Sedgwick, Broadspire, Corvel? Who are these people? | Workers ...

Michigan workers compensation attorney explains the purpose of a third-party administrator and what you need to know about your legal rights.

Many of our clients are surprised to learn their workers compensation claim will be managed by another party. A frequent question is why not the employer or the insurance company?

A third-party administrator (TPA) is a separate company that manages claims for the responsible party. Hiring a TPA is like outsourcing administration of a claim.

The TPA is hired because it has experience managing claims that an employer might not. This includes obtaining defense lawyers and independent medical examinations.

Third-party administration is big business and results matter. Here are some issues to watch out for when a TPA is involved in your claim.

Investigative process

It is common for a TPA to ask for a medical release or authorization. This will allow them to obtain medical records from your doctors. Many times this is nothing more than a fishing expedition to see if you have a pre-existing condition.

You may also be asked to provide a recorded statement. Some of these interviews turn hostile as the questions asked are overreaching.

Failure to cooperate with the TPA can result in a dispute of benefits. Contact an experienced lawyer if you feel something is not right.

Notice of Dispute

There are many reasons why a TPA might dispute a claim. You should be given a document entitled Notice of Dispute if your benefits are stopped. Take note of line 23 that should list a reason.

The most common is the independent medical examination. This is when you are examined by a doctor of the employer?s choosing. You might be told that your injury is not work related or that you have fully recovered.

You might also find that your wage loss benefits are reduced or stopped. This is usually based upon a hypothetical wage earning capacity.

Your legal rights

You have the right to a hearing if your medical or wage loss benefits have been stopped. A state magistrate will?order the payment of benefits if appropriate.

The TPA is in the business of saving money for the employer and insurance company. Don?t let this come at your expense.

Call (855) 221-COMP to speak with one of our Michigan workers compensation attorneys. There is no fee to review your claim.

- Alex Berman is the founder of Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers. He?s been representing injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Alex has helped countless people obtain workers comp benefits and never charges a fee to evaluate a case.

Related information:

Our list of Michigan?s Worst Workers Compensation Insurance Companies ? 2012 Edition

- Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, Siri Hardeland.

Source: http://workerscomplawyerhelp.com/workers-comp-lawyer-blog/2012/11/sedgwick-broadspire-corvel-who-are-these-people/

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Starbucks in Union, Bakery host open house events

November 28, 2012

Starbucks in Colvard Student Union will host a Christmas open house on Thursday [Nov. 29], from 1-4 p.m. Stop by for complimentary wrapping of gift items, sample holiday drinks, receive coupons, sign up for door prizes, and get a free grande-sized holiday beverage with any $20 purchase.

Also, in conjunction with The University Florist?s open house on Friday [Nov. 30], State Fountain Bakery will host an open house. This will take place during normal business hours, and guests can get a free hot chocolate bar and free Christmas cookies, as well as samples of the bakery's famous cakes, pies and other treats.

Source: http://www.msstate.edu/web/media/announcement.php?id=1481

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Video: Shark goes airborne in pursuit of prey

>>> in a place called false bay off the coast of south africa . but it is in fact, real. and they set up rubber seals as bait, waited three days to capture the series of photos of a 13-foot great white leaning out of the water to get its catch.

Source: http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/50018731/

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Excellent Advice For Someone Dealing With Bankruptcy | Siben ...

TIP! You should be able to meet with a specialized lawyer for free to ask your questions. Most lawyers offer free consultations, so consult with a few before settling on one.

Even people who have had assets, such as a car, seized for back tax debt can file for bankruptcy. While bankruptcy is a big hit to your credit history, it can be the only option. Continue reading for more information about how and why to file for bankruptcy.

TIP! A key tip for those filing a personal bankruptcy petition is to always be completely honest in all documentation. Not hiding any assets or income is essential for avoiding possible penalties and your ability to re-file at some point in the future.

Exercise some care when you pick a lawyer to help you file for bankruptcy. There are a disproportionate number of inexperienced lawyers working in the bankruptcy field. Investigate the attorney you are considering hiring and review his references. You can check your state?s bar association to see if the lawyer has had any disciplinary action taken against him, and review sites to see if his clients are satisfied.

TIP! If the stress of debt collectors calling you constantly is getting too much, filing for bankruptcy can end this immediately. Being buried under loads of debt can be emotionally stressful.

If you?re planning on filing bankruptcy, be sure that you don?t transfer your assets to another person within 12 months of the date you file. If the court catches you trying to hide your assets, your filing will not be accepted. Depending on the asset, it may be safe from creditors, in any case. Whatever the case, hiding assets is not acceptable, so don?t make any transfers until after your discharge.

TIP! Research your state?s bankruptcy laws before filing your petition. There are many issues with personal bankruptcy code, and these pitfalls can cause problems with your case.

Produce a comprehensive list of everything you owe. You need to gather every debt you know you have, because this list is the starting point for a bankruptcy filing. Go over all your financial records and do not forget anything. Take your time during this process; don?t rush and make sure all of your figures are correct.

TIP! Do not put off filing for personal bankruptcy. Once you decide that filing for bankruptcy is the option you must choose, file immediately.

Carefully consider which type of bankruptcy is right for you. There are a few types of bankruptcy. Do your homework on the subject of bankruptcy prior to filing any paperwork. Weigh the pros and cons of any relevant ones and get the second opinion of a financial professional before settling on it.

TIP! When you hire a lawyer, find one who is experienced with bankruptcy cases. There are so many bankruptcy attorneys to choose from.

Don?t use credit cards to pay your taxes if you?re going to file bankruptcy. Credit card debt is handled charge by charge during bankruptcy, and in most states, tax debt cannot be discharged through bankruptcy. In most cases, you can use the adage that ?a dischargeable tax is a dischargeable debt.? So, there?s no reason to make use of a credit cards if it will not be discharged in bankruptcy.

TIP! Scour your brain for any questions you can think of, then bring them to lawyers you consult with. Attorneys are expensive.

If you must file for bankruptcy, think about hiring a bankruptcy lawyer. In addition to providing you with advice, they can appear in court for you and make the whole process easier. You lawyer can also help you fill out and file paperwork and answer all your questions.

TIP! Two to three months following your bankruptcy hearing, get a copy of your credit score from the major reporting agencies. Check to make sure your credit report accurately reflects your recently discharged debts.

