Stars hit red carpet as Oscar time approaches

LOS ANGELES (AP) ? Hollywood's glitziest night got under way Sunday as this year's Academy Awards nominees hit the red carpet, with actresses Jessica Chastain and Amy Adams and closing-number performer Kristin Chenoweth among the early arrivals.

Chastain, a best-actress contender for "Zero Dark Thirty," blew a kiss to cheering fans, who chanted "Jessica!" Composer Mychael Danna, a dual nominee for the score and theme song to "Life of Pi," joked with red-carpet host Chris Connelly that he was keeping his acceptance speeches in separate pockets of his tuxedo.

Keeping them straight, Danna said, "is one of the reasons I won't be having any cocktails before I go in."

Chef Wolfgang Puck showed off some of the food he'll be serving at the Governors Ball after the show, including baked potatoes with caviar, chicken pot pie with truffle and Kobe steak.

"It's going to be the greatest party ever," Puck said.

A giant black-and-white photo of Oscar host Seth MacFarlane towered over the carpet, and some of his family also were among early arrivals, including his sister and father, who wore a green plaid kilt.

"It's not going to be too over the top," said MacFarlane's sister Rachel of her sibling's gig.

Fans have pondered how far MacFarlane the impudent creator of "Family Guy," might push the normally prim and proper Oscars.

MacFarlane may be a wild card, but as for the show itself, predictability could be the Academy Awards' middle name. This time looks the same, with clear favorites in the main categories.

So Oscar organizers hope they've assembled a show that will be good time on its own performance merits, with wily, bawdy writer, director, animator, singer and all-around vocal talent MacFarlane as host and a ceremony packed with song and dance.

The awards themselves do hold some potential firsts and other rarities.

Ben Affleck's "Argo" looks like it will be an uncommon film to claim best picture without a directing nomination, while "Lincoln" filmmaker Steven Spielberg and star Daniel Day-Lewis are favored to join exclusive lists of three-time Oscar winners.

If some longshots came in, the night could produce two more three-time acting winners ? Sally Field from "Lincoln" and Robert De Niro for "Silver Linings Playbook."

There's also a chance of the oldest or youngest acting winner ever ? 86-year-old "Amour" star Emmanuelle Riva and 9-year-old Quvenzhane (Kwa-VEHN-ja-nay) Wallis of "Beasts of the Southern Wild."

The ABC broadcast itself could set some fresh highs or lows. Oscar overseers keep talking about pacing and trimming fat from a ceremony that's dragged on interminably, approaching four and a half hours one year. Can they keep it tight and lively enough that viewers don't think about gouging out their eyes around the three-hour mark?

And what about host MacFarlane? He's a classy, low-key guy in person, with an old-fashioned Sinatra-style singing voice that he'll no doubt put to use in a show that's shaping up as a music-heavy, Broadway-style celebration of cinema.

Yet MacFarlane's career is built on pushing the envelope ? or crumpling it and tossing it in the trash ? as he's tested the boundaries of good taste with such brazen shows as his animated series "Family Guy" and last summer's F-bomb-laden blockbuster "Ted," which earned him a songwriting Oscar nomination.

The result could be a fun night for younger, hipper TV audiences that Oscar organizers are courting but a crude awakening for traditionalists who like their Academy Awards to lean more toward the sacred than the profane. Or it could be that MacFarlane makes the most of the thankless task of shepherding the Oscars, striking a nice balance between respecting Hollywood and poking it in the eye.

"I think a little bit of that injected into the mix will go a long way, but I do also have to be mindful, in this instance, of not losing the audience that's there every year," MacFarlane said amid a hectic rehearsal schedule. "It's a different audience from my own, but I do have to be respectful that they will be watching."

So maybe it's an Oscar show that's shaken, but not stirred up too much. That might suit one of the evening's special honorees, British super-spy James Bond, whose adventures will be the subject of a tribute to mark the 50th anniversary of his first big-screen outing in "Dr. No." Adele will perform her Oscar-nominated title tune to last year's Bond tale "Skyfall," while the show features Shirley Bassey, who sang the Bond theme songs for "Goldfinger," ''Diamonds Are Forever" and "Moonraker."

The show presents a salute to movie musicals of the last decade, with "Chicago" Oscar winner Catherine Zeta-Jones and "Dreamgirls" winner Jennifer Hudson joining "Les Miserables" cast members that include best-actor nominee Hugh Jackman, supporting-actress front-runner Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, Helena Bonham Carter and Amanda Seyfried.

Oscar producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron have lined up a bubbly mix of young and old Hollywood as presenters, performers and special guests ? from Barbra Streisand, Michael Douglas and Jane Fonda to "Harry Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe, "Twilight" star Kristen Stewart, and Robert Downey Jr. and his superhero colleagues from "The Avengers."

Along with front-runners Day-Lewis as best actor for "Lincoln" and Hathaway as supporting actress for "Les Miserables," the other favorites are Jennifer Lawrence as best actress for "Silver Linings Playbook" and Tommy Lee Jones as supporting actor for "Lincoln."

Affleck's thriller "Argo" is in line for best picture after winning practically every top prize at earlier honors. Hollywood was shocked that Affleck was snubbed for a directing nomination, possibly earning the film some sympathy votes, particularly from actors, who love it when one of their own succeeds behind the camera.

The story of how Hollywood, Canada and the CIA teamed up to rescue six Americans during the Iranian hostage crisis, "Argo" would become just the fourth film in 85 years to claim the top prize without a best-directing nomination and the first since 1989's "Driving Miss Daisy."

The best-picture prize typically ends the Oscar show, but this time, MacFarlane and Chenoweth will perform a closing number on the Dolby Theatre stage that producers Zadan and Meron called a "'can't miss' moment."

Keeping the wraps on whatever surprises they have in store has been a chore for them and MacFarlane.

"It's been difficult. The press, as you know, is very nosy and sneaky. They're always sniffing around trying to get any advance notice," MacFarlane said. "It's like (expletive) Christmas. Wait till Christmas morning. Don't spoil the surprise."

___

Online: http://www.oscars.org

___

AP writers Sandy Cohen, Beth Harris and Anthony McCartney contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/stars-hit-red-carpet-oscar-time-approaches-000456603.html

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?War Correspondents? In Mexico Address Mainstream Media Shortcomings, Use Twitter To Spread Information

In Mexico?s drug-war-torn cities, a small number of Twitter users affected by narco violence are acting as war correspondents to the masses, providing a public-safety alert system of sorts, according to a recent research paper from Microsoft, called ?The New War Correspondents: The Rise of Civic Media Curation in Urban Warfare.?

These ?curators,? tweeting with hashtags like #mtyfollow, #reynosafolllow, #saltillo and #verfollow, produce an inordinately high number of tweets compared to other users, informing people about recent violence, clashes and other news in regions where traditional news outlets have engaged in self-imposed blackouts to avoid narco violence.

