FDA declines to approve new Forest, Richter drug [ BeritaTerkini ]

<div id="yom-ad-LREC" class="yom-ad yom-ad-LREC"> <center> <div id="yom-ad-LREC-iframe" class="yom-ad"></div> </center> </div> <p><br></p> <div class="body-slot-container"> <div class="body-slot-mod"> <div class="yom-remote"> <div class="yom-loading" id="mediacontentrelatedstory_container"></div> </div> </div> </div> <p>(Reuters) – U.S. health regulators have declined to approve a new antipsychotic drug from Forest Laboratories and Richter, citing the need for more information, including additional clinical trial data.</p> <p>The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) delivered its verdict on cariprazine for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in a so-called “complete response letter,” the type of letter issued by the agency to convey that it cannot approve a drug application in its current form.</p> <p>Cariprazine was discovered by Hungarian drugmaker Richter and licensed to Forest in the United States and Canada.</p> <p>Industry analysts have forecast North American sales of the drug of $ 250 million in 2017, according to consensus forecasts compiled by Thomson Reuters Pharma.</p> <p>In its letter, the FDA acknowledged that cariprazine demonstrated effectiveness but the two companies said on Thursday it appeared regulators wanted more tests on the optimal dose of the treatment to avoid potential side effects.</p> <p>(Reporting by Ben Hirschler; Editing by David Holmes)</p> <ul id="topics" class="hidden"> <li>Pharmaceuticals & Drug Trials</li> <li>Health</li> <li>Food and Drug Administration</li> <li>Forest Laboratories</li> <li>antipsychotic drug</li> </ul><p></p> //<!--[CDATA[ jQuery(".gmframe").load(function (){jQuery(this).remove();}); //]]--> <br><br>

FDA declines to approve new Forest, Richter drug [ BeritaTerkini ]

(Reuters) – U.S. health regulators have declined to approve a new antipsychotic drug from Forest Laboratories and ...

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21-Nov-2013 08:57

Michael Skakel Update: Kennedy cousin poised for freedom in 1975 killing - CBS News :: <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-skakel-update-kennedy-cousin-poised-for-freedom-in-1975-killing/">http://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-skakel-update-kennedy-cousin-poised-for-freedom-in-1975-killing/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Report: US citizen detained in N. Korea - The State :: <a href="http://www.thestate.com/2013/11/21/3112082/report-us-citizen-detained-in.html">http://www.thestate.com/2013/11/21/3112082/report-us-citizen-detained-in.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>FSU's Winston Investigation: Accuser Warned About Pursuing Case - The Ledger :: <a href="http://www.theledger.com/article/20131120/SPORTS19/131129893">http://www.theledger.com/article/20131120/SPORTS19/131129893</a><br /><br><br /><br>Kerry, Karzai reach deal on US troop presence beyond 2014 - The Hindu :: <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/kerry-karzai-reach-deal-on-us-troop-presence-beyond-2014/article5374864.ece">http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/kerry-karzai-reach-deal-on-us-troop-presence-beyond-2014/article5374864.ece</a><br /><br><br /><br>Barack Obama, Bill Clinton pay tribute at JFK's grave - New York Daily News :: <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/barack-obama-bill-clinton-pay-tribute-jfk-grave-article-1.1524167">http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/barack-obama-bill-clinton-pay-tribute-jfk-grave-article-1.1524167</a><br /><br><br /><br>Florida Congressman in Cocaine Case Will Take a Leave of Absence - New York Times :: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/21/us/congressman-pleads-guilty-to-cocaine-possession.html">http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/21/us/congressman-pleads-guilty-to-cocaine-possession.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Is NYC For The Birds? Wild Turkeys Spur Tension - NPR :: <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId%3D246477338">http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId%3D246477338</a><br /><br><br /><br>French police name arrested Paris gun suspect - BBC News :: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25027595">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25027595</a><br /><br><br /><br>18 die as cyclone hits Sardinia - The Times (subscription) :: <a href="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/europe/article3926027.ece">http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/europe/article3926027.ece</a><br /><br><br /><br>Evangelist Billy Graham hospitalized again in NC - WGME :: <a href="http://www.wgme.com/template/inews_wire/wires.national/2efbee30-www.wgme.com.shtml">http://www.wgme.com/template/inews_wire/wires.national/2efbee30-www.wgme.com.shtml</a>

21-Nov-2013 08:57

Michael Skakel Update: Kennedy cousin poised for freedom in 1975 killing - CBS News :: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-skakel-update-ke...

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To iPad or not to iPad: A tablet buyer's guide

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://media3.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams%5C2012/February/120214%5C29738-wilson-rothman-mugshot_2010_sm.blocks_desktop_avatar.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>6 minutes ago</p><br /><img src="http://media4.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2013/November/131121/2D9748467-nokia.blocks_desktop_medium.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>At first, there was only the iPad. Then came Android tablets - overpriced, oversized and app-less. Eventually, the table(t)s turned: Prices for Android tablets dropped while quality improved. Now, Android makes up the majority of tablet shipments in the market. Deciding on a tablet has gotten trickier.</p><br /><p>For this roundup, I gathered the tablets that cover 95 percent of what shoppers care about: Both new Apple iPads ($399 and $499), Google's Nexus 7 ($229), both new Amazon Kindle Fire HDX tablets ($229 and $379), and the new Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 ($549). The dark horse Windows tablet in my lineup wasn't the uninspiring Microsoft Surface 2. Instead, I checked out Nokia's candy-apple red, exceptionally sleek Lumia 2520 ($499) - and was glad I did.</p><br /><p>In fact, all turned out to be impressive in some ways, so instead of picking an overall winner, I looked at various aspects that will matter to you, and declared winners and losers for each.</p><br /><p><strong>Screen size</strong>There are basically two tablet categories: The 7- to 8-inchers, and the 9- to 10-inchers. These might sound similar in size, but because screens are measured diagonally, a 7-inch tablet can be half the size of a 10-inch tablet. So think of the two categories as small and large. (Panasonic's now selling a 20-inch tablet for $6,000 but we won't go there.)</p><br /><p>Your choice between small and large depends mostly on what you're going to do with it - and where: Are you reading books, watching TV and checking email? Or are you editing photos, recording music and working on spreadsheets? Will you be lying in bed, holding the tablet aloft in one hand? Or will it be propped up in front of you in conference rooms and airplane seats?</p><br /><p>I personally find the smaller size most appealing, but that's because I still also carry a laptop everywhere. I consider the tablet to be my 'low blood pressure' device - less work, more play. If you are trying to streamline your work setup, though, the larger size makes way more sense.</p><br /><img src="http://media2.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2013/November/131121/2D9748469-ipad.blocks_desktop_small.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p><strong>Pixel density</strong> The iPad Air is supposed to have a 'Retina' screen - with pixels so small you can't seem them - but in fact, at 264 pixels per inch, the screen is actually less dense than much of the competition's. It looks better than the screen on the older (now cheaper) iPad Mini and the iPad 2, but sharp eyes will definitely spot some dots.</p><br /><p>The new iPad Mini has a real Retina screen, with over 300 pixels per inch, and so does the Nexus 7, the Galaxy Note 10.1 and both Kindle Fire HDX tablets. If you spend a lot of time staring at text on a tablet, you should care about this.</p><br /><p><strong>Viewing angle</strong> Though important, pixel density isn't the only factor in a good screen. Viewing angle, another key indicator, can be tested by looking at the picture from any angle but head on. Suppose you and a loved one want to sit together and enjoy the same movie on a tablet - if the display doesn't have a wide enough viewing angle, you'll both experience bleached colors and limited contrast.</p><br /><img src="http://media2.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2013/November/131121/2D9744992-nexus.blocks_desktop_small.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p><strong>Brightness and outdoor visibility</strong> Tablets are famously hard to read outdoors, especially when the sun is shining. Finally, some manufacturers are changing that with bright and innovative screens. This is the first year that I've seen screens I'd recommend to be used outside, especially those on the Nexus 7 and the Nokia Lumia 2520.</p><br /><p>Unfortunately for Apple aficionados, the iPads are not so hot in the sun. (Neither is the Galaxy Note 10.1.) I will say this, though: Because the iPads have such comparatively low brightness, they're useful for reading in pitch-dark environments. As someone who reads at night, I like the fact that iPads get really dim. I just never realized until now that the benefit comes at the cost of outdoor visibility.</p><br /><p><strong>Battery life</strong> For now, iPads consistently have the best battery life - I got over 10 hours of streamed video over Wi-Fi with medium brightness. That said, if you are looking elsewhere and concerned about battery life, the largest tablets tested, the Galaxy Note 10.1 and the Nokia Lumia 2520, did run for upwards of 9 hours. The smaller Android tablets, the Nexus 7 and the Kindle Fire HDX tablets couldn't quite hit 8 hours.</p><br /><p><strong>Camera</strong> I won't judge you if you like to take pictures with a tablet. Just don't do it in front of me at a concert that I paid $50 to attend. Also, be aware that even the best tablet cameras are just OK compared with smartphones. They're getting better, though, and the winners below could deliver medium- to low-light indoor shots suitable for most uses.</p><br /><strong>Winners:</strong> The iPads, Galaxy Note 10.1, Kindle Fire HDX 8.9-inch <strong>Losers:</strong> Nokia Lumia 2520 (surprising, given the fact that Nokia has the best camera-phone on the market), Nexus 7 <strong>Non-compete:</strong> The 7-inch Kindle Fire HDX has no back-facing camera, so it's not in this race at all.<br /><p><strong>Availability of content</strong> Lately, the availability of content for Android has gone through the roof. For video, you can find Netflix and Hulu, plus a growing lineup of pay TV or ad-supported services such as Watch TBS, HBO Go, FoxNow, Crackle and Xfinity (which is for cable subscribers of Comcast, NBC's corporate parent).</p><br /><p>The iPad nevertheless leads, because it's the crossroads for every video platform: Not only does it support everything I mentioned above plus Apple's own massive iTunes video catalog, you can even stream Google Play content, or Amazon video on demand. No other tablet gives you all that leeway.</p><br /><p>The same is true for other content types: You'll find reader apps and music apps of all stripes now on Android tablets - plenty enough to keep you satisfied. Still, if for some (bizarre) reason you buy books from Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Google Play and Apple ... the iPad would be the only way to keep them all in one place.</p><br /><p>The final frontier for tablet content is gaming, and here Apple is still well ahead of everyone else. Sure, Electronic Arts has released 35 titles for Android, but that's for both phones and tablets. Meanwhile, the games publisher has 54 titles optimized specifically for the iPad. There's a similar imbalance with Activision and other publishers, though things even out more when it comes to viral casual gaming like Angry Birds.</p><br /><p>If you're looking to buy an Android tablet and want to make sure it will support all of your specific content needs, just go to the Google Play store and check out the apps.</p><br /><p>You can check app availability for the Kindle Fire HDX, too, but if you are interested in buying one of those you're either heavily invested in Amazon content or committed to putting Amazon in charge of your content needs. (And why not? Amazon has some of the better pricing for video and music, and I find its video streams and downloads to be reliable.)</p><br /><img src="http://media1.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2013/November/131121/2D9748468-amazon.blocks_desktop_small.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p><strong>Child's play</strong> If you have kids and let them use tablets, there's another set of content choices to be made: Do you want the best and freshest kids apps? Do you want a tailored, controlled experience for them?</p><br /><p>Apple still gets the best kids' apps first - I'm talking about the ones that aren't shady or thrown together, real high-production-value stuff that costs between $2 and $8 a pop. And the iOS does let you control children's access to the iPad. If you go into Settings, you can hit restrictions, pick a PIN, then block all kinds of content and activities. No buying stuff on iTunes or surfing the Web. No rated-R movies and 17+ rated apps and games. You can also shut down advertising, social media and other services that you may find inappropriate for young ones.</p><br /><p>Still, on an iPad, there's no way to put the kids in a customized sandbox of their very own apps, shows and games. That's what you can do with the Kindle Fire HDX, which lets you create multiple accounts on your device for each child. Best of all, you can set the timing parameters for each media type, so it'll let the kids read books indefinitely, while putting time limits on TV and games.</p><br /><p><strong>Some more stuff to think about</strong> The tablet business really isn't a three-way battle - I looked at the Nokia because it's fresh and frankly quite stunning, but I still don't recommend its operating system, Windows 8.1 RT, to folks who don't already know what that is. Microsoft's fraction of the tablet business is still tiny but, unlike Microsoft's lackluster Surface 2, that Nokia will certainly turn heads.</p><br /><img src="http://media4.s-nbcnews.com/j/streams/2013/November/131121/2D9748498-samsung.blocks_desktop_small.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>The other tablet I can't recommend wholeheartedly is the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, and not just because it had the worst screen in my tests. Samsung has been actively covering up all that's good about Android with gaudy, noisy, unintuitive interface components that don't cohere well and interfere all too often. On top of the software mess, the company adds features - stylus tools, gesture sensing and Samsung-to-Samsung device interactions - that often don't work as billed, and tend to take away the promise of harmony among Android devices. Samsung doesn't want you on Android ... it only wants you on Samsung.</p><br /><p>Regardless of which tablet you choose, you'll invariably have the option to add 4G cellular data capability for a premium cost. I find that to be excessive: Wi-Fi-only tablets are fine, and I can deal with the rare occasions where I don't have Wi-Fi access. There are now plenty of ways to download video and other content for trips, and many phones can become Wi-Fi hotspots in a pinch.</p><br /><p>That said, if you do opt for a 4G wireless tablet, carriers tend not to require you to sign a 2-year contract, and you can shove the hardware onto your existing plan for a nominal monthly fee (and take them off of your plan almost as easily).</p><br /><p>This brings me to pricing. Now that so many tablets are worthwhile, price may be the most important factor of the tablet buying decision. The newest iPads scored pretty highly in most of my tests here, but they cost a lot. If you have $229 in your pocket, you could do far worse than to buy the Nexus 7 or the 7-inch Kindle Fire HDX. In fact, if you only have $300 to spend, I recommend that over buying the last-generation iPad Mini, especially if you plan to do a lot of reading.</p><br /><p>If you are an Amazon Prime customer or spend a lot on Kindle and Amazon Instant Video, then the Kindle Fire HDX is almost a no-brainer buy, even if you are an otherwise Apple-friendly family.</p><br /><p>And if you are a PC household that has happily made the jump to Windows 8, and you have an Xbox 360 (or are about to score an Xbox One), then you should really check out that Nokia. It was the surprise of the lineup, a genuinely pleasant device to test, even if its mobile Windows platform isn't yet ready for all audiences.</p><br />Wilson Rothman is the Technology & Science editor at NBC News Digital. Catch up with him on Twitter at @wjrothman, and join our conversation on Facebook.</div>

