POPE LIVE: Ready for departure, final meetings

"Pope Live" follows the events of the final day of Pope Benedict XVI's papacy as seen by journalists from The Associated Press around the world. It will be updated throughout the day with breaking news and other items of interest.

___

LAST TASKS

The big speeches are done. It's almost time to go.

In just a few minutes, Pope Benedict XVI meets with his cardinals this morning on the day he heads into retirement. No major speech is expected during his morning farewell with his closest advisers, just a simple greeting to each one inside the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace.

Shortly before 5 p.m. local time, Benedict will leave the palace for the last time as pope, head to the helipad on the top of the hill in the Vatican gardens and fly to the papal retreat south of Rome. And there, at 8 p.m. ? the exact moment Benedict's resignation goes into effect ? the doors of the palazzo will close and the Swiss Guards in attendance will go off duty, their service protecting the pope now finished.

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QUICKQUOTE: JOHN KERRY

"The United States sends its best wishes to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI as he leaves the Vatican after years of service and dedication to God, the Catholic Church, and world peace. As the papal conclave assembles, I look forward to continuing our important relationship with the Vatican and working with the new pope to foster dialogue and promote human rights and human dignity throughout the world."

? New U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, visiting Rome for a conference on Syria as part of his first diplomatic tour abroad.

___

A GLIMPSE INSIDE

Victor L. Simpson, Rome bureau chief for The Associated Press, reflects on his decades of covering the papacy:

___

One thing that sets the Vatican apart from other places: You can't just stroll around and poke your head in everywhere.

As many as 18 million people pass through Vatican territory each year, but their visits are effectively limited to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican museums. Aside from the Vatican's 492 residents and its 4,700 employees, everyone else needs a pass, even to drop by the Vatican pharmacy for medicine not sold in Italy (bring a doctor's prescription please) or to buy back copies of the Vatican paper at the offices of L'Osservatore Romano.

After all these years, I still feel a tingle of excitement to be let in through the Bronze Door, escorted past Swiss Guards in full regalia, and taken up to the pope's apartment on the third floor of the Apostolic Palace for a papal audience with a dignitary. These meetings have given a rare peek inside Vatican diplomacy.

? Victor L. Simpson

___

TOWN TOUR

The town where Benedict is spending his last hours as pope and his first hours as the first pontiff in 600 years to retire is one of several picturesque "castle towns" known as the "Castelli," less than an hour's drive from Rome. Nestled in the Alban Hills, southeast of Rome, it is an area that is volcanic in origin. One of the volcano's old craters became Lake Albano, whose shores include Castel Gandolfo.

The volcano's no longer active, but the Castelli area gets its share of earthquakes, generally fairly mild and doing no damage. The rich volcanic soil helps produce inexpensive white wines that are a favorite in local trattorie as well as in restaurants in Rome.

The town is older than Christianity. The papal residence grounds include ruins from an imperial Roman villa, which itself had been on the site of ancient temples built several centuries before the ancient Romans came to check out the cool breezes and views.

The sprawling papal grounds, which as Vatican property enjoy extraterritoriality, include a working farm. Coffee bars in town have been known to serve milk from the farm's cows. (Yes, it's already been said: "Holy Cow.")

? Frances D'Emilio ? Twitter http://twittter.com/fdemilio

___

GOODBYE, RED SHOES

The red shoes are being retired.

The Pope is giving up the trademark that briefly made him a fashion star, trading in his snappy ruby-red loafers for a pair of hand-crafted brown ones made for him by artisans in Mexico. He will wear those in retirement, Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi says.

The flash of red sparked (unfounded) rumors he was wearing Prada and helped make him Esquire magazine's accessorizer of the year in 2007. The actual designer? An Italian craftsman who had previously created a pair for Pope John Paul II, according to the Italian news agency ANSA.

A former Vatican official assured The Associated Press back in 2005 that Benedict was no clothes horse, advising that the pontiff "wouldn't know Gucci from Smoochi."

? Matt Surman ? Twitter http://twitter.com/apsurman

___

LAST DAY AS POPE

Pope Benedict XVI is making history today, becoming the first pontiff to retire in nearly 600 years.

Only a handful of popes have ever done so.

The last was Pope Gregory XII, who stepped down in 1415 in a deal to end the Great Western Schism, a dispute among competing papal claimants. The most famous resignation was Pope Celestine V in 1294; Dante placed him in hell for it.

Benedict is saying farewell this morning to his closest advisers in Clementine Hall at the Apostolic Palace. Then shortly before 5 p.m., he will leave the palace for the last time as pope and fly by helicopter to the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome.

Exactly at 8 p.m. ? when his resignation takes effect ? the doors at Castel Gandolfo will close and the papacy that began on April 19, 2005, will come to an end.

? Nicole Winfield ? http://twitter.com/nwinfield

___

Follow AP reporters on Twitter where available.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/pope-live-ready-departure-final-meetings-094739179.html

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Head of Mexico's powerful teachers' union jailed

MEXICO CITY (AP) ? Mexico's most powerful woman was formally charged with a massive embezzlement scheme on Wednesday, standing grim-faced behind bars live on national television in what many called a clear message that the new government is asserting its authority.

The country watched rapt as national teacher's union head Elba Esther Gordillo heard the charges against her read by a judge in a grim prison in eastern Mexico City. It was a dizzying fall from power for a woman who traveled on private jets and maintained properties worth millions of dollars in Southern California.

Gordillo was charged with embezzling 2 billion pesos (about $160 million) from union funds, as well as organized crime. The judge in the case said a decision about whether the evidence is sufficient to merit a trial would be taken in three to six days.

If found guilty, Gordillo could face 30 years in prison.

She was arrested Tuesday afternoon as she returned from San Diego for a meeting of leaders of the 1.5 million-member National Union of Education Workers she has led for nearly a quarter-century. She was heading the union's fight with President Enrique Pena Nieto's administration over the country's most sweeping educational reform in more than 70 years.

Her arrest came a day after the president signed the reform into law.

"This is a case that has absolutely no political motivation," Attorney General Jesus Murillo Karam told the Televisa television network.

But most Mexicans scoffed at the idea that prosecutors had just found out that Gordillo ? known for her designer clothes, luxury cars and plastic surgery ? might be corrupt. Many saw it as a shot across the bow of potential foes by the Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, which ran the country for seven decades, was thrown out of power in 2006 and won back the presidency last year.

The message: Don't commit Gordillo's mistake of publicly opposing the president's reform efforts.

"The message is that, if this can happen to Elba Esther, it can happen to anyone," former Mexico City Mayor Manuel Camacho Solis told MVS Radio. Prosecutors said they had detected nearly $3 million in purchases at Neiman Marcus stores using union funds, as well as $17,000 in U.S. plastic surgery bills and the purchase of a million-dollar home in San Diego.

The arrest immediately sparked calls for prosecutors to bring similar cases against other union leaders known for lavish spending. The main opposition parties specifically named the leader of the country's oil workers' union, accused by local news media of giving his son a $2 million Ferrari, a report that has never been confirmed or denied.