Timing is everything. Timing is very important when it comes to personal bankruptcy filings. Sometimes it is the best option to file quickly, whereas in other situations filing should be put off until the worst has already passed. Speak with a lawyer specializing in bankruptcy in order to learn when you should file your petition.

TIP! Do not omit any information about your finances, assets or debts when filling out your bankruptcy paperwork. You can delay your bankruptcy process if you do not add in all important information.

Ask yourself if filing for bankruptcy is truly your best option. Look into other options, such as consumer credit counseling. Your credit score will be forever effected by bankruptcy, which is why you should do everything else in your power to resolve matters first.

TIP! A good idea regarding bankruptcy is to have a backup plan in case the filing you submit is turned down. If you are not allowed to file bankruptcy, you could face serious repercussions.

Resist turning to credit card use when you are facing bankruptcy. Buying lots of stuff may seem okay, since the debt is going to be wiped out anyway, but courts aren?t very keen on that sort of behavior. Always demonstrate the utmost financial responsibility when going into a bankruptcy filing. It?s a good time to start developing good financial habits for the future.

TIP! Ensure that bankruptcy is your last option to avoid tarnishing your credit record. Most companies will settle your debt for much less, or work with you to find a payment plan you can afford.

This article has made it known that bankruptcy is something you may be able to turn to. That said, you should think twice before filing, since it leaves a huge black mark on your credit. Knowing the ins and outs of bankruptcy can make the filing process easier and make it less likely that you?ll have to forfeit your property.

Source: http://www.sibensiben.com/long-island-injury-lawyer-blog/long-island-bankruptcy-lawyer/excellent-advice-for-someone-dealing-with-bankruptcy-5

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Michael Jordan Banned From Golf Club For Wearing Cargo Pants

Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2012/11/michael-jordan-banned-from-golf-club-for-wearing-cargo-pants/

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AP Source: Middle Tennessee joining Conference USA

A person familiar with the situation says Middle Tennessee has accepted an offer to join Conference USA and is leaving the Sun Belt.

The person spoke to The Associated Press Wednesday on condition of anonymity because neither the conference nor Middle Tennessee had publically announced the decision. The Virginian-Pilot first reported the move.

Middle Tennessee announced it will hold a news conference on campus Thursday but did not say what it was in regards to. The Blue Raiders (8-3) play Arkansas State on Saturday for the Sun Belt Conference championship.

The move is the latest domino to fall in conference realignment. Tulane and East Carolina announced Tuesday they are leaving Conference USA to join the Big East. The Green Wave will be full Big East members; the Pirates football only.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/ap-source-middle-tennessee-joining-conference-usa-182047893--spt.html

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Four Baby Lion Cubs Born in Seattle Zoo

Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park ZooTune in to this video of the four baby lion cubs for your daily cuteness quotient. They were born Nov. 8 in Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo.

The cubs are the first litter born to South African lion mother, Adia, 3, and father, Hubert, 13. They're also the first litter born at the zoo since 1991.

The now three-week-old cubs are not ready for public viewing yet, as the zoo is trying to allow plenty of family bonding time in a quieter environment.

"We've been monitoring them the last few weeks by video camera," Martin Ramirez, the zoo's mammal curator, told ABCNews.com. "By using the video, we've been able to tell the mother is taking great care of them. There was one cub early on that was making us very nervous, though.

"She's a first-time mom, and a typical litter size for a first-time mom is two. We were all really excited when she had the one, and then she had two, and then three came along, and we were like 'O.K., wow,' and then the fourth one came along and we were a little worried because that's a handful. That's when we made the decision that we're just going to watch and if we have to intervene, we will."

But not to worry, the fuzzy felines had their first medical exam and wellness check today and are doing very well.

Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park ZooThey're doing great," Ramirez said. "We could always see round bellies on them, which is an indication that they're getting enough to eat. At this point they're just drinking mom's milk. But we could see the round bellies on the video. We were seeing normal development on video. Eyes opened when we expected them to open, because they're born with their eyes closed."

The cubs are holding their weight now and are walking normally on their four legs. During the exam, it was also finally determined there are two boys and two girls in the litter.

"Now that we know we have two boys and two girls, we can start looking around for appropriate names. We'll select about 10 or 15 potential names and let the public choose from those," Ramirez said.

Also Read

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/four-baby-lion-cubs-born-seattle-zoo-233620818--abc-news-topstories.html

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5 ways SMRT could do to solve SMRT China Bus Drivers "Illegal Strike"

After Lim Sin Pang, Ng Boon Gay, Cecilia Sue, Amy Cheong, Alvin Tan Jye Yee, now Singaporeans are hotly discussing the SMRT bus drivers "no show" saga. I humbly offer my 5-cents worth of opinion on what SMRT can do to solve this saga.



1) Identify Leader of "Illegal Strike"
Since time immemorial, strikes, counter-strikes, rebels, attacks have been planned and orchestrated by a charismatic leader. SMRT should identify the leader in this "Illegal Strike" and name him publicly. The public naming of the leader is to account to the public and?the shareholders of SMRT. Desmond Kuek, SMRT's leader who was Singapore's Chief of Defence, should be well-poised to handle this kind of situation.

2) SMRT conversation
When the 102 bus drivers assembled at the void deck of the condominium, they were not preparing for a "National Conversation" but what the drivers have done has given rise to the need for a "SMRT Conversation" for SMRT to engage its China-born drivers more deeply and to win their hearts and minds. Hence there should be some engagement sessions held at coffee-shops where the China bus drivers may usually gather to?engage them.

Preferably, Desmond Kuek could take the lead to helm these "SMRT Conversation" dialogue sessions,with each session centering on a specific theme, like "What the bus drivers envision for their future and SMRT?" Some newspapers and magazines could be deployed during these sessions for the bus drivers to do some cutting and pasting to form some pictures of the future of themselves and SMRT.

3) Make China Bus Drivers apologize
Two days after the "Illegal Strike", I have not heard of any apology from any of the 102 SMRT bus drivers. I am not sure whether their non-apology is due to their thinking that "Why should we apologize? For hurting your sensitive feelings?" Nevertheless, the SMRT bus drivers must really apologize to Singaporeans for causing some inconvenience in the public transport service provided. At least, the leader of the group of 102 who orchestrated this whole "illegal strike" should come out and say a few words of apology in front of the press!

