Sunday, March 31, 2013

Obama plays 1st golf since automatic budget cuts

WASHINGTON (AP) ? President Barack Obama is on his first golf outing since automatic spending cuts known as the sequester went into effect on March 1.

Some conservatives have called on Obama to give up golf since popular public tours of the White House were canceled because of the budget cuts.

The White House has said the tours were canceled to keep Secret Service agents from being furloughed because of the spending reductions.

Critics of the decision to cancel the White House tours also noted that Obama's golf outings require a sizable Secret Service presence for security.

Obama hit the links Saturday on the course at Andrews Air Force Base. The White House said he was playing with his friend, Marty Nesbitt, and two White House aides.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/obama-plays-1st-golf-since-automatic-budget-cuts-181017463.html

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Friday, March 29, 2013

Pfizer gets new rebuff from UK cost body for cancer drug

By Dave Warner (Reuters) - The winner of one of the biggest Powerball jackpots of all time owes $29,000 in overdue child support payments, the Passaic County, New Jersey, sheriff's office said on Thursday. Pedro Quezada, 44, a county resident who is married and the father of five children ages 5 to 23, was the sole winner of a $338 million jackpot on Saturday. Because he chose the lump sum option, instead of annual payments over 30 years, he will actually receive $211 million, lottery officials said on Thursday. Officials said that is the third-largest lump sum payment in Powerball history. ...

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/pfizer-gets-rebuff-uk-cost-body-cancer-drug-000407709--finance.html

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Thursday, March 28, 2013

The Kill Zone: Know Your Audience

This past weekend, I had the privilege of speaking to the Southwest Florida Romance Writers in Estero, Florida. Up to 25 members were present when I spoke about Social Networking for Writers and passed around my eight-page handout. We could have discussed this topic for a lot longer than the allotted hour, but our time ended and I left for home.

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On the drive back to the east coast, I reflected on how a speaker really has to gear her talk to the audience. Speaking to a bunch of writers is a lot different than giving a talk to a roomful of fans. Readers in general are eager to hear how you got published, where you get your ideas, what you researched for your story, and if you make a living at what you do. Don?t ask me why, but that question always arises. Would you ask a lecturer how much money he makes?

You?re expected to be witty and entertaining and to use anecdotes in your talk. I like to educate the public on the realities of the publishing business, so I?ll talk about the impact of the digital era, choices for writers today, and what readers can do to help authors in terms of customer reviews, Liking our pages, sharing our posts, etc. Lay persons find this information to be fascinating. Sure, I?ll talk about my books but mainly as an overview about my series and some of my research experiences. I don?t believe in doing readings or a book review on a specific title. There?s nothing more boring, IMHO, as an author?s droning voice as he reads from his own work. It?s more exciting to talk off the cuff about the publishing world and what fuels my stories.

In contrast, when speaking to fellow writers, I aim to teach. I want to get points across that they can take home and use in their own work. Motivational talks uplift and inspire writers to keep plowing ahead despite the setbacks that we all experience in this career. I?d rather give practical tips, how-to details, and specific instructions. Handouts accompany all of my workshops. This is not necessarily the case if I?m on a panel, however. Then it?s much harder to get across a lot of information because you?re sharing the time and stage. It?s good to come prepared with a few pointers regardless, and handouts are still appreciated, but having one hour to myself is best for in-depth instruction.

I?ve attended panels at writers conferences where the authors prattle on about their work, and attendees leave the room having been entertained but learning nothing new. I don?t care to attend those types of sessions myself. I?d rather go to a workshop where I can gain new insights or tips on a specific aspect of writing or marketing. Anybody can talk about himself. How many can teach in a meaningful, clear manner? Those who can?t teach will do very well speaking on panels at fan conventions, libraries and community groups.

Where am I going with this? If you have a speaking engagement coming up, consider your audience. If it?s a bunch of fans/readers, talk about your books, the publishing world, where you get your ideas, the writing process. If it?s a group of writers, target your material so they can take away something worthwhile.

If you?re a reader, what do you like to hear when you go to see an author? If you?re a writer, do you differentiate how you approach each audience?

Source: http://killzoneauthors.blogspot.com/2013/03/know-your-audience.html

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Stocks rise on surge in home prices

Stocks closed up on Wall Street Tuesday?after another strong report on housing encouraged investors to buy stocks.?The S&P 500 index closed within a point of its all-time high.

By Matthew Craft,?AP Business Writer / March 26, 2013

Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange Tuesday. A gain in the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller home prices index pushed stocks higher Tuesday.

Brendan McDermid/Reuters

Enlarge

The Standard & Poor's 500 index closed within a short reach of its all-time high on Tuesday. Rising home prices and orders for manufactured goods drove stocks up from the opening bell.

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The S&P 500 index rose 12.08 points, or 0.8 percent, to close at 1,563.77. That's less than two points from the peak it reached on Oct. 9, 2007, before a recession and ensuing financial crisis battered markets.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 111.90 points, also 0.8 percent, to 14,559.65.

"Unless something major comes along to derail this rally, it just seems like the market is going to keep climbing higher," said Marty LeClerc, the managing partner of Barrack Yard Advisors, an investment firm in Bryn Mawr, Pa.

Factory orders surged in February, helped by stronger demand for commercial aircraft. Overall orders for durable goods, a catchall term for products ranging from refrigerators to jumbo jets, jumped 5.7 percent from the previous month, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. It was the biggest increase in five months.

The stock market's gains were widely shared. All 10 industry groups in the S&P 500 rose, with health care and energy companies leading the way.

Smaller companies lagged behind the biggest ones Tuesday. The Nasdaq composite rose 17.18 points, or 0.5 percent, to 3,252.48.

And the Russell 2000 rose 3.97 points, or 0.4 percent, to 949.82. That's roughly half of the S&P 500's gain.

Big company stocks and small-company stocks often part ways, said Jack Ablin, chief investment officer at BMO Private Bank in Chicago. Big corporations generally have stronger ties to Europe, and their stocks wavered over the past week as traders kept an eye on negotiations to rescue Cyprus.

By contrast, smaller companies are less exposed to the rest of the world. "That's part of the reason small-caps have outpaced the market this year," Ablin said.

The S&P 500, used by investors as a proxy for the overall market, is up 9.6 percent so far this year. The Russell 2000 has fared better, rising 11.8 percent.

European markets rose modestly as investors gained confidence in the new bailout plan arranged for Cyprus and its banking system. The island country decided to keep its banks closed for another two days in an attempt to ward off panicked withdrawals.

Netflix surged 5 percent, leading the S&P 500, after an analyst at Pacific Crest Securities said the stock will likely climb as the company adds subscribers. Netflix's database of its members' viewing habits should give it an edge in creating new shows and draw more people to sign up for the video-streaming service, the analyst said. Netflix rose $9.82 to $190.61.

Housing prices rose in January at the fastest pace since the summer of 2006, before the housing bubble popped. The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller 20-city price index climbed 8.1 percent in the 12 months to January. That compares with a 6.8 percent increase the previous month. Prices rose in all 20 cities, led by Phoenix.

The economic reports out Tuesday added to evidence that the economy is slowly improving, and that's exactly what many investors want right now, LeClerc said. Slow growth means it will take a while before the Federal Reserve starts unraveling its bond-buying program and raising interest rates.

In the market for U.S. government bonds, the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note slipped to 1.91 percent from 1.92 percent late Monday.

Among stocks making big moves:

? Drive-in restaurant chain Sonic jumped 10 percent after reporting that its quarterly earnings more than doubled. Sales were flat but Sonic said its expects them to improve in the year ahead. Its stock rose $1.14 to $12.87.

? Supervalu rose after announcing plans to lay off more than 1,000 people, roughly 3 percent of its workforce. The supermarket operator said its recent sale of five grocery chains means it needs fewer workers. Supervalu's stock gained 7 cents, or 1.4 percent, to $5.12.

? Children's Place Retail Stores sank 3 percent after the company reported weaker quarterly earnings. The retailer also said bad weather would crimp its sales. The company's stock lost $1.48 to $44.51.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/wFOVaNSWm3E/Stocks-rise-on-surge-in-home-prices

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5 from MD Anderson among first inaugurated to AACR Academy

5 from MD Anderson among first inaugurated to AACR Academy [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 27-Mar-2013
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Scott Merville
smerville@mdanderson.org
713-792-0661
University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

Fidler, Hong, Kripke, Mendelsohn and Strong earn cancer research group's new honor

HOUSTON Five researchers and leaders from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have been named Fellows to a new academy launched by the world's oldest and largest organization dedicated to cancer research, the American Association for Cancer Research.

AACR Chief Executive Officer Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.) said: "Our Board of Directors made the decision to establish the AACR Academy as a mechanism for recognizing scientists whose contributions to the cancer field have had an extraordinary impact. Membership in the Fellows of the AACR Academy will be the most prestigious honor bestowed by the American Association for Cancer Research."

MD Anderson Fellows are:

  • Isaiah J. Fidler, D.V.M., Ph.D., professor and R. E. "Bob" Smith Distinguished Chair in Cell Biology, Department of Cancer Biology. Fidler is an expert on metastasis, the lethal spread of cancer to other organs. He revived and developed the "seed-and-soil" hypothesis of cancer metastasis, directing attention to the importance of the microenvironment (soil) where metastatic cancer cells (seeds) take hold and flourish. The tumor microenvironment is now a major area of cancer research.
  • Waun Ki Hong, M.D., professor and head, Division of Cancer Medicine, and Samsung Distinguished University Chair in Cancer Medicine. Hong's landmark clinical trials demonstrated the effectiveness of organ-sparing cancer treatment, launched the field of chemoprevention, and led the field of personalized cancer therapy. He established the groundbreaking BATTLE clinical trial for lung cancer, an unprecedented effort to match treatment to tumor characteristics.
  • Margaret Kripke, Ph.D., Vivian L. Smith Distinguished Chair and Professor in Immunology Emerita. The founding chair of MD Anderson's Department of Immunology, Kripke made major contributions to understanding of the immune response against cancer and how cancer cells evade destruction. She retired as executive vice president and chief academic officer of MD Anderson and is now scientific director of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
  • John Mendelsohn, M.D., director, MD Anderson's Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy and president from 1996-2011, a time of tremendous growth and accomplishment for the institution. Also a pioneer in the field of targeted therapy, he and colleagues developed a monoclonal antibody that blocks activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor, which stimulates cancer. The first drug in its class, Erbitux is used to treat colon cancer and cancers of the head and neck.
  • Louise Strong, M.D., professor and Sue and Radcliffe Killam Chair, Department of Genetics, is an expert in cancer genetics and epidemiology. She has made seminal discoveries in the genetic bases of Wilms tumor, retinoblastoma and Li-Fraumeni syndrome, as well as of the cancer risk posed by inherited genetic mutations, including those in the tumor suppressor p53.

"Selection to the AACR Academy is a richly deserved honor for MD Anderson's five Fellows, highlighting their indispensable contributions in cancer metastasis, personalized treatment, immunology, targeted therapy and cancer genetics," said Tom Buchholz, M.D., MD Anderson provost and executive vice president.

