WASHINGTON (AP) ? Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the Newtown school shootings have changed the gun control debate and that rural America is ready to be part of a national conversation that he believes could bring people together.
Vilsack says the debate has to start with respect for the Second Amendment right to bear arms and a recognition that hunting is a way of life for millions of Americans.
But Vilsack said that the nation has reached "a different circumstance" in the gun control debate. It will take time, but it's now "potentially a unifying conversation," he said. President Barack Obama recognizes that changes to gun laws can't just be decreed from Washington but must come from the "grassroots up."
Vilsack was interviewed Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union."
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NFL Week 17 Checkdown: Adrian Peterson's superhuman feat sweeter with playoff berth
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson came up 9 yards short of the best single-season rushing total in NFL history on Sunday. But his 199-yard effort on a career-high 34 carries in Minnesota's wild 37-34 home victory over the Green Bay Packers came with a much sweeter record?his team's 10-6 mark that ensured the NFC's wild-card No. 6 seed.
Peterson's 26-yard run with 24 seconds left put the Vikings in position for Blair Walsh's game-winning 29-yard field goal. Although there were still 11 more yards between the Vikings and the goal?more than enough to pass Eric Dickerson's total of 2,105?Peterson's remarkable season still had a storybook ending.
? NFL playoffs: Wild-card, divisional schedule | Early point spreads
Consider where Peterson was a year ago. On Christmas Eve 2011, against the Washington Redskins, he tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee, a grisly injury that would put the career of mere mortal backs in jeopardy. Two days later, he was put on injured reserve, the unofficial start of a long rehabilitation process that included recovery from reconstructive surgery he underwent last Dec. 30.
It's appropriate that Peterson became the seventh running back in NFL history to join the 2,000-yard rushing club (2,097 to be exact) exactly one year later. It's a testament to the relentless work ethic that got him back on the field and kept him at full strength all season long. It's just another reason why he's a special modern athlete who evokes the memories of legends past, including Jim Brown and Walter Payton.
Peterson accomplished what Brown and the late Payton never did during their illustrious time on the gridiron. Although Peterson didn't quite catch Dickerson, he trumped the best years of Barry Sanders and O.J. Simpson.
In an era where many teams have gone to backfields-by-committee and 20 touches are now considered big workloads, Peterson's hard-charging, reckless-abandon style is a refreshing respite. Even though the Packers?against whom he had rushed for 210 yards three weeks ago?knew he was going to get the ball often, they still had limited answers.
The Packers were so geared toward stopping him, it set up some of the easiest throws for Christian Ponder on a day the second-year quarterback needed to make them. One came on a 2-yard touchdown strike in the third quarter to Peterson, who also scored on a 7-yard run in the first quarter that set the tone early in a must-win game.
The reward for Peterson leading a great team effort is a third matchup with the Packers, this time in Lambeau Field. Just like Sunday and back in Week 13 in Green Bay, the Vikings won't be shy about riding Peterson again. The Packers will go back to the drawing board looking for ways to stop what's coming.
Ever since Peterson made a splash as a dynamic rookie in a Vikings timeshare with Chester Taylor in 2007, it's been fun to watch Peterson run with no regard for his safety, or that of those trying to stop him. Whether it's been defenders or damaged ligaments, it's a joy to know that there's no obstacle he hasn't been able to hurdle.
Peterson has made a very strong case for MVP, and at worst should take home the awards for both Offensive Player of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year.
But even Peterson's near-record season may not be enough to stop the MVP momentum of Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. Thanks to the Houston Texans' loss at Indianapolis earlier in the day, Manning and Denver clinched the top seed and home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs with a 38-3 rout of the Kansas City Chiefs. That also opened the door for Tom Brady and New England to take the No. 2 seed and the second bye after beating the Miami Dolphins, 28-0.
What that means is the Broncos (13-3) and Patriots (12-4) are on a collision course for the AFC championship, rather than a divisional-round meeting. The Broncos' victory over the Chiefs was their 11th in a row overall. Their last loss came at New England, 31-21, on Oct. 7 in Week 5. Since then, the Broncos have improved every week, with Manning getting into a groove with all his receivers and the defense developing into a dominant unit. The Patriots have made more offensive mistakes than usual of late, and know now the rematch would be in Denver and not Foxborough.
John Elway and the Broncos brought in Manning with one goal in mind: the Super Bowl. It only makes sense that they'll likely need to go through Brady to attain it. In Denver, Manning has a more complete team around him than many of his Colts teams in Indianapolis. The Broncos are the deserved heavy favorite to win the AFC.
? Steele: Inspired by Pagano, Colts could be this year's Giants
Real International Love in {Canada} - Munaluchi Bridal Magazine
Edith and Kamara?s relationship was like the blossoming of a gorgeous flower. First came the planting of the seed; then, it was time for steady and continuous growth. Eventually, the flower blossomed till it became a masterpiece to behold. :) This breathtaking Canadian wedding was photographed by?Julien Hautcoeur. You?ll be inspired and amazed at the beauty of the location, the perfection that is the bride?s wedding dress, and most importantly, the love this beautiful couple obviously shares.
Bride:?Edith Brumant Groom:?Kamara Benjamin Wedding Date:?07.05.2012 Location:?Ceremony?-?Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica; Reception?-?National Art Gallery of Canada, Ottawa
How They Met ?.. ?Edith and Kamara met through Edith?s cousin Osmel, who also happens to be one of Kamara?s best friends. Osmel left his home on the Caribbean island of Antigua, where he met Kamara, to live with Edith?s family in Ottawa, ON, Canada to pursue an undergraduate degree. At the time, Edith was just finishing high school, and Kamara was at the University of Florida. Soon, an online friendship developed between Kamara and Edith. Next, it was texting and occasional phone calls. This long distance friendship that was mostly internet-based finally brought an opportunity to meet face-to-face. The two met at last on a vacation back to Antigua for Carnival in July 2004 and had some great times. At that point, they both knew that, somehow, they had to be part of each other?s lives.?
The Proposal??.. ?They decided to officially enter a relationship in December 2007, while on a trip to New York City. The pair worked hard to maintain a long-distance relationship, while Kamara was working in Trinidad and Boston. Even after Kamara completed his master?s degree at the University of Ottawa, Edith?s alma mater, the long-distance resumed as he moved to Seattle to work at Microsoft. A short trip to New Orleans and Texas in summer 2011 quickly put life into perspective for them and they decided that their love knows no bounds, and that neither time nor space could keep them apart. They had been at each other?s side through the bad times (such as the loss of Edith?s father due to cancer), and the distance that kept the pair apart, as well as the good times that were had in travels and good news like job offers and acceptance into university. This couple had been through it all and realized they were committed to each other more than ever before. Kamara surprised Edith with a quick getaway that October in Orlando, where he proposed on bended knee.?