4) Form?a Committee to review China bus drivers' salaries
I really believe arising from this incident, SMRT should quickly form a committee to review the salaries it is currently paying to its China bus drivers. The committee should comprise representatives from the various segments of the society and together they should come out with a formula to derive at the reasonable pay it should give to its China back drivers. This new pay should be backdated retrospectively with effect from 26 Nov 12, the date of the "illegal strike". While it may be difficult to set a definition of a reasonable pay for its China bus drivers, I believe that some kind of benchmarking could be made, e.g. peg the new starting salaries of the China bus drivers at some multiples of an entry-grade, hmm, say, arbitiarily at a?BX (hmm, stands for Bus Executive) 900 salary of a bus driver back in China.

5) Fasten the pace of Leadership of SMRT Chief Communicatior
I believe I have really written a few articles on the need for SMRT to fasten its process of appointing its Chief Communicator after somebody, reportedly as I learned, turned down the offer. I have tossed around suitable names like Alan Tang and Michael Yap for this position. In this SMRT bus drivers "no show" saga, I can see that the communication of SMRT to the public has not very good, maybe it is really due to the fact that there is no SMRT Chief Communicator to make comments. If there is one, the SMRT Chief Communicator can be invited to Channel News Asia News Show to give his take on the "no-show" saga by popping up all the 3D or 4D images to explain the what, why, when, where and how of the "no-show". Also a top investment analyst could also be present during the show to explain to concerned SMRT shareholders of the impact of the SMRT bus drivers "no-show".

That is all, folks, my 5 humble points of suggestion to SMRT to manage this incident. Till now, I have not seen Desmond Kuek on TV to comment on this incident, hence I leave you readers on some videos of Desmond Kuek taken on the announcement of his post as SMRT's CEO:



on his first day of work at SMRT:

as well as his media interview with his team changing "sleepers" while Singaporeans were sleeping:

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Looking for Housing? Read on to buy, rent or sell a property unit!

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SingaporeShortStories/~3/M5bcAI3vZX8/5-ways-smrt-could-do-to-solve-smrt.html

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This is the Modem World: Fear and loathing in the local bike shop

Each week Joshua Fruhlinger contributes This is the Modem World, a column dedicated to exploring the culture of consumer technology.

By now, Cyber Monday is probably as big as Black Friday in terms of sales and retail excitement. According to IBM's Smarter Commerce arm, Cyber Monday online sales jumped 30 percent this year. A few years ago, Cyber Monday seemed to start as a joke, e-tailers heaving a "me too" at everyone returning to work, hoping to pick up a couple extra sales from those who didn't score on Black Friday.

This was, of course, when brick-and-mortar shops still outsold their online brethren. Blockbuster Video still occupied mini-malls; Barnes & Noble sold CDs and didn't know a thing about tablets. There was a quiet respect for brick-and-mortar stores in the quaint nature of Cyber Monday: 20 percent off underwear and free shipping, but that was about it.

Continue reading This is the Modem World: Fear and loathing in the local bike shop

Filed under: Misc

Comments

Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/BMTfm66cd_I/

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Japan conjures Christmas magic with Santa school

Yoshikazu Tsuno / AFP - Getty Images, file

Trainees get lessons at the Santa Claus Academy in November last year.

By Reuters

TOKYO ? Magic tricks and straight answers are all part of being Santa in Japan ? at least according to Tokyo's Santa Claus Academy, which trains St. Nicks in a country with little Christmas tradition.

On a recent weekend, 88 Santa wannabes packed the school in Tokyo's fashionable Roppongi district for a crash course in how to behave as "Santa-san," as the man in red is known in Japan.

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"There are many children who don't believe in Santa Claus anymore," said Masaki Azuma, head of the school. "So I said to myself, 'Let's bring Santa Claus back.'"

The morning session began with Azuma training students in the mindset of being Santa Claus, such as not to reply to anything unless addressed as "Santa-san," along with teaching them magic tricks, which Azuma recommends as a good ice-breaker for often shy tots.

No chimney?
The rest of the session was devoted to answering the difficult questions that children have a habit of posing, such as "My house doesn't have a chimney and we also have a security system, so how will you be able to come in and deliver my present?"

The academy's answer is that Santa, whose job is to deliver presents no matter what, will find a way. Also, the home security system should recognize him and let him in.

Read more World stories on NBCNews.com

Despite nearing 70, Azuma has vowed to press on with his school, believing it has a key role to fulfill.

"Even as times change, Santa Claus is a figure that needs to live in the hearts of everyone," he said.

More world stories from NBC News:

Follow World News from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook

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Copyright 2012 Thomson Reuters. Click for restrictions.

Source: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/27/15480384-school-for-santas-japan-conjures-up-a-little-christmas-magic?lite

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PFT: Bowman, 49ers reach 6-year extension

AP

The Philadelphia Eagles have shifted into full-blown evaluation mode.? So why not evaluate another member of the staff as the interim head coach?

With each passing loss, more and more members of the media and fans are pointing out that the time has come to fire Andy Reid.? For two very good reasons, however, owner Jeffrey Lurie should ride it out.

First, is there anyone on the current staff who deserves a crack at coaching the team if Reid is relieved of his duties?? The Eagles haven?t won a game since Todd Bowles became defensive coordinator.? Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg is tied too closely to Reid.? That leaves special-teams coordinator Bobby April.

Second, and more importantly, the firing of Reid and the hiring of an on-staff interim replacement could provide the kick in the pants the players need.? As we explained a few weeks back, current players tend to play hard for an interim head coach, not because they want to help the interim head coach get the job but because they know that, if the interim head coach gets the job, the players are more likely to keep their jobs.

Then, once the interim head coach becomes the permanent head coach, the players can go back to stinking.

So if Reid goes and someone else becomes the interim head coach and a fan base starved for wins finally gets a few of them, the interim head coach could start to look like a good candidate for the job.? It would be better, then, to wait until the season ends, move on from Reid, and find a new coach from outside the organization.

That said, who is really going to want this job?? The Eagles have no clear-cut quarterback, looming salary-cap problems, and an uncharacteristic number (for the Eagles) of aging players.? Recent drafts have featured more misses than hits, and whoever takes the job will have to deal with RG3, Eli Manning, and the Cowboys twice per year.

If Chip Kelly or Jon Gruden have options, they could be inclined to opt for another opportunity.

