First Shot: STOH tickets
November 18, 2009
There are four new ways for you to see the first national sports championship ever held in the new Essar Centre.
Pick the package that works best for your schedule. Four options. Seven draws. Each one includes the championship weekend.
And all ticket packages include your pass to the Heart Stop Lounge, the biggest “Do in the Soo”! Join the crowd for a beverage, a bite and great live entertainment.
To grab your tickets now, head to this Essar Centre ticket page and enter promotional code CCAPROMO.
To ensure that you receive notification of all future Season of Champions ticket launches, sign up for the CCA “Hittin’ The Button” newsletter by visiting this URL.
Lack of sleep could be more dangerous for women than men
Lack of sleep could be more dangerous for women than men
Research by the University of Warwick and University College London has found that levels of inflammatory markers vary significantly with sleep duration in women, but not men.
The study, published in the American journal SLEEP, found levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a marker related to coronary heart disease, were significantly lower in women who reported sleeping eight hours as compared with 7hours.
A second marker, High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), is predictive of future cardiovascular morbidity. Levels of hs-CRP were significantly higher in women who reported sleeping five hours or less.
Lead author of the study, Associate Professor of Biochemical Medicine at Warwick Medical School Michelle Miller said short-term sleep deprivation studies have shown that inflammatory markers are elevated in sleep-deprived individuals, suggesting that inflammatory mechanisms may play a role in the cardiovascular risk associated with sleep deprivation.
She said: “Our study may provide some insight into a potential mechanism for the observation in previous studies which indicates an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease in individuals who have less than five hours sleep per night.”
The study involved more than 4,600 white participants from the University College London-based Whitehall II cohort study; 73% were men. Participants between the ages of 35 and 55 years were recruited between 1985 and 1988 from 20 London-based civil service departments. Data for this study is from the phase 3 follow-up (1991-1993). Sleep duration was determined by subjective questionnaires, and general health was assessed during a screening examination.
Today’s Men and Women in Uniform Measure Up to Those Who Came Before – ABC News
November 11, 2009
Today’s Men and Women in Uniform Measure Up to Those Who Came Before – ABC News
 The Week Magazine |
Today's Men and Women in Uniform Measure Up to Those Who Came Before
ABC News For generations, Veterans Day was all about old men, and of course, the members of their generation who never got to be old men. Soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan make up a new "greatest generation. … Veterans struggle with stress, PTSD Staunton Reenactor Brings Veterans Day To Life Honoring California's war dead on Veterans Day |
ANALYSIS-New US swine flu death estimates will be guess – Reuters
 Los Angeles Times |
ANALYSIS-New US swine flu death estimates will be guess
Reuters WASHINGTON, Nov 11 (Reuters) – US health officials are due to release new estimates of deaths from swine flu on Thursday, but the numbers will be just that — a rough estimate. The US Centers for Disease Control … Free H1N1 flu vaccines offered to pregnant LI women Washoe County schedules 3 H1N1 vaccination clinics CDC now says 4000 swine flu deaths in US |
Fort Hood suspect’s superiors questioned behavior – The Associated Press
 Washington Post |
Fort Hood suspect's superiors questioned behavior
The Associated Press WASHINGTON — A group of doctors overseeing Nidal Malik Hasan's medical training discussed concerns about his overly zealous religious views and strange behavior months before the Army major was accused of a shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas, … The Private Life of Nidal Hasan Hasan did not formally ask to leave military, Army official says Hasan "Not One of Our Own," Soldier Says |
Best of Us Curling Challenge?
October 28, 2009
The International Olympic Committee has launched a contest, The Best of Us Challenge, which offers the chance to win some branded IOC merchandise as well as a trip to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games or the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games.
Relax – these athletes aren’t leaning on their particular sport expertise… not at all, actually.