?
WEDDING DETAILS??..
?The wedding was?a Thursday, a fairly unique day for a wedding. The couple was on the same page when it came to planning and no decision was made without the other. Early on, the colors were decided: yellow and blue. There was no turning back on those colors after Kamara had already arranged for one yellow and one blue sapphire to be placed inside of Edith?s platinum engagement ring. They also knew what they wanted the feel of their special day to be: modern yet classic, bright, stylish, and well-executed. It was a gorgeous afternoon when their vision began to unfold. The Silver Cloud Rolls Royce pulled up to the entrance of the Notre Dame Basilica Cathedral, an architectual masterpiece located in Ottawa?s downtown. As her mother walked her down the aisle, Edith?s dress seemed to float across the floor. Edith designed the florals including her own bouquet which comprised of daisies, gerber daisies, craspedia and ranunculus with a single sunflower as a tribute to her father. While all eyes were on her, she only had eyes for her soon-to-be husband clad in a debonnaire grey suit with a slim black tie who had turned as he felt her presence near, embraced Mrs. Brumant, then delicately kissed Edith?s hand, guiding her up to the altar. Returning to their respective seats were the bridesmaids wearing knee-length duchess satin sapphire dresses, each holding a single long stem sunflower, while the groomsmen wore sophisticated black suits, a tie to match the ladies? dresses and boutonnieres consisting of craspedia and berzelia.
The wedding party took photos in the picturesque Major?s Hill Park, overlooking the Parliament buildings. After that, the newlyweds took a few more photos at the University of Ottawa; then, inside the National Art Gallery of Canada, the reception site. When it came to getting the best prices and keeping expenses within budget, this couple had it in the bag. They made a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society in lieu of wedding favors, and got great deals with catering, venues, transportation , flowers, etc. Their guests also had free access to view the permanent exhibits in the gallery.
Having their reception in the gallery provided the exact ambience that the couple desired. Their guests were able to view the beautiful scenery as the sun set for the evening through the sky-high glass rotunda where they also danced the night away. There were heartwarming speeches and stories, and great times were had by all as the night rolled on. After such a delectable three course meal, decadent cupcakes, late night savoury treats, and host bar to boot, one would have to agree that this joyous occasion was indeed memorable from beginning to end?
Of course, that?s not the end for this fun-loving couple it?s just the beginning of a lifelong journey side by side at last.?
?
Photography by Julien Hautcoeur.? Click here for the full gallery.
FILE - In this Sept. 30, 2012, file photo, Pittsburgh Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan delivers during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Pittsburgh. The Red Sox have acquired the All-Star closer from the Pirates in a six-player deal trade on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. The Red Sox also received infielder Brock Holt, but gave up right-handers Mark Melancon and Stolmy Pimentel, infielder Ivan DeJesus Jr. and first baseman-outfielder Jerry Sands. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
FILE - In this Sept. 30, 2012, file photo, Pittsburgh Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan delivers during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Pittsburgh. The Red Sox have acquired the All-Star closer from the Pirates in a six-player deal trade on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. The Red Sox also received infielder Brock Holt, but gave up right-handers Mark Melancon and Stolmy Pimentel, infielder Ivan DeJesus Jr. and first baseman-outfielder Jerry Sands. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
In this July 7, 2012, photo, Pittsburgh Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan delivers during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Pittsburgh. A person familiar with the talks says the Pirates and the Boston Red Sox are close to completing a trade that would send Hanrahan to Boston for a handful of prospects. Pittsburgh would ship Hanrahan and another player to the Red Sox in exchange for four players, (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
BOSTON (AP) ? If Joel Hanrahan can do for the Boston Red Sox what he did against them, they should be very happy with their new closer.
In the first of his two All-Star seasons, the right-hander posted back-to-back saves for the Pittsburgh Pirates with perfect ninth innings against the Red Sox in June 2011. He struck out Adrian Gonzalez, who entered the series batting .359, to end the second game.
"When people look back on me as a Pirate, that's the one that stands out the most to them," Hanrahan said Wednesday after being obtained in a six-player trade.
People such as Red Sox assistant general manager Brian O'Halloran.
"It definitely made an impression on me," he said. "It was not fun to be in the batter's box against Joel Hanrahan."
Now American League hitters will see what it's like.
Boston completed the deal Wednesday, also receiving infielder Brock Holt. The Red Sox gave up right-handers Mark Melancon and Stolmy Pimentel, infielder Ivan DeJesus Jr. and first baseman-outfielder Jerry Sands.
The Red Sox also announced the signing of free agent shortstop Stephen Drew, who agreed to a one-year contract early last week. The reported $9.5 million deal was contingent on Drew passing a physical. The former Oakland Athletic and Arizona Diamondback broke his ankle in 2011.
"We feel that he's going to be fully healthy for us," O'Halloran said.
The acquisition of Drew and Hanrahan are the latest in a series of moves designed to improve on a 69-93 record and a last-place finish in the AL East. The Red Sox already have obtained right-handers Ryan Dempster and Koji Uehara, outfielders Shane Victorino and Johnny Gomes and catcher David Ross.
Over the past two seasons, Hanrahan had 76 saves, fourth most in the National League, and a 2.24 ERA. Last season, he was 5-2 with a 2.72 ERA and 36 saves.
The six-year veteran will take over the closer's role that Alfredo Aceves struggled in most of last season before giving way to Andrew Bailey, who had missed most of the season with a right thumb injury.
In his first season with Boston, Bailey was 1-1 with a 7.04 ERA and six saves in nine opportunities over 19 games.
Manager John Farrell has talked with Hanrahan and Bailey and told them that Hanrahan will be the closer, although "we see Andrew as playing a very important role," O'Halloran said.
The Red Sox's search for a closer began when Jonathan Papelbon signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Phillies after the 2011 season.
Hanrahan figured he was part of that quest when he heard his name in trade rumors involving the Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers.
"I got excited" when he learned of the trade, Hanrahan said. "Obviously, the Red Sox have a great history and tradition and it's a huge sports city."