Technology To iPad or not to iPad: A tablet buyer's guide

6 minutes ago At first, there was only the iPad. Then came Android tablets - overpriced, oversized and app-less. Eventually, the table(t)s t...

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Dealing with injuries, Pats' defense faces Manning

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://www.concordmonitor.com/csp/mediapool/sites/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=bOWKXixwP8W1i4SrDVMQjw5CdkrOuIPEHPNacBAFM5XTPo_3kYrXUhDV8X1y8XVLo4hTYX_KbqLvXWbB4AWgnosRCF_yL6lCWBUcuy8HCXPaRleF8ErKK4tKBqL05tLHtxkUTn692QP_fTfLrgdUGDLrsRHr23jX_L5FNkH0LYA50ay_ebhTCIAf6XFasOYQjdF_WdTjdkfLSEGtWiTfYwE1NcRptPp8GdKnX6Rplaqh0NUd5MXV2IKWxGMuQkaIdCQBXWFu2lymFdg_WrNEXpFwsxCfxwY328oanllRxw6Gfd8ebr2L3Omv_RJVKM_oHxY9qwtYCPOzP_i2gU_UGGftp1H_26ivdXijpgRMXis7LMmaqXhvidExaO2YUWg46km8tryPLFkUPDyGC52HpMbtjjbnbZRRKjqXxrdetdNZZvXdesCIsHcX1%24CJ1wVA" width="600"/> <img src="http://www.concordmonitor.com/csp/mediapool/sites/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=x18KLAimqJhWEfJxVqNTH8%24daE2N3K4ZzOUsqbU5sYvopb3OJx28Np9kJuEBYiXfWCsjLu883Ygn4B49Lvm9bPe2QeMKQdVeZmXF%249l%244uCZ8QDXhaHEp3rvzXRJFdy0KqPHLoMevcTLo3h8xh70Y6N_U_CryOsw6FTOdKL_jpQ-&CONTENTTYPE=image/jpeg" width="600"/><br /><p>New England Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib (31) runs during a stretching and drills session before practice begins at the NFL football team's facility in Foxborough, Mass., Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013. The Patriots will play the Denver Broncos Sunday night in Foxborough. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)</p><br /><img src="http://www.concordmonitor.com/csp/mediapool/sites/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=5oXSaIVsMMF%24dXSczlZ1Ks%24daE2N3K4ZzOUsqbU5sYu1p0_ihu2n0GqPzPk35JBZWCsjLu883Ygn4B49Lvm9bPe2QeMKQdVeZmXF%249l%244uCZ8QDXhaHEp3rvzXRJFdy0KqPHLoMevcTLo3h8xh70Y6N_U_CryOsw6FTOdKL_jpQ-&CONTENTTYPE=image/jpeg" width="600"/><br /><p>New England Patriots linebacker Pepper Johnson, left, defensive end Chandler Jones (95) and defensive lineman Marcus Forston (98) run during a stretching and drills session before practice begins at the NFL football team's facility in Foxborough, Mass., Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013. The Patriots will play the Denver Broncos Sunday night in Foxborough. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)</p><br /><img src="http://www.concordmonitor.com/csp/mediapool/sites/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=1qdEcLei%24OmsoLNEkk9xZs%24daE2N3K4ZzOUsqbU5sYvxl_9Yw6vQwxaeuRwgd5ALWCsjLu883Ygn4B49Lvm9bPe2QeMKQdVeZmXF%249l%244uCZ8QDXhaHEp3rvzXRJFdy0KqPHLoMevcTLo3h8xh70Y6N_U_CryOsw6FTOdKL_jpQ-&CONTENTTYPE=image/jpeg" width="600"/><br /><p>Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) catches a pass as New England Patriots' Aqib Talib (31) defends during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)</p><br /><img src="http://www.concordmonitor.com/csp/mediapool/sites/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=lkL0McZ_nswchsj6o0sr28%24daE2N3K4ZzOUsqbU5sYuyljwC0sWTidGMWugBO3YYWCsjLu883Ygn4B49Lvm9bPe2QeMKQdVeZmXF%249l%244uCZ8QDXhaHEp3rvzXRJFdy0KqPHLoMevcTLo3h8xh70Y6N_U_CryOsw6FTOdKL_jpQ-&CONTENTTYPE=image/jpeg" width="600"/><br /><p>New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick a listens to reporter's question during a media availability at the NFL football team's facility in Foxborough, Mass., Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013. The Patriots will play the Denver Broncos Sunday night in Foxborough. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)</p><br /><img src="http://www.concordmonitor.com/csp/mediapool/sites/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=qwlcR3poFouOBQx7qqWN18%24daE2N3K4ZzOUsqbU5sYttyIcX7nXE8NxoBTdR9AikWCsjLu883Ygn4B49Lvm9bPe2QeMKQdVeZmXF%249l%244uCZ8QDXhaHEp3rvzXRJFdy0KqPHLoMevcTLo3h8xh70Y6N_U_CryOsw6FTOdKL_jpQ-&CONTENTTYPE=image/jpeg" width="600"/><br /><p>New England Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib (31) runs during a stretching and drills session before practice begins at the NFL football team's facility in Foxborough, Mass., Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013. The Patriots will play the Denver Broncos Sunday night in Foxborough. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)</p><br /><p>FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - A healthy defense would have trouble against Peyton Manning.</p><br /><p>So when six starters are sidelined, the task becomes much tougher.</p><br /><p>The New England Patriots might find themselves in that predicament Sunday night when Manning leads the Denver Broncos and their NFL-best offense into Gillette Stadium.</p><br /><p>'It's definitely a high-potent offense that we'll be facing this week,' starting safety Steve Gregory said yesterday. 'We are battling having a lot of guys that are hurt and banged-up, but it's that time of the season where those type of things happen.'</p><br /><p>Gregory is one of those guys.</p><br /><p>A broken right thumb kept him out of the 24-20 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Monday night and his status for the Denver game is unknown. Starting cornerback Alfonzo Dennard also was sidelined with a knee injury, and is expected to miss Sunday night's game.</p><br /><p>Aqib Talib, the other starting cornerback, returned against the Panthers after missing three games with a hip injury, but couldn't finish the game.</p><br /><p>'I tried to go through it as much as I can,' he said, 'but if I could have been out there, I'd have been out there.'</p><br /><p>The Patriots (7-3) also have three of their best defenders on season-ending injured reserve: defensive tackles Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly and linebacker Jerod Mayo.</p><br /><p>So they started rookie free agents Chris Jones and Joe Vellano at defensive tackle and third-round draft pick Duron Harmon at safety against Carolina.</p><br /><p>But the Patriots emphasize creating depth, so the injuries in the secondary might not keep them from playing with similar alignments than they would use if the regulars were healthy.</p><br /><p>'We'll do what we think is best for the game, regardless,' Coach Bill Belichick said.</p><br /><p>Against the Panthers, backup cornerback Kyle Arrington let Ted Ginn Jr. get free for the game-deciding 25-yard touchdown pass with 59 seconds left.</p><br /><p>The tall, speedy Talib was having an outstanding season with four interceptions before being hurt. He's already played well against Vincent Jackson of Tampa Bay, Julio Jones of Atlanta, A.J. Green of Cincinnati and Jimmy Graham of New Orleans.</p><br /><p>He struggled against Steve Smith of Carolina, but wasn't at full strength.</p><br /><p>If Talib plays against Denver (9-1), he'd have to cover Demaryius Thomas or Eric Decker.</p><br /><p>'He's an excellent cover corner and he did an excellent job on Julio Jones,' Manning said. 'That shows you the confidence they have in him. He is just a top-notch cover corner, great speed and great size.'</p><br /><p>When the Patriots acquired Talib from Tampa Bay last season, they were able to move Devin McCourty to safety where he has been outstanding. Now McCourty is the only one of their top five defensive backs who was not limited in practice yesterday.</p><br /><p>That gave backups more plays during the workout.</p><br /><p>'They've had some injuries, yet (with) kind of the next-man-up philosophy that you hear a lot of teams use, I'm not sure anybody does it better than them,' Manning said. 'Somebody else pops in there and everybody else seems to kind of raise their level of play.'</p><br /><p>They haven't been doing that lately.</p><br /><p>In the last three games, the Patriots have allowed nine touchdown passes: two by Miami's Ryan Tannehill, four by Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger and three by Carolina's Cam Newton. New England won two of those games.</p><br /><p>Now the Patriots must face Manning, whose 34 scoring passes are eight more than any other quarterback.</p><br /><p>'He does a phenomenal job of getting the ball out quick,' defensive end Rob Ninkovich said. 'He knows every single route, what's going on. He's changing the play at the line of scrimmage, trying to give their offense the best play against the defense. He's been doing it a long time now, so we just have to make sure you don't show anything early and just be smart.'</p><br /><p>No matter how many defensive players are sidelined or slowed by injuries.</p><br /><p>'You always want to be playing at 100 percent,' Gregory said. 'You never like to deal with bumps and bruises, but it's something that we have to deal with every day, trying to get better and trying to heal up.'</p><br /><p><img src="http://www.concordmonitor.com/csp/mediapool/sites/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=KRCi3GtmYT_E0WHRG1NHsc%24daE2N3K4ZzOUsqbU5sYuL8JL9Cgu04DO1eJHrAJZWWCsjLu883Ygn4B49Lvm9bPe2QeMKQdVeZmXF%249l%244uCZ8QDXhaHEp3rvzXRJFdy0KqPHLoMevcTLo3h8xh70Y6N_U_CryOsw6FTOdKL_jpQ-&CONTENTTYPE=image/jpeg" width="600"/> </p><br /><p>ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - There are some things in life that just get better with age. Love letters. Fine wine. The rapport between a receiver and his quarterback. Yet, Wes Welker hasn't wasted any time becoming Peyton Manning's top target, just as he quickly became Tom Brady's bull's-eye in New England. Welker set a franchise record with 112 catches his first ...</p><br /><p><img src="http://www.concordmonitor.com/csp/mediapool/sites/ConcordMonitor/assets/img/sportsblog.png" width="600"/> </p><br /><p>From the Monitor sports staff, the Sports Blog brings you sports news from the Capital Region to Durham to Boston to anywhere our teams or interest travel.</p><br /><img src="http://www.concordmonitor.com/csp/mediapool/sites/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=bOWKXixwP8W1i4SrDVMQjw5CdkrOuIPEHPNacBAFM5XTPo_3kYrXUhDV8X1y8XVLo4hTYX_KbqLvXWbB4AWgnosRCF_yL6lCWBUcuy8HCXPaRleF8ErKK4tKBqL05tLHtxkUTn692QP_fTfLrgdUGDLrsRHr23jX_L5FNkH0LYA50ay_ebhTCIAf6XFasOYQjdF_WdTjdkfLSEGtWiTfYwE1NcRptPp8GdKnX6Rplaqh0NUd5MXV2IKWxGMuQkaIdCQBXWFu2lymFdg_WrNEXpFwsxCfxwY328oanllRxw6Gfd8ebr2L3Omv_RJVKM_oHxY9qwtYCPOzP_i2gU_UGGftp1H_26ivdXijpgRMXis7LMmaqXhvidExaO2YUWg46km8tryPLFkUPDyGC52HpMbtjjbnbZRRKjqXxrdetdNZZvXdesCIsHcX1%24CJ1wVA" width="600"/><br /><p><img src="http://www.concordmonitor.com/csp/mediapool/sites/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=zopklujs3lPg730ODidC88%24daE2N3K4ZzOUsqbU5sYuP4uRrcSFK1_OYgP8Rnaw2WCsjLu883Ygn4B49Lvm9bPe2QeMKQdVeZmXF%249l%244uCZ8QDXhaHEp3rvzXRJFdy0KqPHLoMevcTLo3h8xh70Y6N_U_CryOsw6FTOdKL_jpQ-&CONTENTTYPE=image/jpeg" width="600"/> </p><br /><p>FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - A healthy defense would have trouble against Peyton Manning. So when six starters are sidelined, the task becomes much tougher. The New England Patriots might ...</p><br /><p><img src="http://www.concordmonitor.com/csp/mediapool/sites/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=KRCi3GtmYT_E0WHRG1NHsc%24daE2N3K4ZzOUsqbU5sYuL8JL9Cgu04DO1eJHrAJZWWCsjLu883Ygn4B49Lvm9bPe2QeMKQdVeZmXF%249l%244uCZ8QDXhaHEp3rvzXRJFdy0KqPHLoMevcTLo3h8xh70Y6N_U_CryOsw6FTOdKL_jpQ-&CONTENTTYPE=image/jpeg" width="600"/> </p><br /><p>ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - There are some things in life that just get better with age. Love letters. Fine wine. The rapport between a receiver and his quarterback. Yet, ...</p><br /><p><img src="http://www.concordmonitor.com/csp/mediapool/sites/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=rjJwtZfPQJBtsMKQBnUPpM%24daE2N3K4ZzOUsqbU5sYu8fQ6tEJlta70Von3SORjEWCsjLu883Ygn4B49Lvm9bPe2QeMKQdVeZmXF%249l%244uCZ8QDXhaHEp3rvzXRJFdy0KqPHLoMevcTLo3h8xh70Y6N_U_CryOsw6FTOdKL_jpQ-&CONTENTTYPE=image/jpeg" width="600"/> </p><br /><p>FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - His arms finally free, Rob Gronkowski clapped when he saw the yellow flag in the end zone. The Patriots would have one more chance to ...</p><br /></div>