For example, Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal wants to see if you can hold more tennis balls at one time than he can (he picked up and held 24 balls in 30 seconds). U.S. Alpine Skiier Lindsey Vonn wants to know, in a 30-second time limit, in how many different languages can you say “hello?” (She came up with nine)
Here’s our challenge to curling fans: how many of you will choose the option to “submit your own challenge” and bring a little bit of curling-oriented fun to this campaign?
Anyone who submits a video challenge to the IOC contest website with some kind of curling theme attached to it will win a free subscription to The Curling News, for yourself or a friend/family member.
And, of course, we’ll make you famous. Guaranteed.
Simply notify us of your IOC submission by emailing us at contest_at_thecurlingnews.com. Go for it!
Sue Bradford to resign from Parliament
Not long ago, Sue Bradford wrote this message on her Twitter account, breaking her own embargo.
Media conference 10am to announce I’m standing down from Parliament at end October – but am not resigning from Greens or political activism
Dave Clendon is the next on the list. He stood against John Key in Helensville but lives in Mt Albert- formerly held by Helen Clark.
Looks like the loss of the leadership to Metiria Turei really hurt. But, despite Bradford being one of the most effective backbenchers, in terms of getting legislation passed, this is the best thing that has happened to the Greens this year. Watch for a rise in the polls for the Greens.
Organic Foods – TheTruth on Health
October 2, 2009
Organic Foods – TheTruth on Health
Soil Association response to the Food Standards Agency’s Organic Review
I’m still at a loss at how the FSA reached their decision when you read their report carefully, despite the biased nature of the report, it still manages to identify major benefits of organic foods.
Obviously a major concern amongst consumers buying organic is to avoid xenoestrogens, toxins and other potential residue contaminants in conventional crops
The FoodStandard’s Agency study on Organic Foods admits
1. This review does not address contaminant content (such as herbicide, pesticide and fungicide residues) of organically and conventionally produced foodstuffs.
It is well proven that (most probably due to modern conventional farming and harvesting methods) average nutrient levels in food have reduced in recent years. It’s suspected that the McCance and Widdowson data that nutritionists use could be hopelessly out of date for use as a therapeutic tool. Despite this studies as early as 1958 have been used by the FSA in the meta study.
The FSA study on Organic Food admits
2. Based on 162 relevant articles published, in peer-reviewed journals since 1st January 1958
The FSA meta study did find differences in important nutrient values The FSA study on Organic Food admits
3. Significant differences in content between organically and conventionally produced crops were found in some minerals (nitrogen higher in conventional crops; magnesium and zinc higher in organic crops),phytochemicals (phenolic compounds and flavonoids higher in organic crops)
London Nutritionist Yvonne Bishop-Weston says “We have many clients in clinic displaying symptoms of magnesium deficiency and Zinc is very important for helping with infertility problems which are on the increase. It’s been shown anti oxidants such as flavonoids have an important role to play in protecting the body. It’s misleading for the FSA to suggest food with higher amounts of these nutrients is of ‘no importance’ for optimal health.”
In adition to disqualifying a major new EU study on organic foods the FSA also admits
4. Studies were also disqualified from inclusion if they were primarily concerned with non-nutrient contaminant content (cadmium, lead and mercury)
Contest – - Rinascimento virtuale
Mario Gerosa, known as Frank Koolhaas on Second Life, will be presenting his new book, “Rinascimento virtuale” on Friday 11 April 2008 at noon SLT (9pm italian time), in the Toscana sim, in Second Life http://slurl.com/secondlife/toscana/85/215/105. The book, which has been published in Italy, is about the art generated in social network, avatar branding, grassroot culture, virtual tourism and much more.
For the occasion, a contest will be open to all SL residents, called “Second Renaissance.” The competitors must create one or more pics (max 3) inspired by famous Renaissance paintings, with the photos being entirely taken in SL. The avatars should take poses and situations by famous masters like Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raffaello.