"In addition to their scientific and medical achievements, all have exercised important leadership roles to support and encourage other scientists and physicians in their endeavors against cancer," Buchholz said. "Congratulations to the AACR for establishing this academy to spotlight those who have had major impact on the cause of understanding and curing cancer."

Fidler, Hong, Kripke and Strong are all past presidents of AACR.

106 inductees chosen from 69 institutions worldwide

In announcing the new organization, the AACR noted the academy was created to recognize and honor distinguished scientists whose major scientific contributions have propelled significant innovation and progress against cancer. Fellows were selected through a rigorous peer review process.

The inaugural class of Fellows will be inducted into the AACR Academy at the AACR Annual Meeting 2013 in Washington, D.C., on April 5 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. The first class consists of 106 individuals, symbolizing the age of AACR upon establishment of the Academy. Future classes shall consist of a maximum of 11 individuals, in honor of the 11 founding members of the organization. These Fellows will be elected by vote of all the Fellows of the AACR Academy.

###

Founded in 1907, the AACR is the world's first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR membership includes more than 34,000 laboratory, translational and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and cancer advocates residing in more than 90 countries. The AACR Annual Meeting draws more than 17,000 attendees. The AACR also publishes eight peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients and their caregivers.

-30-



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?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


5 from MD Anderson among first inaugurated to AACR Academy [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 27-Mar-2013
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Scott Merville
smerville@mdanderson.org
713-792-0661
University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

Fidler, Hong, Kripke, Mendelsohn and Strong earn cancer research group's new honor

HOUSTON Five researchers and leaders from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have been named Fellows to a new academy launched by the world's oldest and largest organization dedicated to cancer research, the American Association for Cancer Research.

AACR Chief Executive Officer Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.) said: "Our Board of Directors made the decision to establish the AACR Academy as a mechanism for recognizing scientists whose contributions to the cancer field have had an extraordinary impact. Membership in the Fellows of the AACR Academy will be the most prestigious honor bestowed by the American Association for Cancer Research."

MD Anderson Fellows are:

  • Isaiah J. Fidler, D.V.M., Ph.D., professor and R. E. "Bob" Smith Distinguished Chair in Cell Biology, Department of Cancer Biology. Fidler is an expert on metastasis, the lethal spread of cancer to other organs. He revived and developed the "seed-and-soil" hypothesis of cancer metastasis, directing attention to the importance of the microenvironment (soil) where metastatic cancer cells (seeds) take hold and flourish. The tumor microenvironment is now a major area of cancer research.
  • Waun Ki Hong, M.D., professor and head, Division of Cancer Medicine, and Samsung Distinguished University Chair in Cancer Medicine. Hong's landmark clinical trials demonstrated the effectiveness of organ-sparing cancer treatment, launched the field of chemoprevention, and led the field of personalized cancer therapy. He established the groundbreaking BATTLE clinical trial for lung cancer, an unprecedented effort to match treatment to tumor characteristics.
  • Margaret Kripke, Ph.D., Vivian L. Smith Distinguished Chair and Professor in Immunology Emerita. The founding chair of MD Anderson's Department of Immunology, Kripke made major contributions to understanding of the immune response against cancer and how cancer cells evade destruction. She retired as executive vice president and chief academic officer of MD Anderson and is now scientific director of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
  • John Mendelsohn, M.D., director, MD Anderson's Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy and president from 1996-2011, a time of tremendous growth and accomplishment for the institution. Also a pioneer in the field of targeted therapy, he and colleagues developed a monoclonal antibody that blocks activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor, which stimulates cancer. The first drug in its class, Erbitux is used to treat colon cancer and cancers of the head and neck.
  • Louise Strong, M.D., professor and Sue and Radcliffe Killam Chair, Department of Genetics, is an expert in cancer genetics and epidemiology. She has made seminal discoveries in the genetic bases of Wilms tumor, retinoblastoma and Li-Fraumeni syndrome, as well as of the cancer risk posed by inherited genetic mutations, including those in the tumor suppressor p53.

"Selection to the AACR Academy is a richly deserved honor for MD Anderson's five Fellows, highlighting their indispensable contributions in cancer metastasis, personalized treatment, immunology, targeted therapy and cancer genetics," said Tom Buchholz, M.D., MD Anderson provost and executive vice president.

"In addition to their scientific and medical achievements, all have exercised important leadership roles to support and encourage other scientists and physicians in their endeavors against cancer," Buchholz said. "Congratulations to the AACR for establishing this academy to spotlight those who have had major impact on the cause of understanding and curing cancer."

Fidler, Hong, Kripke and Strong are all past presidents of AACR.

106 inductees chosen from 69 institutions worldwide

In announcing the new organization, the AACR noted the academy was created to recognize and honor distinguished scientists whose major scientific contributions have propelled significant innovation and progress against cancer. Fellows were selected through a rigorous peer review process.

The inaugural class of Fellows will be inducted into the AACR Academy at the AACR Annual Meeting 2013 in Washington, D.C., on April 5 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. The first class consists of 106 individuals, symbolizing the age of AACR upon establishment of the Academy. Future classes shall consist of a maximum of 11 individuals, in honor of the 11 founding members of the organization. These Fellows will be elected by vote of all the Fellows of the AACR Academy.

###

Founded in 1907, the AACR is the world's first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR membership includes more than 34,000 laboratory, translational and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and cancer advocates residing in more than 90 countries. The AACR Annual Meeting draws more than 17,000 attendees. The AACR also publishes eight peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients and their caregivers.

-30-



[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share Share ]

?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-03/uotm-ffm032713.php

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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

MSI GX60 1AC-021US


If you want a system around $1,300, you can ask for one that offers good performance on multimedia creation or 3D gaming prowess, but not both. For the money, the MSI GX60 1AC-021US is the gaming rig for your budding hardcore gamer. It sacrifices some raw multimedia CPU power for the high end AMD Radeon HD 7970 GPU, but that tradeoff gives this gaming rig the clout to play high end games at native 1080p HD resolution. Sure, a similarly priced high-end ultrabook is faster editing a photo, but the GX60 will let you see the rain dripping off your game opponent before you beat him at 500-yard distance. That's worth its weight in frankincense and myrrh. Sure, it's a specialized gaming system that trades overall multimedia performance for ultimate gaming speed, but in the immortal words of a certain James "Logan" Howlett, it's the best there is at what it does. Thus, we award it our Editors' Choice for entry-level gaming laptops.

Design and Features
The GX60 is a gaming rig with performance aspirations, so you'd expect a large chassis with extra embellishments it. It measures about 1.75-by-15-by-10.25 inches (HWD), and weighs a hefty 7.42 pounds. It's made mostly of black polycarbonate, with chromed accents on the central power button, trackpad buttons, and the area surrounding the 720p HD webcam. The row of backlit touch-sensitive buttons flanking the power button give it a bit of extra visibility, with red racing stripes going across the top of the keyboard deck.

The Steelseries-branded, chiclet-style keyboard isn't backlit, but the keys are responsive and mostly comfortable to use. However, you may have to do some relearning, as the keys are a little oddly placed. The most unfamiliar (for righties) is the Start key that only exists on the right side of the keyboard. While this is ostensibly done to prevent app switching when in a gaming session, it also means that you may hit the Fn or Alt key instead of Start during day-to-day computing sessions. The keyboard comes with a full numeric keypad, but that also means that the arrow keys are jammed in between the main alphanumeric section and numeric keypad. This could be a problem if you're used to navigating straight down from enter and shift keys to the arrow keys. Again, it's a matter of relearning where things are, but annoying just the same. They're certainly more cramped than the keyboard on the mid-range gaming system Editor's Choice Asus G75VW-DH72 ($1,899).

Since we're picking nits, the trackpad is a bit more recessed than it needs to be, particularly for Windows 8 gestures like brining up the Charms bar or getting to the Start screen. If you get a GX60, get used to using the corners for these functions. Besides, gaming is better with a mouse than a trackpad anyway.

The GX60 comes with an AMD A10-4600M processor, AMD Radeon HD 7970M discrete graphics, 8GB of memory, 750GB hard drive, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, a Killer branded Ethernet adapter, 15.6-inch 1,920 by 1,080 resolution display with matte screen, and a Blu-ray player. The Killer-branded Ethernet adapter is supposed to reduce latency when playing online multiplayer games. Some gamers swear by it. We didn't test the Killer adapter's claims, but if it helps you keep your cool while gaming, more power to you. Ports on the system are plentiful, including a VGA port, HDMI, mini-DisplayPort, three USB 3.0 ports, USB 2.0 (for a mouse or charging a phone), and a quartet of audio ports. The extra audio ports mean that you can use your gaming headset without having to unplug your external speakers.

The system's 1,920-by-1,080-resolution screen is perfect for gaming as well as viewing Blu-ray and online HD videos. We didn't detect any blurring during extended viewing sessions on the system. The multiple video outputs and AMD Radeon HD 7970 graphics can work together to give you a multi-monitor AMD Eyfinity experience. That way you can have the game play surround you to the left and right. The matte coating on the screen helped tame reflections from direct and indirect lighting.

While it's in the same price range, the GX60 gives you a lot more screen real estate than the ultraportable Editors' Choice Maingear Pulse 11 ($1,349) and it's Clevo-chassis brothers, the AVADirect Clevo W110ER ($1129) and former EC Eurocom Monster 1.0 ($1,605). This trio of systems that are built on the Clevo W110ER chassis are limited to a 1,366-by-768 resolution on their 11-inch screens.

Though you'd expect a minimal amount of pre-installed software, the GX60 actually comes with a pretty full set. In addition to the normal Windows 8 build, the GX60 comes with stuff like Skype, Music Maker Jam, PowerDVD 10, TuMetro (a news reader), Office trial, Norton Internet Security (60-day), Evernote, a cookbook app, and Wild Tangent games. In addition to Wild Tangent, the GX60 has a selection of games from the Xbox store pre-installed as well. It's not a deal breaker, but you will find a lot more programs on this mass market gaming rig than you would find on a system from one of the smaller boutique system builders.

Performance
MSI GX60 1AC-021US Performance is where the gaming rig lives and dies, and we're pleased to report that the GX60 is one of the systems you'd want on the game grid. The AMD Radeon HD 7970M discrete graphics on the GX60 is good for playable frame rates, even at the higher 1,920-by-1,080 resolution with all the eye candy turned on. This is a must-have if you're going to go all out and run multiple monitors, but it's also a boon for portable play. The GX60 was able to play the Aliens vs. Predator benchmark test at 39 fps and the Heaven benchmark test at 35 fps, both at the highest settings at 1,920 by 1,080. While this isn't the ultra smooth gameplay found on Editors' Choice winning high-end gaming rigs like the Origin EON17-SLX ($4,405), the GX60 will cost you a fraction of the price. Basically, you'll find the ability to play today's games at full resolution without too many of the sliders turned down from max settings to get a playable frame rate.

While the GX60's gaming benchmark scores were excellent, the GX60 did fall a bit behind other systems on the overall PCMark 7 test and the multimedia creation tests like Handbrake and Photoshop CS6. This is due to the system's AMD A10 processor, which isn't as efficient on these tasks. That said, the system is fast enough to keep a gamer happy during the times he's not gaming, particularly if it's his third or fourth system.