In six seasons, 2 1/2 with the Washington Nationals and 3 1/2 with the Pirates, he's 22-17 with a 3.74 ERA and 96 saves in 117 chances. His best season was 2011 when he went 1-4 with a 1.83 ERA, 40 saves in 44 opportunities and just 16 walks in 68 2-3 innings. His control slipped last season when he walked 36 in 59 2-3 innings.
Hanrahan said hamstring and ankle problems affected his pitching mechanics.
"I don't think the walks are going to be a concern," he said. "I feel good going to spring training."
Hanrahan said he's never been to Fenway Park, but O'Halloran doesn't think he'll have trouble adjusting to the American League.
"Joel Hanrahan has the stuff to pitch anywhere," he said.
Holt spent most of last season at Double-A Altoona, then hit .292 in 24 games with the Pirates, all in September.
Melancon was 0-2 with a 6.20 ERA in 41 relief appearances in his only season with Boston. Pimentel spent the season at Double-A Portland. Sands and DeJesus were obtained in a trade that sent Gonzalez, Josh Beckett and Carl Crawford to the Dodgers on Aug. 25.
South Africa's Mandela discharged from hospital: government
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Former South African President Nelson Mandela has been discharged from hospital, ending a nearly three-week stay during which he was treated for a lung infection and had surgery to remove gallstones, the government said on Wednesday.
The 94-year-old anti-apartheid leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate has been moved to his Johannesburg home. He has been in frail health for several years.
"He will undergo home-based high care at his ... home until he recovers fully," the government said in a statement issued by the presidency.
"We request a continuation of the privacy consideration in order to allow for the best possible conditions for full recovery," it said, without offering further details.
Mandela has a history of lung problems dating back to when he contracted tuberculosis while in jail as a political prisoner. He spent 27 years in prison, including 18 years on the windswept Robben Island off Cape Town.
The former president was admitted to a Pretoria hospital on December 8 and this was his longest stay in hospital since he was released from prison in 1990.
Current President Jacob Zuma visited Mandela on Christmas Day and said the former South African leader was doing much better, making progress and in good spirits.
Mandela was also admitted to hospital in February because of abdominal pain but released the following day after a keyhole examination showed there was nothing seriously wrong with him.
He has spent most of his time since then in another home in Qunu, his ancestral village in the impoverished Eastern Cape province.
His poor health has prevented him from making any public appearances in the past two years, although he has continued to receive high-profile visitors, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton earlier this year.
Mandela became South Africa's first black president after the country's first all-race elections in 1994.
After his release from prison, he used his popularity to push for reconciliation between whites and blacks, which became the bedrock of the post-apartheid "Rainbow Nation".
Mandela stepped down as president in 1999 after one term in office and has largely been absent from public life for the last decade.
(Reporting by David Dolan, Peroshni Govender and Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
Spokesman: George H.W. Bush in 'guarded condition'
Former President George H.W. Bush is currently in the intensive care unit where his doctors have prescribed him a liquid-only diet. NBC's Natalie Morales reports.
By Charles Hadlock and Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News
Updated at 7:08 p.m. ET: Former President George H.W. Bush was battling an elevated fever Wednesday and was in "guarded condition" in a hospital intensive care unit, a family spokesman said.
?"The President is alert and conversing with medical staff, and is surrounded by family," said a statement from family spokesman Jim McGrath.?Bush, 88, was moved to the intensive care unit at The Methodist Hospital at the Texas Medical Center in Houston on Sunday, McGrath said.?
Bush has been in the hospital since?Nov. 29?for treatment of complications related to bronchitis. After initial expectations that he would be hospitalized for only a few days proved to be wrong, doctors said through a hospital statement on Dec. 13 that they expected Bush would "be able to?celebrate Christmas at home."
But the 41st president remained at The Methodist Hospital -- where he was visited on Christmas by his wife, Barbara, his son, Neil, Neil's wife, and his grandson, Pierce -- all of whom brought him a meal of Chinese food for Christmas dinner, The Houston Chronicle reported.
He also received gifts, emails, and telephone calls from family members and close friends, NBC's Janet Shamlian reported.
On Wednesday, McGrath told NBC News that the former president's fever was elevated from the previous day, although he said that he did not know by how much.?Earlier, McCrath had said that doctors saw a "slight improvement" in Bush's condition that morning.
McGrath said that Dorothy Bush, his daughter, visited Wednesday, and George W. Bush, the 43rd president, would be visiting soon.
Bronchitis is a common condition in which the bronchial tubes in the lungs become inflamed and produce mucus, which creates the need to cough, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can turn serious in people with weak immune systems, including children and the elderly. Symptoms such as chest pain, weakness and coughing typically last two weeks, but can linger for as long as two months.?
In the weeks since he was admitted, Bush has had a low-grade fever, but doctors have said they are "cautiously optimistic" he will recover, Shamlian reported.
George Kovacik, a hospital spokesman, said in a statement earlier this week that Bush was in stable condition.?
?His doctors feel he should build up his energy before going home. They remain optimistic about his full recovery and are being extra cautious with his care,? the statement said.
Robert Sullivan / AFP - Getty Images
Leader of an American political dynasty, George Bush's influence was felt beyond his terms as president and vice president. Take a look back at his life and career.
Bush was elected president of the United States in 1988, the capstone of a long career of public service.
He was a Texas Republican member of the House of Representatives in the 1960s and 1970s and head of the CIA in 1976-1977.?The organization?s headquarters in Langley, Va., was later?renamed the ?George Bush Center for Intelligence.?
Bush lost his first bid for the Republican nomination for the U.S. presidency in 1980, at which time Ronald Reagan chose him to be his running mate. He went on to serve two terms as Reagan?s vice president before winning the presidency. He was defeated for re-election in 1992 by Bill Clinton.
In late 2004, Bush teamed up with Clinton to raise money for the victims of the Asian tsunami. That effort was so successful, the two former presidents did the same for Katrina victims in 2005.?
President George H.W. Bush remains in the hospital. NBC News' Janet Shamlian reports.
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Diabetes MD: Travel Insurance and Diabetes - shop around!
Travelling with diabetes is not always easy or straightforward - that is why we set up VoyageMD.com. One recurrent complaint we hear from people living diabetes is the cost of insurance for travel. As we mentioned in a previous post, for the insurance companies the main consideration is the cost of dealing with an?unforeseen?medical incident whilst the?traveler?is abroad. Some countries are notoriously expensive when it comes to medical care especially the USA but even within Europe the costs can also vary by huge amounts.