SPORTS Dealing with injuries, Pats' defense faces Manning

New England Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib (31) runs during a stretching and drills session before practice begins at the NFL football team...

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The Ian Fleming Classic Bond Collection Part Two Released Today

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlDaknOZKRQBknYNBm_JFobLGFYKsV0SMr-7yypkszDsbA66-8cOfGzSg_6VxAQWponRBmE0YbTW-cW9nloPZMZksrKqQBS2NmgCs4MEpNyrqKeiY2iYEPZdoIuhDYgL_NnUgATPJ7YE/s640/bond.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">David Tennant's reading of the classic James Bond novel <i>On Her Majesty's Secret Service</i> is included in a second collection of Ian Fleming novels released today.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><b>007 Reloaded - The Ian Fleming Classic Bond Collection Part Two</b> includes unabridged readings of James Bond novels by some of the UK's greatest acting talent. In addition to David's audiobook, the set also includes Kenneth Branagh reading <i>The Man With The Golden Gun</i>, Martin Jarvis reading <i>You Only Live Twice</i> and Rosamund Pike's <i>The Spy Who Loved Me</i>.</span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">Part One of the collection, including readings by Bill Nighy, Rory Kinnear and Hugh Bonneville, was released last year.</span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1471357554?ie=UTF8&camp=3194&creative=21330&creativeASIN=1471357554&linkCode=shr&tag=dtennant-21&=books&qid=1374851451&sr=1-10&keywords=david+tennant" target="_blank">Click here to purchase online.</a></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>

audio Audio Book David Tennant Ian Fleming James Bond On Her Majesty's Secret Service The Ian Fleming Classic Bond Collection Part Two Released Today

David Tennant's reading of the classic James Bond novel  On Her Majesty's Secret Service  is included in a second collection of Ian ...

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Apple Agrees To Pay More City Taxes Under New Mothership Deal

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://cdn.cultofmac.com/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif" width="600"/><img src="http://cdn.cultofmac.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/apple_spaceship_campus_5.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p>Apple and the city of Cupertino have reached an agreement that will see the tech giant paying more taxes to the city as part of the deal for its new Apple Campus 2 project.</p><br /><p>The new deal is up to receive final approval Tuesday night. If approved, Apple's tax increase will actually come from a reduction in the percentage of the tax rebate the city gives Apple each year, according to a report from the LA Times.</p><br /><p>Under its current deal with the Apple, the city of Cupertino gives back about 50% of the sales taxes it receives from Apple-related purchases. From now on that number will only be about 35% of sales taxes.</p><br /><p>Here's what Cupertino Mayor Orrin Mahoney had to say about the new tax agreement:</p><br /><p>'This item was one of many negotiated between Apple and the city of Cupertino as part of the development agreement. The Apple 2 campus is expected to have long-term impacts on the city with respect to traffic and other issues and Apple agreed to a financial offset for some of those impacts.'</p><br /><p>The city originally agreed to the tax rebate back in 1997 - when Apple was on the brink of bankruptcy - in exchange for Apple moving more sales within the city. Its hard to forecast how much the tax deal will cost Apple going forward, however if you look to 2012 the company generated $12.7 million in sales tax but the city of Cupertino gave $6.2 million of it back.</p><br /><p>Under the new agreement the city would have kept $1.8million more, which is a nice pay bump for a city with only $51.4 million in projected general fund revenues.</p><br /><p>Apple plans to finish its campus by 2016, however its questionable whether they'll meet that deadline. Over 20 buildings still have to be demolished off the property. Apple also plans to turn the area that is currently 80% concrete to 20% grass into 80% grass and 20% concrete with orchards of new trees and vegetation throughout the campus.</p><br /><img src="http://cdn.cultofmac.com/wp-content/themes/com2012/i/a/buster_heine.jpg" width="600"/><br /><p><strong>Buster Heine</strong> is Cult of Mac's Social Media Editor. Hailing from Roswell, New Mexico, but now spending his days in Phoenix, Arizona, he wastes most of his time eating burritos and reading Spanish romance novels. Twitter: @bst3r.</p><br /><p>(sorry, you need Javascript to see this e-mail address)| Read more posts by Buster Heine.</p><br /></div>

Technology Apple Agrees To Pay More City Taxes Under New Mothership Deal

Apple and the city of Cupertino have reached an agreement that will see the tech giant paying more taxes to the city as part of the deal for...

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Austin Hatch keeps faith after plane crashes

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img src="http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/be0941039259d7f9f1306335f99f861d2d7b221c/c=114-0-2435-1746&r=490x368/local/-/media/USATODAY/test/2013/11/20//1384998789000-hatch-team.jpg" width="600"/>Austin Hatch stands between his uncle, Michael Hatch, left, and his Loyola High School basketball coach, Jamal Adams. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports<br /><p>LOS ANGELES -- Tragedy will never be fully behind Austin Hatch. But he showed again Wednesday that he has not lost hope -- whether or not he ever becomes a high level basketball player again.</p><br /><p>'I feel like God has his hand on me,' Hatch told a gathering of Los Angeles news media, at a surreal, uplifting news conference. 'I feel like there's a plan for my life.'</p><br /><p>Surviving two plane crashes will make one feel like that.</p><br /><p>In June 2011 Hatch was a passenger in a small plane, piloted by his father, that crashed. His father and stepmother were killed.</p><br /><p>Hatch survived -- although he had a traumatic brain injury, a broken collarbone and a punctured lung -- after being placed in a medically induced coma for eight weeks.</p><br /><p>Incredibly, it was the second time Hatch had survived a crash. Eight years earlier, his father was the pilot in another crash. Hatch's mother and two siblings were killed in that one.</p><br /><p>When Hatch awoke from his coma after the second crash it took him a while to process that he had lost his family.</p><br /><p>'I was dealing with the loss of my best friend, my coach, my teacher, my mentor and my No. 1 fan -- that same man was also my father, Dr. Stephen Hatch,' he said.</p><br /><p>'He taught me everything -- the work necessary to succeed, faith, determination and courage in the midst of hardship. Those traits I acquired from him are what saved my life.'</p><br /><p>The second crash came two weeks after Hatch, a 6-6 wing man at Fort Wayne (Ind.) Canterbury High School, had verbally committed to play basketball at Michigan. He has not played in a competitive basketball game since the crash.</p><br /><p>His recovery, physically, emotionally and mentally has been slow but steady. He spoke Wednesday calmly, confidently and articulately but said he is not where he once was in terms of cognitive ability.</p><br /><p>'A lot of people have said my recovery is kind of a miracle,' he said. 'But you have to remember the significance of what I've been through. I had a traumatic brain injury.'</p><br /><p>Hatch moved this summer from Indiana to Pasadena, Calif., to live with an uncle's family and attend a senior year of high school at Loyola, a tony Catholic private school in the shadow of downtown Los Angeles. He is practicing with the team and hopes to play, but a date for his return is unclear.</p><br /><p>Despite that, when Michigan coach John Beilein announced his 2014 recruiting class last week, Hatch was included.</p><br /><p>Hatch said that even if his game does not return to the point where he can play Division I basketball, he will still be a member of the Michigan basketball family.</p><br /><p>Beilein 'told me that he wouldn't offer me a scholarship if he didn't think I had a role on the team that would help them win,' he said. 'He said, 'Austin, whatever you are able to do, whether it be a manager or a practice player or whatever, you're on scholarship no matter what.'</p><br /><p>Hatch said that it has been difficult to find someone who can completely relate to his situation: 'It would be interesting to talk to someone who has been through something similar. But I haven't found him yet. I'm not sure anyone -- I don't know for sure -- I'm not sure anyone has been in two plane crashes.'</p><br /><p>Read the original story: Austin Hatch keeps faith after plane crashes</p><br /></div>

SPORTS Austin Hatch keeps faith after plane crashes

Austin Hatch stands between his uncle, Michael Hatch, left, and his Loyola High School basketball coach, Jamal Adams. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea, U...