Source: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/11/27/navorro-bowman-expected-to-sign-with-49ers-through-2018/related/

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The Social Commerce Attribution Problem: IBM Says Twitter Referred 0% Of Black Friday Traffic

There?s a huge problem with social commerce attribution. Twitter and Facebook usually aren't the last click before an ecommerce buy, but that doesn't mean they didn't inspire or influence the purchase. Yet IBM's Black Friday report says Twitter delivered 0% of referral traffic and Facebook sent just 0.68%. To lure advertisers and ecommerce integrations, they have to show its not Google driving every sale.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/YoVIN5-XMPw/

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Diabetes Diet for Indians - Health Me Up

For diabetics, a healthy diabetes diet is the essence to healthy living along with exercise, of course. But what makes up a diabetes diet for Indians? There are several diabetes diets published online, which include exotic ingredients and food items. But what about ingredients that are locally available to Indians with diabetes? Let?s get a diabetes diet for Indians from the experts in nutrition and diabetology.

Diabetologist, Dr. Sanjiv Bhambani with Moolchand Medcity suggests ?A diabetes diet should be high on fiber, must contain milk without cream, buttermilk, fresh seasonal fruits, green vegetables, etc.? But remember to consume these components in moderation.

Diabetes diet for Indians should have the ratio of 60:20:20 for carbs, fats and proteins, the doctor explains, ?Per day calorie intake should be between 1,500-1,800 calories with a proportion of 60:20:20 between carbohydrates, fats and proteins, respectively.? He adds that a diabetes diet should ?have at least two seasonal fruits and three vegetables in a diet plan.? As for dry fruits, the fructose can spike up your sugar level.

The doctor shares his recipe for diabetes diet for Indians:
- One teaspoon of methi seeds soaked overnight in 100 ml of water is very effective in controlling diabetes.
- Drink tomato juice with salt and pepper ever morning on an empty stomach.
- Intake of 6 almonds (soaked overnight) is also helpful in keeping a check on diabetes.

We move now to nutritionist Rekha Sharma to look for elaborate answers to diabetes diet for Indians.? Rekha Sharma, President and Director of Indian Dietetic Association shares some major diabetes diet pointers that one should follow at home or at a restaurant.

Expert Speak: Diabetes diet for Indians

Whole grains, oats, channa atta, millets and other high fiber foods should be included in the meals. If one feels like consuming pasta or noodles, it should always be accompanied with vegetable /sprouts.

Milk is the right combination of carbohydrates and proteins and helps control blood sugar levels. Two servings of milk in a daily diet is a good option.

High fiber vegetables such as peas, beans, broccoli and spinach /leafy vegetables should be included in one?s diet. Also, pulses with husk and sprouts are a healthy option and should form a part of the diet.

Pulses are important in the diet as their effect on blood glucose is less than that of most other carbohydrate containing foods. Vegetables rich in fiber help lowering down the blood sugar levels and thus are healthy.

Good fats such as Omega 3 and MUFA should be consumed as they are good for the body. Natural sources for these are canola oil, flax seed oil, fatty fish and nuts. These are also low in cholesterol and are trans fat free.

Fruits high in fiber such as papaya, apple, orange, pear and guava should be consumed. Mangoes, bananas, and grapes contain high sugar; therefore these fruits should be consumed lesser than the others.

The diabetes diet for Indians includes carbohydrates, proteins and fats. As always, a balanced and planned diet can build and improve personal health. A controlled diabetes diet may seem like a drag and bore, but a good cook can add life to a diet. Time to call up mom and experiment with diabetes diets!?

*Image courtesy: ? Thinkstock photos/ Getty Images

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Pls feed us love, not spam, links or abusive words :) Help us keep luxpresso a happy place!'); document.getElementById('commentBoxRes').style.display="block"; }else{ $("#commentBoxRes").show(); $.post("http://healthmeup.com/tpl/tplGetcommentadded.php",{"content_id":content_id,"pageval":"1"},function(data){ //alert(data); $("#showcommentcontent").html(data); $("#commentBoxRes").show(); //$("#Username").val(''); //$("#Useremail").val(''); $("#comment_text").val(''); var nocomments = $('#nocomments_'+17761).val(); //console.debug(nocomments); if( nocomments > 0){ $('#comment_'+17761).html(''); $('#comment_'+17761).html(''+nocomments +' Comments ' ); } var message = comment_text; var article_title = "Diabetes Diet: Diabetes Diet for Indians"; var article_page_link = "http://healthmeup.com/news-diet-fitness/diabetes-diet-diabetes-diet-for-indians/17761"; var story_section ="News"; var story_section_url ="http://healthmeup.com/archive/content/1/1"; var author_name = "Trina Remedios"; var author_name_url = "http://healthmeup.com/author/trina-remedios/990"; var posteddate = "Nov 26th 2012 at 7:30AM" var article_image_path ="http://images.idiva.com/media/healthmeup/content/2012/Nov/diabetesdiet_100x75.jpg"; var attachment = {'name': article_title, 'href': article_page_link ,'properties' : { 'Filed under': {'text': story_section, 'href': story_section_url}, 'Author ' : {'text': author_name, 'href':author_name_url}, 'Posted On': posteddate} ,'media': [{ 'type': 'image', 'src': article_image_path, 'href': article_page_link }] }; var action_links = [{'text':'luxpresso', 'href':'http://luxpresso.com/'}]; // FB.Connect.streamPublish(message, attachment, action_links); streamPublish(attachment, 'Healthmeup', 'http://healthmeup.com/', 'Share healthmeup.com'); $('#commentSubmit').attr('disabled',''); }); } }); }else{ var username= jQuery.trim($("#Username").val()); var useremailid= jQuery.trim($("#Useremail").val()); var comment_parentid=jQuery.trim($("#comment_parentid").val()); var userpassword=jQuery.trim($("#Password").val()); var content_id=jQuery.trim($("#content_id").val()); var whihcflag =jQuery.trim($("#whichcontype").val()); var flag = 0; if($('#UsernameSelector').attr('checked') == true){ var username = 'Anonymous'; } else{ var username = $("#Username").val(); } if(comment_text==""){ errmsg = "Please Enter Your Comment"; $("#comment_text").val('') $('#comment_text').focus(); flag=1; }else if(username=="" || useremailid==""){ errmsg = "Please login to comment."; flag=1; }else if (userpassword == "" || userpassword == "Password"){ errmsg = "Please Enter Password"; $('#Password').focus(); flag=1; } if(flag==0){ //alert("asda"); $('#commentSubmit').attr('disabled','disabled'); $.post("http://healthmeup.com/2db/comment2db.php",{'login_type':'normaluser','EmailId':useremailid,'whihcflag':whihcflag,'Username':username,"userpassword":userpassword,"content_id":content_id,"comment_parentid":comment_parentid,'comment_text':comment_text,'screenName':screenName},function(data){ //alert(trim(data)); if(jQuery.trim(data)=='error'){ $("#showerrorComment").html('User and password did not match.'); $("#showerrorComment").show(); }else if(jQuery.trim(data)=='BadWord'){ //alert("dsf") $("#comment_text").focus(); $("#commentBoxRes").html('

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Source: http://healthmeup.com/news-diet-fitness/diabetes-diet-diabetes-diet-for-indians/17761

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Budget battle weighs on shopping season

13 hrs.