?Twitter in particular and social media in general have become important elements of the information ecosystem. They have not replaced traditional news media, but they have certainly extended it in new ways,? Andr?s Monroy-Hern?ndez, one of the report researchers, tells TechCrunch. ?Social media is more participatory and democratic than the existing mainstream media, which is one of the reasons why it has emerged as a form of public sphere ? like a networked version of the public plazas.?

The report noted that of the 34 million people with Internet access in Mexico, 20 percent use Twitter. About 4.2 percent of Mexico?s online population has posted about the drug war on Twitter, according to the report. These users tend to use Twitter on desktop, and occasionally mobile, Monroy-Hern?ndez says.

Twitter?s adoption in the cities most affected by violence and studied in the report ? Monterrey, Reynosa, Saltillo and Veracruz ? paralleled the rise of violence there. And the volume of tweets in these cities continues to mirror violence-related events there, according to the report.

Because the use of Twitter in these cities revolves around the drug war, a big chunk of tweets are actually retweets, users notifying their networks about the danger. Hence, the importance of the core group of ?curators? who work independently, or with their own sources, to tweet out information to the masses. For example, in Monterrey one Twitter user was responsible for 3 percent of the city?s total tweets, two users responsible for 2 percent and seven users who were each responsible for 1 percent of the city?s tweets.

Yet, because of the nature of these tweets, curators are also anonymous, which at times means it is difficult to ascertain the veracity of the information in the tweets. This legitimacy issue is something Monroy-Hern?ndez sees as part of the evolution of social media in Mexico.

?I see an emerging trend of civic media technologies playing a central role in public life, especially those technologies that build on everyday social media practices,? he said. ?I expect this is going to become a very rich space ? not only in Mexico, but across the world.?

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

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Israel closely watching what weapons are being sent to Syria?s rebels

JERUSALEM -- Israel is closely monitoring the kinds of weapons that are being sent to Syrian rebel groups, and it?s consulted with U.S. officials about which weapons they consider too sophisticated to be passed to the groups that are battling to topple Syrian President Bashar Assad, according to Israeli officials with knowledge of the situation.

"Israel isn?t going to interfere and stop weapons shipments to the rebels at this point, but it wants to make sure it knows what they have," said an Israeli military official who agreed to discuss the matter with McClatchy only on the condition of anonymity because he wasn?t authorized to discuss it publicly.

Another military official who also asked not to be identified, for the same reason, acknowledged that Israel is concerned that the pressure to assist the rebels will result in weapons going to al Qaida-linked militants that have proved to be the anti-Assad forces? best fighters.

"On the one hand, there is a great deal of pressure on the Western world to bolster arms to moderate, what we call friendly, rebel groups so that they are on a level playing field with the groups that might be getting support from Islamist movements," this official told McClatchy. "On the other hand, once you send a weapon somewhere, you can?t control where it goes. The fear is that the same gun used to shoot a Syrian soldier will one day be used to shoot an Israeli soldier."

It?s long been known that Israel was monitoring the Assad regime?s internal movements of chemical and other sophisticated weapons out of concern that they might fall into the hands of al Qaida-linked rebels such as the Nusra Front or be passed to avowed enemies such as Lebanon?s Hezbollah, which has sent fighters to Syria to fight on Assad?s behalf. On Jan. 30, Israeli destroyed a convoy in Syria that sources said Israel feared was carrying anti-aircraft missiles to Hezbollah.

Until now, however, Israeli officials have been silent on their concerns about what weapons other nations might pass to the rebels. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who?s stressed that Israel won?t allow advanced weapons systems to move from Syria to militant groups in Lebanon, has stopped short of commenting on the flow of weapons into Syria.

The White House raised the possibility that weapons passed to the rebels might pose a threat to Israel two weeks ago in comments explaining why President Barack Obama had vetoed a plan, put forward sometime last year, to send military equipment to the rebels. The plan had the backing of then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, then-CIA director David Petraeus, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Panetta told a Senate committee Feb. 7.

Asked why the president had rejected a plan that his war Cabinet backed, White House spokesman Jay Carney offered the threat to Israel as one of the reasons.

?We don?t want any weapons to fall into the wrong hands and potentially further endanger the Syrian people, our ally Israel or the United States," Carney said. He later repeated the comment about danger to Israel, reinforcing that the concern had played a role in Obama?s decision.

Israel has been largely silent on its concerns about developments in Syria, and the second military officer said that was unlikely to change, especially about its concerns that weapons shipments to the rebels might be turned on Israel one day. He said officials worried that any public expression of concern would upset Israel?s efforts to improve relations with Turkey, one of the most vocal supporters of the anti-Assad forces. Many weapons shipments bound for the rebels are thought to cross into Syria from Turkey. Saudi Arabia and Qatar reportedly are the primary financiers of those shipments.

Source: http://www.modbee.com/2013/02/22/2589830/israel-closely-watching-what-weapons.html

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Rat tales abound in NYC after Superstorm Sandy

NEW YORK (AP) ? At the height of Superstorm Sandy, city residents watching seawater pour into the subway system couldn't help but wonder: What will become of all the rats?

Four months later, that's still a mystery.

And experts aren't so sure about stories of hoards of displaced rodents fleeing the flood zone and taking up residence in buildings that were previously rat-free.

TV stations and newspapers have been rife with reports about rats infesting parked cars and fleeing the East River waterfront for the brownstones of Brooklyn Heights and exterminators enjoying a boom in business.

For some city officials, the last straw came a week ago when a rodent problem forced a two-day closure of Magnolia Bakery, a Manhattan landmark often credited with starting a national cupcake craze. Within days, a city councilwoman floated a proposal to create a $500,000 emergency rat mitigation program for storm-impacted neighborhoods.

But the city's health department, which collects reams of data about the rat population and maps infestations looking for trends, said rodent complaints actually had declined since the late October storm, which was spawned when Hurricane Sandy merged with two other weather systems.

"The Health Department conducted extensive inspections in flood zones after Hurricane Sandy, provided guidance to home owners and baited the area. But we did not see an increase in the rat population," the agency said in a statement. "Large storms can flush out rats, but they also drown many rats, and the net effect of large storms is often a decrease in the rat population."

The number of rodent-related citations issued by health inspectors has dropped as well.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which runs the city's subway system, the nation's largest, also dismissed tales of rats being stirred up by Sandy.

"We noticed no unusual rat activity or rodent activity in the wake of the storm," agency spokesman Charles Seaton said.

He also said that when water was pumped out of flooded tunnels and stations, there weren't large numbers of rat carcasses left behind.

The idea of a mass rat migration drew ridicule from Richard Reynolds, who leads a group of dog owners who conduct urban rat hunts.