The GX60 had decent battery life for a gaming rig. It lasted almost four hours (3:51) on our rundown test. This isn't enough for a cross country flight, but the GX60 is more around the house portable anyway.

At this price point, you'll have to choose whether you're willing to pay for overall performance or for specialized performance (like gaming). At $1,299 you certainly have enough for our Editors' Choice high end ultrabook, the Asus Zenbook Prime Touch UX31A-BHI5T ($1,199), but if you prefer gaming over portability and a touch screen, then paying $1,299 for the MSI GX60-021US seems like a bargain compared with systems like the mid-range gaming EC, the $1,899 Asus GV75VW-DH72. You won't get the GV75VW's multimedia prowess, but if you want a specialized gaming rig solely for its 3D chops, then the MSI GX60 is a very attractive choice, and it even is a better rig at the system's native resolution. Because of the $600 price difference, we can't give the midrange crown to the GX60.

Pricewise, the GX60 would replace the Maingear Pulse 11, but that system is technically an ultraportable gaming desktop EC. However, the GX60 is a better gaming rig than the Pulse 11, especially considering the GX60's frame rates at 1,920 by 1,080 and looking at the comparative 3DMark 11 scores. The MSI GX60 is the gaming laptop we'd recommend at the sub-$1,500 price point. That earns it our Editors' Choice award for entry-level gaming laptops. Since it can play high-end 3D games at its 1,920 by 1,080 native resolution, it's the affordable rig we'd buy to hone our 3D gaming skills.

BENCHMARK TEST RESULTS

COMPARISON TABLE
Compare the MSI GX60 1AC-021US with several other laptops side by side.

More laptop reviews:
??? Dell Inspiron 17-3721
??? Dell XPS 13-MLK
??? MSI GX60 1AC-021US
??? Acer Aspire M5-581T-6405
??? Acer Aspire M5-481PT-6644
?? more

laptop

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ziffdavis/pcmag/~3/VJ_LyzBjptY/0,2817,2417025,00.asp

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Monday, March 25, 2013

Top American Querrey rallies for win at Sony Open

AAA??Mar. 23, 2013?4:05 PM ET
Top American Querrey rallies for win at Sony Open
By STEVEN WINEBy STEVEN WINE, AP Sports Writer?THE ASSOCIATED PRESS STATEMENT OF NEWS VALUES AND PRINCIPLES?

Golfer Rory McIlroy, center, of Northern Ireland, watches the match between Caroline Wozniacki, of Denmark, and Garbine Muguruza, of Spain, during the Sony Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Fla., Saturday, March 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Golfer Rory McIlroy, center, of Northern Ireland, watches the match between Caroline Wozniacki, of Denmark, and Garbine Muguruza, of Spain, during the Sony Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Fla., Saturday, March 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, of France, serves to Viktor Troicki, of Serbia, during the Sony Open tennis tournament, Saturday, March 23, 2013, in Key Biscayne, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Agnieszka Radwanska, of Poland, returns to Magdalena Rybarikova, of Slovakia, during the Sony Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Fla., Saturday, March 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Richard Gasquet, of France, returns a shot to Olivier Rochus, of Belgium, during the Sony Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Fla., Saturday, March 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

(AP) ? Sam Querrey won for the first time as the top-ranked American, rallying past Lukasz Kubot 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 Saturday at the Sony Open.

The 20th-ranked Querrey moved ahead of No. 23 John Isner this week.

On a sunny, humid afternoon, No. 6-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beat Viktor Troicki 7-6 (6), 6-3. No. 8 Richard Gasquet defeated qualifier Olivier Rochus 7-5, 6-2.

No. 18 Philipp Kohlschreiber lost to David Goffin 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-2.

In women's play, defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska, seeded fourth, lost serve seven times and needed nearly 2? hours to beat Magdalena Rybarikova 7-6 (5), 2-6, 6-3. No. 9 Caroline Wozniacki lost to wild card Garbine Muguruza of Spain, 6-2, 6-4.

No. 5 Li Na beat No. 25 Varvara Lepchenko of the United States 6-2, 6-4. Seeded players had their opening matches after receiving first-round byes.

Querrey lost his first serve game but held the rest of the way and hit 12 aces against Kubot. The 25-year-old Querrey said being the top-ranked American has provided only a modest boost in confidence.

"Some days more than others," he said. "I never thought about it out there today. Haven't really thought about it much. Felt like another day out there to me. Nothing new."

Querrey won despite a lack of rest. He's staying near downtown Miami, site of a weekend electronic music festival.

"I'm not sleeping well because of this Ultra Festival going on," he said. "I could hear the bass, and strobe lights were shining in my hotel, so it's hard to sleep."

Associated Press
People, Places and Companies: Sam Querrey, Lukasz Kubot, John Isner, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Viktor Troicki, Richard Gasquet, Olivier Rochus, Philipp Kohlschreiber, David Goffin, Agnieszka Radwanska, Magdalena Rybarikova, Caroline Wozniacki, Garbine Muguruza, Varvara Lepchenko

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2013-03-23-TEN-Key-Biscayne/id-3c12ddad38cc4e50b60b0b9c20b0d271

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Petcast: Pets are good for you! | WGN Radio

You?ve heard it before, pets are good for us. But how do we know that and put this knowledge into practice? The scientists who study human/animal interactions and those who participate in programs, like animal assisted therapy or reading programs, are all coming to Chicago ? as a part of the International Association of Humane Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO), and the 150th Annual American Veterinary Medical Association Convention. And you?re invited, as Dr. Rebecca Johnson (IAHAIO President) explains. This is the first time that an IAOHAIO Conference will be in the U.S.

Dr. Mark Russak, past president of the American Animal Hospital Association explains that seeing a veterinarian for preventive care not only benefits your pet, it benefits your wallet. Need proof? Listen.

Fleas are not welcome. Veterinary Parisitologist Dr. Michael Dryden says you can get the best of parasites, and explains how to win the war.

Speaking of parasites American Animal Hospital Association CEO continues that discussion, and includes heartworm in the mix. Heartworm can be prevented, and lives saved ? if only pet owners did he right thing.

stevedale

Steve Dale and friends

Source: http://wgnradio.com/2013/03/22/petcast-pets-are-good-for-you/

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Sunday, March 24, 2013

Syria rebels take control of strategic southern base

By Erika Solomon

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Rebels seized an air defense base near Syria's strategic southern international highway on Saturday, activists said, a gain that could bolster opposition fighters trying to secure supply routes to the capital Damascus.

Syria's southern provinces bordering Jordan and Israel have become an increasingly significant battleground as the capital comes into play, with President Bashar al-Assad's forces and his loyalist militias hitting back hard to prevent rebel advances.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which has a network of sources across Syria, said the base commander was among those killed in the two-week battle for the air defense site in Deraa province bordering Jordan.

"Fighters from the Nusra Front, Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade, and other battalions seized control of the 38th division air defense base, near the town of Saida on the Damascus-Amman highway, after 16 days of fierce clashes," the Observatory said.

The Nusra Front is an Islamist militant group suspected of links to al Qaeda and blacklisted by the United States as a "terrorist group". Its forces, which include foreign fighters, have come to increasing prominence in the revolt.

Videos published by opposition activists showed cheering fighters driving tanks around the base and loading boxes of ammunition onto flatbed trucks. The rebels also said in the videos they had freed dozens of prisoners held at the base.

A video uploaded by the Observatory showed what it said was the body of base commander General Mahmoud Darwish lying in a pool of blood in a bathroom.

Other activist videos showed the corpses of soldiers in camouflage fatigues scattered in the grass outside the base, shot in the head.

It was not immediately possible to verify the pictures or opposition reports. The Syrian government has severely restricted access to Syria for foreign journalists and international aid groups.

CLASHES NEAR ISRAEL BORDER

Fighting has also raged near the border with Israel, which is increasingly concerned Islamist rebels may be emboldened to end the quiet on the Golan front maintained by Assad and his father before him during their four decade rule of Syria.

Israel captured the Golan plateau from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war.

Rebels on Wednesday overran at least three towns near the Israeli-Syrian disengagement line but appeared to lose ground after militias loyal to Assad pushed them back in a fierce battle.

Rami Abdelrahman, head of the Observatory, said he recorded one of the heaviest single death tolls for rebels in the fighting near the Israeli border.

"We have 35 fighters recorded by name and at least 20 more missing, this is a huge number to be lost in a single battle and shows how hard they (Assad's forces) are fighting for these areas," Abdelrahman told Reuters.

He said the pro-government militias involved were made up of fighters from Syria's Druze minority, a sect which for some time had stayed on the sidelines of the conflict but now increasingly appears to be throwing its weight behind Assad.

Their involvement could increase sectarian bloodshed in Syria, already wracked by tensions between the Sunni Muslim majority that has led the uprising and the Alawite minority to which Assad belongs.

Tit-for-tat kidnappings and killings between the sects have become common as the uprising spiraled into a bloody civil war that has killed more than 70,000 people.

Alawite opposition campaigners, increasingly concerned for the fate of their community as fighting continues, will meet this weekend to discuss options for supporting a democratic alternative to Assad's rule and try to distance themselves from security forces attempts to crush the revolt.

(Editing by Sophie Hares)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/syria-rebels-seize-embattled-southern-province-111154873.html

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Baby Boomers & New Homes ? Irresistible Attraction | NewsGeni.us

By: Denise Lones

?

More The Zebra Report Articles


Baby Boomers & New Homes ? Irresistible Attraction
Baby Boomers are individuals born between 1946 and 1964 ? and they are a very important part of the new home industry due to their strong buying power. Not only have they worked for many years?

Editing Your Life? Essential for All Agents
There are only so many hours in a day, days in a week and weeks in a month. Time is the one thing that we can?t buy more of. We are the only ones who are in complete control of our time. It can?t?

What Low Inventory Means for Buyers and Sellers
The real estate market is alive and well! The multiple offers we are seeing on so many listings is proof of that. With resurgence in our market comes a rapid decline in inventory. One of my clients?

Smart Phones: Being Too Tuned-In Can Be A Turn-Off
Recently I attended the Home Show in Seattle and was quite surprised by what I found. Initially I went to the Home Show to check out all the latest and greatest products and companies in the home?

Scripts Are Out!
Five Tips for Effective Communication with Sellers I want to take a moment to discuss the importance of learning how to instill calm communication and conflict resolution at a listing presentation,?

Baby Boomers are individuals born between 1946 and 1964 ? and they are a very important part of the new home industry due to their strong buying power. Not only have they worked for many years and have equity in their existing homes, but they also have inherited the largest passing down of wealth from their parents. Most of the Baby Boomers? parents were from either the Silent Generation or the GI Generation ? both generations of savers. That strong saving ethic has translated into wealth being passed down to Baby Boomers.

In addition to inheriting from their parents, Baby Boomers are no strangers of leveraging. They are the first generation to really capitalize on this concept and many have leveraged their existing homes to buy second homes and investment properties. And while the real estate correction slowed their spending down it did not slow down their love for their homes. To a Baby Boomer, the home has much more significance than just a place to live ? it is where they have raised their children and made their memories. It represents safety, security, love and pleasure. To Baby Boomers, their home truly is their castle.