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Listen To Who Is The Doctor? On BBC Radio 2 Tonight

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdfc9Bo1XEwKMNEy25wF8BCl22I11vvB94Voi3bfKr5EK9Q4bC6OHr4bHNh2XKsqwazj50sGF12pql7GTLI344_57EwIDuDvzo2yaCEFekA_rSECxTRTwcBxoPYHSazX5LTzMzytI4Oc/s1600/doctor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdfc9Bo1XEwKMNEy25wF8BCl22I11vvB94Voi3bfKr5EK9Q4bC6OHr4bHNh2XKsqwazj50sGF12pql7GTLI344_57EwIDuDvzo2yaCEFekA_rSECxTRTwcBxoPYHSazX5LTzMzytI4Oc/s640/doctor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Saturday 23 November 23 1963, BBC TV broadcast the very first episode of Doctor Who. Fifty years later, the series is the most successful drama on television. In this special documentary, Radio 2 examines the reasons for its longevity and popularity.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Featuring new interviews with the cast and crew of the series, the programme looks at the lasting appeal of Doctor Who and asks how much of its continued success can be attributed to its basic formula.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With archive clips and the music of Doctor Who composer Murray Gold, Who Is The Doctor? considers the character of the Time Lord across all of his regenerations and revisits the origins of the series with Waris Hussein, director of the debut Doctor Who story, An Unearthly Child.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The programme also examines how the franchise survived when the show was off TV, considers the impact of the revival in 2005 and assesses the value of the series to the BBC.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Presenter/ Russell Tovey, Producer/ Malcolm Prince for the BBC</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tune in tonight at 10.30pm on BBC Radio 2</span></b><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Listen worldwide at www.bbc.co.uk/radio2</span><br /><br /><br />

audio BBC Radio 2 Doctor Who Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Listen To Who Is The Doctor? On BBC Radio 2 Tonight

On Saturday 23 November 23 1963, BBC TV broadcast the very first episode of Doctor Who. Fifty years later, the series is the most successful...

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Utah’s top 10 national and state parks [ BeritaTerkini ]

<p>Utah is a place for all seasons, except summer. From June through August, Utah’s famous canyon country is hot and crowded, but visit in the autumn, winter or spring and you’ll find pockets of desert solitude among the sunny yellow cottonwoods, snow-covered red rocks and colourful spring wildflowers.</p> <h2>Zion national park</h2> <p>In a state that has more parks than it does major cities, Zion stands above the rest as Utah’s first national park and its most visited. The valley floor can get crowded with people, but private cars are restricted in favour of free shuttles, which helps quiet the chaos.</p> <p>Only a fraction of the park can be seen from the road. This is a place for explorers: more than 100 miles of trails lead from the valley into the narrow river canyons to the north and up the towering red and tan walls of Navajo sandstone to the east and west. A paradise for canyoneers and rock climbers, Zion boasts rock formations spanning more than 150 million years of geologic history.</p> <p>The park has three developed campgrounds and offers backcountry camping permits to backpackers. Or you can stay at the Zion Lodge (reservations recommended) or in nearby Springdale and around St George.</p> <p><strong>Top tip</strong> The hike up Angels Landing is not for the faint of heart, but it’s worth every vertiginous step. The trail follows a set of chains up a narrow ridge of sandstone to a spectacular summit that looks straight down through the heart of Zion. This route is best attempted in the spring or fall, when it’s likely to be free of summer hoards, or winter snow and ice.</p> <h2>Canyonlands national park</h2> <p><span class="inline wide"><br><img alt="Canyonlands national park, Utah" height="276" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Travel/Pix/pictures/2013/11/20/1384969872703/Canyonlands-national-park-008.jpg" width="460"><span class="caption"><br> Green River Overlook, Canyonlands national park. Photograph: Mark C Stevens/Getty Images/Flickr RF<br></span><br></span></p> <p>The south-west desert is known for out-of-this-world landscapes – some places look like the moon, others like Mars – but Utah’s Canyonlands is an otherworldly place like no other. Here countless canyons, buttes and mesas are carved into a topography so intricate that you find yourself wandering through places with names such as the Maze, the Needles and Island in the Sky.</p> <p>Canyonlands is Utah’s largest park. You could spend a lifetime exploring the land between the Colorado and the Green rivers and still not reach all the way into the park’s red depths. Tour companies based in Moab offer Jeep tours, hiking, rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, canyoneering, mountain biking, BASE jumping, skydiving, hang gliding, extreme rope swings … you name it, Canyonlands has it.</p> <p>No matter what kind of adventure you tackle, be sure to stay overnight and catch sunset, the stars and sunrise over the vast maze of red rocks. The park has two developed campgrounds and free dispersed camping can be found nearby. For hotels and hostels, stay in Moab or Blanding.</p> <p><strong>Top tip</strong> Visit a geologic mystery at Upheaval Dome. This massive, almost perfectly round rock formation is either an impact crater from a meteor or an uplifted, eroded salt dome. Either way, it’s a fantastic place for a hike in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands.</p> <h2>Capitol Reef national park</h2> <p><span class="inline wide"><br><img alt="The Castle, Capitol Reef national park, Utah" height="276" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Travel/Pix/pictures/2013/11/20/1384969705553/The-Castle-Capitol-Reef-n-008.jpg" width="460"><span class="caption"><br> The Castle, Capitol Reef national park. Photograph: Christian Heinrich/Getty Images/Imagebroker RF<br></span><br></span></p> <p>Capitol Reef is a narrow park, less than 20 miles wide, but over 100 miles long, which protects the Waterpocket Fold, an awesome S-shaped warp in the Earth’s crust that was created over 65 million years ago by the same forces that built the Rocky Mountains. It’s the longest exposed “monocline” in the world, but you don’t have to be a geologist to appreciate Capitol Reef’s amazing rocks.</p> <p>The park is named after its series of domes and cliffs, eroded into white Navajo sandstone, which somewhat resemble the US Capitol building in Washington DC. The reef part of the name is a throwback to pioneer days, when settlers were forced to detour all the way around the Waterpocket Fold, which remains all but impassible even today.</p> <p>A few four-wheel drive roads run into the park, but this place is best seen on foot. Start at the visitor centre (open year-round) and head either north to Cathedral Valley or south into the Waterpocket Fold area. The park has a campground and rooms can be found in nearby Torrey and along highway 12, towards Boulder.</p> <p><strong>Top tip</strong> The Upper Muley Twist Canyon cuts lengthwise along the tilted spine of the Waterpocket Fold, making for a rugged but stunning 15-mile overnight loop hike. Free backcountry camping permits are available in the visitor centre.</p> <h2>Dead Horse Point state park</h2> <p><span class="inline wide"><br><img alt="Sunset at Dead Horse Point, Utah" height="276" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Travel/Pix/pictures/2013/11/20/1384969792477/Sunset-at-Dead-Horse-Poin-008.jpg" width="460"><span class="caption"><br> Sunset at Dead Horse Point. Photograph: Matthew Crowley Photography/Getty Images/Flickr RF<br></span><br></span></p> <p>Most people flock to the Moab area to visit Arches national park, but this morbidly named gem of a state park is much quieter and possibly even more scenic. Located south and west of Arches, Dead Horse Point is a narrow 2,000-ft high promontory that overlooks the northern reaches of Canyonlands national park.</p> <p>Back in the 19th century, cowboys used the point as a natural corral, where they could herd mustangs out to the tip and build a fence across the bottleneck of the point. Then they could pick and choose the best horses from the bunch and let the others go. As the story goes, on one occasion the cowboys forgot to open the gate and the remaining horses all died of thirst out on the point, within view of the Colorado river below but trapped by precipitous cliffs.</p> <p>Tents and motorhomes are allowed at the Dead Horse Point campground and dispersed sites can be found outside the park. Hotel rooms and hostel beds can be found 30 miles away in Moab.</p> <p><strong>Top tip</strong> You can drive all the way out to the edge of Dead Horse Point, but why drive when the walk is among the most spectacular in the south-west? The three-mile Rim Trail starts at the visitor centre and skirts the edge of the point, overlooking the meandering Colorado river, Canyonlands, La Sal mountains and, on a clear day, most of south-east Utah.</p> <h2>Kodachrome Basin state park</h2> <p><span class="inline wide"><br><img alt="Kodachrome Basin, Utah" height="276" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Travel/Pix/pictures/2013/11/20/1384969449634/Kodachrome-Basin-Utah-004.jpg" width="460"><span class="caption"><br> Kodachrome Basin. Photograph: Michael Busselle/Getty Images<br></span><br></span></p> <p>With a name like Kodachrome, you know this is a place that begs to be photographed. Named by the members of a National Geographic expedition in 1949, Kodachrome Basin looks a bit what Yellowstone national park might look like if all its thermal water features dried up. Here, ancient hot springs and geysers have solidified into an array of beautiful and bizarre rock features called sand pipes.</p> <p>Located just east of the more famous (and often overcrowded) Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome offers a quieter alternative. Due to its remote location and low light pollution, the night sky here is known for being one of the best in the west and the area’s high elevation often means cooler temperatures here than elsewhere in Utah, making this park a good choice for summer trips.</p> <p><strong>Top tip</strong> Just down the road from Kodachrome Basin is the Grosvenor Arch, an unusual double arch high up on a colourful canyon wall that serves as a symbolic gateway to Grand Staircase Escalante national monument (see below).</p> <h2>Natural Bridges national monument</h2> <p><span class="inline wide"><br><img alt="White Canyon, Natural Bridges national monument, Utah" height="276" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Travel/Pix/pictures/2013/11/20/1384969219982/White-Canyon-Natural-Brid-008.jpg" width="460"><span class="caption"><br> White Canyon, Natural Bridges national monument. Photograph: Pritz Pritz/Getty Images/F1online RM<br></span><br></span></p> <p>In geologic terms, the difference between an arch and a natural bridge is water. The former is carved by wind and ice, while the latter is sculpted by a waterway. Three of the most spectacular examples of natural bridges can be found in south-east Utah, just west of Blanding at Natural Bridges national monument.</p> <p>Here, three majestic bridges, named Kachina, Owachomo and Sipapu, span the White and Anderson canyons. Sipapu, a Hopi name that celebrates the traditional portal through which the First People emerged into the present world, is the largest of the three and one of the longest natural bridges in the world. Evidence for at least two collapsed bridges are found within the park.</p> <p>All three spans can be viewed from overlooks, with trails leading down to each bridge. The trail to Owachomo is an easy half-mile round trip, while the climb down to Sipapu is considerably steeper and negotiates stairs and three ladders. Camping is available inside the park.</p> <p><strong>Top tip</strong> All three bridges can be linked by a 8½-mile loop that runs through the bottom of the White and Armstrong canyons, making for a nice all-day trek.</p> <h2>Edge of the Cedars state park</h2> <p><span class="inline wide"><br><img alt="Ruins of an Anasazi pueblo Edge of the Cedars state park, Utah" height="276" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Travel/Pix/pictures/2013/11/20/1384971520866/Ruins-of-an-Anasazi-puebl-008.jpg" width="460"><span class="caption"><br> Ruins of an Anasazi pueblo Cedars state park, Utah Photograph: Alamy<br></span><br></span></p> <p>Utah has a long, colourful history of human habitation, as evidenced by ruins, petroglyphs and relics left behind by the Ancestral Puebloan, Hopi, Ute and Navajo people. Edge of the Cedars state park in Blanding has a museum featuring the an impressive archaeological repository, plus the ruins of a Puebloan village.</p> <p>The name Edge of the Cedars come from the park’s location between the densely forested Manti-La Sal national forest and the treeless desert to the east, a prime habitat for early human settlement. The Bears Ears area, situated around two rounded humps of rock shaped like a bear’s ears, inspires many mysteries and local legends.</p> <p>Blanding is also home to the Blanding Dinosaur Museum, which features rotating exhibits on Utah’s rich Mesozoic history, including fossilised eggs and baby dinosaurs. As the largest town in south-east Utah, Blanding makes for a good base for exploring the region.</p> <p><strong>Top tip</strong> Be sure to check the Edge of the Cedars museum website for lectures, festivals and other events.</p> <h2>Goblin Valley state park</h2> <p><span class="inline wide"><br><img alt="Goblin Valley, Utah" height="276" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Travel/Pix/pictures/2013/11/20/1384968984020/Goblin-Valley-Utah-008.jpg" width="460"><span class="caption"><br> Goblin Valley. Photograph: Dibrova/Getty Images/Flickr RF<br></span><br></span></p> <p>In a state rife with geologic oddities, Goblin Valley state park, near Hanksville, sets a high bar for bizarre rock formations. Here thousands of mushroom-shaped hoodoos sit clustered in a secluded valley on the edge of the spectacular San Rafael Swell. The strangely shaped rocks are eroded out of entrada sandstone, a reddish rock that dates to the time of the dinosaurs and underlies much of south-east Utah.</p> <p>Goblin Valley boasts a campground with hot showers, a rarity in this dry desert state. Campsites tend to fill up fast on weekends, so reservations are recommended. Campground full? Stay outside the park at one of many free campsites, along the swell.</p> <p><strong>Top tip</strong> Three marked hiking trails wind through Goblin Valley, but this is a place for wandering. Keep your bearings – the visitor centre is easy to spot from any vantage – and let yourself get lost between the hoodoos.</p> <h2>Goosenecks state park and Valley of the Gods</h2> <p><span class="inline wide"><br><img alt="Goosenecks state park, Utah" height="276" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Travel/Pix/pictures/2013/11/20/1384969104970/Goosenecks-state-park-Uta-008.jpg" width="460"><span class="caption"><br> Goosenecks state park. Photograph: Panoramic Images/Getty Images/Panoramic Images<br></span><br></span></p> <p>South-east Utah is canyon country, with the Green, Colorado and San Juan rivers cutting sinuous and spectacular routes down through red, white and orange bedrock. Goosenecks state park, near Mexican Hat, boasts one of the best overlooks showcasing the power of rivers over rock. Here the entrenched curves of the San Juan river nearly double back on themselves, exposing millions of layers of geologic history.</p> <p>To the east lies the Valley of the Gods, a pocket of spectacular scenery featuring mesas and buttes reminiscent of the more famous Monument Valley, to the south. A 17-mile road, bumpy but passable to most vehicles when dry, loops through the area, between highways 261 and 163.</p> <p>As far as state parks go, Goosenecks is pretty primitive, but the scenery makes up for the lack of amenities, including no running water. More developed accommodation can be found in the nearby towns of Bluff and Blanding.</p> <p><strong>Top tip:</strong> Seeking solitude? Park at the main overlook at Goosenecks and hike south and west along the old, increasingly rutted road for about a mile out to the tip of the mesa.</p> <h2>Flaming Gorge national recreation area</h2> <p><span class="inline wide"><br><img alt="Cart Creek Bridge at Flaming Gorge, Utah" height="276" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Travel/Pix/pictures/2013/11/20/1384969152119/Cart-Creek-Bridge-at-Flam-008.jpg" width="460"><span class="caption"><br> Cart Creek Bridge at Flaming Gorge. Photograph: Jodi Jacobson/Getty Images<br></span><br></span></p> <p>In the sweltering summer months, head to the Flaming Gorge, north of Vernal, on the Wyoming border. Here the Flaming Gorge dam holds back the Green river, creating a massive cool, blue reservoir surrounded by towering red walls. Fishing, boating, swimming and water sports are popular year-round, and five marinas rent kayaks, canoes and rafts.</p> <p>The Flaming Gorge is also know for its endless backpacking options. Treks ranging from easy overnights to multi-week adventures can be found in the nearby Uinta mountains, Ashley and Wasatch-Cache national forests, including 13,528-ft Kings Peak, the highest mountain in Utah.</p> <p>Camping opportunities abound, ranging from all-inclusive RV resorts to rustic cabins and remote tent sites. Hotel rooms and other accommodations can be found in Vernal, home to the Utah Field House of Natural History and close to Dinosaur National Monument, another gem for dinosaur-lovers.</p> <p><strong>Top tip</strong> The waters of the Flaming Gorge reservoir are famous for growing massive trophy trout, some as big as 13kg! Tie a fly on yourself or book a local guide.</p> <p><strong>Mary Caperton Morton</strong> <strong>is a freelance writer and photographer who makes her home on the back roads of North America, living and working out of a tiny solar-powered camper</strong></p> //<!--[CDATA[ jQuery(".gmframe").load(function (){jQuery(this).remove();}); //]]--> <br><br>