The arrest of Gordillo sidelines a powerful opponent of the PRI even as the administration takes on a figure many blame for the dire state of the Mexican education system. Gordillo was a PRI leader for decades before splitting from the party, which was accused of corruption and authoritarian practices during its decades in power.

"This can be something very good for the country, but also for the government and for the PRI," said Jose Antonio Crespo, a political analyst at the Center for Economic Research and Teaching in Mexico City. "It cleans up the image of the PRI, as if to say, "Yes, we will be a different PRI, we're moving forward, not backward."

Pena Nieto is also proposing reforms that would open the state-owned oil company to more private investment, a move that could awaken similar opposition from that union.

But teacher's union members had been the only ones marching in the streets against reform in recent weeks, and the fiery Gordillo, who rose from teenage school teacher to a maker of presidents, vowed to keep fighting.

"I want to die with the epitaph: Here lies a warrior. She died like a warrior," Gordillo said in a speech on her 68th birthday this month.

Her union's secretary-general said Gordillo still had the group's loyalty, solidarity and affection, but there was no immediate sign of plans for protests.

Asked if he would go after other corrupt union bosses, as opposition parties have demanded, Murillo Karam said "I don't have evidence as clear as in this case."

In a news conference minutes after Gordillo's detention, he said the investigation started in December, just after Pena Nieto took office, when Banco Santander alerted authorities to transfers of billions of pesos, according to the attorney general.

Some funds eventually ended up in bank accounts in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, according to Assistant Attorney General Alfredo Castillo, who said that in one case, $1 million went to a Swiss account for a company owned by Gordillo's mother. Those funds were then used to buy a million-dollar house on the Coronado peninsula near San Diego.

For years, Gordillo has beaten back attacks from union dissidents, political foes and journalists who have seen her as a symbol of Mexico's corrupt, old-style politics. Rivals have accused her of corruption, misuse of union funds and even a murder, but prosecutors who investigated never brought a charge against her.

She was expelled from Pena Nieto's Institutional Revolutionary Party in 2006 for supporting other parties' candidates and the formation of her own New Alliance party. Her support was considered key in giving a razor-thin victory that year to former President Felipe Calderon.

After Pena Nieto's victory, his first legislative achievement was a reform that creates a system of uniform standards for teacher hiring and promotion based on merit instead of union connections. It also allows for the first census of Mexico's education system, which Gordillo's union has largely controlled for decades, allegedly padding the payroll with thousands of phantom teachers.

So great is the union's control that no one knows exactly how many schools, teachers or students exist in Mexico.

The Mexican education system has been persistently one of the worst performers among the world's developed economies, with few signs of improvement.

Mexico spent a higher percentage of its budget on public education than any other country in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development except New Zealand but had the lowest expenditure per child in 2009.

Nearly every Mexican 4-year-old is in pre-school, but only 47 percent are expected to graduate high school. In the U.S., the number is closer to 80 percent.

In a television interview last week about education reform, the interviewer told Gordillo that she was the most hated woman in Mexico.

"There is no one more loved by their people than I," Gordillo answered. "I care about the teachers. This is a deep and serious dispute about public education."

Columnist and political analyst Raymundo Riva Palacio said Gordillo is an experienced political fighter who may have lost the keen sense of political calculation that kept her in power for so many years.

"She lost clarity," Riva Palacio said. "Having so much to lose on the issue on which they finally got her, the money, she calculated badly."

Gordillo's arrest recalled the 1989 arrest of another once-feared union boss, Joaquin Hernandez Galicia, known as "La Quina." The longtime head of Mexico's powerful oil workers union, Hernandez Galicia was arrested during the first months of the new administration of then-President Carlos Salinas.

In 1988, he criticized Salinas' presidential candidacy and threatened an oil workers' strike if Salinas privatized any part of the government oil monopoly, Petroleos Mexicanos, or Pemex. On Jan. 10, 1989, ? about a month after Salinas took office ? soldiers used a bazooka to blow down the door of Hernandez' home in the Gulf Coast city of Ciudad Madero.

He was freed from prison after Salinas left office.

_____

Associated Press writers Mark Stevenson, Adriana Gomez Licon and Michael Weissenstein contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/head-mexicos-powerful-teachers-union-jailed-064823862.html

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Police find woman from SUV in Vegas Strip attack

LAS VEGAS (AP) ? Police say they have found a Miami woman who was in an SUV with a triple murder suspect when he fired shots that triggered a fiery, fatal chain-reaction crash on the Las Vegas Strip.

Las Vegas police Capt. Chris Jones told The Associated Press on Thursday that Tineesha Lashun Howard was located late Wednesday in another state that he did not identify.

Jones says she's being interviewed by police but is not a suspect or facing criminal charges. Police previously called her a person of interest.

Howard also uses the names Yenesis or Yani Alfonzo.

The 26-year-old suspect, Ammar Harris, is sought on three murder warrants in the Feb. 21 shooting that killed self-promoted rapper Kenneth Wayne Cherry Jr.

Cherry was driving a Maserati that slammed into a taxi that exploded in flames, killing the driver and passenger.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/police-woman-suv-vegas-attack-found-170653596.html

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Dog shoots its owner (Americablog)

Share With Friends: | | Politics - Top Stories Stories, News Feeds and News via Feedzilla.

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Researchers discover protein that may control the spread of cancer

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Researchers at the University of Hawai'i Cancer Center have uncovered a novel mechanism that may lead to more selective ways to stop cancer cells from spreading. Associate Professor Joe W. Ramos PhD, a cancer biologist at the UH Cancer Center and his team have identified the role of the protein RSK2 in cancer cell migration, part of the process of cancer metastasis.

Cancer becomes metastatic when cells break away from the primary tumor and spread to other parts of the body. Metastatic cancer is much more difficult to treat and patients with metastatic cancer have a generally worse prognosis. "The cancers that kill are those that spread to other parts of the body or disseminate within the organ," said Ramos. "If we could keep cancer cells confined to the primary tumor mass, we could remove it with less risk of metastasis and later recurrence."

The Ramos team reports that RSK2 significantly increases cell migration in part by reducing integrin activation. Integrins play an important role in cell adhesion to their surrounding tissue and the migration of tumor cells to new locations in the body. RSK is active in both breast and prostate tumors, and promotes proliferation in these cells. It can also promote cell invasion and metastasis in head and neck cancers in addition to lung cancer and neuroblastoma.

"We focused on understanding the process of cell adhesion," said Ramos. "Integrins help the cell move by grabbing onto proteins and cells in their surroundings, pulling, then releasing and grabbing on again. Blocking a cancer cell's ability to adhere and move can control further dissemination of some metastasis. There are drugs that kill cancer cells and there are drugs that stop the division of cancer cells, but there are far fewer drugs that specifically stop the movement of cancer cells. Our work suggests that drugs that interfere with RSKs may help control or prevent metastasis."