John W. Schoen , NBC News

The impasse in Congress over the ?fiscal cliff? could be the Grinch that steals Christmas if it isn?t resolved soon.

A record 247 million shoppers visited stores and websites over the four-day Black Friday weekend, up 9 percent from last year, according to the National Retail Federation. They spent an average $423 this year, up 6 percent from last year, for a total of $59 billion.

?I think there's a long way to go,? said retail industry analyst Dana Telsey. ?This season is going to be a battle almost every single day as you keep getting through to those ten days before (December) 25th. I think we go into a lull period now before you get the big sales coming again.?

Even without the uncertainty over a $500 million wave of tax hikes and spending cuts set to hit paychecks Jan. 1, retailers face some major challenges this holiday season.

With unemployment stuck at nearly at 8 percent, millions of households are without paychecks. Still reeling from last month?s Superstorm Sandy, millions of hard-hit households have had to dip into savings to clean up and rebuild. (Based on insurance data from previous storms, as much as half of the estimated $50 billion in property losses may have been uninsured.) Spending on lost household furnishings and damaged homes will divert funds that would otherwise have gone to holiday shopping.

Spending may also fade this holiday season because, continuing a decade-long trend, retailers kicked it off ?even earlier this year. Some consumers have already spent all or part of the money they budgeted for the holidays.

With so much economic uncertainty this year ?retailers started extending their promotional period,? said American Express vice chairman Ed Gilligan. ?Our research says that some people have been holiday shopping since Halloween or even earlier.?

Consumers who haven?t finished ? or even started ? their holiday shopping face continued uncertainty until Congress and the White House reach a budget deal. One of the biggest single hits to spending would come from the expiration of jobless benefits which, unless renewed, would remove $26 billion from consumer spending next year, according to the non-partisan?Congressional Budget Office.

Since the recession hit in 2007, Congress has battled multiple times over the extension of four separate? tiers? of extended benefits. As a result, most beneficiaries are keenly aware of just how vulnerable they are to a last-minute cutoff of those extended tiers.?

All those people facing expiration are going to keep their wallets closed, even if a last-minute deal is reached before year-end.

On Monday, a White House report estimated that letting taxes rise on middle-class families would take a? $200 billion bite out of consumer spending in 2013. That 1.7 percentage point cut in spending would knock 1.4 percentage points off GDP growth, according to the White House's National Economic Council and Council of Economic Advisers.

The retail industry, which has accounted for nine percent of employment growth since the U.S. recession ended in June 2009, would be among the hardest hit, the report said.

The CBO has estimated that, unless modified or postponed, the budget law set to take effect in January will push the U.S. economy back into recession and send the unemployment rate to 9.1 percent ? up from the current 7.9 percent. The budget package would send the nation?s gross domestic product, which grew at a 2 percent annual rate in the third quarter, into reverse, shrinking at a 0.5 percent rate, according to the CBO analysis.

Much of the contraction would come from a sharp slowdown in consumer spending, according to Monday?s analysis by the White House of the impact on middle class consumers.

The report was the latest volley by President Barack Obama in his ongoing political battle to strike a deal with Republicans that would extend tax cuts for families making less than $250,000 a year and raise taxes on people making more.

Shortly after his re-election, Obama called on Congress to extend tax cuts for 98 percent of American families even before wider deal is reached. The White House also wants lawmakers to fix the alternative minimum tax, set up decades ago to remove tax breaks for high-income households. Because it was not indexed for inflation, is has to be fixed every year to avoid snaring in millions of less affluent taxpayers.

Middle class households ? along with all wage earners - will also lose about $68 a week in spending money if the two percent payroll tax holiday is allowed to expire.

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/business/economywatch/budget-standoff-weighs-holiday-shopping-season-1C7206758

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Thrift Store Music Video: Get Your Second-Hand Swag On!

Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2012/11/thrift-store-music-video-get-your-second-hand-swag-on/

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Jonah Goldberg Would Like the GOP to "Get More Racist" (Little green footballs)

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

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/266276807?client_source=feed&format=rss

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Award Winning Telephone Systems Cornwall from the South West ...

13/11/2012 - South West Communications Group offer ward-winning telephone systems Cornwall business won?t want to miss out on.

The company are not only able to supply unique, high quality telephone systems which can cope with a high demand but they also offer? competitively priced installation and support services for all of their communication products.

They offer this service to businesses of all sizes, so whether you are a small business just starting out or a large multinational company who are looking to implement new telephone systems in Cornwall, they claim that they can help you to achieve your aims, efficiently and at highly competitive prices, thanks to their bespoke telephone systems.

They offer both mobile and fixed line solutions and claim that their systems can streamline a company?s day to day business which, in turn, can cut costs significantly.

South West Communications group claim that 60% of their business comes from repeat clients. This is something they are very proud of as they believe it proves that their telephone systems Cornwall are hard to beat.

The company have worked with some of the biggest technology companies in the world, including Toshiba and ShoreTel which is a sure sign that they are doing something right.

About South West Communications Group:

South West Communications Group has almost 30 years of experience in providing telephone systems to business. The company was started in Devon in 1983 and has grown enormously in scope, now working with some of the biggest players in the business world.

The company aims to use its wealth of technological expertise to create unique solutions which will meet the ever increasing demands of business telecommunications. They have their fingers firmly on the pulse of current trends in technology, including video conferencing and data network solutions, which means that they are able to produce bespoke telephone systems, Cornwall businesses will be able to utilise to get the best from current technology.

They are able to deliver a full service which starts with consultancy and design and ends with installation of the finished product and a high level of on-going support as and when needed.