Utah’s top 10 national and state parks [ BeritaTerkini ]

Utah is a place for all seasons, except summer. From June through August, Utah’s famous canyon country is hot and crowded, but visit in the ...

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Listen To The Blagger's Guide To Doctor Who On BBC Radio 2 Tonight

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcbsXz9Ho6TC02h7XH_g92JJQbFFw-8vA9p-eptWgIouB5KJhGWXZtWoXCa5sRbxdR7YXNU_pl6dG6s1Bw2mghqTCQQ7rGFaZSzO1otcDxuU4BQJTqC-65d1crNeoJUVBJEucgQJ_ZR8/s1600/50AN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcbsXz9Ho6TC02h7XH_g92JJQbFFw-8vA9p-eptWgIouB5KJhGWXZtWoXCa5sRbxdR7YXNU_pl6dG6s1Bw2mghqTCQQ7rGFaZSzO1otcDxuU4BQJTqC-65d1crNeoJUVBJEucgQJ_ZR8/s640/50AN.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">David Quantick takes a look back over 50 years of science fiction at its British best with a quick fire look at all things Doctor Who.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He'll be lifting the lid on some industry secrets and exterminating any myths listeners might have heard about the long-running series, such as: why was William Hartnell replaced as the first Doctor? What was it about the Daleks that drove Jon Pertwee mad? And why was the show cancelled for 16 very bleak years?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All this and plenty more, all in true off-the-wall Blagger's style.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tune in to BBC Radio 2 at 10pm GMT tonight</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Listen online at www.bbc.co.uk/radio2</span>

audio BBC Radio 2 Doctor Who Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Listen To The Blagger's Guide To Doctor Who On BBC Radio 2 Tonight

David Quantick takes a look back over 50 years of science fiction at its British best with a quick fire look at all things Doctor Who. He...

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21-Nov-2013 07:56

US, Afghanistan agree on language for security pact - CBS News :: <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57613257/u.s-afghanistan-agree-on-language-for-security-pact/">http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57613257/u.s-afghanistan-agree-on-language-for-security-pact/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Suspect in Paris newspaper shooting, other attacks arrested - Washington Post :: <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/suspect-in-paris-newspaper-shooting-other-attacks-arrested/2013/11/20/d2ad3ccc-524e-11e3-9ee6-2580086d8254_story.html">http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/suspect-in-paris-newspaper-shooting-other-attacks-arrested/2013/11/20/d2ad3ccc-524e-11e3-9ee6-2580086d8254_story.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Elderly American Detained in North Korea - Voice of America :: <a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/elderly-american-detained-in-north-korea/1794563.html">http://www.voanews.com/content/elderly-american-detained-in-north-korea/1794563.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Illinois joins list of states to legalize gay marriage - Washington Post :: <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/posttv/politics/illinois-joins-list-of-states-to-legalize-gay-marriage/2013/11/20/267c5ffc-524c-11e3-a7f0-b790929232e1_video.html">http://www.washingtonpost.com/posttv/politics/illinois-joins-list-of-states-to-legalize-gay-marriage/2013/11/20/267c5ffc-524c-11e3-a7f0-b790929232e1_video.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>TSA Officer Died Within Minutes of Attack - Post-Periodical :: <a href="http://www.postperiodical.com/tsa-officer-died-within-minutes-of-attack/">http://www.postperiodical.com/tsa-officer-died-within-minutes-of-attack/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Bill Clinton Receives Nation's Highest Civilian Honor - Wall Street Journal :: <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304337404579210612302566626.html">http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304337404579210612302566626.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Secret deal was made to allow NSA store personal data on Britons - Irish Times :: <a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/uk/secret-deal-was-made-to-allow-nsa-store-personal-data-on-britons-1.1601760">http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/uk/secret-deal-was-made-to-allow-nsa-store-personal-data-on-britons-1.1601760</a><br /><br><br /><br>Rep. Trey Radel of Florida to take leave of absence after guilty plea to cocaine ... - Washington Post :: <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/rep-trey-radel-expected-to-face-judge-on-charges-of-cocaine-possession/2013/11/20/b029caba-51ce-11e3-a7f0-b790929232e1_story.html">http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/rep-trey-radel-expected-to-face-judge-on-charges-of-cocaine-possession/2013/11/20/b029caba-51ce-11e3-a7f0-b790929232e1_story.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Tensions high as Iran nuclear talks set to resume - Fox News :: <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/11/21/tensions-high-as-iran-nuclear-talks-set-to-resume/">http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/11/21/tensions-high-as-iran-nuclear-talks-set-to-resume/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Suspected US drone kills five in Pakistan - BBC News :: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25029514">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25029514</a>

21-Nov-2013 07:56

US, Afghanistan agree on language for security pact - CBS News :: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57613257/u.s-afghanistan-agree-on-l...