Although there are very many companies selling insurance, when it comes to travel, the majority use one system to work out the risk for an individual?traveler by asking a set of standard questions (http://www.healix.com). For diabetes the questions relate to age, insulin or no insulin, recent hospital admissions (without specifying the reason), smoking history, presence of diabetes complications and whether or not the applicant has to take medicines for blood pressure or cholesterol (nearly everyone with type 2 diabetes!!). The interesting finding is what is NOT asked - the insurance companies do not appear to be interested in hypoglycaemia risk, HBA1c levels any aspect of glucose control. This seems surprising especially as hypoglycamia and problems with maintaining good control of blood glucose levels are two of the commonest problems related to travel and diabetes.
The variation in the price of insurance premiums related to diabetes is surprising. As an example, VoyageMD used a well known comparative website (www.moneysupermarket.com)??and compared the costs of buying insurance for a person living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and compared the costs if the traveler had been in hospital recently:?single male traveler with diabetes planning a single 2 week trip in December the quotes were:
Travelling to France Type 1 diabetes with no recent hospital admissions ? ? ?10.60 - ?37.88 Type 1 diabetes with a recent hospital admissions ? ? ? ?14.36 - ?85.47 Type 2 diabetes with no recent hospital admissions ? ? ?11.36 - ?15.05 Type 2 diabetes with a recent hospital admission ? ? ? ? ?14.36 - ?95.48
Travelling to Spain Type 1 diabetes with no recent hospital admissions ? ? ?10.60 - ?37.85 Type 1 diabetes?with?a recent hospital admissions ? ? ? ?21.25 - ?96.27 Type 2 diabetes with no recent hospital admissions ? ? ?12.66 - ?79.78 Type 2 diabetes?with?a recent hospital admission ? ? ? ? ?30.77 - ?95.46
Travelling to the USA Type 1 diabetes with no recent hospital admissions ? ? ?31.69 - ?120.32 Type 1 diabetes?with?a recent hospital admissions ? ? ? ?51.75 - ?202.20 Type 2 diabetes with no recent hospital admissions ? ? ?25.99 - ?147.04 Type 2 diabetes?with?a recent hospital admission ? ? ? ? ?66.00 - ?231.97
The take home message is (a) shop around and (b) the insurance companies need to talk to people living with diabetes and ?their diabetes teams to gain a better insight about the risk and realities of travel and diabetes so that people living with the condition are not unfairly penalised.
This is going to be one of the major campaigns for VoyageMD in 2013.
Yen on defensive on U.S. fiscal worry, helps Nikkei
TOKYO (Reuters) - Uncertainty over whether U.S. lawmakers will strike a deal by an end-of-year deadline to avert a severe fiscal retrenchment undermined the yen and bolstered Japanese shares, but trading volume was low with many participants on Christmas holiday.
House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner failed to gain support for a tax plan at the end of last week, raising fears that the United States may face the "fiscal cliff" of some $600 billion in automatic spending cuts and tax increases set to start on January 1.
U.S. lawmakers and President Barack Obama were on Christmas holiday and talks were unlikely to resume until later in the week.
The dollar rose to a 20-month high of 84.965 yen early on Tuesday in Asia, as Japanese players caught up with global players who had reacted overnight to incoming Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's comments that stepped up pressure on the Bank of Japan.
Abe said on Japanese television on Sunday that he will try to reform a law guaranteeing the BOJ's independence if his demand for a binding inflation target is not met. The yen has been pressured by expectations that the BOJ will be compelled to adopt more drastic monetary stimulus measures next year.
The dollar was expected to stay firm this week as investors repatriate dollars, and as the U.S. fiscal impasse will likely continue to sap investor appetite for risky assets and raise the dollar's safe-haven appeal.
"The dollar is seen relatively well bid, with all focus on the fiscal cliff," said Yuji Saito, director of foreign exchange at Credit Agricole in Tokyo.
"Negotiations may be carried over the weekend, but markets still expect a deal to be struck by December 31. It is unthinkable that the U.S. will risk driving its economic growth sharply lower by not agreeing to avoid it."
Japan's Nikkei stock average <.n225> resumed trading after a three-day weekend with a 1.5 percent gain, recapturing the key 10,000 mark it ceded on Friday after Boehner's failure sparked a broad market sell-off and the Tokyo benchmark closed down 1 percent. <.t/>
"Ongoing optimism about the weak yen is lifting hopes that exporters' earnings will be better than expected," said Hiroichi Nishi, general manager at SMBC Nikko Securities.
MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan <.miapj0000pus> has barely moved as most Asian bourses were closed for Christmas.
Taiwan shares <.twii> were up 0.1 percent on gains in technology shares and financial heavyweights, while Shanghai shares <.ssec> were down 0.3 percent in early trade.
Goro Ohwada, president and CEO at Japan-based fund of hedge funds Aino Investment Corp, said investors were likely to focus on economic fundamentals and the United States for cues on investment direction in 2013.
"There is a feeling that an investment strategy based on economic fundamentals may finally work next year, with asset prices more closely reflecting fair value. The problem is, we don't know yet which asset is a better bet than others," he said.
There is also hope for new policies from the United States for the next four years now that the presidential elections are over, he said.
(Additional reporting by Ayai Tomisawa in Tokyo; Editing by Edmund Klamann)
Dec. 20, 2012 ? Diagnosed with severe coronary artery disease, a group of patients too ill for or not responding to other treatment options decided to take part in a clinical trial testing angiogenic gene therapy to help rebuild their damaged blood vessels. More than 10 years later, in a follow-up review of these patients, doctors at Baylor College of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College (where the clinical trial and review took place) and Stony Brook University Medical Center report the outcomes are promising and open the door for larger trials to begin.
The study, which appears online in the journal Human Gene Therapy, followed 31 Weill Cornell patients who were diagnosed with severe coronary artery disease and were given a direct injection into their heart muscle of gene therapy called adenovirus encoding angiogenic growth factor, or AdVEGF121. Study results show the five- and 10-year survival rate of those patients were just as good and, in some cases better, than what is seen in other groups with similar heart issues treated with traditional medical therapy.
"The results of this 10-year gene therapy study are important," said co-senior author Dr. Ronald G. Crystal, chairman and professor of Genetic Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. "After long-term follow-up, the patients who received angiogenic gene therapy appear to have improved outcomes. The study results give us greater insight into the safety and effectiveness of gene therapy to rebuild blood vessels in patients living with coronary artery disease."