Many Baby Boomers feel, however, their castle is in need of a little makeover. Perhaps they feel their kitchen is a better fit for scullery maid cuisine than their culinary creations. Or perhaps the space no longer fits their ever-changing needs. Their children have grown up and moved on (or not). They may be caring for other adults. Or they may have health concerns which make it more difficult for them to climb stairs. They may want space for their grandkids to stay over. In any case, they are looking to new homes to satisfy their desire for something new and something right for them.

In fact, the National Association of Home Builders did a survey both in 2006 and in 2012 in which 1,400 Baby Boomers were asked to evaluate their satisfaction with their current home. The results indicated that overall satisfaction with their current home slipped 19% between 2006 and 2012 (from 49% to 30%). These results are surprising:

  • 4% reported they were very dissatisfied with their home
  • 4% reported they were dissatisfied with their home
  • 17% indicated they felt neutral about their home
  • 44% were satisfied with their home
  • 30% were very satisfied with their home

Of the respondents, 24% of the 55-64 age group indicated the recession delayed their plans to move while 19% of the 65-74 age group delayed. This represents pent-up demand, and as conditions continue to improve, we can expect these Baby Boomers to find home solutions that give them exactly what they want.

Baby Boomers with bucks are once again flocking to new home sales centers like children to ice cream trucks. They find new homes irresistible and with the increase of home improvement and decoration shows on almost every other channel they just can?t control their want for new spaces.

So what is it about new homes that Baby Boomers love so much? First and foremost is the idea of being able to customize the home to give them exactly what they want in the size of home they need. When Baby Boomers are given the choice to customize their homes, they have the will and means to pay for it and they will do so. Builders who have realized this powerful trend and provide customization or ?personalization options? are reaping the benefits of a smart marketing move. Customization and personalization are the new buzz words for the Baby Boomer.

What our builders are building today will undergo even more change tomorrow because the Baby Boomers are reshaping the new home sales industry. Baby Boomers know what they want and they want it their way. Smart builders and smart real estate professionals are benefiting from working with this very creative and financially-capable generation by giving them what they really want ? ?personalization? their way.

Source: http://www.nahb.org/generic.aspx?genericContentID=194333&fromGSA=1

Source: http://newsgeni.us/?p=107323

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The Passive Investing Film Wall Street Doesn't Want You to See ...

  • Joshua M Brown
  • March 22nd, 2013

I came across this 53 minute documentary on why active investing doesn't work for most people quite by accident.

A few minutes in I realized they has Yale's Charles Ellis, Vanguard's Jack Bogle, Rick Ferri and the whole galaxy of anti-active management priests.

It's a good watch, find some time for this:

Full Disclosure: Nothing on this site should ever be considered to be advice, research or an invitation to buy or sell any securities, please see my Terms & Conditions page for a full disclaimer.

blog comments powered by The Reformed Broker Blog

Source: http://www.thereformedbroker.com/2013/03/22/the-passive-investing-film-wall-street-doesnt-want-you-to-see/

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Saturday, March 23, 2013

Mini Chic! See Harper Beckham?s Designer Rain Boots

"Harper loves her Marc Jacobs wellies! Rainy day in London," the fashion designer wrote.

Source: http://feeds.celebritybabies.com/~r/celebrity-babies/~3/lCQKJsJPz7o/

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Weekend Linkdown: Robots, drones, and the best 404 error pages

By Rob Walker

The workweek is winding down, and as usual you?re looking for webby distraction. Well guess what? I have suggestions.?

Podcast Win: Fans of video games, gamer culture or just really good radio will be pleased to hear that the excellent podcast ?A Life Well Wasted? has released its first new episode since 2010. The theme of the hourlong show is ?Work,? and it includes segments with the famous John Romero discussing his precareer career, and the eccentric Nick Smith, known to some as Ulillillia.

If you?ve never heard this podcast, clearly a labor of love beautifully put together by Robert Ashley on a highly irregular schedule, it?s worth checking out the archive. Think of it as the ?This American Life? of games! Actually that?s a terrible description, but the show really is great. Plus every episode is accompanied by an appealing limited-edition print by Olly Moss?a cool gimmick.

Robots vs. Drones March Madness Alternative: Popular Science has created a bracket of the ?strongest, fastest, and strangest landbots and sky drones around,? and invites you to ?vote for your favorites.? I?m partial to BigDog, of course.

Object of the Week: The Claustrophobic Notebook is spiral-bound on both sides, ?to prevent its opening.? A great gift for the aspiring writer in your life who you think should find some other aspiration. Via BookofJoe.

Anti-social Add-On: Are you unhealthily obsessed by how many ?likes? your status updates get? OK weirdo, then go cold turkey and break your habit by installing the Facebook Demetricator, which ?invites Facebook?s users to try the system without the numbers, to see how their experience is changed.?

Tasty Visual Feat: ?I created a series of hand-made pantone chips using everyday foods.? Needless to say, prints are for sale. Via OBlog.

Oops: Business Insider compiles what it asserts are The Best 404 Error Pages of All Time. I?m skeptical of that claim, but some are pretty funny.

From the Air: Jeffrey Milstein?s surprisingly interesting overhead photographs of airports. Via Atlantic Cities.

Abstract Pastime: Zone out to this fast-growing collection of one-minute abstract videos being submitted for possible inclusion in a MoMA event called Abstract Currents, in conjunction with its ?Inventing Abstraction? exhibition. If you feel like actually doing something, you can create and submit your own. Or you can just zone out. Via Hyperallergic.

Educational Programming: If that sounds too highbrow, try this: Reddit?s Explain Like I?m Five forum has inspired a video series, in which topics like existentialism, stock market volatility and the crisis in Syria are explained to actual 5-year-olds. If you?re not careful, you just might learn something.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/the-robots-vs--drones-tournament-bracket--facebook-without-%E2%80%98likes-%E2%80%99---the-best-404-error-pages-of-all-time--weekend-linkdown--172551107.html

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Israel and Turkey agree to restore diplomatic ties

JERUSALEM (AP) ? Israel and Turkey agreed to restore full diplomatic relations on Friday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized in a phone call for a deadly naval raid against a Gaza-bound international flotilla in a dramatic turnaround partly brokered by President Barack Obama.

Joint interests between the two countries, including fears that the Syrian civil war could spill over their respective borders, and some cajoling by Obama made the time ripe to repair the frayed relations after nearly three years of acrimony over the deaths.

It was a surprising turnaround for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who had long rejected calls to apologize. He announced the breakthrough after a 20-minute phone conversation with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Obama helped broker the fence-mending while visiting Israel, but the sides had been reaching out to each other before.

"They agreed to restore normalization between Israel and Turkey, including the dispatch of ambassadors and the cancellation of legal steps against Israeli soldiers," a statement from Netanyahu's office said. Netanyahu "regretted the recent deterioration of relations between Israel and Turkey and expressed his commitment to overcoming their differences in order to advance peace and stability in the region," it said.

The statement stressed that the bloodshed was not intentional and suggested that relatives of those killed would get compensation. In light of an Israeli investigation into the shootings that pointed to a number of operational missteps, Netanyahu apologized to the Turkish people for "any mistakes that might have led to the loss of life or injury and agreed to conclude an agreement on compensation (and) non-liability," the statement said.

It said Netanyahu appreciated Erdogan's interview with a Danish paper in which he said he was misunderstood in remarks at a U.N. conference in Vienna. Erdogan said Islamophobia should be considered a crime against humanity "just like Zionism, like anti-Semitism and like fascism." His comments drew wide condemnation. Erdogan later told Politiken that he was misunderstood and was criticizing Israeli policy.

Erdogan's office said: "Our prime minister accepted the apology in the name of the Turkish people."

Erdogan "expressed that it was saddening that relations, which are of vital strategic importance for peace and the stability of the region, have been soured in recent years," the statement said.

Israel and Turkey were once close allies. Relations began to decline after Erdogan, whose party has roots in Turkey's Islamist movement, became prime minister in 2003. Erdogan has embarked on a campaign to make Turkey a regional powerhouse in an attempt to become the leading voice in the Muslim world and distanced from Israel.

Tensions raged after Erdogan attacked Israel for the high Palestinian death toll in an Israeli campaign aimed at stopping daily rocket fire from Gaza on Israel in the winter of 2008, at one point storming off a stage he shared with the Israeli president at the high-profile World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Relations gradually worsened.

A Turkish TV show that demonized Israeli soldiers prompted Israel's then deputy foreign minister, Danny Ayalon, in early 2010 to reprimand the Turkish ambassador. He seated Ahmet Oguz Celikkol on a sofa lower than his own chair and wouldn't shake his hand in televised images of the meeting.

Animosity peaked on May 31, 2010, when Israeli commandos stormed a ship named Mavi Marmara while stopping an international flotilla trying to breach an Israeli blockade of Gaza, which is ruled by Hamas, an Islamic militant group that has been branded a terrorist organization by Israel, the U.S. and the European Union. Gaza militants have fired thousands of rockets and mortar rounds at Israeli border communities and towns during the past decade. The latest rocket was fired at the Israeli town of Sderot on Thursday while Obama was visiting Jerusalem.

Eight Turks and a Turkish-American were killed, and dozens of activists were wounded. On the Israeli side, a total of seven soldiers were wounded.

Israel blockaded the coastal strip in 2007, in cooperation with Egypt, after Hamas violently overran the territory from the secular Palestinian Fatah party. Israel said the blockade was a move to weaken Hamas and keep militants from moving weapons into the enclave.

But pro-Palestinian activists say it amounts to collective punishment of Gaza's residents and have launched numerous attempts to reach the territory by boat to draw attention to their cause.

Israel previously blamed the activists on the Mavi Marmara for the bloodshed that occurred during the raid, saying its naval commandos were attacked when they went aboard. Israel released videos showing armed activists brandishing iron rods and clubs attacking the soldiers as they slowly rappelled onto the deck from a helicopter. Soldiers were overpowered as they landed. They were surrounded by men with clubs. One soldier was tossed onto a lower deck.

The military later said the soldiers were not expecting trouble and had paintball guns as their primary weapons while handguns were only for an emergency. Two activists grabbed the handguns away from soldiers and shot two of them, the military said at the time. Both activists were then shot and killed.

Israel insisted that its soldiers acted in self-defense and later showcased knives, slingshots and clubs they said were found onboard the ship. Some activists had military-style gear, including bullet-proof vests and night-vision goggles. Israel said this indicated that the activists had planned for violence. The activists also said they acted in self-defense.

Following the flotilla incident, NATO-member Turkey withdrew its ambassador to Israel and greatly scaled back military and economic ties. But relations were never broken completely.

Erdogan phoned Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas prime minister in Gaza, to update him Friday. In a statement, Hamas commended Turkey for holding firm on demanding an apology from Israel, which it refers to as the "Zionist entity."

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the restoration of normal relations between the two countries and expressed appreciation for Obama's role.

"Assisting Israel and Turkey in restoring their good relations had been a core objective of the Secretary-General's efforts in the aftermath of the May 2010 flotilla incident," U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky said. "Today's announcement is an important and hopeful signal for the stability of the region."