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Madison’s Back on ‘American Horror Story: Coven’ [ BeritaTerkini ]

<h2>Plus: Queenie strikes a deal with Marie LaVeau</h2> <div class="body"> <p>We learn via flashback that Kyle once scoffed at his friends’ Japanese character and shamrock tattoos – ironic, considering he has both pieces of ink now. You know, since Kyle is made out of body parts taken from his dead bros? Dead-set on ending Kyle’s misery, Zoe brings in Madison’s pearl-handled pistol to kill him. . . only to wrench it out of Kyle’s hands when he tries to shoot himself? Figure out your angle, girl! Instead, Zoe chains Kyle up in her room and tries to re-teach him the most important words in the human language: food, hamburger and bed. She doesn’t have much success.</p> <p></p> <p>Stevie Nicks Will Play Herself on <em>American Horror Story</em></p> <p></p> <p>Unfortunately for Zoe’s <em>Miracle Worker</em>-style crush, Madison is back in action and looking to bone. Following her return to the land of the living, she’s been completely numb. As we find out – via fabulous voice-over monologue – drugs won’t affect her, fire won’t hurt her and not even food can fill her. Luckily, sex with a fellow un-deadite still works! Not so lucky for Zoe of course, who walks in on her mentally-disabled zombie crush porking her undead classmate. Rather than beat them, Zoe decides to join them. I guess we’re supposed to assume (from his outstretched hand) that Kyle, while still unable to talk, is down for three-ways? I guess most of us would be, right?</p> <p></p> <p>Gabourey Sidibe’s <em>American Horror Story</em> Panic Attack</p> <p></p> <p>We’ll have to wait until next week to find out if Zoe’s venomous vag has a homicidal effect on the reanimated; what we do know is that she’s made a lot of progress on the “turning into a total monster” front. After touching Madison and learning the truth about her murder, Cordelia attempts to warn Zoe and recruit her to help murder Fiona. Rather than just believe Cordelia’s plausible story, Zoe goes through the trouble of reanimating Spalding’s enchanted tongue and making him corroborate Cordelia’s tale. His tongue, unable to lie due to enchantment, sells out Fiona, so Zoe. . . stabs him to death? There are worse ways to go then tied to a bed in a chartreuse kimono. While the season started with Zoe as our ostensibly virtuous protagonist, she has quickly turned into a sex and murder monster like virtually everyone else. If she really is the next Supreme, she’ll basically be a a Fiona repeat. #TeamNan!</p> <p></p> <p>Taissa Farmiga Has Special Powers on <em>American Horror Story</em></p> <p></p> <p>Speaking of the Most Boss Bitch other than Nan, Fiona spends the entire episode enjoying a sax-ual encounter with The Axe Man. After their tryst, The Axe Man reveals that he has been watching over her since she was a child at Miss Robichaux’s. We found their tete-a-tete creepy-hot, despite the numerous jazz riffs that kept ripping like cool farts through each and every one of their erotic conversations. While Fiona is momentarily disgusted by what she considers a “mercy lay” (Oh! And Fiona says she doesn’t believe in ghosts. Lol!), she eventually shows up at The Axe Man’s show to continue their love-making. Is it wrong to think that it’s romantic that both of them are so horrible, yet accept each other’s horribleness? What’s a few dead apartment owners in a few disgusting bathtubs between lovers, right?</p> <p></p> <p>Sarah Paulson: <em>American Horror Story</em> Is Too Scary for Me</p> <p></p> <p>At the end of the day, however, the most interesting relationship on the show has seemingly come to an end. Despite her racism and the fact she’s an immortal indentured servant (Madame LaLaurie can technically leave whenever she wants, right? It’s weird how this isn’t discussed), LaLaurie’s relationship with Queenie has become something compelling. Their late-night food run was by far the most genuine intra-witch interaction we’ve seen so far. Seeing as how her only friend is a centuries-old slave owner and there are no classes at anymore, it was only a matter of time before Queenie grew curious enough to meet Marie Laveau. Really, Angela Bassett’s evil smile and immaculate red jumpsuit would convince any woman to join her. Laveau paints a beautiful picture of acceptance and love within the voodoo clan, which Queenie can have just as soon as she delivers LaLaurie. “A voodoo doll belongs in the house of voodoo,” Laveau coos.</p> <p></p> <p>Kathy Bates Brings Hell to <em>American Horror Story</em></p> <p></p> <p>So Queenie just brings her over! Queenie hemmed and hawed a little about the decision, asking LaLaurie, “What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?” In case Queenie wasn’t sure before, LaLaurie’s story about murdering her cook’s infant son (fathered by LaLaurie’s husband) to use his blood in her beauty regimen sealed the deal. “It wasn’t only a different time. It was a different world,” LaLaurie pleads with Queenie. It is a testament to Kathy Bates’ phenomenal acting skills that her statement holds any emotional or narrative water whatsoever, because come on. In the end, their comradery doesn’t stop Queenie from handing LaLaurie over to Laveau, who immediately imprisons her rival in a cage. The episode ends with Marie smearing her face with what we can only assume is LaLaurie’s blood. “Beautiful,” she whispers, which is exactly what though when LaLaurie’s dropped that blinged-out Ed Hardy sweatshirt. Just beautiful.</p> </div> //<!--[CDATA[ jQuery(".gmframe").load(function (){jQuery(this).remove();}); //]]--> <br><br>

Madison’s Back on ‘American Horror Story: Coven’ [ BeritaTerkini ]

Plus: Queenie strikes a deal with Marie LaVeau We learn via flashback that Kyle once scoffed at his friends’ Japanese character and sham...

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21-Nov-2013 06:55

US, Afghanistan agree on language for security pact - CBS News :: <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57613257/u.s-afghanistan-agree-on-language-for-security-pact/">http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57613257/u.s-afghanistan-agree-on-language-for-security-pact/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Psychic Sylvia Browne dies in San Jose at 77 - San Jose Mercury News :: <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/nation-world/ci_24567215/psychic-sylvia-browne-dies-san-jose-at-77">http://www.mercurynews.com/nation-world/ci_24567215/psychic-sylvia-browne-dies-san-jose-at-77</a><br /><br><br /><br>Florida congressman Radel to take 'leave of absence' after cocaine use - Chicago Tribune :: <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-usa-congress-radel-20131119,0,5430388.story">http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-usa-congress-radel-20131119,0,5430388.story</a><br /><br><br /><br>Illinois joins list of states to legalize gay marriage - Washington Post :: <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/posttv/politics/illinois-joins-list-of-states-to-legalize-gay-marriage/2013/11/20/267c5ffc-524c-11e3-a7f0-b790929232e1_video.html">http://www.washingtonpost.com/posttv/politics/illinois-joins-list-of-states-to-legalize-gay-marriage/2013/11/20/267c5ffc-524c-11e3-a7f0-b790929232e1_video.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Bill Clinton Receives Nation's Highest Civilian Honor - Wall Street Journal :: <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304337404579210612302566626.html">http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304337404579210612302566626.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Rare US Drone Strike Kills 6 in Pakistan - TIME :: <a href="http://world.time.com/2013/11/21/rare-u-s-drone-strike-kills-6-in-pakistan/">http://world.time.com/2013/11/21/rare-u-s-drone-strike-kills-6-in-pakistan/</a><br /><br><br /><br>French police name arrested Paris gun suspect - BBC News :: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25027595">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25027595</a><br /><br><br /><br>US Korean War veteran from California detained in North Korea: son - Reuters :: <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/21/us-korea-north-detention-idUSBRE9AK00P20131121">http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/21/us-korea-north-detention-idUSBRE9AK00P20131121</a><br /><br><br /><br>Secret deal was made to allow NSA store personal data on Britons - Irish Times :: <a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/uk/secret-deal-was-made-to-allow-nsa-store-personal-data-on-britons-1.1601760">http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/uk/secret-deal-was-made-to-allow-nsa-store-personal-data-on-britons-1.1601760</a><br /><br><br /><br>Missouri executes Joseph Paul Franklin, white supremacist killer who targeted ... - Seattle Post Intelligencer :: <a href="http://www.seattlepi.com/news/us/article/Missouri-executes-Joseph-Paul-Franklin-white-4995553.php">http://www.seattlepi.com/news/us/article/Missouri-executes-Joseph-Paul-Franklin-white-4995553.php</a>

21-Nov-2013 06:55

US, Afghanistan agree on language for security pact - CBS News :: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57613257/u.s-afghanistan-agree-on-l...

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Melbourne Now – in pictures [ BeritaTerkini ]

<p>From November until March 2014, over 400 artists will install work ranging from performance to sound art in two Melbourne venues. The organisers promise that the exhibition will affirm the city’s status as one of the world’s cultural capitals. Here are some highlights</p> //<!--[CDATA[ jQuery(".gmframe").load(function (){jQuery(this).remove();}); //]]--> <br><br>

Melbourne Now – in pictures [ BeritaTerkini ]

From November until March 2014, over 400 artists will install work ranging from performance to sound art in two Melbourne venues. The organi...

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I Know Who Killed John F. Kennedy

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal">Holaaaaaaaa conspiracy theorists! We are only a couple of days away from the 50^th anniversary of the day that some emotionally unbalanced dude climbed six flights of stairs on the Texas Schoolbook Depository, set up at a window and waited for President Kennedy’s motorcade. When Kennedy’s car passed the building he took aim and fired a shot from his squirrel hunting rifle. The bullet went through JFK’s neck, through the seat in front him, through John Connally’s chest, arm and leg. Then apparently it jumped out of Connally’s leg, ricocheted off the door of the Presidential Caddy and hit JFK in the head. Or something like that. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1VTJ5SVHOLECROaewvgUtsJwHHzY62tug4xHasZSziP0q7d-CNZPkdullRv5fw1HT6Bw4rRFFTVsOHWQFXiQzN4hri8sbeeTu92koJjQa39caYHw8oJzgLR0QXC0lGxBbtVIetR9EveK/s1600/Lee+Harvey+Oswald+Gun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1VTJ5SVHOLECROaewvgUtsJwHHzY62tug4xHasZSziP0q7d-CNZPkdullRv5fw1HT6Bw4rRFFTVsOHWQFXiQzN4hri8sbeeTu92koJjQa39caYHw8oJzgLR0QXC0lGxBbtVIetR9EveK/s400/Lee+Harvey+Oswald+Gun.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Thus was born one of the truly great conspiracies of all time. Did Lee Harvey Oswald shoot JKF and did he act alone? I threw it out on my Facebook page today to see who believed what. I was a bit disappointed in the results, but it’s possible that most people are really tired of the Kennedy assassination conspiracies. Mostly I got answers like “The One-Armed Man” or “Obama” or “Dick Cheney” jokes. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I did find it a bit humorous that some of the people who believe every single right-wing and/or left-wing “the Illuminati and United Nations (or Masons or New World Order or whothefuckever) have taken over our government” conspiracy say they believe LHO acted alone and totally trust our government to tell us the truth. But, if you really think about it, the idea that Oswald acted alone is pretty much the least plausible of all the major conspiracies and therefore it does make sense that these guys would believe it. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One interesting suggestion was that Howard Donahue, the Secret Service’s own Barney Fife is the one who actually shot Kennedy in the head. I love this theory only for the idea of an SS guy hearing a gunshot, panicking, pulling his gun from its holster, struggling to put the bullet in it and BLAM! He blows the head off the leader of the free world. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKt-jQhzc6LflQKPF1M128uJFvK5OXXcx6jgJi3zs8ArXc7-idfDTkZFKaIDsnJsckDMj4r-w72YLRu3PFngj7ckMWkTWzW5hItFSYVxcTbU50iwotiWL44QXfjlhV2_7ZPMaH4ai2eIqi/s1600/JFK+in+Limo+in+Dallas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKt-jQhzc6LflQKPF1M128uJFvK5OXXcx6jgJi3zs8ArXc7-idfDTkZFKaIDsnJsckDMj4r-w72YLRu3PFngj7ckMWkTWzW5hItFSYVxcTbU50iwotiWL44QXfjlhV2_7ZPMaH4ai2eIqi/s400/JFK+in+Limo+in+Dallas.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The lovely, talented and <a href="http://knightramblings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">OMG SEXYASHELL Mz. Knight</a> suggested Sinatra was in on it. Given his Mafia connections and temper I can actually see this happening. Maybe he did it to help his good friend Ronald Reagan out? Maybe it was for Nixon. Maybe he was mad that Marilyn Monroe preferred JFK to him? Who knows? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">There were a couple of people who kinda believe it was the Cubans, the Mafia, the CIA or J. Edgar Hoover. These are all fairly plausible ideas. I mean, each of those organizations not only had reason to kill Kennedy, but the resources to do it and keep it secret. Of course, these organizations have never kept anything else a secret or pulled off anything this clever in their existence, but you know, maybe something went at planned once for them? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Jaymom has been working on this for many years and might be onto something. She says that J. Edgar Hoover is behind it and that he probably worked with the Mafia to get it done. She believes that Hoover was “owned” by the Mafia and even if he didn’t conceive of the idea of killing Kennedy, he was all in once it was proposed to him. This would make sense given that Hoover denied the existence of the Mafia and butted heads with Attorney General Bobby Kennedy over the prosecution of the non-existent organized crime families. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I would say that I pretty much agree with that. It was the greatest Mafia hit of all time. They recruited Oswald and set him up as their fall guy. Hoover knew of the plan and allowed it to go forward and even protected its secrecy. But, I go a little further than the Jaymom. I also believe that Jack Ruby was the guy on the Grassy Knoll (I once sat on the Grassy Knoll and drank a Budweiser so I’m totally an expert on this) and that Ruby killed Oswald to keep him quiet. I really don’t buy the theory that Ruby was just a distraught night club owner. Dude was as mobbed up as Sinatra! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lQIk32j4ROnks0K9K40biBczCO1mM3dEzV6Wu36AkY3KJdauxYmS_VguMY75N9PxecAW1QJTaBD3OyRidoGL_KFT8GA3YvUVIOoomy4udVwDMTT_7IA80R-XCAp9UaZRKp8TSerNKT1e/s1600/Jack+Ruby+Kills+Lee+Harvey+Oswald.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lQIk32j4ROnks0K9K40biBczCO1mM3dEzV6Wu36AkY3KJdauxYmS_VguMY75N9PxecAW1QJTaBD3OyRidoGL_KFT8GA3YvUVIOoomy4udVwDMTT_7IA80R-XCAp9UaZRKp8TSerNKT1e/s400/Jack+Ruby+Kills+Lee+Harvey+Oswald.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I guess we’ll never really know. Maybe there’s somebody somewhere in the FBI or another government agency that will release all the evidence and tell us the truth someday. I just hope if they do, it won’t be as disappointing and anti-climactic as finding out that Mark Felt was “Deep Throat.” What a letdown that was! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:Jayman3768@gmail.com">Jayman3768@gmail.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/jayman68" target="_blank">My Facebook </a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jayman_iws" target="_blank">@Jayman_IWS</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div>