"At the time when the trial began, there were no comparisons available to tell us what to expect, which is why we are so pleased with the results," said co-senior author Dr. Todd Rosengart, professor and chair of the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, formerly of Stony Brook University Medical Center. "We only had an idea of what the outcome might be based on promising studies in the lab, so there was concern, but those who received this treatment really had no other treatment options."
The common treatment for severe coronary artery disease is coronary artery bypass surgery, which works by redirecting blood flow around the diseased or blocked area of the heart. However, for those involved in this trial, the blood vessels that normally would be used to redirect the flow of blood were not healthy enough to do so.
In the study, patients were divided into two groups. Group A received both conventional coronary artery bypass grafting and gene therapy, while group B received only gene therapy. There was no control group. The gene therapy helped rebuild weak and damaged blood vessels in these patients. Medical records, follow-up interviews and questionnaires were used to determine patient outcomes. For Group A, the survival rate was 40 percent and Group B was 31 percent at the 10-year follow-up mark. Of the 18 patients who died, causes of death ranged from cancer to cardiac related issues.
"While there were health issues that needed additional treatments, such as cardiac revascularization and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators among both groups, overall this group of individuals had an outcome greater than what we believe they would have if they had not received the gene therapy," Rosengart said.
"We found no evidence of safety issues that resulted from the gene therapy," Crystal said. "Given the concerns about gene therapies during the time when this trial originated, this is one of the very few long-term gene therapy studies that is very encouraging from a patient safety basis."
According to researchers, the next step is further research to study larger groups of patients and to create a placebo control study to compare outcome results. Weill Cornell Medical College, Weill Cornell Medical College-Qatar and Baylor College of Medicine are collaborating on a new clinical trial currently in the planning stages.
Others who contributed to the study include Charleen Hollmann, Muath M. Bishawi, Michael S. Halbreiner, Matthew Fakhoury, Eileen Finnin, and Dr. Annie Laurie Shroyer, all with Stony Brook University Medical Center.
This study was funded in part by a grant from the Lisa and James Cohen Foundation and supported, in part, by the Qatar Foundation and Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar.
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Instant Tranquility ? NLP Hypnosis to Relax ... - Self Help Heaven ...
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Top real estate stories of 2012 | Water Pointe Realty Group
Top real estate stories of 2012
ORLANDO, Fla. ? Dec. 21, 2012 ? The real estate industry changed in 2012 ? in some ways, significantly.
Florida Realtors put together its annual list of top industry stories, a recap of the most significant news stories that impacted Florida?s real estate brokers and agents.
New French Workshops ? From 4 to 7 February | Alliance Francaise ...
Get a very special taste of France and French language with our French workshops week from Monday 4 to Friday 7 of February 2013. You will learn in context while updating your cultural knowledge or improving your communication or linguistic skills.
Communication
? TV news ? la fran?aise Become a French journalist for an evening and challenge your writing and speaking skills. You will deal with topical news in French from political and economical issues to weather forecast as well as sports and culture. Find a piece of news you are interested in, write about it and present the TV news as a group! When: Tuesday / 6pm-8pm / Fees: $25 members and $35 non-members Level: from advanced beginner level to advanced (A1-C1)
? Intercultural relationships ?How do we connect to people from different cultures?? The language barrier makes it difficult to communicate efficiently?but it?s not the only reason: cultural codes are at least as important as language in our everyday communication. If we don?t pay attention to them, our message to people with a different cultural background could be blurred and lead to misunderstanding. This conference aims at showing the importance of learning cultural relativity through theory and practical examples. When: Monday / 6pm-8pm Fees: $25 members and $35 non-members Level: all levels / conference in English (A1-C1)
Language ? La dict?e Challenge your level of French and enrich your grammar and vocabulary with our selection of French dictation. Take the dictation and work efficiently on your weaknesses in French. The teacher will help you step by step to correct your spelling and grammar errors and understand general grammar or conjugation rules. A great way to improve you oral comprehension and writing skills. When: Thursday / 6pm-8pm / Fees : $25 members and $35 non members Level: from advanced beginner level to advanced (A1-C1)
Culture ? Introduction to French cinema and dialogue editing Learn about French movies and create your own dialogue. A fun way to get some general knowledge about French cinema and to improve your vocabulary, and writing skills. You will discover different filming genres in French, study various camera plans techniques and create your own film dialogue. Who knows? you might be the next Luc Besson? When: Monday / 5.30 pm-8.30pm Fees: $35 members and $45 non-members Level: intermediate and advanced (A2-C1)
? Cuisine fran?aise Cook and discover the cuisine from the Provence region. Prepare a whole French meal from Starter to Dessert and treat yourself with the flavours that are so typical in the south of France .You have the choice to cook either in French or in English. You will then share and taste your hard work with your cooking companions. Join us for a few hours of fun and taste buds thrill. When : Monday / 5.30 pm-8.30pm Fees : $35 members and $45 non members / extra food cost to be determined Level : all levels (A1-C2)
? France History Secrets Napol?on Learn who this historical figure really was and how he influenced modern history. You will become acquainted to this astonishing character through little stories, architecture, images, the French Civil Code and so on!
When: Thursday / 6pm-8pm Fees : $25 members and $35 non members Level: All levels, workshop in English (A1-C2)
? Guided visit of Paris: le Quartier Latin The quickest way of travelling ever! Join us on this virtual visit of Paris through images, videos and presentations. Get to know La Sorbonne, Saint Germain, Le Pantheon and so much more. Challenge yourself in a fun way through quizzes and games.
When: Tuesday / 6pm-8pm / Fees: $25 members and $35 non-members Level: all levels, workshop in English (A1-C2)
Best Western's Travel Blog - You Must Be Trippin' - Motorcycle Toys
December 20 2012 by Jason Fogelson
A lot of car guys trace their fascination with automobiles back to their Hot Wheels or Matchbox car collection from childhood. They learned to appreciate automotive design, and even to recognize different kinds of cars and trucks, from playing with the little die cast models.
I think one of the responsibilities of being a motorcyclist is to be an ambassador for the hobby. Every time I ride, I try to represent motorcyclists well by riding safely, gearing up properly, and by taking time to talk to people who are interested in my bike. I take extra time talking to kids about bikes, letting them look at my motorcycle. Sometimes I even let a kid sit on my motorcycle if I have time, and they seem especially entranced. I like to think that I'm helping to foster the next generation of motorcyclists, just like some cool bikers did for me when I was a kid.