"What happened to the rats? Nothing! We're finding rats right where we've always found them," he said. "I think this whole idea that there has been some kind of major relocation of rats is just good news media fodder."

He noted, as did other experts, that Norwegian rats, the species found in New York, are known for being especially strong swimmers.

"I have seen them dive over 70 feet, swim 500 yards, give me the finger and head for the hills," he said. "Hurricane Sandy is not going to affect these critters."

Hard scientific data, though, is still largely lacking, and there is plenty of room for debate.

Retired pest control expert Dale Kaukeinen, who spent 30 years in the extermination business, said his first instinct was that Sandy probably decimated the rodent population in some neighborhoods. But he said he couldn't rule out the possibility that displaced rats had moved into new territory.

"They are adaptable. They can swim. They can move distances," he said, citing radio telemetry studies showing that rats can move several miles if displaced by environmental conditions.

Also, because rats live in a world of smell, their former homes might have been rendered unfamiliar by a flood, he said, even if the buildings, parks or tunnels they had been living in suffered little permanent damage.

"To a rat, it wouldn't look the same, it wouldn't smell the same," he said.

Jessica Lappin, the councilwoman who proposed the emergency extermination program for flood-damaged neighborhoods, said she was skeptical when she first started hearing stories about rat infestations since the storm but has come to believe the problem is real.

"We are used to seeing rats. But it definitely seemed to be getting worse," Lappin said.

She noted that even though the health department's citywide rat complaint numbers show no increase, there has been a rise in select Manhattan neighborhoods near where flooding occurred.

Those neighborhoods include the West Village, where mice first turned up in a basement storage area at Magnolia Bakery in the weeks after the storm, company spokeswoman Sara Gramling said Thursday. The bakery was cited by city health inspectors in January, then was closed down Feb. 14 after a follow-up inspection. It reopened two days later, with lines even longer than usual.

Gramling said she was sure the storm was a factor in the infestation, although she noted that there is also a large construction project taking place down the block.

"At the building, and in the West Village, there has been an influx across the board," she said. "We don't feel like it's an isolated incident. Clearly there is a trend."

Thomas King, a manager at M&M Pest Control, an extermination business based in Chinatown, said his company's rat calls are up 20 percent to 30 percent since the storm.

Recent media coverage of the supposed rat scamper caused by Sandy has focused on Brooklyn Heights, a historic district perched on a hill above the East River. But the neighborhood's rat problem is hardly new. Nearly every year has brought a new newspaper story about rats in the neighborhood, usually linked to trash left by visitors to the Brooklyn Promenade, the neighborhood's elevated esplanade.

The Brooklyn Heights Association, a civic group, did get some reports after the storm about new rat burrows being dug in gardens along the Promenade, but city park officials took quick action, and there have not been any complaints since.

So the mystery remains.

At least one notable rat population perished for sure: 7,000 lab rats and mice at a New York University research facility died when the building flooded during the storm.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/rat-tales-abound-nyc-superstorm-sandy-074155932.html

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Prosecution: Pistorius' account of shooting a 'stretch'

LIVE AUDIO ? A South African judge makes a decision in the bail hearing for Oscar Pistorius, the double-amputee athlete accused of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at his home in a suburb of Pretoria.

By Michelle Kosinski, Rohit Kachroo and Ian Johnston, NBC News

PRETORIA, South Africa -- The prosecution in the Oscar Pistorius case alleged Friday that it was ?improbable? that his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp would have stayed silent as she was shot to death.

Olympic and Paralympic star Pistorius, dubbed the ?Blade Runner,? maintains he did not realize Steenkamp was in the locked bathroom of his home in a suburb of Pretoria, South Africa, and fired through the door in a panic over a possible prowler.

However, prosecutors say the 26-year-old committed the ?premeditated murder? of Steenkamp, 29, a model and trained lawyer.

Pistorius was expected to hear Friday whether he would be kept in jail or released on bail pending his trial for alleged murder.

At the start of the fourth day of his bail hearing Friday, one of his lawyers grabbed Pistorius? hands and said, ?We?re going to be all right. Do you hear me??

But prosecutor Gerrie Nel told the court that ?one must stretch? to believe Pistorius? account of what happened in the shooting early on Valentine?s Day.

'It's not true'
And he questioned why Steenkamp would have stayed silent.

?Why would she not have shouted, 'Where are you (Oscar)? What's going on??? Nel said. ?She did not say a word, she did not scream, she did nothing! I think that's improbable ... It's not true!"

In a statement read to the court on Tuesday, Pistorius described waking up?and and going to his bedroom balcony to bring a fan inside and close the sliding glass doors and blinds. After hearing a noise in the bathroom, the double-amputee said he felt "a sense of terror" and feared a prowler was in the house.

Pistorius' account added:

"I fired shots at the toilet door and shouted at Reeva to phone the police. She did not respond and I moved backwards out of the bathroom, keeping my eyes on the bathroom entrance. Everything was pitch dark in the bedroom and I was still too scared to switch on a light. Reeva was not responding.

"When I reached the bed, I realized that Reeva was not in bed. That is when it dawned on me that it could have been Reeva who was in the toilet."

The prosecutor argued Friday that the runner?s attitude to the case had been ?I?ve done nothing wrong.?

Nel said he was ?not saying the murder of Reeva Steenkamp was planned days in advance, weeks in advance,? but certainly earlier that night.

He also questioned why someone who was concerned about burglaries would sleep with open doors and windows.

Nel claimed Pistorius did not understand the seriousness of the alleged offence and appeared to think it was ?business as usual.? He suggested this meant the athlete was a flight risk.

However, Chief Magistrate Desmond Nair asked ?what kind of life would Pistorius lead if he flees, given his protheses??

?Exactly? muttered someone in the court?s public gallery.

The prosecutor mentioned WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange -- currently in Ecuadorian Embassy in London, England, after skipping bail -- as a well-known person who cannot be extradited.

"His facial features are as well known as Mr. Pistorius' prostheses," Nel said.

Assange is sought for questioning in Sweden over alleged sexual offenses. After a court in London decided he should be extradited, Assange fled to the embassy.

Defense lawyer Barry Roux told the court that Pistorius should at most be charged with culpable homicide, which is the unlawful, negligent killing of someone under South African law.

He said ?intent? to possibly kill a burglar could not be transferred to become intent to kill Steenkamp.

Roux said Pistorius would not be able to flee the country unnoticed. If he went through security at an airport "the system would react."

The lawyer added that Pistorius would not skip bail, saying that his prosthetics needed adjustment every month and that he also required medication for his stomach.

The arrest of Pistorius stunned millions who watched in awe last year as the sprinter reached the semi-final of the 400 meters at the London 2012 Olympics.

In South Africa, Pistorius was seen as a rare hero who commanded respect from both blacks and whites, transcending the racial divides that persist 19 years after the end of apartheid.