Contact:

Telephone:

Head office: 01392 369369

Head office fax: 01392 360011

Fault service helpdesk: 0844 871 2020

Accounts queries: 01392 319319

Website: http://www.swcomms.co.uk/

Source: http://hours.ws/2012/11/award-winning-telephone-systems-cornwall-from-the-south-west-communications-group/

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Mobile Miscellany: week of November 19th, 2012

If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This past week, we discovered an abundance of special edition smartphones and T-Mobile gave ten new reasons for owners of unlocked iPhones to smile. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore the "best of the rest" for this week of November 19th, 2012.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of November 19th, 2012

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Samsung, Verizon

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/bd7uOqf389s/

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Scientists describe elusive replication machinery of flu viruses

Friday, November 23, 2012

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have made a major advance in understanding how flu viruses replicate within infected cells. The researchers used cutting-edge molecular biology and electron-microscopy techniques to "see" one of influenza's essential protein complexes in unprecedented detail. The images generated in the study show flu virus proteins in the act of self-replication, highlighting the virus's vulnerabilities that are sure to be of interest to drug developers.

The report, which appears online in Science Express on November 22, 2012, focuses on influenza's ribonucleoprotein (RNP). RNPs contain the virus's genetic material plus the special enzyme that the virus needs to make copies of itself.

"Structural studies in this area had stalled because of the technical obstacles involved, and so this is a welcome advance," said Ian A. Wilson, the Hansen Professor of Structural Biology at TSRI and senior author of the report with TSRI Professors of Cell Biology Bridget Carragher and Clint Potter. "The data from this study give us a much clearer picture of the flu virus replication machinery."

Unveiling the Mystery of RNPs

At the core of any influenza virus lie eight RNPs, tiny molecular machines that are vital to the virus's ability to survive and spread in its hosts. Each RNP contains a segment?usually a single protein-coding gene?of the RNA-based viral genome. This viral RNA segment is coated with protective viral nucleoproteins and has a structure that resembles a twisted loop of chain. The free ends of this twisted loop are held by a flu-virus polymerase enzyme, which handles the two central tasks of viral reproduction: making new viral genomic RNA, and making the RNA gene-transcripts that will become new viral proteins.

Aside from its importance in ordinary infections, the flu polymerase contains some of the key "species barriers" that keep, for example, avian flu viruses from infecting mammals. Mutations at key points on the enzyme have enabled the virus to infect new species in the past. Thus researchers are eager to know the precise details of how the flu polymerase and the rest of the RNP interact.

Getting those details has been a real challenge. One reason is that flu RNPs are complex assemblies that are hard to produce efficiently in the lab. Flu polymerase genes are particularly resistant to being expressed in test cells, and their protein products exist in three separate pieces, or subunits, that have to somehow self-assemble. Until now, the only flu RNPs that have been reproduced in the laboratory are shortened versions whose structures aren't quite the same as those of native flu RNPs. Researchers also are limited in how much virus they can use for such studies.

The team nevertheless managed to develop a test-cell expression system that produced all of the protein and RNA components needed to make full-length flu RNPs. "We were able to get the cells to assemble these components properly so that we had working, self-replicating RNPs," said Robert N. Kirchdoerfer, a first author of the study. Kirchdoerfer was a PhD candidate in the Wilson laboratory during the study, and is now a postdoctoral research associate in the laboratory of TSRI Professor Erica Ollmann Saphire.

Kirchdoerfer eventually purified enough of these flu RNPs for electron microscope analysis at TSRI's Automated Molecular Imaging Group, which is run jointly by Carragher and Potter.

Never Seen Before

The imaging group's innovations enable researchers to analyze molecular samples more easily, in less time, and often with less starting material. "We were able, for example, to automatically collect data for several days in a row, which is unusual in electron microscopy work," said Arne Moeller, a postdoctoral research associate at the imaging group who was the other first author of the study.

Electron microscopes make high-resolution images of their tiny targets by hitting them with electrons rather than photons of light. The images revealed numerous well-defined RNP complexes. To Moeller and his colleagues' surprise, many of these appeared to have new, partial RNPs growing out of them. "They were branching?this was very exciting," he said.

"Essentially these were snapshots of flu RNPs being replicated, which had never been seen before," said Kirchdoerfer. These and other data, built up from images of tens of thousands of individual RNPs, allowed the team to put together the most complete model yet for flu-RNP structure and functions. The model includes details of how the viral polymerase binds to its RNA, how it accomplishes the tricky task of viral gene transcription, and how a separate copy of the viral polymerase assists in carrying out RNP replication. "We're now able to take a lot of what we knew before about flu virus RNP and map it onto specific parts of the RNP structure," said Kirchdoerfer.

The new flu RNP model highlights some viral weak points. One is a shape-change that a polymerase subunit?which grabs viral RNA and feeds it to the polymerase's active site on a second subunit?has to undergo during viral gene transcription. Another is key interaction between the polymerase and viral nucleoproteins. Flu RNPs are long and flexible, curving and bending in electron microscope images; and thus the structural model remains only modestly fine-grained. "You wouldn't be able to design drugs based on this model alone," said Kirchdoerfer, "but we now have a much better idea of how flu RNPs work, and that does suggest some possibilities for better flu drugs."

###

Scripps Research Institute: http://www.scripps.edu

Thanks to Scripps Research Institute for this article.

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

This press release has been viewed 42 time(s).

Source: http://www.labspaces.net/125443/Scientists_describe_elusive_replication_machinery_of_flu_viruses

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NLP and Hypnosis ? Free Self Hypnosis Session ? Create the life ...

2012
11.23

Category:?Uncategorized?/ Tag:?Bit.,?Chill,?Create,?Desire.,?Free,?Hypnosis,?Just,?Life,?Reduce,?Self,?session,?Stress?/

www.DonBarnhartHypnosis.com Here is a free hypnosis session. It?s an excerpt from my Personal Power Hypnosis CD teaching you the fundamentals of self hypnosis and how to create the life of your dreams. Whether you?re feeling stressed out, lacking hope or want to kick start your day and improve your overall mood, this session is for you. Sometimes all we need is a reassurance that things will be better. This will help with PTSD, anxiety and much more.Please take a few minutes, sit back and enjoy this free hypnosis session on personal power. If you want to learn to play tennis or the piano, you would seek out a coach, if you want to live a better life you would do the same. My products are self-improvement programs to help you achieve success in all aspects of your life and are guaranteed!!! Remember that all our experiences in life originate from thoughts and thoughts originate from within the mind. Therefore, anything the mind interacts with can be helped, altered or enhanced with Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy. You can live life to the fullest! Whether you want to change unproductive patterns, kick a habit, reach your next level of personal growth or success, or simply feel better, a hypnotherapist can help you achieve the results you?re looking for. Each and everyday people just like you use hypnotherapy to overcome their personal roadblocks to happiness and success. They create and design the life they?ve always desired. Whether that?s improving or changing your physical ?