Another thing I do with my nieces and nephews is that I give motorcycle-related gifts at the holidays and on birthdays. So far, none of my family's next generation has taken to two wheels, but I know that they are aware of bikes, and they don't have a negative feeling about motorcyclists. That's a start.
Here are a few ideas for motorcycle related holiday gifts:
Biker Santa Ornament: Who is a better ambassador for motorcyclists than Santa Claus himself? A little Santa on his Harley-Davidson will make the kiddos love motorcycles even more. $20.
Small Hog Bank: Inspire kids to ride, while inspiring them to save! A cute little piggy bank emblazoned with the Harley-Davidson bar and shield will hang around all year, holding on to Junior's hard-earned cash -- maybe saving for that first motorcycle. $40.
Fisher-Price Hero World Green Lantern Kilowog/Cycle: When kids can get their hands on a toy, it heightens their connection. Add in a superhero, and you've got a winner of a toy. The Kilowog is a tough, muscular alien, and his motorcycle is brutish and totally cool, sure to appeal to kids who like to use their imaginations. $14.99.
Big Wheel Racer: The original Big Wheel isn't quite a motorcycle, but it definitely gives kids their first taste of the motorcycle riding experience. Seeing one wheel in front of you while you zoom down the driveway and along the sidewalk develops a taste for choppers and cool bikes. Big Wheels are available in both "boys" and "girls" colors. $59.99.
Testors Motorcycle Models: Every car builder and every bike builder had to start somewhere -- and many started with Testors models. Yes, they still make the old fashioned plastic snap together 1/12 scale models, and the more elaborate paintable 1/6 scale models that can take weeks to complete. Inspire the next Arlen Ness with a challenging Electra Glide Model. $111.27.
There are tons of other motorcycle related gifts out there. Give one (or more) and you'll be doing your part to create and nurture the next generation of riders.
It?s nice to get where you?re going, but sometimes, it?s even better to be delayed. Whether offering movie theaters, nature trails, golf courses or world-class art museums, today?s airports are making it, dare I say, desirable, to be stuck at the airport.
?I have been stuck on many long layovers, especially heading to East and Southeast Asia,? said Annie Wang, a strategy analyst for TravelNerd. ?Now I specifically look for certain airports to layover?since some airports have gone above and beyond to offer special amenities to their passengers.?
Here are 10?airports where you won?t mind having to wait to board your next flight:
Singapore Changi Airport Singapore?s Changi Airport is the hands-down favorite among stranded travelers, even travelers who just want to spend a few hours exploring the world?s first in-airport butterfly garden or navigating the nature trails. Take a free two-hour guided tour of Singapore, enjoy the 4D Cinema, play video games, explore the aviation gallery or slide down a four-story slide while you wait for your flight.
?Singapore is a fun place to be delayed or stranded,? says Robert Reid, U.S. travel editor for Lonely Planet. ?The terminal is fun on its own: free movie theater, a hotel, tons of sitting areas with comfortable seats, showers. Every hub airport should have showers available for people coming off overnighters and bound for connections.?
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport? It?s easy to see why passengers love Amsterdam?s Schiphol Airport, particularly art lovers. The Rijksmuseum, an annex of the famed in-town museum of the same name, is open daily and is home to a permanent exhibition of 10?works from Dutch masters. Just crossed the Atlantic on an overnight flight? Visit Back to Life for a massage and an oxygen treatment to recharge. Or book a shower cabin at Yotel.
Munich Airport Visiting?Munich Airport? Stop by?Airbr?u, a Bavarian-style tavern with an indoor beer garden and an on-site brewery -- the only in-airport brewery in Europe. Have an extra 30 minutes? Let the brew master show you first-hand how the beers are brewed. For children, ?kinderterminals? provide an interactive look at how the airport works. At Air Berlin Kinderland, kids can make arts and crafts, watch movies and play with building blocks. And, don?t forget the miniature golf course.
London Heathrow Airport London?s Heathrow Airport offers a luxury experience ideal for traveling fashionistas with shops like Burberry, Cartier, Gucci and an 11,000-square-foot Harrods. Families should look out for three soft play areas in Terminals 4 and 5 to exercise and entertain young children, then head to any information desk for free coloring books and crayons. For shut-eye between flights, book a personal cabin with free Wi-Fi and hot drinks at Yotel for a quick four-hour stay.
San Francisco International Airport Enjoy the flavors of the city even if you?re only spending a few hours at San Francisco International Airport. Nearly all of the airport eateries are outposts of popular in-town restaurants, including Ebisu and Lark Creek Grill. After a quick bite, relax and de-stress in the yoga room. For families, hit the SFO Kids? Spot, an interactive exploration area featuring weather-related exhibits.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, live music greets visitors at six venues across the concourses that showcase the best from the live music capital of the world. Nearly 20 concerts take place each week, offering Latin Jazz to Western Swing. Hungry? Stop at Salt Lick BBQ. Texas barbecue doesn?t get much better than this.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport If you?re connecting through Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, then the Phoenix Airport Museum is a must. One of the largest airport museums in the nation, more than 600 items are on display, including over 20 hand-crafted animal sculptures that pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Phoenix Zoo.
Vancouver International Airport At Vancouver International Airport passengers are treated to a 30,000-gallon aquarium that houses5,000 sea creatures. Upstairs, a smaller cylindrical tank holds 100 moon jellyfish. Look for comfy lounge chairs and padded benches throughout the airport that let weary travelers stretch out and relax. No wonder YVR was voted the best place to catch a nap while waiting for a flight.
Hong Kong International Airport Long layover in Hong Kong? Catch a movie in the IMAX theatre or visit the Aviation Discovery Center for aviation-themed exhibits, including a cockpit simulator. I-Sports offers a variety of sports simulators or go for a real hole-in-one on the SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Course. Exhibitions on tea through the ages, Chinese medicine and Cantonese opera also dot the airport.
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport For little ones, head to the Aquafina Junior Flyer?s Club or McDonald?s Play Areas at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport for kid-friendly playscapes, like soft-foam cars. In Terminal D you?ll find media chairs and 10 screens featuring three different video feeds: CNN, TBS and Turner Classic Movies. You?ll also find a yoga studio and a walking path to release all your flight delay-induced tensions.?