###

The study: "RSK2 Protein Suppresses Integrin Activation and Fibronectin Matrix Assembly and Promotes Cell Migration" is published in the December 21, 2012 edition of The Journal of Biological Chemistry. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3527930/

University of Hawaii Cancer Center: http://www.uhcancercenter.org/

Thanks to University of Hawaii Cancer Center for this article.

This press release was posted to serve as a topic for discussion. Please comment below. We try our best to only post press releases that are associated with peer reviewed scientific literature. Critical discussions of the research are appreciated. If you need help finding a link to the original article, please contact us on twitter or via e-mail.

This press release has been viewed 37 time(s).

Source: http://www.labspaces.net/127024/Researchers_discover_protein_that_may_control_the_spread_of_cancer

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Review: Keith McMillen QuNeo Pad Controller

With the ability to process three parameters at once, this iPad-sized MIDI controller adds an extra dimension to your electronic music production rig.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GearFactor/~3/757yrIt6ByU/

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'NCIS': Ducky And Jimmy Find Themselves At The Center Of The Case When They Get Abducted (VIDEO)

"666 Park Avenue"

<strong>"666 Park Ave.," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Canceled <strong>Why</strong>: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/16/666-park-avenue-canceled_n_2147290.html">ABC pulled the plug</a> on this supernatural drama earlier in the season.

"The Bachelor"

<strong>"The Bachelor," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: While ratings may have dropped, "The Bachelor" will likely see another season on ABC as tabloids and viewers still care about the comings and goings of contestants.

"Body of Proof"

<strong>"Body of Proof," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: On the bubble <strong>Why</strong>: ABC is keen on this Dana Delany drama, but the ratings for this upcoming third season will be the true test.

"Castle"

<strong>"Castle," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed. <strong>Why</strong>: Strong ratings and a dedicated viewership will keep "Castle" on the schedule.

"Dancing With the Stars"

<strong>"Dancing With the Stars," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: The series is hurting in the ratings ... by "DWTS" standards. It's still a strong player for ABC, but the new season hasn't premiered yet.

"Don't Trust The B---- In Apt. 23"

<strong>"Don't Trust The B---- In Apt. 23," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Canceled <strong>Why</strong>: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/22/apartment-23-canceled-dont-trust-the-b_n_2528858.html">ABC pulled the low-rated comedy</a> from it schedule and the stars took to Twitter to announce the cancellation.

"Family Tools"

<strong>"Family Tools," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Too soon to tell <strong>Why</strong>: This ABC comedy has yet to debut, but a May 1 premiere date doesn't look great.

"Grey's Anatomy"

<strong>"Grey's Anatomy," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: America still loves McDreamy and the goings on at Seattle Grace. Expect "Grey's" to return.

"Happy Endings"

<strong>"Happy Endings," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: On the bubble <strong>Why</strong>: Always the bubble show, never the surefire renewal hit. "Happy Endings" has suffered from many ratings ailments, including bad scheduling (<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/14/happy-endings-friday-abc_n_2683091.html">it's moving to Friday night</a>) and lack of promo. But this ahmahzing show has some serious fans that could keep it afloat for another season ... maybe on another network (a la "Cougar Town.")

"How To Live With Your Parents (For The Rest Of Your Life)"

<strong>"How To Live With Your Parents (For The Rest Of Your Life)," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Too soon to tell <strong>Why</strong>: The ABC comedy starring Sarah Chalke has yet to debut, but its late season bow doesn't exactly bode well for its future.

"Last Man Standing"

<strong>"Last Man Standing," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: Viewers still love Tim Allen! Paired with "Malibu Country," "Last Man Standing" has been performing well on Friday nights and <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/14/jonathan-taylor-thomas-last-man-standing-home-improvement_n_2686307.html">will soon see Allen's "Home Improvement" co-star Jonathan Tyler Thomas</a>.

"Last Resort"

<strong>"Last Resort," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Canceled <strong>Why</strong>: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/16/last-resort-canceled-abc_n_2147316.html">ABC killed the Shawn Ryan drama</a> in late 2012.

"Malibu Country"

<strong>"Malibu Country," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: "Malibu Country" has been performing well on Friday nights. Lesson: Never underestimate the star power of Reba.

"The Middle"

<strong>"The Middle," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: Now in its fourth season, "The Middle" is still pulling in more than 8 million viewers an episode as the anchor of ABC's Wednesday comedies.

"Mistresses"

<strong>"Mistresses," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Too soon to tell <strong>Why</strong>: ABC sent out the pilot with its 2012-2013 offerings, but the drama, which is based on the UK series of the same name, has yet to premiere despite having Alyssa Milano and "Lost" alum Yunjin Kim.

"Modern Family"

<strong>"Modern Family," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: A fan favorite and Emmy darling, "Modern Family" will be back and will make ABC lots of money in syndication.

"Nashville"

<strong>"Nashville," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: On the bubble <strong>Why</strong>: Critical acclaim doesn't always equate to rating success. The show has stabilized in Nielsen ratings, but its future really depends on the strength of ABC's drama pilots.

"The Neighbors"

<strong>"The Neighbors," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: One of the few "hits" of the season, "The Neighbors" has found an audience and kept it pretty steadily week after week (<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/11/abc-shows-fall-tv-2012-2013_n_1581796.html">much to our dismay</a>).

"Once Upon a Time"

<strong>"Once Upon a Time," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: A ratings hit in its second season, "Once Upon a Time" is almost sure to be back for a third season full of fairytale adventures.

"Private Practice"

<strong>"Private Practice," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Ended <strong>Why</strong>: The "Grey's Anatomy" spinoff said goodbye in January 2013.

"Red Widow"

<strong>"Red Widow," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Too soon to tell <strong>Why</strong>: The show has a late February debut on ABC.

"Revenge"

<strong>"Revenge," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: On the bubble <strong>Why</strong>: "Revenge" has fallen out of critical favor and seen lower ratings in its new Sunday night home. But none of ABC's freshman dramas are doing well, so that works in the show's favor.

"Rookie Blue"

<strong>"Rookie Blue," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Renewed <strong>Why</strong>: The Canadian co-production will return for a fourth season on ABC during the summer of 2013.

"Scandal"

<strong>"Scandal," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: Shonda Rhimes has another hit on her hands. Now in its second season, "Scandal" has benefited from word-of-mouth and has been rising in the ratings (even recently beating out its lead in "Grey's Anatomy"). A likable star -- Kerry Washington -- and continued buzz will keep "Scandal" on the schedule.

"Suburgatory"

<strong>"Suburgatory," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: On the bubble <strong>Why</strong>: The series started Season 2 off strong in the ratings, but its audience has slowly eroded. Its not the worst-performing ABC sitcom, but its buzziness has died down as well.