Police investigating Pistorius pulled their lead detective off the athlete's case on Thursday after it emerged he himself faces attempted murder charges for shooting at a minibus.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Related:?

Pistorius bail hearing in chaos as lead detective is axed from case

Fragrance brand parts ways with Pistorius

Pistorius' uncle: Olympian in shock, 'will bounce back'

?

This story was originally published on Fri Feb 22, 2013 2:34 AM EST

Source: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/22/17052279-prosecution-oscar-pistorius-account-of-girlfriends-shooting-a-stretch?lite

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How to make a 3D soft silicone iPhone 4S/5 case?

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'); } }); } setTimeout(function() { if(onButton) { //$(".header-menu").each( function() {$(this).hide()} ); //$(".header-button").each( function() {$(this).removeClass("selected")} ); menuElem.show(); } }, delay); }, function() { onButton = false; setTimeout(function() { if(!onMenu) menuElem.hide(); }, delay); } ); menuElem.hover( function() { onMenu = true; buttonElem.addClass('selected'); }, function() { onMenu = false; setTimeout(function() { if(!onButton && !onMenu) { menuElem.hide(); buttonElem.removeClass('selected'); } }, 250); } ); })(this); }); }); } })();

Source: http://www.instructables.com/community/How-to-make-a-3D-soft-silicone-iPhone-4S5-case/

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Google Launches $1,299 Chromebook Pixel With 2560?1700 3:2 12.85? Touchscreen, Core i5 CPU, 1TB Of Google Drive Storage & Optional LTE

After a few weeks of rumors, Google just announced the latest device in its Chromebook lineup: the Chromebook Pixel. Unlike previous Chromebook versions, the Pixel is aimed at power users who fully live in the cloud. The device features an impressive array of hardware specs. It has a 12.85 inch high-density 2560×1700 screen (that’s 4.3 million pixels) with a 3:2 aspect ratio, an Intel Core i5 processor and a whopping 1 terabyte of free storage on Google Drive for three years. Google will also soon launch a version with a built-in LTE radio and has partnered with Verizon to offer 100 MB/month for two years of mobile broadband?and with GoGo to offer 12 free in-flight Wi-Fi sessions. The Pixel’s screen, which is obviously the highlight of the device, features a pixel density of 239 pixels per inch. That’s a bit higher than the 220 pixels/inch on the Macbook Pro with a Retina display, so Google proudly notes that its laptop “has the highest pixel density of any laptop display.” The basic Wi-Fi version of the Pixel will retail for $1,299 in the U.S. and ?1,049 in the U.K.?The Pixel is now available on Google Play and will also be available at select Best Buy locations in the U.S. and Currys PC World in the U.K. tomorrow. The LTE version ($1,449) will ship in the U.S. in April. The other difference between the LTE and Wi-Fi models is that the LTE version will ship with a 64GB solid-state drive and the Wi-Fi version will only have 32GB. Google did not disclose who its hardware partners are, but the company did say that the device is being?assembled?in Taiwan. “I think the hardware shines,” Google VP Sundar Pichai said at a press event in San Francisco today. Google, Pichai stressed, wanted to build a device for power users who live in the cloud. “There’s a set of users who are really committed to living completely in the cloud,” he said, and Google wanted to build the perfect laptop for them. The first thing users will definitely notice when they first open the Pixel is the screen. Not only does it have a very high resolution, but it also features a relatively unusual aspect ration of 3:2. According to Pichai, the reason for this was that Google looked at what people would do with this device, and given that the web still focuses on

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/po4GVXxBCsY/

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Underlying mechanisms behind chronic inflammation-associated diseases revealed

Feb. 22, 2013 ? Inflammatory response plays a major role in both health protection and disease generation. While the symptoms of disease-related inflammatory response have been know, scientists have not understood the mechanisms that underlie it.

In a paper published Feb. 21 in Cell Reports, a team lead by Xian Chen, associate professor of biochemistry and biophysics and member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, mapped the complex interactions of proteins that control inflammation at the molecular level.

The inflammatory response acts as a first line of defense for the immune system. Cytokines are generated to contain infection, preventing the occurrence or spread of diseases, including cancerous tumors. An overproduction or underproduction of these cytokines during disease-related inflammatory responses can lead to a variety of disease such as arthritis, asthma and some kinds of cancer.

The team found that chronic inflammatory response is mediated by the interaction of the protein phosphatase PP2Ac and an adaptor protein of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) MyD88 in a type of the immune cells (macrophages) showing tolerance to persistent stimulation of endotoxin (LPS).

Within endotoxin-tolerized macrophages, "PP2Ac is constitutively activated and operates on a switch that exists to convert pro-inflammatory MyD88 to immunosuppressant MyD88," said Chen.

Studying interactions of the protein network that underlies inflammation, the research team found that PP2Ac disrupts the pro-inflammatory signaling pathway mediated by the complex of MyD88 and TLR4. As a result of this disruption, both constitutively active PP2Ac and MyD88 move within the cellular nucleus, where they bound with the epigenetic machinery and alter the chromatin structure of a class of pro-inflammatory genes that leads to the silencing of this class of the genes.

"In the nucleus, in a MyD88-dependent way constitutively active PP2Ac reprograms the epigenetic machinery," said Chen.

With the discovery of PP2Ac behavior, Chen's research establishes a previously unknown link between cellular signaling and epigenetic regulation, which affects the genetic blueprint of inflammation. By mapping out the signaling pathway, as well the epigenetic machinery targeted by abnormally activated PP2Ac within the cells under chronic inflammation, the research identifies potential targets of immunomodulation for future therapies for inflammation-related disorders and cancers.

"Not only did we identify individual targets, but we also identified those interconnected targets in networks of dynamic protein interactions. That will set up the base for future network medicine, as targets on single genes and targets can have off-target side effects. To increase the precision of the drug targets, we reveal individual proteins but also their interactions as targets," said Chen.

This work is supported by NIH grants to Dr. Chen(NIH R01AI064806 and NIH 1U24CA160035).

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by University of North Carolina School of Medicine.

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. Ling Xie, Cui Liu, Li Wang, Harsha?P. Gunawardena, Yanbao Yu, Ruyun Du, Debra?J. Taxman, Penggao Dai, Zhen Yan, Jing Yu, Stephen?P. Holly, Leslie?V. Parise, Yisong Y. Wan, Jenny?P. Ting, Xian Chen. Protein Phosphatase 2A Catalytic Subunit ? Plays a MyD88-Dependent, Central Role in the Gene-Specific Regulation of Endotoxin Tolerance. Cell Reports, 2013; DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.01.029

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/top_health/~3/fuRr8-XpXzU/130222143135.htm

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Pope, in parting message, warns of church divisions and infighting

If church face is 'disfigured,' honesty is needed Benedict XVI says while urging greater humility, unity.

