on," Ledezma said in comments reported by the television channel Globovision. "Enough mysteries. Venezuela isn't a colony of Cuba."

Some of the brewing disagreements could begin to be aired Saturday, when the National Assembly, which is controlled by a pro-Chavez majority, convenes to select legislative leaders. That session will be held just five days before the scheduled inauguration day.

Law professor Vicente Gonzalez de la Vega agrees with Cabello's view that the constitution is ambiguous regarding the time and place of a swearing-in ceremony before the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court President Luisa Estella Morales said following Cabello's proposal last month that justices could rule on whether it's constitutional to postpone the date of the swearing-in ceremony. The issue has not yet been brought before the court, but Morales said Dec. 20 that the court could take up such issues if asked and would have the final word.

Before Chavez's inauguration date could be postponed, Gonzalez said, lawmakers would have to approve a 90-day extension of Chavez's "temporary absence" granted for his trip to Cuba for surgery. The president of the National Assembly would then be sworn in as an interim president for 90 days, said Gonzalez, a professor at the Central University of Venezuela.

In order for that to occur, though, Gonzalez said the Supreme Court would need to appoint a panel of doctors to examine Chavez to determine whether his health could improve and whether he might be capable of continuing his duties as president.

Opposition leader Ramon Guillermo Aveledo on Wednesday reiterated demands for the government to provide a full medical report.

He said sending a medical team to Cuba to assess Chavez's condition would be an option, if necessary. In the meantime, he said, "There are two keys here to facing this and any situation, which are the truth and the constitution."

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Associated Press writer Jorge Rueda contributed to this report.

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Christopher Toothaker on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ctoothaker

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2013-01-03-Venezuela-Chavez-What's%20Next/id-746fba28c56d40f885c836bfb25101a4

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