"Zero Hour"

<strong>"Zero Hour," ABC</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Too soon to tell <strong>Why</strong>: The Anthony Edwards vehicle debuted to 6.3 million viewers with a 1.3 rating in the key 18-49 demographic, making it <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/15/zero-hour-ratings_n_2695800.html">the least-watched premiere for a scripted series in ABC's history</a>. Obviously, things aren't looking good for the "ER" star's comeback, but maybe the ratings will improve.

"2 Broke Girls"

<strong>"2 Broke Girls," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: It's not doing "The Big Bang Theory" numbers, but "2 Broke Girls" has maintained a viewership over its two seasons.

"The Amazing Race"

<strong>"The Amazing Race," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: As an Emmy and fan favorite, "The Amazing Race" has been a strong player for CBS.

"The Big Bang Theory"

<strong>"The Big Bang Theory," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: Now in its sixth season, "Big Bang" is reaching series-high ratings. Even up against reality powerhouse "American Idol," "The Big Bang Theory" has been delivering with crazy high numbers in the 18-49 demographic, beating out what was once Fox's juggernaut.

"Blue Bloods"

<strong>"Blue Bloods," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: The Tom Selleck-fronted police drama is a strong ratings performer for CBS on Fridays. It will likely be back to help launch new Friday shows and produce enough episodes to enter syndication.

"Criminal Minds"

<strong>"Criminal Minds," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: As one of CBS's strong procedural players, the series has been steady in the ratings and will likely be renewed to help anchor a night and launch a new drama.

"CSI"

<strong>"CSI," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: Of the two "CSI" shows on the air, "CSI" is the stronger player in the TV landscape. The show is nowhere near its earlier ratings, but after such a successful run, CBS would be smart to bring the show -- and some old faces back -- for an abbreviated farewell season.

"CSI: NY"

<strong>"CSI: NY," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: On the bubble <strong>Why</strong>: The spinoff series will be entering Season 10 in the 2013-2014 season. The ratings have faded over the years, but they're still pretty stable, especially for Fridays. It's a toss up, depending on how well CBS's development slate goes.

"Elementary"

<strong>"Elementary," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: One of the very few freshman series hits during the 2012-2013 TV season, CBS is very keen on this modern-day take on Sherlock Holmes. The audience has been steady and the network even gave it the post-Super Bowl timeslot.

"Golden Boy"

<strong>"Golden Boy," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Too soon to tell <strong>Why</strong>: CBS certainly has a handsome star at the front of this cop drama, but its late season entry and Friday timeslot could be a hint toward CBS's confidence in the show.

"The Good Wife"

<strong>"The Good Wife," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: On the bubble <strong>Why</strong>: A former ratings champ, "The Good Wife" has slipped to series low ratings on Sunday nights. Blame football overrun, fan-detested storylines or too many guest stars, but "The Good Wife" is certainly in the danger zone. What it has going for it: star power and critical praise, plus its nearing a good syndication sweet spot.

"Hawaii Five-0"

<strong>"Hawaii Five-0," CBS</strong <strong>Status</strong>: On the bubble <strong>Why</strong>: Its ratings -- bouncing around 8-10 million viewers an episode, are great ... if you're a show on NBC. By CBS standards, they're kind of meh, but this show has stars with very active fan followings. CBS could axe the drama to make room for new procedurals, or stick with it to get the show close to syndication gold.

"How I Met Your Mother"

<strong>"How I Met Your Mother," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Renewed <strong>Why</strong>: CBS handed out a ninth and final season to this comedy with the entire cast returning. Expect to meet the mother, finally.

"Made In Jersey"

<strong>"Made In Jersey," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Canceled <strong>Why</strong>: CBS pulled the plug on this legal drama very early on in the season because of low ratings.

"The Mentalist"

<strong>"The Mentalist," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: On the bubble <strong>Why</strong>: "The Mentalist" has fallen to mediocre ratings -- by CBS standards -- and could be axed in favor of making room for a new drama.

"Mike & Molly"

<strong>"Mike & Molly," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: The ratings are down a little bit from last year, but Melissa McCarthy's star continues to rise. CBS will likely bring the show back for another season.

"NCIS"

<strong>"NCIS," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Renewed <strong>Why</strong>: CBS reached a deal with series star Mark Harmon in early 2013, keeping the No. 1 show in America around for a Season 11.

"NCIS: LA"

<strong>"NCIS: LA," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: Viewers love their "NCIS," in any form. The ratings have been strong and the network is producing a backdoor spinoff pilot for this spinoff show. A full night of "NCIS" could be in CBS's future.

"Partners"

<strong>"Partners," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Canceled <strong>Why</strong>: Low ratings and unfavorable reviews led to the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/16/partners-canceled-cbs_n_2145832.html">early demise</a> of this CBS comedy.

"Person of Interest"

<strong>"Person of Interest," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: The series has developed a nice-sized audience, bigger than its first season.

"Rules of Engagement"

<strong>"Rules of Engagement," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Honestly, who knows <strong>Why</strong>: This comedy has been on the bubble since it premiered ... yet is now in its seventh season. It's too soon to look at the numbers for this season, but the show has been a midseason success for CBS in the past. However, series co-star <a href="http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/02/07/cbs-orders-comedy-pilot-starring-patrick-warburton/">Patrick Warburton is attached to star in a new pilot</a> ... for CBS.

"Survivor"

<strong>"Survivor," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: A strong player for the last 13 years, "Survivor" will likely be back. But due to its <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/14/survivor-ratings-lowest-premiere-ever_n_2687591.html">most recent premiere ratings</a>, we might not see it during the fall season, though a midseason or summer return -- with some new gimmick -- is definitely in the cards for the reality series.

"Two and a Half Men"

<strong>"Two and a Half Men," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: CBS wants another season of this bawdy hit, it's just a matter of getting its stars to sign back on.

"Undercover Boss"

<strong>"Undercover Boss," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Likely to be renewed <strong>Why</strong>: The show is enjoying life in syndication and its Season 4 numbers are better than most of its third season.

"Unforgettable"

<strong>"Unforgettable," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: Uncanceled <strong>Why</strong>: CBS canceled the Poppy Montgomery drama last season ... and then revived it! Season 2 premieres Sunday, July 28.

"Vegas"

<strong>"Vegas," CBS</strong> <strong>Status</strong>: On the bubble <strong>Why</strong>: Despite star power, the series hasn't been a breakout hit in the ratings. CBS previously canceled "Unforgettable" (then uncanceled it) last season when it was doing about the same as "Vegas."

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/27/ncis-ducky-jimmy-kidnapped-video_n_2771627.html

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Senate GOP Split On Sequester Cuts Alternative

WASHINGTON -- Senate Republicans appeared flummoxed Tuesday by the impending sequestration budget cuts, unable to offer a consensus alternative and arguing that slashing $85 billion this fiscal year may be smart.

"We haven't decided yet how many alternatives we will offer later this week -- that matter is still under discussion in our conference," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

McConnell had floated the idea of writing legislation that would keep cuts in place, but would give President Barack Obama's administration "flexibility" to implement them in the best way. That plan did not fly, however, as the Kentucky Republican ran into opposition from members who don't want to cede the legislative branch's traditional authority to the president.