Alon Liel, a former Israeli diplomat to Turkey, said the time was right for reconciliation because of the new Israeli government and because of Obama's involvement. Liel said Turkey and Israel share the same concerns that violence from the Syrian civil war reaching their countries plus there are possible gas deals that would be impossible without reconciliation.

Hasan Koni of Istanbul's Bahcesehir University said the Arab Spring uprisings forced the two former allies to repair their strained ties.

"Developments in the Middle East aren't progressing in a favorable way for the Western world," Koni said. "For the West, it is now time to maintain some level of stabilization."

The U.S. welcomed the development as a means to advance regional peace and security.

Speaking at a news conference with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Amman Friday, Obama said the timing on his trip to Israel was right for Turkey and Israel to start restoring normal diplomatic relations.

Obama said he has long argued that it's in the interests of both Turkey and Israel to restore normal relations, noting that they have historically had good ties and are both "extraordinarily strong partners and friends of ours."

"They don't have to agree on everything in order for them to come together around a whole range of common interests and common concerns," he said.

___

Associated Press writers Josh Lederman in Washington, Suzan Fraser in Ankara and Matthew Lee aboard Air Force One contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/israel-turkey-agree-restore-diplomatic-ties-205031955.html

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Senate Democrats on track to pass budget

WASHINGTON (AP) ? Democrats controlling the Senate appear on track to pass their first budget in four years, promising a second, almost $1 trillion round of tax increases on top of more than $600 billion in higher taxes on the wealthy enacted in January.

The nonbinding but politically symbolic measure would protect safety-net programs for the poor and popular domestic priorities like education, health research and federal law enforcement agencies from cuts sought by House Republicans, who adopted a far more austere plan on Thursday morning.

The Democratic plan caters to party stalwarts on the liberal edge of the spectrum just as the House GOP measure was crafted to appeal to more recent tea party arrivals. The $1 trillion in new revenue would accrue over the coming decade and would be coupled with a net $875 billion in spending cuts, generated by modest cuts to federal health care programs, domestic agencies and the Pentagon and reduced government borrowing costs.

The GOP budget proposal, similar to previous plans offered by Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., demonstrates that it's possible, at least mathematically, to balance the budget within a decade without raising taxes. But to do so Ryan, his party's vice presidential nominee last year, assumes deep cuts that would force millions from programs for the poor like food stamps and Medicaid and cut almost 20 percent from domestic agency budget levels assumed less than two years ago.

Ryan's plan passed the House on a mostly party-line, 221-207 vote, with 10 Republicans joining Democrats against it.

Senators braced for dozens of votes during a marathon session expected on Friday, with pessimists in the Capitol predicting a final vote on the Democratic plan in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday.

That tall stack of votes follows up a quintet of politically freighted Senate tallies Thursday night, including a move by Democrats to force a vote on the controversial Ryan budget, which was rejected by a 59-40 vote, with five Republicans joining every Democrat in opposition.

Republicans countered with a move by Jeff Session, R-Ala., putting Democrats on record in opposition to balancing the budget by the end of the decade. It failed on a near party-line vote.

Indeed, Thursday's votes demonstrated the raw politics driving the budget debate, which is more a display of party positions and priorities than an attempt to move the combatants closer together.

The dueling House and Senate budget plans are anchored on opposite ends of the ideological spectrum in Washington, appealing to core partisans in warring GOP and Democratic tribes long gridlocked over how to attack budget deficits. The GOP plan caters to tea party forces while Senate Budget Committee Chairman Patty Murray, D-Wash., crafted a measure designed to nail down support from liberal senators like Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, who vehemently oppose cuts to safety net programs.

What the Ryan and Murray budgets both fail to do is reach out to the political middle, where any possible bargain would have to be forged. President Barack Obama has been reaching out to lawmakers in hopes of sparking a budget compromise that has proved so elusive.

But Murray's plan would actually increase government spending ? on top of a baseline that already assumes automatic budget increases averaging more than 5 percent a year ? after accounting for the $1.2 trillion cost of repealing the automatic cuts, known as sequestration. That means the net cuts to the deficit would amount to just a few hundred billion dollars in a federal budget estimated at $46 trillion or so over the coming decade.

Murray's position is that the automatic cuts were designed to prod Washington into action on the debt and were never intended to take effect. By that math, her budget promises $1.85 trillion in lower deficits after 10 years. She points out that Republicans on a 2011 deficit "supercommittee" used the same math when describing their proposals.

"Sequestration was not deficit reduction," Murray said. "It was there to trigger deficit reduction that would come from replacing it."

Murray's plan promises a $693 billion deficit in 2014, dropping to the $400 billion range for the middle years of the decade. While large, such deficits would hover just above 2 percent of gross domestic product, a level that many analysts see as economically sustainable.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/senate-democrats-track-pass-budget-070317263--politics.html

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Thursday, March 21, 2013

Natural climate swings contribute more to increased monsoon rainfall than global warming

Mar. 20, 2013 ? Natural swings in the climate have significantly intensified Northern Hemisphere monsoon rainfall, showing that these swings must be taken into account for climate predictions in the coming decades, a new study finds.

The findings are published in the March 18 online publication of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Monsoon rainfall in the Northern Hemisphere impacts about 60% of the World population in Southeast Asia, West Africa and North America. Given the possible impacts of global warming, solid predictions of monsoon rainfall for the next decades are important for infrastructure planning and sustainable economic development. Such predictions, however, are very complex because they require not only pinning down how humanmade greenhouse gas emissions will impact the monsoons and monsoon rainfall, but also a knowledge of natural long-term climate swings, about which little is known so far.

To tackle this problem an international team of scientists around Meteorology Professor Bin Wang at the International Pacific Research Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa, examined climate data to see what happened in the Northern Hemisphere during the last three decades, a time during which the global-mean surface-air temperature rose by about 0.4?C. Current theory predicts that the Northern Hemisphere summer monsoon circulation should weaken under anthropogenic global warming.

Wang and his colleagues, however, found that over the past 30 years, the summer monsoon circulation, as well as the Hadley and Walker circulations, have all substantially intensified. This intensification has resulted in significantly greater global summer monsoon rainfall in the Northern Hemisphere than predicted from greenhouse-gas-induced warming alone: namely a 9.5% increase, compared to the anthropogenic predicted contribution of 2.6% per degree of global warming.

Most of the recent intensification is attributable to a cooling of the eastern Pacific that began in 1998. This cooling is the result of natural long-term swings in ocean surface temperatures, particularly swings in the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation or mega-El Ni?o-Southern Oscillation, which has lately been in a mega-La Ni?a or cool phase. Another natural climate swing, called the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, also contributes to the intensification of monsoon rainfall.

"These natural swings in the climate system must be understood in order to make realistic predictions of monsoon rainfall and of other climate features in the coming decades," says Wang. "We must be able to determine the relative contributions of greenhouse-gas emissions and of long-term natural swings to future climate change."

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Story Source:

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

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


Journal Reference:

  1. B. Wang, J. Liu, H.-J. Kim, P. J. Webster, S.-Y. Yim, B. Xiang. Northern Hemisphere summer monsoon intensified by mega-El Nino/southern oscillation and Atlantic multidecadal oscillation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2013; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1219405110

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

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/~3/1cG19fbeCIY/130320155251.htm

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US rate on 30-year mortgage declines to 3.54 pct.

WASHINGTON (AP) ? Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages fell this week and remained near historic lows, a trend that has supported a recovery in housing.

Freddie Mac says the average rate for the 30-year loan fell to 3.54 percent from 3.63 percent last week. That's near the 3.31 percent reached in November, which was the lowest on records dating to 1971.

The average rate on the 30-year loan has been below 4 percent now for a full year.

The average rate on the 15-year fixed mortgage slipped last week to 2.72 percent from 2.79 percent last week. The record low is 2.63 percent.

Low mortgage rates are spurring more home purchases and refinancing. That's helped the broader economy. Increased sales are also pushing home prices higher.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2013-03-21-US-Mortgage-Rates/id-8253748d9424467a88cc61db3756dbb1

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Business Monitor International Reports: Chile Real Estate Report Q2 ...

The Chile Real Estate report examines the commercial office, retail, industrial and construction sectors inthe country in the context of a historically buoyant market, whose slowing economic growth looks set tocool the commercial real estate market.With a focus on the principal cities of Santiago and Valdivia, the report covers rental market performance interms of rates and yields over the past 24 months and examines how best to maximise returns in thecommercial real estate market, while minimising investment risk and exploring the dynamic supply anddemand landscape: in spite of new supply, absorption rates are generally holding up across the board.Increasing dem...

Source: http://bmireports.blogspot.com/2013/03/chile-real-estate-report-q2-2013.html

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Sanford advances in S.C. race, Colbert's sister wins

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) ? Mark Sanford says he believes in "a God of second chances," and now the former South Carolina governor has taken the first step toward reviving a political career that was derailed by an extramarital affair.

Elizabeth Colbert Busch, the sister of political satirist Stephen Colbert, always dreamed of a career in politics ? and now she has a chance to realize that dream.

As Sanford advanced Tuesday night to an April 2 GOP runoff for an open congressional seat in a southern coastal district, Colbert Busch easily won the Democratic primary to earn a spot on the May 7 general election ballot.

The race has drawn national attention because of Sanford's well-known fall from grace and Colbert Busch's relationship to Stephen Colbert, who parodies a conservative political commentator as host of TV's "The Colbert Report."

Colbert Busch swamped perennial candidate Ben Frasier on Tuesday to win the Democratic nomination for the seat vacated by Tim Scott, who was appointed to the U.S. Senate to replace fellow Republican Jim DeMint, now head of The Heritage Foundation.

She says she's long dreamed of a career in politics. She remembers watching the 1968 funeral of slain U.S. senator and Democratic presidential candidate Robert Kennedy on television with her younger brother Stephen sitting in her lap. That's when she promised herself that one day she would run for office.

She is currently on leave from her job as director of business development for Clemson University's Wind Turbine Drive Testing Facility in North Charleston.

Colbert Busch now faces the winner of the GOP primary runoff in the 1st Congressional District.

"I understand your frustrations and your aspirations. I will never stop listening to you and I am ready to be your voice in Washington," Colbert Bush told her supporters Tuesday night.

"My pledge is to you. You are my only cause. I will fight to improve your lives and the lives of your children," she added.

Sanford, trying to mount a political comeback, easily outdistanced the other 15 Republicans in the field Tuesday. But with only 37 percent of the vote, he finds himself in a runoff.

The Republican campaign was driven more by personality than debate over party direction, with most candidates boasting their conservative credibility.

Former Charleston County Councilman Curtis Bostic appeared to be in second place following the voting, but the margin is so narrow ? less than 1 percent over state Sen. Larry Grooms ? that it will trigger an automatic recount this week. Teddy Turner, the son of media mogul Ted Turner, finished fourth.

Tuesday was Sanford's first run for office since a 2009 scandal in which he acknowledged an affair. After disappearing and telling his staff he was out hiking the Appalachian Trail, he returned to the state to reveal that he was in Argentina with his mistress. Sanford and his wife Jenny divorced, and he is now engaged to the Argentine woman.