By Tom Heneghan,?Reuters / February 14, 2013

Pope Benedict XVI delivers his blessing flanked by Cardinal Agostino Vallini, right, after an audience with the Roman clergy in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Thursday Feb. 14, 2013.

Alessandra Tarantino/AP

Enlarge

With passing phrases and striking images, Pope Benedict is assembling a last testament to his?Roman Catholic Church, urging its leaders to put aside their rivalries and think only of the unity of the faith.

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The message, slipped into statements both before and after his shock resignation announcement on Monday, reads like a veiled rebuke to leading cardinals jockeying for influence in the upcoming conclave and in the papacy that it will produce.

His vague comments could also be hints that it was internal Vatican power struggles, such as those which led to the Vatileaks scandal involving Benedict's butler last year, that prompted him to take the almost unprecedented step of quitting the leadership of the world's largest church.

Benedict, 85, will step down on Feb. 28, triggering a new conclave - the closed-door papal election - in mid-March with no discernible front runner and several factions already putting forward their ideas for who or what the new pontiff should be.

The German pope urged the faithful on Wednesday to "show the?face?of the Church and how that?face?is sometimes disfigured."

"I am thinking particularly about sins against the unity of the Church, about divisions in the body of the Church," he said.

"Overcoming individualism and rivalry is a humble sign," he added during his last public Mass in St.?Peter's Basilica.

Italian newspapers, whose Vatican watchers are weighing every word uttered by Benedict these days, seized on the terms "disfigured?face" and "rivalry" as what the?Milan?daily Corriere della Sera called "signals hurled at the conclave".

Sodano vs. Bertone

Several analysts highlighted the well-known rivalry between Cardinal?Angelo Sodano, the former secretary of state or No. 2 man at the Vatican under Benedict's predecessor Pope John Paul II, and the current deputy, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.

Sodano, who as dean of the?College of Cardinals?will help the electors prepare for the conclave, has never hidden his disdain for the scandal-plagued Bertone, whose role as Vatican chamberlain is to organize events leading up to the conclave.

Since succeeding him in 2006, Bertone has purged several of Sodano's proteges from the powerful?Secretariat of State, dispatching them to ambassadorial posts abroad or less central roles within the Vatican itself.

Many gaffes of the Benedict era, from his giving a lecture at Regensburg in 2006 which angered Muslims, to the purloined papers that led to the Vatileaks scandal, are blamed by the?Sodano camp?on what they see as Bertone's mismanagement.

The leaked papers published in May in the book "His Holiness" documented cases of petty corruption and in-fighting within the Vatican walls, many of them reflecting an internal backlash against Bertone and his leadership.

The trial last October of Benedict's butler for leaking the documents left many questions about a suspected wider Vatican intrigue unanswered. The Vatican has never published its own internal inquiry into the scandal, which may have revealed to Benedict in-fighting on a greater scale than he had imagined.

Bad fish

Watching their schedules carefully, the?Rome?daily La Repubblica reported that both Sodano and Bertone have "launched a round of contacts with the most influential cardinals" in preparation for the papal election due to be held in mid-March.

Benedict, who before the 2005 conclave that elected him had denounced the "filth in the Church" due to sexual abuse and the "dictatorship of relativism" threatening the faith, has stepped up warnings against church rivalry and disunity recently.

On Saturday, two days before announcing his resignation, he brought up the issue of clerical arrogance when he warned seminarians in?Rome?against excessive pride in themselves because God had chosen them to become priests.

"It would be triumphalism if we thought God has chosen me because I am so great," he said. "That would really be mistaken triumphalism."

In a speech on October, in the wake of the Vatileaks trial, he recalled that "in the Lord's fields there are always weeds ... in Peter's nets, there are also bad fish."

In a little noticed decision back in 2007, Benedict changed the 1996 conclave rules issued by?John Paul II?to bring back the traditional two-thirds majority needed to elect a pope.

John Paul's rules called for cardinals to switch to a simple majority if they were deadlocked after 13 days of voting, a move Benedict thought could lead to a disputed papacy rather than one on which two thirds of the voting cardinals had signed off.

There is concern that Benedict's resignation, making him the first living former pope since the bitter schisms of the Middle Ages, might make him a focus for opposition to his successor - though he himself stressed on Thursday that he was "withdrawing into prayer," to lead a cloistered life "hidden from the world."

(Editing by Alastair Macdonald)

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/gGlcCL-QNBU/Pope-in-parting-message-warns-of-church-divisions-and-infighting

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Alabama bars arrested players from campus

TUSCULOOSA, Ala. (AP) ? The University of Alabama has barred three football players from campus after their arrest on robbery charges.

University spokeswoman Deborah Lane said Friday the players are suspended from school pending a judicial review expected to be done by late next week.

Eddie Williams, Tyler Hayes and D.J. Pettway have been charged in separate robberies of two students on campus early Monday morning.

Court records show Williams and Hayes have admitted to the crimes.

All three players were indefinitely suspended from the football team. Teammate Brent Calloway, also suspended indefinitely, is charged with fraudulent use of a credit card for using a debit card stolen from one of the students. He isn't barred from campus.

Williams' attorney has asked a judge to let the player return home to Panama City, Fla.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2013-02-15-FBC-Alabama-Players-Arrested/id-591d57aea07c4942886a60e27aedba94

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Tesla data log apparently trips up N.Y. Times story

Paul A. Eisenstein , The Detroit Bureau ? ? ? 17 hrs.

Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk just might get in the last word as he battles with the New York Times over a potentially damaging review of the start-up automaker?s Model S battery-electric vehicle.

Musk launched what some initially thought a quixotic fight with the hugely influential paper earlier this week after it published a report by veteran journalist John Broder that noted he had run out of power during a test drive and had to have one of the Tesla Model S battery cars delivered by flatbed to its destination.

Though he reportedly offered an initial apology to Broder, Musk subsequently turned around and went on the offensive, accusing the paper of running a ?fake? story, and the journalist of doing a number of things that assured he would run out of power during his test drive.

And early today, Musk and his public relations team followed up by releasing the data logs from the Model S Broder drove. The chart shows what they claim to be clear evidence that the details of the story don?t match up with the way the reporter actually drove.

The Detroit Bureau: NY Mayor Bloomberg to demand 10,000 EV Charging Spaces:

?When the facts didn?t suit his opinion, he simply changed the facts,? wrote Musk.

There?s long been a love/hate relationship between automakers and automotive reviewers. Manufacturers often grin and bear it when they?re attacked over allegedly bad design, poor mileage or questionable acceleration. While a few have tried to fight back the benefits have generally not outweighed the risk.