Submissions are due by 3 pm slt, Thursday, April 10 (midnight Italian time) and must be submitted in .jpg format, no larger than 250 kB, to secondlife@intoscana.it. The submissions will be shown during the presentation on April 11. The jury wil be comprised of Mario Gerosa, journalist and writer; Mirko Lalli marketing and communication officer of Fondazione Sistema Toscana; and Sergio Tossi, gallery owner and curator of contemporary art exhibitions in Florence, Italy.
The three top pieces will receive these prizes:
1st prize: Weekend in a Tuscany agriturismo offered by B&B LA VILLANELLA (http://www.villanella.it, lavillanella@katamail.com – 0575.48394). Winner to provide their own transportation.
2nd : 5 books by Meltemi, shipping prepaid
3rd: 3 books by Meltemi, shipping prepaid
Medical device makers press Senate on tax – USA Today
October 1, 2009
Medical device makers press Senate on tax – USA Today
 New York Times |
Medical device makers press Senate on tax
USA Today By Evan Vucci, AP By John Fritze, USA TODAY WASHINGTON — The industry that makes wheelchairs, pacemakers and other medical devices has launched a lobbying blitz to kill a tax on its products proposed in a health care bill moving through the Senate. … Panel Easing Penalties for Those Without Insurance US Sen Panel Approves State Health Insurance Plan Measure US healthcare debate: it's only the beginning |
mcentee: Elizabeth Smart once again shows her courage – Salt Lake Tribune
 Los Angeles Times |
mcentee: Elizabeth Smart once again shows her courage
Salt Lake Tribune Brian David Mitchell was the opener, walking into federal court shackled, singing hymns, his lawyer looking worriedly at him, until the judge ordered him out of the courtroom and into a cell with video and audio of the hearing. … Elizabeth Smart says she was raped daily David Wells, Senior Web Producer and Candice Gale, Reporter FOX 13 … Elizabeth Smart Says Brian David Mitchell Raped Her Daily |
mcentee: Elizabeth Smart once again shows her courage – Salt Lake Tribune
October 1, 2009
mcentee: Elizabeth Smart once again shows her courage – Salt Lake Tribune
Los Angeles Times |
mcentee: Elizabeth Smart once again shows her courage
Salt Lake Tribune Brian David Mitchell was the opener, walking into federal court shackled, singing hymns, his lawyer looking worriedly at him, until the judge ordered him out of the courtroom and into a cell with video and audio of the hearing. … Elizabeth Smart says she was raped daily David Wells, Senior Web Producer and Candice Gale, Reporter FOX 13 … Elizabeth Smart Says Brian David Mitchell Raped Her Daily |
Iran Agrees to Send Enriched Uranium to Russia – New York Times
 Telegraph.co.uk |
Iran Agrees to Send Enriched Uranium to Russia
New York Times European Union foreign policy Chief Javier Solana, left, with Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili as they arrive for talks over Iran's nuclear ambitions at a villa in Genthod, near Geneva, on Thursday. By STEVEN ERLANGER and MARK LANDLER … Inspectors Prepare to Visit Qom Facility News Analysis: Iran nuclear talks send positive signals SNAP ANALYSIS – Limited Geneva deal wins Iran sanctions respite |
Going Pink For Breast Cancer Awareness Month – WFMZ-TV Online
 Bakersfield Now |
Going Pink For Breast Cancer Awareness Month
WFMZ-TV Online October is national breast cancer awareness month. To raise awareness some of the Lehigh Valley's landmarks are temporarily turning pink. wfmz's Stephanie Esposito has the story. >> The Bethlehem skyline looks a little pink tonight! … Ten Breast Cancer Myths October contest theme: Pink Pink breast cancer edition highlights a vibrant community |
The Smart Choice for Olympic Host – New York Times
 BBC Sport |
The Smart Choice for Olympic Host
New York Times Will it be Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro or Tokyo? The grandees of the International Olympic Committee will announce the location of the 2016 Summer Olympics on Friday evening in Copenhagen. … Olympics-IOC awaits Obama on decision day for 2016 Games If only the IOC was still taking bribes Chicago, Rio lead 2016 Olympics host race |