I Know Who Killed John F. Kennedy

Holaaaaaaaa conspiracy theorists! We are only a couple of days away from the 50 th anniversary of the day that some emotionally unbalanced ...

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21-Nov-2013 05:54

Elderly American Detained in North Korea - Voice of America :: <a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/elderly-american-detained-in-north-korea/1794516.html">http://www.voanews.com/content/elderly-american-detained-in-north-korea/1794516.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Renowned psychic, bestselling author Sylvia Browne dies at 77 - CNN :: <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/20/showbiz/sylvia-browne-dies/">http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/20/showbiz/sylvia-browne-dies/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Coroner: TSA officer died minutes after being shot - Port Huron Times Herald :: <a href="http://www.thetimesherald.com/usatoday/article/3659363">http://www.thetimesherald.com/usatoday/article/3659363</a><br /><br><br /><br>France says newspaper shooting suspect arrested - Times of India :: <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/France-says-newspaper-shooting-suspect-arrested/articleshow/26116034.cms">http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/France-says-newspaper-shooting-suspect-arrested/articleshow/26116034.cms</a><br /><br><br /><br>Charges dropped against 2 girls in Rebecca Sedwick bullying case - CBS News :: <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57613248-504083/charges-dropped-against-2-girls-in-rebecca-sedwick-bullying-case/">http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57613248-504083/charges-dropped-against-2-girls-in-rebecca-sedwick-bullying-case/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Why Iran is all of a sudden so motivated to agree to a nuclear deal - CTV News :: <a href="http://knlive.ctvnews.ca/why-iran-is-all-of-a-sudden-so-motivated-to-agree-to-a-nuclear-deal-1.1553107">http://knlive.ctvnews.ca/why-iran-is-all-of-a-sudden-so-motivated-to-agree-to-a-nuclear-deal-1.1553107</a><br /><br><br /><br>Obama pays tribute to John F. Kennedy - Los Angeles Times :: <a href="http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-obama-jfk-20131121,0,4387163.story">http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-obama-jfk-20131121,0,4387163.story</a><br /><br><br /><br>Rep. Radel takes leave of absence after cocaine charge - USA TODAY :: <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/11/20/trey-radel-cocaine-sting-congress/3649619/">http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/11/20/trey-radel-cocaine-sting-congress/3649619/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Illinois: Same-Sex Marriage Is Legalized - New York Times :: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/21/us/illinois-same-sex-marriage-is-legalized.html">http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/21/us/illinois-same-sex-marriage-is-legalized.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>White House rules out Afghan 'apology' during security talks - Hindustan Times :: <a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/white-house-rules-out-afghan-apology-during-security-talks/article1-1153877.aspx">http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/white-house-rules-out-afghan-apology-during-security-talks/article1-1153877.aspx</a>

21-Nov-2013 05:54

Elderly American Detained in North Korea - Voice of America :: http://www.voanews.com/content/elderly-american-detained-in-north-korea/1794...

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21-Nov-2013 04:53

United States Can Spy on Britons Despite Pact, NSA Memo Says - New York Times :: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/21/us/united-states-can-spy-on-britons-despite-pact-nsa-memo-says.html">http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/21/us/united-states-can-spy-on-britons-despite-pact-nsa-memo-says.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Renowned psychic, bestselling author Sylvia Browne dies at 77 - CNN :: <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/20/showbiz/sylvia-browne-dies/">http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/20/showbiz/sylvia-browne-dies/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Obama, Bill Clinton pay tribute to John F. Kennedy - USA TODAY :: <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/11/20/obama-clinton-oprah-winfrey-dean-smith-ernie-banks/3650113/">http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/11/20/obama-clinton-oprah-winfrey-dean-smith-ernie-banks/3650113/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Representative Meng Is Mugged on Capitol Hill - New York Times :: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/21/nyregion/new-york-city-legislator-mugged-on-capitol-hill.html">http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/21/nyregion/new-york-city-legislator-mugged-on-capitol-hill.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Quinn signs gay marriage bill into law - Chicago Tribune :: <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-gay-marriage-illinois-law-met-1121-20131121,0,6667218.story">http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-gay-marriage-illinois-law-met-1121-20131121,0,6667218.story</a><br /><br><br /><br>French police name arrested Paris gun suspect - BBC News :: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25027595">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25027595</a><br /><br><br /><br>Charges dropped against 2 girls in Rebecca Sedwick bullying case - CBS News :: <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57613248-504083/charges-dropped-against-2-girls-in-rebecca-sedwick-bullying-case/">http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57613248-504083/charges-dropped-against-2-girls-in-rebecca-sedwick-bullying-case/</a><br /><br><br /><br>California man pulled off plane in North Korea, detained, son says - CNN :: <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/20/world/asia/north-korea-detained-american/">http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/20/world/asia/north-korea-detained-american/</a><br /><br><br /><br>White House rules out Afghan 'apology' during security talks - Hindustan Times :: <a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/white-house-rules-out-afghan-apology-during-security-talks/article1-1153877.aspx">http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/white-house-rules-out-afghan-apology-during-security-talks/article1-1153877.aspx</a><br /><br><br /><br>Filmmaker gets to the heart of Lance Armstrong - Houston Chronicle :: <a href="http://www.chron.com/entertainment/article/Filmmaker-gets-to-the-heart-of-Lance-Armstrong-4996499.php">http://www.chron.com/entertainment/article/Filmmaker-gets-to-the-heart-of-Lance-Armstrong-4996499.php</a>

21-Nov-2013 04:53

United States Can Spy on Britons Despite Pact, NSA Memo Says - New York Times :: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/21/us/united-states-can-spy...

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Oregon healthcare exchange website never worked, has no subscribers [ BeritaTerkini ]

<div id="yom-ad-LREC" class="yom-ad yom-ad-LREC"> <center> <div id="yom-ad-LREC-iframe" class="yom-ad"></div> </center> </div> <p><br></p> <p>By Jonathan Kaminsky</p> <div class="body-slot-mod"> <div class="yom-remote"> <div class="yom-loading" id="mediacontentrelatedstory_container"></div> </div> </div> <p>(Reuters) – Oregon, a state that fully embraced the Affordable Care Act, is enduring one of the rockiest rollouts of President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare law, with an inoperative online exchange that has yet to enroll a single subscriber, requiring thousands to apply on paper instead.</p> <p>Unlike most other states, Oregon set an ambitious course to make its insurance exchange, dubbed Cover Oregon, an “all-in-one” website for every individual seeking health coverage, including those who are eligible for Medicaid.</p> <p>But instead of serving as a national model, Oregon’s experience has emerged as a cautionary tale, inviting comparisons to technical glitches that have plagued other state-run portals and the federal government’s website for those states lacking exchanges of their own.</p> <p>Oregon’s online exchange has remained inaccessible to the public, requiring the state to sign up applicants the old-fashioned way, using paper forms. This has made comparison shopping more difficult for consumers and severely slowed the enrollment process.</p> <p>“Oregonians have questions,” state Senate President Peter Courtney, a Democrat, said on Tuesday. “What went wrong with the rollout? How are they going to fix it? When are they going to get it right? Is the website contractor doing everything it can? Our people need to know.”</p> <p>Courtney urged state lawmakers to “ask the hard questions” of officials overseeing the state’s healthcare exchange at a pair of legislative hearings on Wednesday.</p> <p>Appearing at one of those hearings, Cover Oregon Executive Director Rocky King told a joint House-Senate committee that goals set for the state’s exchange were overly ambitious given the short time afforded its designers.</p> <p>“We took a four- or five-year project and tried to condense it into two, two-and-a-half years,” King said. “We’re not broken, it’s just not done.”</p> <p>While he remains “laser focused” on getting the exchange fully functional, his staff is proceeding as if the website will remain offline through the open-enrollment period ending March 31, King said.</p> <p>FILLING OUT FORMS</p> <p>In the meantime, the state has resorted to urging would-be subscribers to fill out applications that are between nine and 19 pages long by hand, Cover Oregon spokesman Michael Cox said.</p> <p>The program also has hired about 400 temporary workers to help process those applications before January 1, when the new plans are due to take effect, Cox said.</p> <p>As part of that effort, staff members from his office are fanning out to hotel conference rooms and other venues across the state over the next week to help prospective enrollees complete the forms, he said.</p> <p>Nearly 25,000 individuals and families have so far submitted hard-copy applications, Cox said, with nearly two-thirds of those applicants eligible for Medicaid, a federal-state healthcare plan for the needy.</p> <p>But none of those applicants has actually been enrolled, with manual processing of the paperwork slowing the process dramatically.</p> <p>Separately, about 70,000 residents have signed up for Medicaid by responding to letters sent by the state to more than 200,000 people deemed eligible for the program by virtue of their receiving food stamps, Cox said.</p> <p>By comparison, Oregon’s neighbor to the south, California – with a population 10 times larger – enrolled about 31,000 people in an Affordable Care Act plan last month, and added 29,000 in the first 12 days of November.</p> <p>California has much farther to go, with an estimated 7.3 million adults and children lacking insurance in 2011, compared with 560,000 counted as uninsured that year in Oregon.</p> <p>Jesse Ellis O’Brien, a healthcare advocate with the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group, which pushed for the exchange, said he is “surprised and frustrated” by its ongoing woes but hopeful that they will be resolved within the next month or two.</p> <p>King stressed that while people cannot sign up for insurance online, the Cover Oregon website does allow them to browse information on available health plans.</p> <p>A spokesman for Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, a Democrat and medical doctor who supported the Affordable Care Act, did not immediately return messages seeking comment.</p> <p>Greg Leo, chairman of Oregon’s Republican Party and an avowed foe of the 2010 healthcare reform law, said its troubled rollout in Oregon underscores his view that patients would be better served by a system managed by the private sector.</p> <p>“I don’t take any joy in this,” he said. “This creates a lot of harm for citizens in Oregon and nationally. It’s a tragedy, and it further erodes people’s confidence in government.”</p> <p>(Editing by Steve Gorman, Doina Chiacu and Sandra Maler)</p> <ul id="topics" class="hidden"> <li>Health Care Policy</li> <li>Politics & Government</li> <li>Oregon</li> <li>Affordable Care Act</li> </ul><p></p> //<!--[CDATA[ jQuery(".gmframe").load(function (){jQuery(this).remove();}); //]]--> <br><br>

Oregon healthcare exchange website never worked, has no subscribers [ BeritaTerkini ]

By Jonathan Kaminsky (Reuters) – Oregon, a state that fully embraced the Affordable Care Act, is enduring one of the...