"Are you ready to change things in Washington?" Sanford, flanked by his four sons, asked a boisterous crowd at a restaurant in Charleston's historic district. "I'm incredibly humbled by the outpouring of support we have seen tonight."

Earlier Tuesday, Sanford said it was "a treat and a blessing" to be back on the ballot. He represented the district in Congress for three terms before he was elected governor, serving two terms.

"We all hope for a second chance. I believe in a God of second chances," Sanford said after voting Tuesday.

Whether against Sanford, Grooms or Bostic, Colbert Busch would appear to have an uphill battle in the May 7 special election in the strongly Republican district.

Last fall, Mitt Romney won the conservative district by 18 percentage points, although he beat President Barack Obama by 10 percentage points statewide.

The district reaches from the sea islands with million-dollar oceanfront homes northeast of Charleston to southwest along the coast to the gated communities of Hilton Head Island, with its many Yankee transplants. When Sanford ran in the 1990s, the district reached into more conservative Horry County, but that area has been split and is now part of another district.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/sanford-advances-sc-race-colberts-sister-wins-084316580--election.html

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Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Survive and Thrive Dot TV: LIST OF EMERGENCY ESSENTIALS ...

Below is a 25 page collection of information including check and shopping lists for disaster preparedness as provided by various government and relief organizations. There is also additional valuable information and checklists for those living in earthquake, volcano, flood and/or storm prone areas.

Included Files
Printable & Downloadable PDF
Printable HTML

Recently in Auckland, New Zealand, the Civil Defense Controller revealed that less than 1 in 10 Aucklanders were prepared for a disaster occurrence, even though most were aware of the need to create some form of disaster plan. He strongly recommended that everyone have at least 3 days worth of food, water and emergency supplies on hand.
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This was not necessarily a proclamation that an emergency situation will occur in the near future, but rather a precautionary measure in the light of increased tectonic activity in the region.
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For anyone living in any area prone to Earth or weather changes, it is heavily recommended by all local and national governments to be prepared and have 3 days of food, water and other tools and necessities stored in a safe, convenient and easily accessible area. Therefore, we have gathered a fairly comprehensive collection of lists and survival information in a printable and downloadable form. Source Materials: FEMA, Governmental Agencies, Relief Organizations, Universities.


3 Day Emergency Essentials, Emergency Lists, Preparedness Information | Printer Friendly Version | PDF
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Sources: FEMA, Official Sources
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INCLUDED:
Family Preparedness Questionaire

FEMA?s Family Supply List
QUICK SHOPPING LIST
An Evacuation Kit for Your Home
A Disaster Kit For Your Car
What You Can Do To Prepare
Create an Emergency Communications Plan
Homeland Security Advisory System
Evacuation Tips
When an Emergency Strikes
Recovering from a Disaster / Emergency
Fire Safety Tips
Emergency Contact Information
Maintaining Your Supplies and Emergency Kit
Our Recommendations
Sources and Links
NOTES
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Family Preparedness Questionaire

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Answer these 8 questions. If you have answered ?no? to any of them, you need to develop or update your Family Emergency Plan.
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Do you believe that your community is prepared for emergencies?
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Do you believe that your family is well prepared to handle most emergencies?
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Have you discussed emergency planning issues with your family?
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Do you have a Family Emergency Supplies Kit including:
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a three-day supply of water per person (1 gallon per-person, per-day)
one change of clothing per person
one blanket or sleeping bag per person
first aid kit with current prescription medication enough for four days
battery powered radio & flashlight, w/extra batteries
extra set of car keys
a credit card and a small amount of cash
Sanitation supplies
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Does your house have operational smoke detectors on every level?
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Do you have a charged ABC fire extinguisher?
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Have you trained your family on the proper techniques of fire extinguisher use?
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Do you know how to turn off your? utilities?
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FEMA?s Family Supply List

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Ready Kids & The Federal Emergency Management Agency present:
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Emergency Supplies:
Water, food, and clean air are important things to have if an emergency happens. Each family or individual?s kit should be customized to meet specific needs, such as medications and infant formula. It should also be customized to include important family documents.
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Recommended Supplies to Include in a Basic Kit:
Water, one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First Aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Infant formula and diapers, if you have an infant
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air
Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
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Clothing and Bedding:
If you live in a cold weather climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that the power will be out and you will not have heat. Rethink your clothing and bedding supplies to account for growing children and other family changes. One complete change of warm clothing and shoes per person, including:
A jacket or coat
Long pants
A long sleeve shirt
Sturdy shoes or boots
Rain Gear
A hat, scarf and gloves
Sunglasses
A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
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Family Supply List (continued)
Below are some other items for your family to consider adding to its supply kit. Some of these items, especially those marked with a * can be dangerous, so please have an adult collect these supplies.
Emergency reference materials such as a first aid book or a print out of the information on www.ready.gov
Rain gear
Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
Cash or traveler?s checks, change
Paper towels
Fire Extinguisher
Tent
Compass
Matches in a waterproof container*
Signal flare*
Paper, pencil
Personal hygiene items including feminine supplies
Disinfectant*
Household chlorine bleach* ? You can use bleach as a disinfectant (diluted nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to treat water. Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
Medicine dropper
Important Family Documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
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QUICK SHOPPING LIST

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Disaster Supplies Kit Shopping List
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Stock a minimum of three days worth of supplies. For more information visit the Emergency Management Department at www.hooksett.org or www.Ready.gov.
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DO YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING FOR A MINIMUM OF 3 DAYS WORTH OF EMERGENCY SUPPLIES?
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Water
Three gallons of water per person plus water for pets
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High Energy Foods
Salt-free Crackers
Whole Grain Cereal
Granola or Granola Bars
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Trail Mix
Fruit Bars
Nuts
Dried Fruit
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Staples
Ready-to-eat Canned Foods
Milk (Powdered or canned)
Canned or Packaged Meats, Fruits, Vegetables
Juice
Low-sodium Soup
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Comfort Foods
Cookies
Hard Candy
Instant Coffee/Tea
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Staples
Sugar Salt Pepper
Specialty Needs
Vitamins Infant Foods
Comfort Foods
Cookies Hard Candy Instant Coffee/Tea
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First Aid Kit Supplies
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes Thermometer
2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
Tongue blades (2)
4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
Tweezers
Hypoallergenic adhesive tape Needle
Triangular bandages (3)
Antiseptic
2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
Moistened towelettes
3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
Cleansing agent/soap
Scissors Latex gloves (2 pair)
Assorted sizes of safety pins
Sunscreen
Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Basic First Aid Manual
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Non-prescription Drugs
Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
Laxative
Anti-diarrhea medication Antacid (for stomach upset)
Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
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Clothing and Bedding
Jacket or Coat
Long Pants
Long Sleeve Shirt
Sturdy Shoes or Boots
Rain Gear
Thermal Underwear
Hat Scarf
Gloves
Sunglasses
Blanket or Sleeping Bag
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Tools
Emergency preparedness manual
Mess kits or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
Aluminum foil
Non-electric can opener, utility knife
Tube tent
Plastic storage containers
Needles, thread
Fire extinguisher: small canister
ABC type Paper, pencil
Matches in a waterproof container
Pliers
Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
Medicine dropper
Flashlight and extra batteries
Whistle
Map of the area (for locating shelters)
Compass
Cash or traveler?s checks, change
Tape
Plastic sheeting
Signal flare
Portable, battery-operated radio or television and extra batteries
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Sanitation Supplies
Toilet Paper Plastic Garbage Bags and Ties
Soap and Liquid Detergent Plastic Bucket with Tight Lid
Feminine Supplies
Disinfectant
Personal Hygiene Items
Household Chlorine Bleach
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SPECIAL ITEMS
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For Baby

Formula
Diapers
Baby Bottles
Pacifiers
Powdered Milk
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For Adults
Heart and high blood pressure medication
Insulin
Bottles
Prescription drugs
Denture needs
Contact lenses and supplies
Medications
Extra eye glasses
Hearing aid batteriesImportant
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Family Documents
Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container.
Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
Photo IDs, passports, social security cards, immunization records
Bank account numbers
Credit card account numbers and company information
Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
Photocopies of credit and identification cards
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An Evacuation Kit for Your Home
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A fire, flood or other emergency may require the immediate evacuation of your home. The following items should be assembled and placed into a small portable container, readily accessible so that it can be grabbed as you flee your home.
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a small battery powered radio (AM/FM) and extra batteries
Flashlight with extra batteries
a small amount of cash and change, and a credit card
an extra set of car and house keys
Eyeglasses
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Have Critical family documents, in a portable, fireproof container
Social Security Cards
Insurance policies
Wills
Deeds
Savings and checking account numbers
Birth and Marriage Certificates
Inventory of household property and valuables/assets (video of your homes contents or
pictures are extremely beneficial)
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A Disaster Kit For Your Car

Keep your car equipped with emergency supplies. Never allow the gas tank to drop below half full. If warnings of an impending emergency are being broadcast, fill up because gas stations may be affected by the emergency. Keep these items stored in a portable container.
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A small battery powered radio (AM/FM) and extra batteries
Flashlight with extra batteries
Cellular phone and charger
Blanket
Jumper Cables
Fire Extinguisher
Maps
Shovel
Flares
Bottled Water
Tire repair kit and pump
Nonperishable, high-energy foods (granola bars, canned nuts, hard candy, trail mix, peanut butter & crackers)
First aid kit and necessary medications in case you are away from home for a prolonged time
Food items containing protein such as nuts and energy bars; canned fruit and a portable can opener
Water for each person and pet in your car
AM/FM radio to listen to traffic reports and emergency messages
Cat litter or sand for better tire traction
Ice scraper
Warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes
Blankets or sleeping bags
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Also consider:
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A fully-charged cell phone and phone charger
Flares or reflective triangle
Baby formula and diapers if you have a small child
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Added
Emergency phone numbers ? friends, family, emergency services, police.
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What You Can Do To Prepare

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Learning what threats you and your family may be exposed to is the first step in emergency planning.
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The following list identifies the hazards that are present in Hooksett NH. Because we live, work, go to school and play throughout our geographical area, we need to be aware of what can happen all around us. Once you know what can happen, it is important to discuss it with your family so you can begin to develop your Emergency Plan.
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Air Pollution, Fuel Shortage, Flooding, Arson, Hail Storms, Sabotage,
Business Interruption, Hazardous Materials, Severe Thunderstorms,
Civil Unrest, High Winds, Special Events, Communication Failure, Ice Storms, Strikes, Drought, Lightning Storms, Structural/Chemical Fires
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Neighbors Helping Neighbors
There?s so much to do . . . so get some help!
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To do it right, preparing for emergencies can be a full-time job with a hefty price tag, but it doesn?t have to be that way when you make it a collaborative effort among your neighbors. Many of the skills and equipment you will need in an emergency may already exist in your neighborhood. Search them out, and then work with your neighbors on a plan to use them to everyone?s best advantage. Getting an agreement ahead of time can save valuable time when it is needed most. Does it still seem like an overwhelming task? Then break it down into these smaller, manageable tasks:
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Start with what you already have
Canvas your neighbors for disaster skills and equipment. Make it a social event. Invite your neighbors out for a block party ? if you feed them, they will come. Put neighborhood preparedness as the only thing on your agenda. Most of all, have fun.
Build on your strengths
Integrate this approach into a Neighborhood Watch Program or your Neighborhood Association.
Don?t reinvent the organizational ?wheel?; use what you already have in place and working.
Invite knowledgeable neighbors to teach disaster skills at a Neighborhood Watch or Association meeting.
Invite guest speakers from your emergency management office, fire/police department or the American Red Cross.
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Preparing for Terrorism
There are many bacterial, viral, toxic, chemical and radiological substances that could be used as weapons against human beings.
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Although many of these agents are difficult to deliver into an unsuspecting population, it is still a remote possibility when faced with an educated and well-funded terrorist organization. It?s much more likely that an industrial or transportation related accident involving one of these substances could occur.
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The federal government has drastically increased efforts to detect and disrupt acts of domestic and international terrorism? and has provided significant funding to state and local response organizations to prepare for the effects of such attacks. New Hampshire?s Homeland Security Task Force, Bioterrorism Committee, Hazardous Materials Response Team, Local Emergency Planning Committee, and many other organizations are actively working to enhance our response systems and procedures.
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Having an educated public, however, is the most effective form of preparedness. All Americans should understand the basics about Weapons of Mass Destruction (?WMD?) and hazardous materials protective actions, especially if they work or live near major roads, industrial facilities, and other large institutions.