NLP stands for Neuro Linguistic Programming and was developed by Richard Bandler and John Grinder.

Source: http://rblog.info/nlp/2012/11/23/free-self-hypnosis-session-create-the-life-you-desire-reduce-stress-and-just-chill-for-a-bit/

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Source: http://clevelandminh6847.typepad.com/blog/2012/11/nlp-and-hypnosis-free-self-hypnosis-session-create-the-life.html

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MintLife Blog | Personal Finance News & Advice | How the Payroll ...

As we near the end of 2012, Congress is on a tight deadline to come to an agreement to avoid a series of tax cut expirations. It has come to be known as the ?fiscal cliff? because with $500 billion in tax increases and across-the-board spending cuts, it could ultimately have an impact on your finances.

If Congress makes a last minute deal to prevent us from going off the fiscal cliff, there?s still a chance that the payroll tax break might not be extended. This means that all American workers across all tax brackets could see their take-home pay reduced by 2%. For the average American household, that could result in an increase of $1,000 in taxes in 2013.

Tax holiday was designed to stimulate economy

FICA taxes, designated under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), are taken on the first $110,100 of income. It includes a 12.4% tax that is paid into Social Security and another 2.9% that is paid into Medicare. While the self-employed are required to pay all of their FICA taxes, employees split the bill with their employer.

Ordinarily, workers pay 6.2% towards their Social Security contributions. But when the payroll tax holiday was introduced in 2010, that rate temporarily dropped to 4.2%.

The idea was to put more money into the hands of consumers in the hopes of sparking more spending, which in turn would contribute to economic growth. Philip Noftsinger, Business Unit President at CBIZ Payroll, says a reduction in the FICA tax rate was one of the easiest ways for Congress to send money to consumers during the recession.

Some members of Congress believe it has had little positive impact. Some also say it has been taking away funding from the Social Security fund at a time when it needs it the most. By some estimates, that figure could be as much as $150 billion per year.

?It hasn?t had the impact they thought it would and decreasing the input into Social Security at a time when output is rising, isn?t good,? says Noftsinger.

Mari Adam of Adam Financial Associates in Boca Raton, Fla., says no one wants to see their paychecks shrink but Congress, and many Americans, know it?s necessary. Unlike federal income, FICA taxes go directly to entitlement programs for retirement and medical care in your elder years. In many ways, these programs are a form of insurance, which makes the taxes almost a type of insurance premium.

?We?ll all complain but it?s the right thing to do. Social Security is already not on sound financial footing and it?s hard to argue that,? says Adam. ?We all need this.?

Impact on paychecks small but noticeable

News about the election and the overall impending fiscal cliff has overshadowed the fact that neither party has expressed an interest in renewing the tax break. Some economists and financial advisors believe there?s little chance it will be extended, so in all likelihood, the employee?s portion of the FICA tax will return to its normal 6.2%.

For an average worker making $45,000 per year, that?s $900 in a year, or $17.30 less they?ll bring home per week. It may not be the end of the world but at a point in time when prices are rising, incomes are already stagnant and investment portfolios aren?t doing that well ? every dollar counts.

?It?s not like it?s $100 per paycheck, but it will add up over the course of a year. It?s like a night out per month for a family of four. They?ll notice it,? says Noftsinger.

Because many Americans have become used to that extra money in their pockets, they?re likely going to see it as a tax increase if it hits in 2013. And if they?re not keeping up with the news and current affairs, they?ll feel a little shortchanged when they get their first paycheck in the New Year.

Tom Reahard is CEO of Paycheckcity.com, an online payroll solution, says many employers will likely notify their employees if it?s certain the tax break will not be renewed.

?My guess is this will run down to the last minute but most employers will probably notify their workers at some point,? says Reahard.

Craig Guillot is a business and personal finance writer from New Orleans. He covers insurance, investing, real estate, retirement and debt. His work has appeared in such publications and web sites as Entrepreneur, CNNMoney.com, CNBC.com, Bankrate.com and Investor?s Business Daily. He is the author of ?Stuff About Money: No BS Financial Advice for Regular People.?

Source: http://www.mint.com/blog/trends/how-the-payroll-tax-expiration-might-affect-your-paycheck-1112/

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Deal of the Day ? Toshiba Excite 10 LE 16GB Android 4.0 Tablet

Black Friday’s LogicBUY Deal is the Toshiba Excite 10 LE 16GB 10.1″ tablet (model AT205-T16I) for $299.99. ?Features: TI OMAP 4430 Dual-Core 1.2GHz Processor running Android 4.0 10.1″ 1280 X 800 display 1GB RAM 16GB built-in; Storage: 16 GB; expandable via microSD Card Connectors: microHDMI, microUSB Connectivity: ?802.11bgn, Bluetooth 5MP rear, 2MP front cameras GPS [...]

Source: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/11/23/deal-of-the-day-toshiba-excite-10-le-16gb-android-4-0-tablet/

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Thailand braces for large anti-government rally

BANGKOK (AP) ? Thailand will deploy thousands of police officers and has invoked a special security law for an anti-government rally Saturday that is expected to be the largest since Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra took office in 2011, and that officials fear could turn violent.

Authorities expect tens of thousands of protesters, a turnout that would serve as a sharp reminder of the deep political tensions in the country despite two years of relative calm.

The demonstration is being organized by a royalist group calling itself "Pitak Siam" ? or "Protect Thailand" ? at Bangkok's Royal Plaza, a public space near Parliament that has been used by protesters in the past.

Led by retired army Gen. Boonlert Kaewprasit, the group accuses Yingluck's government of corruption, ignoring insults to the revered monarchy and being a puppet of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is Yingluck's brother and was ousted by a 2006 coup that sent the country into spasms of political upheaval.