Reproductive Health Matters announces publication of its themed issue
Reproductive Health Matters announces publication of its themed issuePublic release date: 18-Dec-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Lisa Hallgarten lhallgarten@rhmjournal.org.uk 44-207-267-6567 Elsevier
Reproductive Health Matters announces publication of its themed issue: 'Sexual and Reproductive Morbidity: Not a Priority'
Amsterdam, December 18, 2012 - Sexual and reproductive morbidities are not a priority in health policy. They do not feature among donors favourite health initiatives and remain outside the global health agenda. In many parts of the world practice is stubbornly failing to catch up with national policies, leaving shortfalls in every area of care. This, despite the enormous impact such morbidities have on the lives of women, men and their families, is something that is illustrated in a number of papers published in the latest issue of Reproductive Health Matters (RHM) which describe devastating personal experiences.
Editor of RHM, Marge Berer characterises this lack of priority as: "A distortion of the global public health agenda and everything we know about addressing the burden of disease. It should send up alarm signals [as to] what the content and focus of the Sustainable Development Goals related to health should be."
The issue captures a range of perspectives focusing not just on clinical issues, but also health law and policy, service delivery, the social and political determinants of health, and the personal and professional experiences of women, men and service providers. For example, in the paper titled, 'No safe place for children' by Laura Wick and Sahar Hassan, women and midwives in Gaza bear witness to the experience of delivering babies while under military attack from Israel.
Papers included are from Albania, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Central America, Chile, India, Kenya, Laos, Nepal, Peru, Poland, Sri Lanka, sub-Saharan Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Yemen and address a plethora of sexual and reproductive morbidities including: complications following treatment for fistula; the threat of untreatable gonorrhoea; regulation of breast implants; services for sexual violence; maternal health; cervical cancer; uterine prolapse, infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease; and more. Some papers address prevailing myths including the beliefs that female genital mutilation can be used to treat genital infections, and that children born through IVF technology are monsters.
One of the non-theme papers looks at the eight new types of female condoms that are in the pipeline, and may reduce costs and increase choice for couples who want to use them.
###
Notes to editors
The issue "Sexual and Reproductive Morbidity: Not a Priority" of Reproductive Health Matters, Volume 20, Issue 40, p 4-228 (December 2012) published by Elsevier, is now available on ScienceDirect.
Full texts of articles are available to credentialed journalists upon request; contact Lisa Hallgarten at +44 207 267 6567 or lhallgarten@rhmjournal.org.uk.
About Reproductive Health Matters (RHM)
Reproductive Health Matters is published twice a year, in May and November in English, with editions in translation in Arabic, Chinese, French, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. RHM covers laws, policies, research and services that meet women's reproductive health needs. Each issue focuses on a main theme and includes feature papers, topical papers on other subjects and a round-up of information from published literature. www.rhmjournal.org.uk
About Elsevier
Elsevier is a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services. The company works in partnership with the global science and health communities to publish more than 2,000 journals, including The Lancet and Cell, and close to 20,000 book titles, including major reference works from Mosby and Saunders. Elsevier's online solutions include ScienceDirect, Scopus, Reaxys, ClinicalKey and Mosby's Nursing Suite, which enhance the productivity of science and health professionals, and the SciVal suite and MEDai's Pinpoint Review, which help research and health care institutions deliver better outcomes more cost-effectively.
A global business headquartered in Amsterdam, Elsevier employs 7,000 people worldwide. The company is part of Reed Elsevier Group PLC, a world-leading publisher and information provider, which is jointly owned by Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. The ticker symbols are REN (Euronext Amsterdam), REL (London Stock Exchange), RUK and ENL (New York Stock Exchange).
Media contact
Lisa Hallgarten
Editorial Office RHM +44 207 267 6567
lhallgarten@rhmjournal.org.uk
[ | E-mail | 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.
Reproductive Health Matters announces publication of its themed issuePublic release date: 18-Dec-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Lisa Hallgarten lhallgarten@rhmjournal.org.uk 44-207-267-6567 Elsevier
Reproductive Health Matters announces publication of its themed issue: 'Sexual and Reproductive Morbidity: Not a Priority'
Amsterdam, December 18, 2012 - Sexual and reproductive morbidities are not a priority in health policy. They do not feature among donors favourite health initiatives and remain outside the global health agenda. In many parts of the world practice is stubbornly failing to catch up with national policies, leaving shortfalls in every area of care. This, despite the enormous impact such morbidities have on the lives of women, men and their families, is something that is illustrated in a number of papers published in the latest issue of Reproductive Health Matters (RHM) which describe devastating personal experiences.
Editor of RHM, Marge Berer characterises this lack of priority as: "A distortion of the global public health agenda and everything we know about addressing the burden of disease. It should send up alarm signals [as to] what the content and focus of the Sustainable Development Goals related to health should be."
The issue captures a range of perspectives focusing not just on clinical issues, but also health law and policy, service delivery, the social and political determinants of health, and the personal and professional experiences of women, men and service providers. For example, in the paper titled, 'No safe place for children' by Laura Wick and Sahar Hassan, women and midwives in Gaza bear witness to the experience of delivering babies while under military attack from Israel.
Papers included are from Albania, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Central America, Chile, India, Kenya, Laos, Nepal, Peru, Poland, Sri Lanka, sub-Saharan Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Yemen and address a plethora of sexual and reproductive morbidities including: complications following treatment for fistula; the threat of untreatable gonorrhoea; regulation of breast implants; services for sexual violence; maternal health; cervical cancer; uterine prolapse, infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease; and more. Some papers address prevailing myths including the beliefs that female genital mutilation can be used to treat genital infections, and that children born through IVF technology are monsters.
One of the non-theme papers looks at the eight new types of female condoms that are in the pipeline, and may reduce costs and increase choice for couples who want to use them.
###
Notes to editors
The issue "Sexual and Reproductive Morbidity: Not a Priority" of Reproductive Health Matters, Volume 20, Issue 40, p 4-228 (December 2012) published by Elsevier, is now available on ScienceDirect.
Full texts of articles are available to credentialed journalists upon request; contact Lisa Hallgarten at +44 207 267 6567 or lhallgarten@rhmjournal.org.uk.