Bioterrorism

Bioterrorism is the intentional or threatened use of viruses, bacteria, fungi or toxins from living organisms to produce death or disease in humans, animals or plants. There are over 400 agents listed as possible agents of bio-terrorism. Some examples include Smallpox, Anthrax, Botulism, and Plague. The effects of these organisms vary, as does the medical treatment and community response protocol.
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When the nation?s Public Health surveillance system detects an outbreak, several systems are activated. Certified laboratories confirm the agent, state and local public health officials begin to track down the source or point of release, potentially exposed members of the community are identified and treated if necessary, and the public are kept informed as the investigation progresses. At the first hint of a potential act of terrorism, appropriate law enforcement agencies are immediately involved.
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Keeping your immune system strong is the best single defense against disease, including acts of bio-terrorism.
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A healthy diet, regular exercise and sufficient sleep go a long way in helping your natural immune system, which makes it more difficult for viruses and bacteria to take hold and thrive. Washing your hands with soap and warm water regularly, especially before and after meals, is also a very good defense.
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There is no need to purchase a gas mask. For complete protection with a gas mask, it would need to be worn all day, every day. The best way to protect you during potential bio-terrorism or chemical incidents is to stay informed and follow official instructions.
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There is no need for smallpox or anthrax vaccinations and it is not necessary to store or stockpile any prescription medication. You would be notified through the media if dispensing emergency medications becomes necessary. Fortunately, many types of illnesses that could be caused by bio-terrorism are treatable, and emergency stockpiles of medications are ready to go at a moments notice.
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Chemical Emergencies
Chemicals are an enormous part of our every-day lives. Without the advancements made in chemistry, we would still be living in the middle ages. These technological advancements do come with a risk. Accidental hazardous materials spills do occur. When they happen, highly trained ?HazMat? teams are quickly activated and the release is mitigated. Because of recent events, the risks are heightened because chemicals may be available to terrorists.
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There are so many chemicals available in North America that it is simply impossible to list what could be used and how it would affect you if released. For that reason, it is important to educate yourself about community hazardous materials emergency procedures.
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You would find out about the appropriate emergency procedure to follow by listening to your local Emergency Alert System radio station (see the Warning System page). In the event of a chemical emergency, there are three basic emergency procedures that you will be asked to follow.
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1. Developing Emergency Situation ? Stay Tuned for Official Information
This indicates that an emergency is taking place that may soon require you to take protective action. Citizens should monitor local ?EAS? broadcasts for potentially fast-breaking developments.
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2. Shelter In-place
Emergency personnel may determine that ?in-place? sheltering is the best way to protect affected members of the public. Stay calm, listen carefully to instructions provided by the ?EAS? broadcaster to make sure that the ?shelter-in-place? order applies to you, and follow these instructions:
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* Take your children and pets indoors immediately. While gathering your family, you can provide
a minimal amount of protection to your breathing by covering your mouth and nose with a damp cloth.
* Close all windows in your home.
* Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems.
* Close the fireplace damper.
* Go to an above ground room (not the basement) with the fewest windows and doors.
* Take your Family Disaster Supply Kit with you.
* Wet some towels and jam them in the crack under the doors. Apply tape around the doors,
windows, exhaust fans and vents. Use plastic garbage bags to cover windows, outlets, and heat registers.
* if you are told there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds, or curtains. To avoid
injury, stay away from the windows.
* Stay in the room and listen to your radio until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate.
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3. Evacuation
Emergency personnel may determine that an evacuation is necessary. Stay calm, listen carefully to instructions provided by the ?EAS? broadcaster to make sure that the evacuation order applies to you, and to find out if you should evacuate immediately or if you have a little time to pack some essentials. Do not use your telephone, and follow these instructions:
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* Move quickly and calmly and take the following with you:
-Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit
-Medications
-Change of clothing for each member of the family
-Eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, canes and walkers
-Baby care items
-Personal items such as toothbrushes and deodorant
* Close and lock your windows
* shut off all vents
* Lock the door and evacuate following the provided instructions, taking only one car if possible
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Do not assume that a shelter will have everything you need. In most cases, the shelters will provide only emergency items such as meals, cots, and blankets. Also consider checking-in on neighbors to make sure they have been notified, and offer help to those with disabilities or other special needs.
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Nuclear or Radiological Incident
The community?s response to a ?dirty bomb? (an explosive device that disburses radioactive material) would be very similar to that of a chemical emergency response because the area affected by radiation would be relatively limited.
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Although you may be asked to evacuate, nuclear power plant accidents and detonation of thermonuclear devices requires a different sheltering technique. The three factors for protecting oneself from radiation and fallout are distance, shielding, and time. The more distance between you and the incident location or the fallout particles, the better; the heavier and denser the building materials (shielding), the better; and fallout radiation loses its intensity fairly rapidly. In time, you would be able to leave your temporary shelter.
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The severity and course of acute radiation sickness depends on how much total dose is received, how much of the body is exposed, and the sensitivity of the individual. Generally, large acute exposures can result in easily observable effects such as hair loss, changes in blood cells and vessels, skin irritation similar to severe sunburn, and gastrointestinal system effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and high fever. Long-term lower dose exposure can also create delayed effects such as cancer.
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Should a radiological incident happen, keeping informed (see the Warning System page) and closely following official instructions are your keys to safety and survival. It is also important to know where to take shelter and how to perform basic fallout decontamination procedures.
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Fallout contamination (dusty, flaky or small granular particles that fall from the sky following a significant nuclear event) is radioactive. Should fallout materialize, everyone should seek a safe shelter location, such as in the middle of a well-constructed building or in the center of a home?s basement (keep ?distance? and ?shielding? in mind). If someone is contaminated with fallout, they should decontaminate themselves by carefully removing contaminated clothing and thoroughly showering, if possible. It is also important to keep all contaminated clothing, including shoes, away from the temporary shelter location.

Create an Emergency Communications Plan

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Your family will cope best by preparing for a disaster before it strikes. Peace of mind can only be achieved if you know where every member of your family is, whether it is your immediate family member or someone impacted by disaster out of state. Having a communications plan will help you to maintain contact with your entire family. Follow these simple steps to achieve your ?peace of mind.?
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Choose an out-of-town contact that your family members can call to check on each other when a disaster occurs.
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Make sure your family knows these phone numbers. Make a small contact card they can carry for easy reference.
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Test your out-of-town contact regularly and have them call you, too.
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Leave these phone numbers with officials at your child?s school.
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Remember to Help Others
There may be elderly or handicapped residents living in your neighborhood that could use special attention during an emergency. Include them in your communications checklist to remind you to ?communicate? your willingness to help them when disaster strikes.
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Make a list of those neighbors.
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Ask for their phone numbers and address, only if they feel comfortable with you having them.
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When an emergency strikes, make contact with those neighbors and see that their needs are addressed.
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Help those neighbors in developing their own out-of-town contact.
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When a disaster strikes, remember to always dial 911 for emergency service response. Do not use this number to make inquires, to learn information, or to request non-emergency assistance.
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During a disaster your 9-1-1 dispatchers are often swamped with calls for help. Make sure your call is of an emergency nature. This will guarantee that those people who really need help will get it.
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If you have questions or concerns that are not of an emergent nature, try dialing your local government business phone number or flag down one of the many municipal vehicles that will be driving through your neighborhood.
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Teach your children how to place an emergency call, always stressing the importance of using this number only for emergencies.

Homeland Security Advisory System

* Continue to enjoy individual freedom. Participate freely in travel, work recreational activities.
* Be prepared for disasters and family emergencies. Develop a family emergency Plan
* Reviews family emergency plans. Increase family emergency
* Preparedness by purchasing supplies, food and storing Water.
* Be familiar with local Natural and technological Hazards in your community.
* Increase individual or family Emergency preparedness Through training,
* Maintaining good physical Fitness and health, and Storing food, water and
* Emergency supplies. Monitor local and national news for terrorist alerts.
* Update immunizations.
* Volunteer to assist and support the community emergency response agencies.
* Continue normal activities, but report suspicious activities to the local law Enforcement.
* Take a first aid or CERT Class.
* Become active in your local Neighborhood Crime Watch Program.
* Network with your family, Neighbors and community For mutual support during a
* Disaster or terrorist attack.
* Learn what critical facilities are located in your Community and report Suspicious activities
at or near these sites.
* Attend your local Emergency planning Committee meeting to learn more about local hazards.
* Increase individual or family Emergency preparedness Through training, Maintaining good
physical Fitness and health, and Storing food, water and Emergency supplies.
* Resume normal activities but expect some delays,
* Baggage searches and restrictions as a result of Heightened security at Public buildings
and Facilities.
* Continue to monitor local Events as well as local Government threat Advisories.
* Report suspicious activities at or near critical facilities to local law enforcement by Calling 911.
* Avoid leaving unattended Packages or brief cases in Public areas.
* Inventory and organize Emergency supply kits and
* Discuss emergency plans with family members.
* Reevaluate meeting location based on threat.
* Consider taking reasonable Personal security Precautions.
* Be alert to Your surroundings, avoid Placing yourself in a Vulnerable situation and
* Monitor the activities of Your children.
* Maintain close contact with Your family and neighbors To ensure their safety and
Emotional welfare.
* Report suspicious activities and Call 911 for immediate response.
* Expect delays, searches of Purses and bags and restricted access to public buildings.
* Expect traffic delays and Restrictions.
* Take personal security Precautions to avoid becoming a Victim of crime or terrorist Attack.
* Avoid crowded public areas and Gatherings.
* Do not travel into areas affected by the attack or in an expected Terrorist attack.
* Keep emergency supplies accessible and car gas tank full.
* Be prepared to evacuate your Home or shelter in place on order of local authorities.
* Be suspicious of persons taking Photographs of critical facilities,
* Asking questions about physical Security or dressed Inappropriately for weather Conditions.
* Report these Incidents immediately to law Enforcement.
* Closely monitor news reports and local radio/TV stations, & Law enforcement.
* Assist neighbors who may need Help.
* Avoid passing on unsubstantiated information and rumors.