Tesla appears to be less ready to smile and ignore its critics, especially when it comes to the critical issue of battery range. That?s a weak spot for the electric vehicle industry, in general, but Tesla has attempted to overcome so-called ?range anxiety? by offering a sedan equipped with a far larger battery pack than available in competitors? products, such as the Nissan Leaf or Ford Focus EV, which generally deliver under 100 miles per charge.

The Detroit Bureau: GM Delivers Nearly $5 BillionProfit - Investors Glum but Workers Cheer

In fact, the Model S is sold with a choice of three different packs which Tesla claims can get as much as 300 miles range. And to further blur the lines between a conventional, gas-powered vehicle and the new Model S, Tesla is setting up a network of so-called Superchargers, quick charging stations it plans to operate along the East and West Coasts and, eventually, in other parts of the country.

Broder?s review was intended to see if he could use those Superchargers to get from Washington, D.C. to Boston without the excruciatingly long waits normally required for recharging. In the story the Times printed, the veteran writer claimed he couldn?t pull it off, requiring his Model S be picked up by flatbed and brought to the second charging station.

Nonsense, Musk proclaimed this week, raising plenty of eyebrows and a lot of skepticism as he had previously shown himself thin-skinned, once suing the BBC over a poor review by the high-rated series, ?Top Gear.?

The Detroit Bureau: Chrysler Latest to Announce High-Mileage Diesel, this One for Big Ram Pickup

But the Tesla Model S, it turns out, contains a so-called black box, a data recorder that, like the more complex devices found on aircraft, closely monitors the way a driver operates the vehicle. And according to a chart Tesla says was produced from that data, it would seem Broder?s driving behavior was distinctly different from what he reported.

The annotated chart shows, for example, that he operated significantly faster than the 54 mph Broder?s cruise control was supposedly set at during the first third of his journey. He occasionally spiked to 80 mph and routinely drove much faster than when the review claimed he ?limped along at about 45 mph.?

Tesla claims Broder failed to properly recharge the Model S during his first Supercharger stop and operated the climate control in a way that further ran down the battery.

Some of Musk?s criticism seems excessive. At one point, with battery near zero and a charger nearby, Broder apparently drove in circles to see what would happen next. That?s something many journalists have done when testing battery vehicles.

The Detroit Bureau: President Wants Strategic Energy Fund for Clean, High-Mileage Alternatives to Oil:

But with the data logs now released, Tesla?s latest salvo appears to carry more weight than Musk?s first gripes.

Does it matter? A source at the NY Times is promising a ?point-by-point rebuttal.? And the Atlantic Wire has already questioned whether the data log really is convincing. The mileage Broder reported appears more in line with reality than Tesla would like us to believe, it contends. And in some cases, the publication says there are apples-to-oranges comparisons that don?t look quite as convincing when more closely inspected.

?Not all of Musk's data is entirely convincing and the parts that are don't point to a malicious plot,? says the online news service of the Atlantic magazine.

To some, the dispute is just a tempest in an electric teapot. To others, such as analyst Jim Hall, it will have little impact. ?They have people waiting 10-deep,? for the Model S, he contends.

But beyond the dedicated greenies who will likely keep Tesla?s assembly plant busy for the first year or so, the question is what happens when the company needs to win over more mainstream buyers? The outcome of this war of words could determine whether Tesla gets a halo or a dirty face.

When the data chart and Musk?s latest comments were issued at around 2:00 AM EST, Tesla spokeswoman Shanna Hendricks stressed, ?Please note, no one from Tesla ? including Elon ? will be providing additional comment on this topic moving forward as we feel the blog speaks for itself. At this time, this post is the company?s final statement on the issue. We are happy to provide clarity however, should you have any questions.?

It appears the Times isn?t about to let Tesla have the last word, however. And with Musk?s propensity to speak out on anything that interests or concerns him it remains to be seen if this fight is even close to ending.

Copyright 2013 The Detroit Bureau

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/business/tesla-data-log-apparently-trips-n-y-times-story-1C8381922

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Sonos Raises the Soundbar Bar

Those who like to cut the cords but still get the best sounding audio with every note and chord will soon have a new mid-priced option, as Sonos has officially unveiled its long rumored soundbar. The Sonos Playbar, which will be available in March for around $700, is designed to provide all of a listener's audio needs in a single sleek package that can even be wall-mounted beneath a TV.

Source: http://ectnews.com.feedsportal.com/c/34520/f/632000/s/2886b4c0/l/0L0Stechnewsworld0N0Crsstory0C772890Bhtml/story01.htm

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Ronaldo helps Madrid tie United 1-1

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal celebrates scoring during the Champions League round of 16 first leg soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester United at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Wednesday Feb. 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal celebrates scoring during the Champions League round of 16 first leg soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester United at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Wednesday Feb. 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Danny Welbeck festeja tras marcar un gol para Manchester United ante Real Madrid en los octavos de final de la Liga de Campeones el mi?rcoles 13 de febrero de 2013. (AP Foto/Andres Kudacki)

Manchester United's Rafael, left, tackles Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal, right, during the Champions League round of 16 first leg soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester United at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Wednesday Feb. 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Manchester United's Robin van Persie, right, watches as Real Madrid's Raphael Varane from France tries to intercept the ball during the Champions League round of 16 first leg soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester United at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Wednesday Feb. 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

MADRID (AP) ? Cristiano Ronaldo scored on a spectacular header for Real Madrid in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Wednesday night in the first leg of their final-16 Champions League series.

After Danny Welbeck opened the scoring for United in the 20th minutes with a header off a corner kick, Ronaldo rose high to meet Angel di Maria's swinging cross 10 minutes later for his 183rd goal for Madrid ? and first against former his former club.

David de Gea made several impressive saves for United, including a fingertip effort onto the post to deny Fabio Coentrao in the first half.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2013-02-13-SOC-Man-United-Real-Madrid/id-462db8404dc742c0bcb5bf7782dd512c

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Awesome Home Organization Tips - Tom Hester Real Estate

Getting organized in your home can be less expensive and easier than you think. There are items all around your home that can help you get the clutter in order. Here are just a few tips to get you off to a good start:

A big problem is spices, they get lost in the cabinet, take up tons of room and are always hard to see. If this is a problem in your home use a?mop holder to store spices on the inside of a cabinet door.

Too many craft supplies and a place to put them is a typical problem. Arrange crayons, colored pencils and more in an over-the-door shoe organizer. You have all your supplies organized and easy to see in no time.

Use the shoe organizer for anything. It can also be great for cleaning supplies.

If you need decorations for your playroom walls and you have too many board games this is a great solution. Take the glass out of frames and frame the board games and hang on the walls. Attach the game pieces in little baggies to the frame.

What about all that jewelry? If you could actually see it you may even wear it more. Hang a peg board on the wall in your closet and hang your necklaces from it.

Need a place to put your earrings? How about an ice cube tray?