About Reproductive Health Matters (RHM)
Reproductive Health Matters is published twice a year, in May and November in English, with editions in translation in Arabic, Chinese, French, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. RHM covers laws, policies, research and services that meet women's reproductive health needs. Each issue focuses on a main theme and includes feature papers, topical papers on other subjects and a round-up of information from published literature. www.rhmjournal.org.uk
About Elsevier
Elsevier is a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services. The company works in partnership with the global science and health communities to publish more than 2,000 journals, including The Lancet and Cell, and close to 20,000 book titles, including major reference works from Mosby and Saunders. Elsevier's online solutions include ScienceDirect, Scopus, Reaxys, ClinicalKey and Mosby's Nursing Suite, which enhance the productivity of science and health professionals, and the SciVal suite and MEDai's Pinpoint Review, which help research and health care institutions deliver better outcomes more cost-effectively.
A global business headquartered in Amsterdam, Elsevier employs 7,000 people worldwide. The company is part of Reed Elsevier Group PLC, a world-leading publisher and information provider, which is jointly owned by Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. The ticker symbols are REN (Euronext Amsterdam), REL (London Stock Exchange), RUK and ENL (New York Stock Exchange).
Media contact
Lisa Hallgarten
Editorial Office RHM +44 207 267 6567
lhallgarten@rhmjournal.org.uk
[ | E-mail | 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.
Holidays, Travel and Baby's Sleep | Parenting Starts Here
Holiday travel and events can affect your baby or toddler?s sleeping patterns.
It?s the most wonderful time of the year? unless your child isn?t sleeping, that is! Many parents find that the extra holiday travel, parties and excitement may add up to some big bedtime trouble or can rock the nights of even the most trusted sleepers!
So, what should you do, when traveling or faced with a midday party or late night event that is sure to disrupt naptime, bedtime or both? Here are some tips for getting through the holiday season:
Maintain normalcy. Plan to bring the same books, loveys, blankies, music, etc. your child is used to at home. Implement the same bedtime routine you do at home while you are away, and try to maintain a schedule consistent to yours at home.
Keep it dark. Remember that darkness and light cues your child when to sleep and when to be awake, so keep her sleeping environment as dark as you can. A dark beach towel draped over a bright window can work wonders!
Be prepared to deal with over-stimulation. Your baby may be up later than usual and spend lots of time in different people?s arms. Try to anticipate that your child might be a bit overtired and cranky by the end of an evening of partying and spend a bit of extra time soothing her before sleep and winding her down. Be aware that your child might wake up at night due to some over-tiredness and be prepared to handle it consistently in the way you do at home.
Pack your white noise machine. Is baby?s travel crib 3 feet from the double air mattress you and your partner are sharing? Go ahead and use that white noise machine! It can also help drown out adult conversation and revelry during baby?s naptime and at bedtime.
If baby misses a nap, don?t panic. If it?s the morning nap that has been lost, go for the second nap a bit earlier than you would have otherwise. If it?s the afternoon nap, TRY to avoid a late afternoon ?bedtime sabotage catnap? and opt for a bedtime that is a bit earlier (30 or more minutes) instead.
Relax and have fun. Virtually any non-medical sleep problem can be fixed ? really! Your primary goal should be to enjoy your special family time, have fun, do the best you can at preserving your child?s schedule, and know that when you return home to the status quo you can quickly get things back on track.
Is your baby is a great sleeper at home? Then it?s perfectly reasonable to expect she?ll continue to be while traveling or having some holiday fun here and there. If you are noticing a lot of problems popping up during this holiday season, you may be trying to do too many activities and your child?s sleep is suffering.
If you can?t scale back your holiday schedule, just enjoy your time away but be prepared to get right back on track when you return home. For babies who have some problems to begin with?or for tips on getting back to normal when the holidays are over? you may consider one of our personalized sleep consultations, conducted by phone, by appointment. We consult with families across the US, Canada and Europe. Learn more
We hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Nancy Holtzman, RN BSN IBCLC CPN and
Meg Casano RN BSN MA and Erin Evans PhD RPSGT Isis Parenting Sleep Team Leaders
View related Sleep Webinar recordings: Holidays, Travel & Infant Toddler Sleep or? Travel and Time Zone Changes
Report: 41% of Android phones sold in China eschew Google services
Although China is the world's largest market for smartphones running Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android platform, 41 percent of these devices to not fully comply with and use Google services, according to a new report from Informa Telecoms & Media.
The report found that 41 percent of Android devices in China "support alternative application frameworks from the likes of Baidu, Alibaba, Xiaomi, Tencent, Wandoujia, Anzhi and other locally-based channels."?The fact that 41 percent of Android devices sold in China do not use Google services is striking, since Android is the vehicle through which Google can sell advertising and promote its services.
Google has had a contentious relationship with China. In 2010 it removed its servers from mainland China following what it said were cyberattacks against it that originated in China. And many Chinese use alternative Chinese mobile Internet search services like Baidu and Alibaba.?
The Informa report said that, globally, one out of every three Android phones is sold in China, and that almost two-thirds of the handsets sold in China this year will be powered by the Android OS. Informa said the United States is the second largest Android market in the world, and that 11 percent of all Android phones are sold in the United States.
Informa reiterated what other analyst firms have said recently: that China is the fastest-growing smartphone market, with a year-on-year growth of 85 percent in 2012. Android exceeded 50 percent market share in China in the first half of 2012, and Android's share of the market has continued to grow since.
Earlier this month Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt said Android has extended its lead over Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) rival iOS to a distance that is now comparable to Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) dominance over the desktop segment during the 1990s. Research firm IDC said Android captured 75 percent of the global smartphone market in the third quarter.
The report of Android's dominance in China comes amid a push by Apple to gain more market share there. Apple announced Monday that it sold 2 million iPhone 5s during the gadget's first weekend of sales in China. Yet according to IDC, Apple fell to the No. 6 spot among handset makers in China during the third quarter. Samsung Electronics, Huawei, Lenovo, Coolpad and ZTE all led Apple in terms of market share in China in that order, IDC said.
For more: - see this release
Related Articles: Apple sells 2M iPhone 5s in China during first weekend, but stock slumps Google's Schmidt: Android winning the mobile war against Apple IDC: Apple must offer low-cost phones to keep pace with Android ComScore: Android, iOS approaching 90 percent U.S. smartphone market share KPCB: Android adoption growing 6x faster than iPhone Android surges to 75 percent smartphone market share in Q3 Google: Android will power 1 billion devices in a year
A lot of car guys trace their fascination with automobiles back to their Hot Wheels or Matchbox car collection from childhood. They learned to appreciate automotive design, and even to recognize different kinds of cars and trucks, from playing with the little die cast models. 
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Public release date: 18-Dec-2012
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