"I was speaking for myself," McConnell explained to reporters. "There are some members of our conference who are suspicious that the administration taking advantage of such flexibility would seek to punish their political enemies. There are differences of opinion about that."

The lack of a consensus option for Senate Republicans has threatened to hurt the party's already delicate negotiating position in the final days before sequestration starts on March 1.

With House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) insisting that the Senate move before he considers a bill, the spotlight has moved squarely to the upper chamber. Top Democrats said they expected more than 50 votes for their party's $85 billion, 10-year sequestration-replacement option, evenly split between revenue hikes and spending cuts (with half the cuts coming from defense).

Republicans are under pressure to follow suit with a plan that gets similar support within their ranks. Neither will likely get the 60 votes needed to pass.

Nevertheless, some Senate Republicans late Tuesday confirmed that members of the minority were far from reaching an agreement.

"That's the problem," said Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). "There's several alternatives that are being weighed. I think we've got to define the universe that we're talking about here."

McConnell's option to grant executive agencies the flexibility to direct the cuts appeared Tuesday to be the most likely to be put forward, in spite of the internal resistance. Some of his members backed the idea strongly, downplaying fears of Obama hurting red states.

"So what? You're talking penny ante political mischief," said Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.). "Do I really care about this when it comes to saving our nation? No. I don't care about that."

In response to McConnell, the White House moved quickly to say it opposed the approach, as did Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), who filed a motion Tuesday evening to hold the first vote on the Democratic plan on Thursday.

In a briefing with reporters Tuesday, senior administration officials insisted that giving the president the flexibility to choose the cuts wouldn't diminish the unfortunate macroeconomic impact of the sequester. Most of the pain would be absorbed in the private sector, after all, one official noted, speaking on condition of anonymity. And because the cuts are so heavy on the defense and discretionary spending fronts, it is virtually impossible to separate the most vital programs.

McConnell's office, nevertheless, pushed the idea as a practical alternative that may have a marginal benefit.

"Just last week, [Transportation Secretary Ray] LaHood said they were looking at ways to reduce spending, but their hands were tied because the law didn?t give them any flexibility," said Don Stewart, a spokesman for McConnell. "So we offer them flexibility -- now they say it doesn?t matter? Give me a break."

The White House wasn't alone in need of convincing, however. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) told Politico that he did not want to hand over his constitutional obligations to the president. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) echoed those sentiments. And Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) was even more candid, saying that Republicans would just "criticize everything" Obama chooses to cut, once he's granted that authority.

By Tuesday afternoon, the lack of cohesion within the GOP ranks had frustrated senators.

"I really couldn't tell you," said Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). "I don't quite understand, except that the ideas are sufficiently different." Crapo added that some senators supported the flexibility approach, while others wanted to identify specific savings.

But Crapo argued that Democrats had it easier in coming up with a proposal, because the majority's position was mandated by Obama.

"They have the presidency, and the president is saying what he wants the position to be for the alternative," Crapo said. "So they have the ability to have a designated leader who says this is the position for our party. On the Republican side, with the Republicans not controlling the presidency, there's a lot more diversity of opinion."

The disarray left GOP leaders arguing a fallback position: that sequestration won't be so bad.

"We're still going to spend more money next year than this year. these are things we can live with," said Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.).

Also on HuffPost:

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/26/senate-gop-sequester-alternative_n_2769191.html

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Apple to hand out iTunes credits in settlement

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) ? Apple has agreed to give more than $100 million in iTunes store credits to settle a lawsuit alleging that the iPhone and iPad maker improperly charged kids for playing games on their mobile devices.

The 2-year-old case centers on allegations that Apple didn't create adequate parental controls to prevent children from buying extra features while playing free games on iPhones and iPads in 2010 and 2011. Parents who filed the lawsuit in 2011 said they didn't realize their children were racking up the charges until they received bills or other notifications after the purchases were made. The games that had been downloaded were designed for kids as young as 4 years old, according to the lawsuit.

Apple introduced more stringent controls governing in-game purchases as part of a March 2011 update to the software that runs its mobile devices.

Under an agreement filed in federal court last week, Apple has agreed to award an iTunes credit of $5 to each of the estimated 23 million accountholders who may have been affected. Parents could receive more if they can show their bills exceeded $5. If the charges exceeded $30, cash refunds will be offered.

The lawyers who sued Apple said it's still too early to determine how many people ultimately will qualify for the iTunes credits and cash refunds. As part of the settlement, the attorneys are seeking $1.3 million in fees, which would be paid by Apple.

Apple, which is based in Cupertino, Calif., declined to comment Tuesday.

A hearing on the proposed settlement is scheduled Friday in San Jose, Calf.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/apple-hand-itunes-credits-settlement-182002285--finance.html

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Prison Planet.com ? Household chemicals cause cancer, birth ...

J. D. Heyes
Natural News
Feb 26, 2013

A new landmark study by the?World Health Organization says a host of common, everyday household chemicals pose severe health problems including cancer, asthma, reduced fertility and even birth defects.

According to the study, WHO identified a number of ?synthetic chemicals? which the UN agency said had ?serious implications? for health, even going so far as to suggest that so-called ?gender-bending? compounds found in PVC flooring, kids? toys and even credit cards should be banned in order to protect future generations, recent reports detailing the findings said.

The study said more research was likely needed to flesh out the links between endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are found in a number of household chemicals, and ?specific diseases and disorders.?

?Reasonable to suspect? chemical substances are causing harm

WHO researchers said they have discovered links between EDCs and health issues including breast, prostate and thyroid cancers, testicular problems, developmental effects on children?s nervous systems, and attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity in kids.

Scientists at the UN agency also said it is ?reasonable to suspect? chemical substances called phthalates of disrupting female fertility, and also linked the substances to rising rates of childhood diseases such as leukemia.

Researchers labeled the study the most ?comprehensive? report on EDCs so far because it examined and evaluated several chemicals and related evidence rather than just focusing on a single element or compound. The?study is titled, ?State of the Science of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals.?

• A d v e r t i s e m e n t

The findings also raised concerns over bispehnol A, a man-made compound found in many daily items such as tin cans and sunglasses. The substance is believed to interfere with the natural hormones that influence human development and growth.

WHO scientists also said there was ?very strong evidence? in animals that the substances can interfere with thyroid hormones; that could lead to brain damage, loss of intelligence, autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Regarding the incidence of prostate?cancer, ?significant evidence? exists that suggests a link with agricultural pesticides, according to a team of international medical experts which examined the data. The UN agency also said wildlife was at risk.

?The diverse systems affected by endocrine-disrupting?chemicals likely include all hormonal systems and range from those controlling development and function of reproductive organs to the tissues and organs regulating metabolism and satiety,? the report said. ?Effects on these systems can lead to obesity, infertility or reduced fertility, learning and memory difficulties, adult-onset diabetes or cardiovascular disease, as well as a variety of other diseases.?