Ex-Kennedy Aide Seen as Likely Interim Senator – Washington Post
September 23, 2009
Ex-Kennedy Aide Seen as Likely Interim Senator – Washington Post
 MiamiHerald.com |
Ex-Kennedy Aide Seen as Likely Interim Senator
Washington Post The Massachusetts legislature on Wednesday gave final approval to a bill that allows Gov. Deval L. Patrick (D) to appoint an interim United States senator, and he is leaning heavily toward naming Paul Kirk, a longtime aide to the late … Mass. legislature gives Gov. Patrick power to name interim Senator Backroom politics over Kennedy's seat Patrick to declare 'emergency' to replace Kennedy |
Obama administration retreats on key part of proposed financial … – Los Angeles Times
 Voice of America |
Obama administration retreats on key part of proposed financial …
Los Angeles Times A requirement that firms providing financial products offer a 'plain vanilla' option falls to opposition, indicating that the White House is willing to accept major revisions to get its plan passed. By Jim Puzzanghera Reporting from Washington … Democrats Soften Financial Bill Top nations still at odds on eve of G20 summit White House Pares Its Financial Reform Plan |
Brazil hopes for negotiations in Honduras – The Associated Press
 Voice of America |
Brazil hopes for negotiations in Honduras
The Associated Press NEW YORK — Brazil's president said Wednesday he hoped deposed President Manuel Zelaya's surprise return to Honduras would deter coup plotters and force an eventual restoration of democracy in the Central American nation. President Luiz Inacio Lula da … Embassy Row UN suspends technical aid to Honduras on elections Two dead in Honduran unrest |
Winds, heat stoke Southern California wildfire – The Associated Press
 The Associated Press |
Winds, heat stoke Southern California wildfire
The Associated Press MOORPARK, Calif. — Firefighters guarded rural homes, ranches and orchards Wednesday as a wind-driven wildfire grew to more than 25 square miles on a march through rugged land between small Southern California communities. The fire was stoked by hot and … California fire began in mulch pile, investigators say Guiberson fire may have link to series of suspicious fires California fires flare as Santa Ana season starts |
Kidnapped woman hasn’t given clues in other cases – The Associated Press
September 18, 2009
Kidnapped woman hasn’t given clues in other cases – The Associated Press
 New York Daily News |
Kidnapped woman hasn't given clues in other cases
The Associated Press ANTIOCH, Calif. — A woman kidnapped 18 years ago has so far not offered any clues in two other child abductions in Northern California in the 1980s, police said Friday. Hayward and Dublin authorities said they have not directly interviewed Jaycee … Radar being used to search Garrido property Garrido searchers prepare to look for bones Alleged Kidnappers of Jaycee Dugard Lived in Squalor |
Political writer Irving Kristol dead at 89 – The Associated Press
 AFP |
Political writer Irving Kristol dead at 89
The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Irving Kristol, the political writer and publisher known as the godfather of neo-conservatism whose youthful radicalism evolved into an emphatic rejection of communism and the counterculture, died Friday. He was 89. … Irving Kristol, Architect of Neoconservatism, Dies at 89 Father of US 'neoconservatism' Irving Kristol dies Irving Kristol, RIP |
Yale suspect played softball on day body was found – The Associated Press
 Washington Post |
Yale suspect played softball on day body was found
The Associated Press NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The lab tech suspected of killing a Yale student was playing softball the day the victim's body was found. A player on an opposing team said Friday that Raymond Clark's girlfriend often watched the games but wasn't at Sunday's game … 46 m agoWhat it takes to be a lab tech: Cage cleaning and heavy … Ray Clark, Alleged Killer of Annie Le, Could Spend Life Behind … Report Details Find of Yale Suspect's DNA |
Source: Colo. Man in Suspected NYC Subway Plot Admits Ties to Al Qaeda – FOXNews