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21-Nov-2013 03:52

Mental health slots are scarce - The Free Lance-Star :: <a href="http://news.fredericksburg.com/newsdesk/2013/11/20/mental-health-slots-are-scarce/">http://news.fredericksburg.com/newsdesk/2013/11/20/mental-health-slots-are-scarce/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Illinois same-sex marriage law: 'An epic victory for equal rights' - Christian Science Monitor :: <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2013/1120/Illinois-same-sex-marriage-law-An-epic-victory-for-equal-rights">http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2013/1120/Illinois-same-sex-marriage-law-An-epic-victory-for-equal-rights</a><br /><br><br /><br>Elderly American detained in North Korea - CBS News :: <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57613280/elderly-american-detained-in-north-korea/">http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57613280/elderly-american-detained-in-north-korea/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Fla. bullying case: Charges dropped against 2 - Seattle Post Intelligencer :: <a href="http://www.seattlepi.com/news/crime/article/Fla-bullying-case-Charges-dropped-against-2-4996657.php">http://www.seattlepi.com/news/crime/article/Fla-bullying-case-Charges-dropped-against-2-4996657.php</a><br /><br><br /><br>France: Newspaper Shooting Suspect Arrested - ABC News :: <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/france-newspaper-shooting-suspect-arrested-20954052">http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/france-newspaper-shooting-suspect-arrested-20954052</a><br /><br><br /><br>Edward Snowden leaks: UK 'let NSA store email addresses' - BBC News :: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25028495">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25028495</a><br /><br><br /><br>Obama, Bill Clinton pay tribute to John F. Kennedy - USA TODAY :: <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/11/20/obama-clinton-oprah-winfrey-dean-smith-ernie-banks/3650113/">http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/11/20/obama-clinton-oprah-winfrey-dean-smith-ernie-banks/3650113/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Fed Casts About for Endgame on Easy-Money Policy - Wall Street Journal :: <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303653004579210143376261748.html">http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303653004579210143376261748.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Missouri executes Joseph Paul Franklin, white supremacist killer who targeted ... - Seattle Post Intelligencer :: <a href="http://www.seattlepi.com/news/us/article/Missouri-executes-Joseph-Paul-Franklin-white-4995553.php">http://www.seattlepi.com/news/us/article/Missouri-executes-Joseph-Paul-Franklin-white-4995553.php</a><br /><br><br /><br>Lance Armstrong Settles Insurance Lawsuit - Wall Street Journal :: <a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304607104579210230420923154">http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304607104579210230420923154</a>

21-Nov-2013 03:52

Mental health slots are scarce - The Free Lance-Star :: http://news.fredericksburg.com/newsdesk/2013/11/20/mental-health-slots-are-scarce/ ...

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Insurance commissioners raise concerns about healthcare fix with Obama [ BeritaTerkini ]

<div id="yom-ad-LREC" class="yom-ad yom-ad-LREC"> <center> <div id="yom-ad-LREC-iframe" class="yom-ad"></div> </center> </div> <p><br></p> <p>By Roberta Rampton and Lewis Krauskopf</p> <div class="body-slot-mod"> <div class="yom-remote"> <div class="yom-loading" id="mediacontentrelatedstory_container"></div> </div> </div> <p>WASHINGTON (Reuters) – State insurance commissioners told President Barack Obama on Wednesday that his effort to stem a wave of insurance cancellations caused by his signature healthcare law could lead to higher premiums.</p> <p>Obama met with representatives from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to discuss the “fix” he came up with last week to calm the uproar surrounding millions of cancellation notices sent to holders of individual health insurance policies no longer legal under the healthcare law, known as Obamacare.</p> <p>While taking responsibility for the troubled rollout of his law and apologizing for the promises he made that were not being kept, Obama sought last week to address the problem of canceled plans by giving insurers the option to extend them By one year, even if they did not meet minimum standards under the law.</p> <p>The insurance market in the United States is heavily regulated at the state level. While individual state commissioners have no legal obligation to go along with Obama’s wishes, the White House move effectively put the onus on them for cancellations caused by the administration’s law.</p> <p>Comments after the meeting reflected continued skepticism by some of the commissioners.</p> <p>In a statement, the group “stressed their concern that different rules for different policies would be detrimental to the overall insurance marketplace and could result in higher premiums for consumers, without addressing the underlying concern of gaps in coverage.”</p> <p>Since the passage of Obama’s Affordable Care Act in 2010, “state regulators have been working to ensure that plans are compliant with the new rules. These proposed changes are creating a level of uncertainty that we must work together to alleviate,” Jim Donelon, NAIC president and Louisiana insurance commissioner, said in a statement.</p> <p>“We share the President’s goal of affordable coverage for consumers, and we will work with the insurance companies in our states to implement changes that make sense while following our mandate of consumer protection,” he said.</p> <p>Insurance commissioners from Connecticut and North Carolina also attended the meeting along with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, White House domestic policy adviser Cecilia Munoz, healthcare adviser Chris Jennings, and White House counsel Kathryn Ruemmler. The meeting lasted about 50 minutes.</p> <p>Since the messy rollout of the healthcare law last month, the administration has drawn criticism over its glitch-prone website and the revelation that Obama was wrong to promise that those people who liked their plan would be able to keep it if they wished.</p> <p>The troubles have sent Obama’s job approval rating down to 37 percent, according to the latest CBS News poll.</p> <p>STATE BY STATE</p> <p>Several million people stand to have their individual health insurance canceled at some point in 2014 despite a pledge by Obama that those who liked their benefits would be able to keep them under his law.</p> <p>Obama’s decision to allow an extension requires each state to examine whether it can do so under existing laws.</p> <p>Reuters checks have found that at least nine states, including Florida and Ohio, have said they will act on Obama’s offer to allow insurers to extend existing policies. But at least four others, including Washington and Massachusetts, do not plan to not implement the fix.</p> <p>States are concerned the cancellation fix will threaten the financial stability of the new health marketplaces. Insurance companies say unexpected changes in the mix of healthy and sick, or young and old people who choose the existing plans over new Obamacare-compliant policies could mean that some insurers will be forced to raise premiums or lose money.</p> <p>The White House said Obama told the commissioners his administration would work with them closely to ensure consumers are protected and health insurance markets are competitive.</p> <p>“States have different populations with unique needs, and it is up to the insurance commissioner and health insurance companies to decide which insurance products can be offered to existing customers next year,” it said in a statement about the meeting.</p> <p>Representatives from the NAIC told reporters after the White House meeting that they did not think the president was trying to pressure them to go along with his fix and recognized the difference among state insurance markets.</p> <p>“He made it clear to us that he really understands the value of state-based regulation,” said Thomas Leonardi, Connecticut’s insurance commissioner. “It wasn’t the president trying to persuade us or trying to stiff-arm us or anything like that. He was wanting to make the point that he gets what our value is and how can he help.”</p> <p>Donelon told reporters the NAIC would not be advocating for or against Obama’s fix.</p> <p>The Obama administration has been in damage control for weeks because of the website problems and general souring on the law.</p> <p>As part of that process, the White House released a report earlier on Wednesday saying the health law had helped spur stronger economic growth by contributing to slower increases in healthcare prices and spending.</p> <p>(Writing by Jeff Mason and Steve Holland Editing by Fred Barbash and Mohammad Zargham)</p> <ul id="topics" class="hidden"> <li>Politics & Government</li> <li>Insurance</li> <li>Barack Obama</li> <li>White House</li> <li>healthcare law</li> </ul><p></p> //<!--[CDATA[ jQuery(".gmframe").load(function (){jQuery(this).remove();}); //]]--> <br><br>

Insurance commissioners raise concerns about healthcare fix with Obama [ BeritaTerkini ]

By Roberta Rampton and Lewis Krauskopf WASHINGTON (Reuters) – State insurance commissioners told President Barack Ob...

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21-Nov-2013 02:51

NY congresswoman OK after being robbed - USA TODAY :: <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/11/20/grace-meng-congress-robbed-capitol-hill/3655735/">http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/11/20/grace-meng-congress-robbed-capitol-hill/3655735/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Nearby Hospitals Say No Inquiries Were Made for Gus Deeds - TIME :: <a href="http://nation.time.com/2013/11/20/nearby-hospitals-say-no-inquiries-were-made-for-gus-deeds/">http://nation.time.com/2013/11/20/nearby-hospitals-say-no-inquiries-were-made-for-gus-deeds/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Illinois becomes latest state to approve same-sex marriage - Los Angeles Times :: <a href="http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-illinois-becomes-latest-state-to-approve-samesex-marriage-20131120,0,4038792.story">http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-illinois-becomes-latest-state-to-approve-samesex-marriage-20131120,0,4038792.story</a><br /><br><br /><br>Beirut Attack Marks Militant Resurgence - Wall Street Journal :: <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304607104579210151841138592.html">http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304607104579210151841138592.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Obama: Clinton represents 'very best of America' - USA TODAY :: <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/theoval/2013/11/20/barack-obama-bill-clinton-hillary-clinton-presidential-medal-of-freedom/3653329/">http://www.usatoday.com/story/theoval/2013/11/20/barack-obama-bill-clinton-hillary-clinton-presidential-medal-of-freedom/3653329/</a><br /><br><br /><br>Paris shooting suspect's DNA matches crime scene samples - AFP :: <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hwzRhK80pUheUg4MtkggVVaV8PBg?docId%3D4faddf59-ffa5-4722-bdf1-9b356bbb650f">http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hwzRhK80pUheUg4MtkggVVaV8PBg?docId%3D4faddf59-ffa5-4722-bdf1-9b356bbb650f</a><br /><br><br /><br>NSA, Under Pres. Bush, Secretly Spied on UK Citizens with Tony Blair's ... - Opposing Views :: <a href="http://www.opposingviews.com/i/politics/foreign-policy/war-terror/nsa-under-pres-bush-secretly-spied-uk-citizens-tony-blairs">http://www.opposingviews.com/i/politics/foreign-policy/war-terror/nsa-under-pres-bush-secretly-spied-uk-citizens-tony-blairs</a><br /><br><br /><br>White Supremacist Convicted of Several Murders Is Put to Death in Missouri - New York Times :: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/21/us/joseph-paul-franklin-executed-in-missouri.html">http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/21/us/joseph-paul-franklin-executed-in-missouri.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Fed Casts About for Endgame on Easy-Money Policy - Wall Street Journal :: <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303653004579210143376261748.html">http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303653004579210143376261748.html</a><br /><br><br /><br>Lance Armstrong Settles $3M Insurance Lawsuit - ABC News :: <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/lance-armstrong-settles-3m-insurance-lawsuit-20953836">http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/lance-armstrong-settles-3m-insurance-lawsuit-20953836</a>

21-Nov-2013 02:51

NY congresswoman OK after being robbed - USA TODAY :: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/11/20/grace-meng-congress-robbed-cap...

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