The same report, published 10 years ago, found only ?weak evidence? that said chemicals could affect human?health.

?The latest science shows that communities across the globe are being exposed to EDCs, and their associated risks,? said Dr. Maria Neira, WHO?s Director for Public Health and Environment. She said the agency ?will work with partners to establish research priorities to investigate links to EDCs and human health impacts in order to mitigate the risks,? adding: ?We all have a responsibility to protect future generations.?

?We urgently need more research?

The study backed similar warnings by the?European Environment Agency that were issued last year, warning items like cosmetics and medicines containing EDCs could be harmful to human health.

Earlier,?Natural News reported that EDCs identified in this study may have on the body?s hormone system may have ?significant health implications? for humans. (http://www.naturalnews.com)

According to a UN press release, the report ?calls for more research to understand fully the associations between endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) ? found in many household and industrial products ? and specific diseases and disorders.?

?We urgently need more research to obtain a fuller picture of the health and environment impacts of endocrine disruptors,? Neira said.

Sources:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk

http://www.dailymail.co.uk

http://www.naturalnews.com

Print this page.

Source: http://www.prisonplanet.com/household-chemicals-cause-cancer-birth-defects-wide-range-of-health-issues-who-study-admits.html

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Secrets of Search engine optimization - Internet Advertising ...

Contracts track of a solution company for ecommerce business advertising and marketing, it is important to look at precisely what the SEO company will offer you and which its cost systems tend to be. The examples below directions can help:Your level appealing the provider will take to understand your objectives plus work with to produce your personal targets.Should the firms organization consists of pro people, backlinks service reviews online manuacturers, coders, article content internet writers in addition to social media industry experts. Other than making use of these yardsticks to identify the proper SEO service dealer, it is very important consider the variety of SEO services in which firm offers.

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Before signing program a site dealer to get business promotional, it is very important take into consideration just what SEO company is able to offer you and precisely what it is price systems are generally. The examples below tips can certainly help:All of the span fascinating the firm usually requires to recognize your primary goal not to mention manage to achieve any targets.Whenever the companys organization may include experienced repair, blackhatworld best seo service online technicians, web developers, material writers as well as social bookmarking pros. Aside from utilizing these yardsticks to understand the suitable SEO service service, you have to find the sort of SEO services which often small business would offer.

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Defense secretary nominee Hagel faces big step to confirmation

In this Jan. 31, 2013 file photo, former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel testifies at his Senate Armed Services Committee??Barring some unforeseen bombshell, Chuck Hagel will most likely win Senate confirmation as defense secretary by the end of this week.

The Republican former senator from Nebraska looks on track to clear the biggest hurdle on Tuesday: A vote to end debate on his contentious nomination and move to a final up-or-down ballot -- the outcome of which is not seriously in doubt.

What was unclear as of late Monday was whether Hagel's Republican opponents would use up all or just some of the 30 hours of debate they will have under Senate rules between the two votes. Aides on both sides predicted that Hagel's critics would want to cycle through some of their complaints -- that he cannot be trusted to manage the U.S.-Israel security relationship, or confront Iran over its nuclear program -- but would not foretell precisely when the final vote would occur. Democratic aides hoped for Tuesday, accepted Wednesday, and groused about the possibility of Thursday.

It was not clear how the sustained battering would affect Hagel's tenure at the Pentagon. But the rough handling he got from his fellow Republicans and former colleagues shows one thing for sure: The former lawmaker cannot count on getting the benefit of the doubt from Congress as he moves to deal with spending cuts that start coming into force on Friday, or takes on challenges overseas like the withdrawal from Afghanistan. (Top House Republicans don't get a vote, but some came out against Hagel, presaging combative exchanges when he goes before the House Armed Services Committee).

But first, the confirmation process.

Democrats have set up a cloture vote ? a vote to end debate on the Republican former senator?s nomination ? for midday on Tuesday. A similar effort fell short in the face of an unprecedented GOP filibuster two weeks ago, with Democrats just one vote shy of the 60 needed to proceed to confirm Hagel. (The tally showed 58 votes in favor, but Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid changed his vote to ?no? in order to secure the right under parliamentary rules to bring up today?s vote).

Since then, however, Republican Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama has come out in favor of Hagel, and some of his colleagues have indicated they will back cloture unless some bombshell new allegation surfaces. The White House, meanwhile, flatly rejected a Republican call late last week to withdraw the nomination.

So the Senate is likely to all-but-certain to invoke cloture. But, under Senate rules, that starts the clock on a 30-hour debate before the final confirmation vote. Republicans could decide not to use the full 30 hours, but as of late Monday it was unclear whether they would do so. And even one objection would mean lawmakers would have to use up the full 30 hours ? putting off the last vote in Hagel?s rocky nomination process to late Wednesday or even early Thursday.

Democrats can count on 55 votes ? four more than the 51 needed to confirm Hagel. So the cloture vote is really the last real stab at derailing a nomination that drew fierce Republican opposition and generally tepid Democratic support and that briefly looked lost in the weeds after Hagel put in a decidedly poor performance in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/defense-secretary-nominee-hagel-faces-big-step-confirmation-114702931--politics.html

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Analysis: Jumbo mortgages are back, but at far from 2007 levels

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Home sales and prices are rising briskly in those neighborhoods where the well-heeled like to plant their mailboxes: along Chicago's north shore, in the San Francisco Bay area and in the haute Hamptons.

Sales of properties worth between $750,000 and $1 million are up 38.7 percent over a year ago; $1 million-plus property sales are up 25.7 percent, according to the National Association of Realtors.

The luxury real estate revival is being fueled, in part, by another resurgence: so-called jumbo mortgages - those loans, typically over $417,000, that are too big to qualify for purchase by federal agencies, namely Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Jumbo loans are returning to the mortgage market after almost disappearing entirely in the wake of the credit crisis of 2008 and the real estate meltdown. Most lenders stopped making new jumbo loans when the private secondary market dried up in the credit crunch.

Now the credit markets are comparatively stable. Lenders, who are only making these big loans to the most highly qualified borrowers, now see jumbos as a safe and profitable way to make money on their low-cost deposits. And secondary market investors are starting to regain their taste for these comparatively high-yielding loans. Moreover, once-pricey jumbo loans are being offered at interest rates that are barely higher than conventional mortgages.

"The jumbo market may fare better than the overall mortgage market in 2013," Guy Cecala, publisher of Inside Mortgage Finance said.

But he and other observers question whether the jumbo loan market can return to its past size without a full recovery in the secondary market, which is a fraction of its former self. And new mortgage regulations could limit lenders starting in 2014.

"We are definitely enthusiastic," says Tom Wind, executive vice president of residential and consumer lending at EverBank Financial Corp. in Jacksonville, Florida. He sees growing investor demand for these loans allowing the market to grow. At current rates - roughly 0.23 percentage points above conventional mortgages - they provide nice yields for banks who want to keep the loans in their portfolios, too.