These are just a few nifty ideas. What are your best ideas to keep your home organized?

Source: http://www.capecodhometeam.com/blog/awesome-home-organization-tips

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Obama: Let's pay our bills on time (CNN)

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

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/284447112?client_source=feed&format=rss

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Obama calls North Korea nuclear test "provocative act"

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama called a nuclear test on Tuesday by North Korea a "highly provocative act" and said Pyongyang's "threatening activities" warranted action by the international community.

North Korea's third nuclear test came less than 24 hours before Obama's annual State of the Union address, a televised speech viewed by millions of Americans that lays out his priorities for the coming year.

U.S. intelligence agencies were analyzing the event and had found that North Korea probably conducted an underground nuclear explosion with a yield of "approximately several kilotons," the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said in a statement that called it a "declared nuclear test."

"North Korea announced today that it conducted a third nuclear test. This is a highly provocative act that, following its December 12 ballistic missile launch, undermines regional stability," Obama said, adding that the test violated United Nations and other international agreements.

"The danger posed by North Korea's threatening activities warrants further swift and credible action by the international community. The United States will also continue to take steps necessary to defend ourselves and our allies," Obama said.

North Korea is banned under U.N. Security Council resolutions from developing nuclear and missile technology. The tests drew condemnation from around the world.

"North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs constitute a threat to U.S. national security and to international peace and security," Obama said. "The United States remains vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations and steadfast in our defense commitments to allies in the region."

The U.N. Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on North Korea's apparent nuclear test at 9 a.m. EST (1400 GMT), when the United States, South Korea and others could begin the lengthy process of pressing for more sanctions on Pyongyang.

"We will strengthen close coordination with allies and partners and work with our six-party partners, the United Nations Security Council, and other UN member states to pursue firm action," Obama said. He did not specify what action might be taken.

The six-party talks between China, the United States, North and South Korea, Japan, and Russia are aimed at curbing North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

"These provocations do not make North Korea more secure," Obama said. "Far from achieving its stated goal of becoming a strong and prosperous nation, North Korea has instead increasingly isolated and impoverished its people through its ill-advised pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery," he said.

The magnitude of the test was roughly twice as large as that of 2009, said Lassina Zerbo, director of the international data center division of the Vienna-based Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty Organization. The U.S. Geological Survey said that a seismic event measuring 5.1 magnitude had occurred.

(Additional reporting by Tabassum Zakaria and Susan Heavey; Editing by Doina Chiacu)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/obama-calls-north-korea-nuclear-test-provocative-act-140115117.html

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Steve Jobs as a Russian Army General [Images]

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Source: http://www.iclarified.com/27409/steve-jobs-as-a-russian-army-general-images

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AOKP Android 4.2 Build 3 update brings support for Galaxy Note 2 LTE, more Galaxy S2 devices

AOKP fans will be happy to know that a new upgrade has been issued. The update, an MR1 based on 4.2 and dubbed Build 3, adds support for five new devices, including the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 LTE, T-Mobile?s Galaxy S2 and the Acer Iconia Tab A510. Support for the international Samsung Galaxy S2 i9100 and i9100G (Exynos and OMAP versions, respectively) are also supposed to be coming, though a couple of issues is holding that particular device back until sometime tomorrow.

More than just new device support, though, you can expect some very nice changes on the software front. The biggest change will be the addition of a UI mode selector, so you can switch between phone, phablet or tablet at the quick press of a button. I?m sure the new Galaxy Note 2 users added in this update will especially enjoy that one.

Other changes include transparency options for ?all the things,? dual panel support for any DPI setting, the return of Car Home, a quick unlock feature for the lock-screen, the ability to hide the navigation bar (slide up from bottom to bring it back), and more. You can find all the details you need about today?s juicy changes and additions here, but if your device is supported then why not just give it a whirl yourself? Find all the links you need here, and don?t forget to back your current image up and do a full wipe if you?re coming from another ROM or base build.

Source: http://phandroid.com/2013/02/11/aokp-jelly-bean-build-3/

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Claims Team Lead - Workers Compensation - Insurance Claims Jobs

Claims Team Lead
Workers Compensation

CLAIM YOUR FUTURE AS A GREAT PERFORMER!

Providing both satisfying and challenging work along with a highly professional and friendly work atmosphere, Sedgwick has a strong commitment to its colleagues and its clients. If you are seeking place where you can do great things for those whose lives you touch while maximizing your own career possibilities, Sedgwick is the place for you. As the largest and most innovative Third Party Administrator in the claims industry and the first and only TPA to receive both recognition as the Best TPA in America and the coveted Employer of Choice designation, we invite you to come be a part of our team and, ?Claim Your Future.?

PRIMARY PURPOSE : To supervise the operation of multiple teams of examiners and technical staff for workers compensation for clients; to monitor colleagues' workloads, provide training, and monitor individual claim activities; to provide technical/jurisdictional direction to examiner reports on claims adjudication; and to maintain a diary on claims in the teams including frequent diaries on complex or high exposure claims.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises multiple teams of examiners, multiple product line examiners and/or several (minimum seven) technical operations colleagues for a wide span of control; may delegate some duties to others within the unit.

Identifies and advises management of trends, problems, and issues as well as recommended course of action; informs management of new procedures and ideas for continuous process improvement; and coordinates with management projects for the office.

Provides technical/jurisdictional direction to examiner reports on claims adjudication.

Compiles, reviews and analyzes management reports and takes appropriate action.

Performs quality review on claims in compliance with audit requirements, service contract requirements, and quality standards.

Acts as second level of appeal for client and claimant issues regarding claim specific, procedural or special requests; implements final disposition of the appeal.

Reviews reserve amounts on high cost claims and claims over the authority of the individual examiner.

Monitors third party claims; maintains periodical review of litigated claims, serious vocational rehabilitation claims, questionable claims and sensitive claims as determined by client.

Maintains contact with the client on claims and promotes a professional client relationship; makes recommendations to client as suggested by the claim status; and provides written resumes of specific claims as requested by client.

Assures that direct reports are properly licensed in the jurisdictions serviced.

Ensures claims files are coded correctly and adequate documentation is made by claims examiners.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs other duties as assigned.

Supports the organization's quality program(s).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Administers company personnel policies in all areas and follows company staffing standards and training recommendations.

Interviews, hires and establishes colleague performance development plans; conducts colleague performance discussions.

Provides support, guidance, leadership and motivation to promote maximum performance.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Licensing
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university preferred. Licenses as required. Professional certifications as applicable to line of business preferred.

Experience
Six (6) years claims experience including two ( 2) years claims supervisor experience with the company required.

Skills & Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of claims management processes and procedures for multiple product lines
• Excellent oral and written communication, including presentation skills
• PC literate, including Microsoft Office products
• Leadership/management/motivational skills
• Analytical and interpretive skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to meet or exceed Performance Competencies

WORK ENVIRONMENT
When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.