 Straits Times |
Source: Colo. Man in Suspected NYC Subway Plot Admits Ties to Al Qaeda
FOXNews AP Najibullah Zazi arrives at the offices of the FBI in Denver for questioning on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009. Najibullah Zazi arrives at the offices of the FBI in Denver for questioning on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009. The man under FBI investigation for … Defense: 2nd man to be questioned in terror probe Sources: NY transportation hub likely target of terror plot Aurora man returning for a third day of questioning |
Thousands march in Iran opposition protests – The Associated Press
September 18, 2009
Thousands march in Iran opposition protests – The Associated Press
 Telegraph.co.uk |
Thousands march in Iran opposition protests
The Associated Press TEHRAN, Iran — Tens of thousands of protesters — many decked out in the green colors of the reform movement and chanting "Death to the dictator!" — rallied Friday in defiance of Iran's Islamic leadership, clashing with police and confronting state-run … Ahmadinejad faces test of strength as fresh protests sweep Iran Amid Large Protests, Iran Leader Calls Holocaust a Lie Iran's President: American Hikers Need to Be Punished |
Yale suspect played softball on day body was found – The Associated Press
Washington Post |
Yale suspect played softball on day body was found
The Associated Press NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The lab tech suspected of killing a Yale student was playing softball the day the victim's body was found. A player on an opposing team said Friday that Raymond Clark's girlfriend often watched the games but wasn't at Sunday's game … 46 m agoWhat it takes to be a lab tech: Cage cleaning and heavy … Ray Clark, Alleged Killer of Annie Le, Could Spend Life Behind … Report Details Find of Yale Suspect's DNA |
Kidnapped woman hasn’t given clues in other cases – The Associated Press
New York Daily News |
Kidnapped woman hasn't given clues in other cases
The Associated Press ANTIOCH, Calif. — A woman kidnapped 18 years ago has so far not offered any clues in two other child abductions in Northern California in the 1980s, police said Friday. Hayward and Dublin authorities said they have not directly interviewed Jaycee … Radar being used to search Garrido property Garrido searchers prepare to look for bones Alleged Kidnappers of Jaycee Dugard Lived in Squalor |
Russia unlikely to offer concessions in response to US halt of … – Los Angeles Times
September 17, 2009
Russia unlikely to offer concessions in response to US halt of … – Los Angeles Times
 Telegraph.co.uk |
Russia unlikely to offer concessions in response to US halt of …
Los Angeles Times Moscow had been anticipating Obama's decision, which it sees as correcting an error. Its Iran policy is not expected to change. By Megan K. Stack Reporting from Moscow – When President Obama came to Moscow in July, he hinted that Russia's best chance … Obama junks Bush's European missile defense plan A Cautious Russia Praises Decision Obama's Missile Offense |
First Lady Helps Celebrate Opening of Vermont Avenue Farmers Market – Washington Post
 Seattle Post Intelligencer |
First Lady Helps Celebrate Opening of Vermont Avenue Farmers Market
Washington Post First lady Michelle Obama was on hand to support the opening of a farmers market that closed Vermont Avenue between H and Eye Streets NW to traffic Thursday afternoon. By Emma Brown Michelle Obama continued her crusade for fresh food and local farmers … First lady speaks and shops at farmers market White House Adviser: Obama Will Not Give Another Race Speech A Fresh Take from Michelle Obama |
Afghan Blast Raises New Doubts in Europe – New York Times
 CTV.ca |
Afghan Blast Raises New Doubts in Europe
New York Times KABUL, Afghanistan — A powerful suicide bomb that killed six Italian soldiers here on Thursday prompted Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of Italy to declare that his nation had begun planning to “bring our … Car bomber targets Italian convoy in Kabul, killing 16 Italian PM calls for Afghan exit Afghanistan's 'Disposable Sons' |