For the four weeks ending February 22, new jumbo activity was up 60 percent from the same period a year ago, according to Mortgage Daily, a trade publication that has been consistently reporting year-over-year increases in jumbo activity.

Even though loan volume is increasing, it is nowhere near 2007 levels, when the industry made $348 billion in jumbo loans. Last year, roughly $200 billion of jumbo mortgages were made, and Cecala says that he expects total 2013 volume to approach $220 billion.

In some expensive markets, loans don't start being classified as jumbo until they exceed $625,500; that limit was even higher for part of 2007, meaning that the 2007 figure represents a smaller potential jumbo market and isn't directly comparable.

Mortgage market leader Wells Fargo has increased its jumbo loan volume for three years straight, said Greg Gwizdz, an executive vice-president. In 2010, Wells Fargo issued a total of $10 billion in jumbo loans. That rose to $27 billion in 2011 and to $41 billion in 2012, with the average loan at $1 million, Gwizdz said.

Less than half of jumbos tend to go to refinancings, while almost three quarters of conventional mortgages were for refinancings last year, Cecala said. That, too, should boost jumbo activity in 2013 as refis taper off and the housing market picks up.

BETTER DEALS, NARROWING SPREADS

Interest rates on jumbos have been approaching those of the so-called conforming loans, even though they don't have agency backing. In mid-February, for example, the average rate on 30-year fixed-rate jumbo loans was 3.98 percent while the average rate for 30-year conventional loans was 3.75 percent, making the spread between them just 0.23 percentage points, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

Pre-crisis, rates on jumbo loans were typically around 0.25 percentage points higher than those on conventional loans, says Keith Gumbinger of HSH Associates, a mortgage research firm in Pompton Plains, New Jersey. At the height of the financial crisis in December 2008, it hit 1.8 percentage points.

"I just locked in a $900,000 loan at 3.5 percent," said Amy Slotnick, vice president of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp., in Needham, Massachusetts. "I can't even get a conforming loan at that rate."

Jumbos loans are priced well now because only the most qualified borrowers can get them. Lending standards, which were notoriously lax pre-crisis, have intensified as the loans have returned to market.

"At one point all you needed was a pulse" says Matt Silver, director of the Chicago Association of Realtors, and a real estate agent who specializes in high end Chicago properties. "Now you have to have all of your ducks in a row."

Those standards will get even more restrictive in 2014, when Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rules take effect. The CFPB rules are likely to kill the market for interest-only mortgages that had made up roughly 10 percent of the jumbo market, according to the Mortgage Bankers of America.

The rules also offer lawsuit protection for lenders who require that borrowers keep their debt payments at 43 percent or less of monthly income. Rick Sharga, of Carrington Mortgage Holdings in Greenwich, Connecticut, said that could be problematic for the jumbo market, because many high-income and high net worth borrowers don't fit that guideline but still have plenty of money on hand to repay their loans.

Today a borrower typically needs to put up 30 percent of equity, show a FICO credit score topping 760, provide years of tax records and prove that he or she has a year of mortgage payments in the bank. After meeting that stringent criteria, the typical jumbo borrower is probably a reasonable bet for a lender.

"Not just a good risk," says Slotnick. "A great risk."

SECONDARY MARKET PICK UP

Like many jumbo lenders, Wells has been keeping the loans it makes in its own portfolio instead of selling them off.

"Holding a jumbo loan is an attractive investment for banks sitting on lots of low rate deposits," says Mike Fratantoni, vice president of research and economics at the Mortgage Bankers Association. But eventually, lenders will need to sell off those loans to raise more money to make loans.

There has been some activity in the secondary market for these big loans - Redwood Trust Inc. led the way when it started packaging jumbos in 2010. Credit Suisse and Shellpoint Partners, a private mortgage-focused firm, have followed or made plans to do so, and JP Morgan Chase & Co is reportedly preparing its own jumbo-backed offering. But other investment firms, burned in the credit crisis, remain cautious.

Indeed, back in 2007, 61.3 percent of jumbo loans were securitized, Cecala said. In the first 9 months of 2012, just 1.7 percent of jumbo loans were securitized, up from 0.4 percent in 2011 and 0.2 percent in 2010.

Secondary market players and investors may come around as they see how the jumbo bet has paid off for Redwood - the real estate investment trust's share price is up roughly 96 percent since December 31, 2011. Redwood itself plans to buy and package $7 billion in jumbo loans in 2013, more than triple the $2 billion it securitized in 2012.

Without more Redwood-like deals, lenders - and particularly smaller banks like Everbank - will run out of cash to lend to jumbo borrowers. If rates rise, they will have other places to find yield.

Says HSH's Gumbinger: "There's no doubt (jumbos) are profitable today. But when you're sitting on $100 million in mortgages yielding 4 percent and you can use that capital to earn 6 or 7 or 8 percent? You're going to have to liquefy them somehow."

(Additional reporting by Leah Schnurr and Tim Reid; Editing by Lauren Young, Dan Burns and Claudia Parsons)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/analysis-jumbo-mortgages-back-far-2007-levels-212528591--sector.html

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Pain from the brain

Monday, February 25, 2013

Psychogenic diseases, formerly known as 'hysterical' illnesses, can have many severe symptoms such as painful cramps or paralysis but without any physical explanation. However, new research from the University of Cambridge and UCL (University College London) suggests that individuals with psychogenic disease, that is to say physical illness that stems from emotional or mental stresses, do have brains that function differently. The research was published today, 25 February, in the journal Brain.

Psychogenic diseases may look very similar to illnesses caused by damage to nerves, the brain or the muscles, or similar to genetic diseases of the nervous system. However, unlike organic diseases, psychogenic diseases do not have any apparent physical cause, making them difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to treat.

"The processes leading to these disorders are poorly understood, complex and highly variable. As a result, treatments are also complex, often lengthy and in many cases there is poor recovery. In order to improve treatment of these disorders, it is important to first understand the underlying mechanism," said Dr James Rowe from the University of Cambridge.

The study looked at people with either psychogenic or organic dystonia, as well as healthy people with no dystonia. Both types of dystonia caused painful and disabling muscle contractions affecting the leg. The organic patient group had a gene mutation (the DYT1 gene) that caused their dystonia. The psychogenic patients had the symptoms of dystonia but did not have any physical explanation for the disease, even after extensive investigations.

The scientists performed PET brain scans on the volunteers at UCL, to measure the blood flow and brain activity of both of the groups, and healthy volunteers. The participants were scanned with three different foot positions: resting, moving their foot, and holding their leg in a dystonic position. The electrical activity of the leg muscles was measured at the same time to determine which muscles were engaged during the scans.

The researchers found that the brain function of individuals with the psychogenic illness was not normal. The changes were, however, very different from the brains of individuals with the organic (genetic) disease.

Dr Anette Schrag, from UCL, said: "Finding abnormalities of brain function that are very different from those in the organic form of dystonia opens up a way for researchers to learn how psychological factors can, by changing brain function, lead to physical problems."