Evacuation Tips

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Hundreds of times each year, people are forced to leave their homes because of natural disasters, transportation or industrial accidents, fires or floods. You may have only minutes to escape to safety and you should be prepared to leave immediately when notified. Evacuation periods may last for hours or days, dependent on the emergency, so you should be ready to care for yourself and your family for a minimum of three days.
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If you are told to evacuate, please follow these simple tips:
Turn on your radio or television and be prepared to follow all instructions by emergency authorities
Take your Disaster Supply Kit
Lock your home as you leave
Post a note on your door telling others where you have gone. Local police will be patrolling the neighborhoods
Use only the travel routes established by the authorities. Keep your car radio on for updates
Select a safe place to go prior to an evacuation if there is time, try to accomplish these helpful tasks: shut off all utilities before leaving (only if you know how to do so safely). Contact your Gas Company when you return for service resumption
Tie a white ribbon or cloth on the front door knob. This will alert emergency authorities that this home has been evacuated.
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Shelter-In-Place
Sheltering in place is what you do when you take cover during a tornado warning, severe weather warning or hazardous material threat that is determined to be an irritant rather than a poison and the risk to health is greater from evacuation than just staying put. Follow these tips for in-place sheltering:
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Close and lock all windows and doors
Turn off all fans, heating and air-conditioning systems
Close the fireplace damper
Turn off all the electrical power if you know the proper procedure
Go to your basement for a storm, or the most interior room without windows with a chemical threat, an above ground location is better because most chemicals are heavier than air and may seep into the basement
Turn on your battery powered radio and listen for further instructions
Make sure you have an evacuation plan in place in case an evacuation is ordered

When an Emergency Strikes

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During and after an emergency:
* Stay calm
* be aware of additional dangers
* Stay tuned to your local emergency stations
* Comcast cable subscribers should tune to channel identified for the emergency
* Follow advice of trained professional
* Do not evacuate unless told
* During an emergency you might be cut off from water, food and electricity
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Water: No supply of clean water here are some suggestions:
* Use ice cubes
* Use water in your hot water tank
* Purify water from streams, rainwater, lake or snow by boiling for 5 minutes, allowing it to cool
* Purify water with bleach by using 10 drops of bleach to one gallon of water (use only regular
household bleach that contains 5.25% sodium hypocholorite)
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Food:
* Eat at least one well-balanced meal each day
* Take vitamins and/or protein supplements.
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If Your Power Goes Out:
* Assist family members or neighbors who may be vulnerable if exposed to extreme heat or cold
* Locate a flashlight with batteries to use until power is restored. Candles are discouraged
because they can start a fire
* Unplug sensitive electric equipment such as computers, VCRs, and televisions
* Unplug major electric appliances that were on when the power went out
* Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible
* Do not use the stove to heat your home ? this can cause a fire or fatal gas leak
* Use extreme caution when driving-if traffic signals are out treat each signal as a stop sign and
come to a complete stop
* Do not call 911 to ask about the power outage
* Keep a battery-operated radio on for updates on restoration of power or use your car radio
* Prescription drugs-make sure you have enough to last a week
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If You Have Pets: Create a survival kit for your pet. This should include:
* Identification collar and rabies tag
* Leash
* Any medications (be sure to check expiration dates)
* Newspapers and plastic trash bags for handling waste
* At least a 2-week supply of food, water, and food bowls
* Veterinary records (most animal shelters do not allow pets without proof of vaccination)
* Identify animal shelters in case of evacuation because emergency shelters do not allow pets
unless they are service animals
* Locate hotels and motels that allow pets in case of evacuation
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Neighbors Helping Neighbors
* Have your neighborhood introduce emergency preparedness as a new activity
* Plan with neighbors how to work together until help arrives
* Know your neighbor?s special skills
* Know your neighbor?s special needs

Recovering from a Disaster / Emergency

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Stay tuned to your local radio or television for emergency information and instructions.
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The most important preparedness activity any citizen can do to prepare for an emergency event is to be sure that you have current and adequate property insurance. Both homeowners and renters need to maintain property insurance to guarantee their family?s recovery. Follow these guidelines for the following emergency events:
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Tornado
Use caution when entering a building, making sure that the walls, ceilings and roof are in place and secure on its foundation
be aware of downed power lines, broken gas mains and watch for broken glass
Check for medical emergencies and if necessary, dial 911 for immediate assistance
Contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible
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Flood
Look for fire and utility hazards
Discard food and water that has come in contact with flood waters
Pump out flooded basements slowly, about one third of the water per day, to protect the foundation from further damage
Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems immediately. Damaged sewage systems are health hazards and can intensify the effects of the flood
Contact your insurance carrier immediately
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Hazardous Material Incidents
If evacuated, do not return home until local authorities say it is safe
Upon arriving home, open up all the windows and doors to provide natural ventilation
Do not attempt to try mechanical ventilation (electric fans), as an explosive threat may be present
Find out from local authorities how to clean up your land and property
Discard food and water supplies that were impacted by the hazardous material contamination
Contact your insurance carrier immediately
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Fire call
If you are the homeowner, secure your property to the best of your ability and contact your insurance carrier immediately
Iif you are a tenant, secure your property to the best of your ability and contact your landlord, then your insurance carrier
Contact the American Red Cross
Contact the The Salvation Army if you need food, clothing or temporary housing
Have an electrician check your wiring before restoring power. Never try to connect utilities yourself
Discard all food, beverages and medications that have been exposed to heat, smoke or soot
Do not open a fire proof safe until it has cooled down
Maintain a record with receipts of any expenditures you make after the fire. These are important future insurance and income tax claims
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Emergency Phone Numbers
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Fire Safety Tips

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Make Your Home Fire Safe

Install battery-powered smoke detectors outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.
Use the test button to check each smoke detector once per month.
Replace batteries immediately, or at least once per year.
Be sure to have a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen and make sure you know how to use it.
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Plan Your Escape Routes
Determine at least two routes of escape for every room in your home.
I you must use an escape ladder, be sure everyone knows how to use it.
Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping.
Practice your escape plan at least twice per year.
Once you are out, STAY OUT!
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Escape Safely
If you see smoke in your first escape route, use your second way out.
If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to escape.
Feel all closed doors prior to opening. If the door is hot, use your second way out.
If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed.
If you are unable to escape, signal for help by using brightly colored cloth at the window or by using a whistle.

Emergency Contact Information

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The following page has been designed to be printed and placed near your phone in case of an emergency.
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Remember to listen to your Local EAS Stations
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EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
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The address of this home:
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The phone number of this home:
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Emergency Phone numbers:
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Police, Fire, or Ambulance: 911
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Parent?s location:
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Address:
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Phone:
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Cell/pager:
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Home Emergency Guide numbers and information:
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Local contact:
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Name:
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Telephone: day: evening:
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Nearest Relative:
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Name:
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Telephone: day: evening:
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Family work numbers:
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Father:
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Mother:
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Other:
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Family Doctors/Hospital
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Name: phone
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Name: phone
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Family meeting places:
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1.Right outside your home:
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2.Away from home in neighborhood
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Name:
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Address:
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Phone:
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Names and ages of children:
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Medications/allergies:
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Location of Home emergency kit:
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EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
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Local Contact
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Name
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City
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Telephone (day) ( )-(eve.) ( )
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Cellular Phone ( )
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Out of Area Contact
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Name
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City
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Telephone (day) () ?(eve.) ( )
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Cellular Phone ()
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Nearest Relative
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Name
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City
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Telephone (day) ( )-(eve.) ( )
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Family Work Numbers
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Father
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Mother
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Other
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Emergency Telephone Numbers
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Police Department 911
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Fire Department 911
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Hospital
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Family Physicians
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Name Phone
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Name Phone
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Name Phone
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Reunion Locations
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1. Right outside of your home
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Away from the neighborhood, in case you cannot return home
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Address
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Telephone
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Route to try first
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Utilities
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Electric Co. Phone Co.
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Gas Co. Water Co.
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Cable TV Co.
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Emergency help number: 911
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Report downed power lines
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Emergency Situations:
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Center for Disease Control (CDC): 1-404-639-3311
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Information & Reporting
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National Pesticide Network: 1-800-858-7378 (24 hours)
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Maintaining Your Supplies and Emergency Kit

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Just as important as putting your supplies together is maintaining them so they are safe to use when needed. Here are some tips to keep your supplies ready and in good condition:
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Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life.
Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented or corroded.
Use foods before they go bad and replace them with fresh supplies.
Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in the front.
Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all containers.
Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family?s needs change.
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Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused trashcan, camping backpack or duffel bag.
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Our Recommendations

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Here are some additional items that we (UrbanSurvivalEssentials) recommend:
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72-hour bugout bag
(emergency supplies for 3 days stored in a backpack or case for easy retrieval, preferably backpack)
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Every day carry pouch or tin with:
pocket knife
safety pins
needle and thread
whistle
mini-flashlight
emergency numbers
extra unmarked car/house keys
band-aids antibiotic ointment
pencil matches
small thread
strong twine
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Additional For Car or Backpack
Baby wipes in car or backpack
- We have found unscented baby wipes to be extremely handy and less harsh on hands and skin
Rain gear
- rain ponchos, umbrella
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Additional For Home
Seeds, preferably heirloom
Tarps and large plastic bags for water collecting, storage and protection
Small plastic bags for storage and sharing
Plant food, preferably natural without chemicals (kelp, herb, etc.)
Sproutable grains and seeds
Small portable backpacking stove and extra fuel for several weeks
Minimal supply of long-term dehydrated storage food that tastes good (Our favorite: gofoodsglobal.com)
Some good surivival books
Rechargeable batteries (We prefer Eneloop)
Extra LED flash lights, candles with glass camp-holder
Extra pairs plastic and sturdy garden gloves
Surgical masks for debris, virus protection
Goggles for eye protection
Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil
Hoses, small and large (fire or siphoning)
Sterilizing alcohol, preferably grain or high proof vodka alcohol for multi-purpose non-toxic use
Crowbar, pliers, screwdrivers, camping saw, good scissors, ax
Flashdrives for emergency information and important docs, pics
Portable solar/hand-crank weather/am/fm radio
Everything easily accessible and neatly organized in one, centralized location
Household non-scented bleach with no additives
Extra drinking water
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The greatest emergency tools are:
A cool head
Common sense
Serenity but preparedness
Family, friends and community
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Research on your own. The more you read, the more you will remember and retain.
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Sources and Links
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Family Emergency Plan PDF Print-Out

http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/FamEmePlan_2012.pdf
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Links
http://www.fema.gov
http://www.Ready.gov
http://www.Hookset.org
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Prepared by:
urbansurvivalessentials.com | surviveandthrive.tv
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NOTES















































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[Collected, Prepared 03/3013 by UrbanSurvivalEssentials.com]
Photo Credit: Earthworm



Source: http://surviveandthrive.tv/list-of-emergency-essentials-to-have-on-hand-for-disaster-preparedness/

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