Mental: Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines

Physical: Computer keyboarding, travel as required

Auditory/Visual: Hearing, vision and talking

NOTE : Credit security clearance, confirmed via a background credit check, is required for this position .

The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They are not intended to constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time.

Sedgwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer

and a

Drug-Free Workplace

Additional Information: Must have California Self-Insurers Certificate (SIP) or AB1262 California Experienced Examiner Designation or currently meet the requirements for designation under AB1262. WCCA, WCCP preferred. *LI-ER
Requisition #: 11346

Source: http://jobs.insuranceclaimsweb.com/c/job.cfm?site_id=1635&jb=12275660

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A Fun Valentine's Day Activity for Kids

Do your kids love holidays, excitement, and celebrations? ?This year, make Valentine?s Day even more special by throwing a personalized, special Valentine?s Day party!

Instead of inviting over loads of people, stressing about how clean your house is, or worrying about whether everyone will like your food dishes, consider throwing a family-only Valentine?s Day party that you can enjoy with your children and spouse. ?Valentine?s Day is a special holiday that is meaningful to kids of all ages. ?Whether your children are too small to write their names or old enough they?re worried about getting a card from that ?special someone? they like, a Valentine?s Day party is something your children are sure to enjoy.

Surprise your kids when they come home from school with Valentine?s Day cards, heart shaped cookies or cakes, pink lemonade, and decorations! ?You can get inexpensive streamers, plates, cups, and wall decor at your local dollar store or, if you want to have a bit more leeway with it, check out some Valentine?s Day ideas on Pinterest. ?Your children will be thrilled when they walk in the front door and are surprised by their very own holiday party to share with you.

If your children enjoy crafts, have an area set up where they can make their own cards. ?Include scissors, paper, glitter, glue, and plenty of lace. ?If they aren?t the crafty type, make sure you have plenty of Valentine snacks for your kids, play some upbeat music, and have some games ready to enjoy with your children. ?You don?t even have to have Valentine-centered games! ?Pulling out some family board games is a great way to relax together and spend an afternoon while you celebrate your love as a family.

Video: Roundtable reviews today?s quick topics

A Second Take on Meeting the Press: From an up-close look at Rachel Maddow's sneakers to an in-depth look at Jon Krakauer's latest book ? it's all fair game in our "Meet the Press: Take Two" web extra. Log on Sundays to see David Gregory's post-show conversations with leading newsmakers, authors and roundtable guests. Videos are available on-demand by 12 p.m. ET on Sundays.

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/3032608/vp/50761128#50761128

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Vatican celebrates Knights of Malta's 900 years

AAA??Feb. 9, 2013?5:27 AM ET
Vatican celebrates Knights of Malta's 900 years
AP

Members of the Knights of Malta walk in procession towards St. Peter's Basilica during a celebration to mark the 900th anniversary of the Order of the Knights of Malta, at the Vatican, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. The order traces its history to the 11th century with the establishment of an infirmary in Jerusalem that cared for people of all faiths making pilgrimages to the Holy Land. It is the last of the great lay chivalrous military orders like the Knights Templars that combined religious fervor with fierce military might to protect and expand Christendom from Islam's advance during the Crusades. In February 1113, Pope Paschal II issued a papal bull recognizing the order as independent from bishops or secular authorities, reason for Saturday's anniversary celebrations at the Vatican. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Members of the Knights of Malta walk in procession towards St. Peter's Basilica during a celebration to mark the 900th anniversary of the Order of the Knights of Malta, at the Vatican, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. The order traces its history to the 11th century with the establishment of an infirmary in Jerusalem that cared for people of all faiths making pilgrimages to the Holy Land. It is the last of the great lay chivalrous military orders like the Knights Templars that combined religious fervor with fierce military might to protect and expand Christendom from Islam's advance during the Crusades. In February 1113, Pope Paschal II issued a papal bull recognizing the order as independent from bishops or secular authorities, reason for Saturday's anniversary celebrations at the Vatican. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

A members of the Knights of Malta wears a dark cloak with a white, eight-pointed Maltese Cross on the front during a procession towards St. Peter's Basilica for a celebration to mark the 900th anniversary of the Order of the Knights of Malta, at the Vatican, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. The order traces its history to the 11th century with the establishment of an infirmary in Jerusalem that cared for people of all faiths making pilgrimages to the Holy Land. It is the last of the great lay chivalrous military orders like the Knights Templars that combined religious fervor with fierce military might to protect and expand Christendom from Islam's advance during the Crusades. In February 1113, Pope Paschal II issued a papal bull recognizing the order as independent from bishops or secular authorities, reason for Saturday's anniversary celebrations at the Vatican. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Members of the Knights of Malta walk in procession towards St. Peter's Basilica during a celebration to mark the 900th anniversary of the Order of the Knights of Malta, at the Vatican Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. The order traces its history to the 11th century with the establishment of an infirmary in Jerusalem that cared for people of all faiths making pilgrimages to the Holy Land. It is the last of the great lay chivalrous military orders like the Knights Templars that combined religious fervor with fierce military might to protect and expand Christendom from Islam's advance during the Crusades. In February 1113, Pope Paschal II issued a papal bull recognizing the order as independent from bishops or secular authorities, reason for Saturday's anniversary celebrations at the Vatican. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Cardinal Tacisio Bertone, right, celebrates a mass to mark the 900th anniversary of the Order of the Knights of Malta, at the Vatican Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. The order traces its history to the 11th century with the establishment of an infirmary in Jerusalem that cared for people of all faiths making pilgrimages to the Holy Land. It is the last of the great lay chivalrous military orders like the Knights Templars that combined religious fervor with fierce military might to protect and expand Christendom from Islam's advance during the Crusades. In February 1113, Pope Paschal II issued a papal bull recognizing the order as independent from bishops or secular authorities, reason for Saturday's anniversary celebrations at the Vatican. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

VATICAN CITY (AP) ? The Knights of Malta, one of the most peculiar organizations in the world, is marking its 900th birthday with a colorful procession through St. Peter's Square, a Mass in the basilica and an audience with Pope Benedict XVI.

The Knights are at once a Catholic religious order, an aid group that runs soup kitchens, hospitals and ambulance services around the globe, and a sovereign entity that prints its own passports and enjoys diplomatic relations with 104 countries ? yet has no country to call its own.

Some 4,000 people ? volunteers and members, draped in their trademark black cloaks with a white, eight-pointed Maltese Cross on the front ? processed through St. Peter's Square Saturday for the Mass marking the 900th anniversary of the order's recognition by the Holy See.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2013-02-09-EU-Vatican-Knights-of-Malta/id-1ec536d9a4b94bcabd5f7e6d08e07b0e

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