Dr Rowe added: "What struck me was just how very different the abnormal brain function was in patients with the genetic and the psychogenic dystonia. Even more striking was that the differences were there all the time, whether the patients were resting or trying to move."

Additionally, the researchers found that one part of the brain previously thought to indicate psychogenic disease is unreliable: abnormal activity of the prefrontal cortex was thought to be the hallmark of psychogenic diseases. In this study, the scientists showed that this abnormality is not unique to psychogenic disease, since activity was also present in the patients with the genetic cause of dystonia when they tried to move their foot.

Dr Arpan Mehta, from the University of Cambridge, said: "It is interesting that, despite the differences, both types of patient had one thing in common - a problem at the front of the brain. This area controls attention to our movements and although the abnormality is not unique to psychogenic dystonia, it is part of the problem."

This type of illness is very common. Dr Schrag said: "One in six patients that see a neurologist has a psychogenic illness. They are as ill as someone with organic disease, but with a different cause and different treatment needs. Understanding these disorders, diagnosing them early and finding the right treatment are all clearly very important. We are hopeful that these results might help doctors and patients understand the mechanism leading to this disorder, and guide better treatments."

###

University of Cambridge: http://www.cam.ac.uk

Thanks to University of Cambridge for this article.

This press release was posted to serve as a topic for discussion. Please comment below. We try our best to only post press releases that are associated with peer reviewed scientific literature. Critical discussions of the research are appreciated. If you need help finding a link to the original article, please contact us on twitter or via e-mail.

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Source: http://www.labspaces.net/127002/Pain_from_the_brain

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In shift, Syrian regime says it's ready to talk to rebels

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said in Moscow that the Assad government wanted to engage in 'dialogue with anyone?who's willing for it, even those who carry arms.'

By Arthur Bright,?Staff writer / February 25, 2013

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem attends a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, unseen, in Moscow on Monday, Feb. 25, 2013.

Ivan Sekretarev/AP

Enlarge

For the first time since the Syrian civil war began almost two years ago, a top member of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government today offered to engage in talks with rebel leaders to find a diplomatic resolution to the fighting. But the opposition leadership has reportedly dismissed the offer, insisting that the president must first step down.

Skip to next paragraph Arthur Bright

Europe Editor

Arthur Bright is the Europe Editor at The Christian Science Monitor.? He has worked for the Monitor in various capacities since 2004, including as the Online News Editor and a regular contributor to the Monitor's Terrorism & Security blog.? He is also a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

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Speaking at a press conference in Moscow before talks with his Russian counterpart, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said that "We're ready for a dialogue with anyone who's willing for it, even those who carry arms," reports the Associated Press.

"We are confident that reforms will come about not with the help of bloodshed but through dialogue," he added. The AP notes that it is unclear whether he meant that the government would be willing to negotiate with rebels before they laid down their arms.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also called upon Syria to open negotiations with the rebels, saying that "the situation in Syria is at a crossroads now."

But in an email to the Guardian, Khalid Saleh, a spokesman of the Western-backed Syrian opposition umbrella group known as the Syrian National Coalition, called Mr. Moallem's offer "empty" and "deceitful." Mr. Saleh insisted that talks could not involve Mr. Assad or his allies, and that Assad must resign.

There is nothing new in what Moualem said. It is more of the same empty offers the regime has been putting out for the last few months.

We are not looking for a dialogue. We are offering negotiations with those who have not committed crimes against Syrians to transfer powers from the Assad regime to the Syrian people.?Moualem's offer is deceitful, and it seems that he wants to divide up those who are fighting against Assad. It will be more appropriate for?Moualem ? who is offering dialogue with those carrying weapons ? to ask his regime to stop using scud missiles against those who are not armed.

We need serious movement from Assad regime not repeated empty offers.

Still, Moallem's comments come amid signs from both sides of the conflict ? and from the US and Russia ? in favor of a diplomatic solution. Despite Saleh's rejection of Moallem's proposal, it was only a few weeks ago that Mouaz al-Khatib, the SNC's leader, called for Assad to open negotiations with his organization. BBC News reported that Mr. Khatib's offer displeased many in the SNC, which has long insisted that Assad's resignation was a precondition for any talks.

And Mr. Lavrov is scheduled to meet with newly appointed US Secretary of State John Kerry in Berlin on Wednesday. The New York Times notes that even before the meeting was planned, Mr. Kerry had indicated that he had new ideas toward resolving the Syrian conflict, and that working with Russia, a staunch ally of Mr. Assad, appears to be part of those ideas.

Reuters notes that there are multiple sticking points before even an initial meeting could take place. One is the venue: the rebels insist that any negotiations would have to take place abroad or in rebel-held territory, while the Syrian government insists that it should host someplace within state control.

Further, the rebels demand that any peace talks must ultimately lead to Assad's departure from the government. Assad told UN envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi that he intends to complete his term and run for reelection in 2014.

And even if talks were held, Reuters adds, the Syrian opposition's political leaders, who would be conducting the talks, are in large part disconnected from the rebels on the ground, who appear to be willing to fight until Assad is toppled.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/1MyjacVJWho/In-shift-Syrian-regime-says-it-s-ready-to-talk-to-rebels

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LG buys WebOS from HP to use in smart TVs

Devin Coldewey , NBC News ? ? ? 5 hrs.

Palm's ill-fated WebOS has been bought again, this time by Korean electronics giant LG, ostensibly to support the company's development of smart TVs. But don't expect a Palm TV ? the once-admired OS is more likely to just fade into the background.

The purchase includes the OS itself and most of its critical components, including patents (although not its meager app catalog). Fans of the OS will be happy to hear that the open source projects started by HP will continue as before, albeit under the "stewardship" of LG. Still have a WebOS handset? HP will continue to provide support.

The financial terms of the deal were not announced, suggesting the purchase price was not particularly high; HP would probably like to avoid highlighting a poor return on their investment in Palm. Regardless, neither party believed the transaction would affect either of their stock prices.

HP acquired Palm for $1.2 billion three years ago ? a short time in the business world, but an eternity in software and technology. Palm's WebOS, widely hailed at its 2009 launch as an innovative and powerful alternative to both iOS and Android, was slated to power a new generation of HP consumer devices, none of which ever materialized.

LG states that WebOS was purchased to augment their next wave of smart TVs, and certainly the intuitive interface and patents in Palm's swan song could help with that. The world may be eagerly awaiting an Apple TV set, but in the meantime existing companies are fighting tooth and nail for space in the living room, and a novel and user-friendly OS (as LG seems to be planning) could be a coup.

But a few ideas and interface patents are likely all that can be salvaged from WebOS at this point for LG's purposes. Anyone who's hoping for a second (or third) coming of WebOS in the form of a smart TV will likely be disappointed.

Devin Coldewey is a contributing writer for NBC News Digital. His personal website is coldewey.cc.

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/gadgetbox/lg-buys-webos-hp-use-smart-tvs-1C8540546

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