While the group is a newcomer to Thailand's protest scene, it is linked to the infamous "Yellow Shirt" protesters, whose rallies led to Thaksin's overthrow. They later toppled a Thaksin ally after invading and shutting Bangkok's two airports for a week in 2008.

Yingluck is taking Saturday's rally seriously. Her Cabinet invoked the Internal Security Act on Thursday in three Bangkok districts around the protest site, and she later addressed the nation to explain the move, citing concerns of violence.

"If a large number of people are mobilized by incitement ... and there is evidence that violence may be used to achieve those ends, then this is a case of national security," Yingluck said in her nationally televised address.

The security act allows authorities to close roads, impose curfews and ban use of electronic devices in designated areas. Measures began taking effect Thursday night, with police closing roads around Yingluck's office, the Government House, and placing extra security at the homes of senior officials, including the prime minister.

National police chief spokesman Maj. Gen. Piya Uthayo said Friday that nearly 17,000 police officers had been called in from around the country to provide security for the rally.

Thailand has been gripped by bouts of political instability since 2006, with Thaksin's supporters and opponents taking turns to spar over who has the right to rule the country.

The most violent episode came in 2010, when Thaksin's "Red Shirt" supporters led a two-month occupation of central Bangkok to demand the resignation of an anti-Thaksin government. The protests sparked a military crackdown that left at least 91 people dead and more than 1,700 injured.

Thaksin has lived in self-imposed exile since 2008 when he jumped bail to evade a corruption conviction and two-year jail term. He retains huge popularity among the rural poor, who want to see him pardoned and returned to power. But he is reviled by the urban elite and educated middle class, who see him as authoritarian and a threat to the monarchy.

Buoyed by Thaksin's political machine, Yingluck was elected by a landslide victory in August 2011. She initially was criticized for her lack of political experience ? she was an executive in Shinawatra family businesses ? but has won praise for leading the country through one of its longest peaceful periods in recent years.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/thailand-braces-large-anti-government-rally-091023112.html

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APNewsBreak: Corps cuts flow on Missouri River

FILE - In this Nov. 12, 2012 file photo, two barges head north on the Mississippi River past St. Louis, as seen from East St. Louis, Ill. The Army Corps of Engineers has begun reducing the flow from a Missouri River reservoir, a move expected to worsen low water conditions on the Mississippi River and potentially halt barge traffic at St. Louis within weeks. (AP Photo/Jim Suhr, File)

FILE - In this Nov. 12, 2012 file photo, two barges head north on the Mississippi River past St. Louis, as seen from East St. Louis, Ill. The Army Corps of Engineers has begun reducing the flow from a Missouri River reservoir, a move expected to worsen low water conditions on the Mississippi River and potentially halt barge traffic at St. Louis within weeks. (AP Photo/Jim Suhr, File)

ST. LOUIS (AP) ? The Army Corps of Engineers on Friday began reducing the flow from a Missouri River reservoir, a move expected to worsen low-water conditions on the Mississippi River and potentially bring barge traffic to a halt within weeks.

The Missouri flows into the Mississippi around a bend just north of St. Louis. One result of this year's drought, the worst in decades, has been a big drop in water levels on both rivers.

The corps announced earlier this month that it would reduce the outflow from the Gavins Point Dam near Yankton, S.D., to protect the upper Missouri River basin. That drew an outcry from political leaders and businesses downstream, who warned that allowing the Mississippi to drop more could have devastating economic consequences.

Corps spokeswoman Monique Farmer told The Associated Press on Friday that the reduction began as scheduled that morning. By midday, the flow that had started at 37,500 cubic feet per second had been cut to 35,500 cubic feet per second.

Farmer said plans call for a gradual reduction down to 12,000 cubic feet per second by Dec. 11 because of the drought.

"We're hoping Mother Nature brings some snow this winter," she said, "but we've been told to expect low, stable conditions, that it's probably going to remain dry."

The cut in flow comes despite opposition from the governors of Missouri and Illinois and 77 members of Congress whose states sit along the Mississippi River. Scott Holste, a spokesman for Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, said his office never received a reply to a letter Nixon sent Army Assistant Secretary Jo-Ellen Darcy, asking that the corps delay plans to reduce the Missouri River flow.

The Mississippi is nearing historic lows between St. Louis and Cairo, Ill. Barges are already required to carry lighter loads and the middle of the river could be closed to barge traffic if the water level at St. Louis dips below minus 5 feet. It was at minus 0.45 feet Friday.

A zero river reading at St. Louis was established more than a century ago. It's the point at which people at that time thought the river would never drop below.

The National Weather Service forecast for river levels extends only as far as Dec. 6. It calls for the Mississippi River to get to minus 3.7 feet at St. Louis by then. Businesses that ship on the river and their trade groups expect to get to minus 5 feet by around Dec. 10.

Barges carry 20 percent of the country's coal and more than 60 percent of its grain exports. Other cargo, including petroleum products, lumber, sand, industrial chemicals and fertilizer, also gets shipped along the Mississippi River.

Barge operators and those who ship on the Mississippi have warned that a shutdown would have disastrous economic consequences on those industries, with companies laying off workers if it lasts for any significant amount of time.

River shipping trade groups have even asked President Barack Obama to intervene.

"This is a pending economic emergency," said Ann McCulloch, director of public affairs for the American Waterways Operators.

A message left with the White House on Friday was not returned.

The weather forecast offers little hope with no big storms in sight.

While the drought has eased in the St. Louis area, it persists in the upper Mississippi and upper Missouri river basins, which feed water to the areas below, said Scott Truett, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in St. Louis.

"That means less runoff and hence low water levels," Truett said.

The corps has taken steps to keep the Mississippi open as long as possible, including increasing dredging. It also plans to remove two rock formations in the river in southern Illinois that jut up, potentially scraping the bottoms of barges when water levels are low.

But that work isn't expected until February, although 15 senators and 62 House members in separate letters asked for the rock removal to be expedited.

Corps officials in Omaha say the drought already has hurt recreation along the upper Missouri River areas. The low water has exposed Native American artifacts, leaving them prone to looting, and if it persists into spring, hydropower could be impacted.

Corps officials in Omaha say they are bound by the Missouri River Master Manual to act in the best interest of the Missouri River basin and what happens on the Mississippi is incidental.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/386c25518f464186bf7a2ac026580ce7/Article_2012-11-23-Drought-River%20Shipping/id-7a1989c911f64d6092dda7d5890f7dcc

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