Monday, February 25, 2013

Snow for New England, floods possible in Southeast

People across the Midwest are digging out from the snow after a big storm passed through, resulting in difficult commutes and school closures. NBC's John Yang reports.

By Ian Johnston, Staff Writer, NBC News

Parts of New England were expected to be hit by heavy snowfalls while heavy rain was threatening to cause flash floods in parts of the Southeast, forecasters warned.

The National Weather Service??issued a winter storm watch?at about 10 p.m. ET Friday for southern New Hampshire, northern Rhode Island, and much of central, northern and eastern Massachusetts, including Boston.

It said the area could be hit by up to 8 inches of snow, which some parts potentially getting nearly 10 inches.

Read more from weather.com

?Snow will overspread the region tomorrow [Saturday] afternoon. The heaviest snow will occur tomorrow night into Sunday morning, when 1 to 2 inch per hour snowfall rates will be possible,? the NWS said.

?The biggest concern is that this will be a heavy wet snow. This will bring the potential for downed tree limbs and scattered power outages. Untreated roads are also expected to become snow covered and slippery,? the weather service said.

Temperatures were expected to be in the lower 30s with winds of 5-10 mph.

?Anyone traveling in the next 24 to 36 hours should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to modify travel plans should winter weather develop,? the NWS notice added.

NBC.Connecticut.com meteorologist Bob Maxon said the state would also see snow and rain from the weekend storm. He expected up to 4 inches of snow or more in the Litchfield Hills and northeast Connecticut.

South of Connecticut, rain was expected to be the problem.

"Days of heavy rainfall could lead to river flooding and flash flooding in the Southeast," the NWS said.

At 5:20 a.m. ET, the weather service issued a flash flood warning for Geneva and Houston counties in southeast Alabama, saying heavy showers and thunderstorms had been detected.

Weather.com reported that it expected that an areas from New York City to Philadelphia would ?primarily? see rain.

Record snowfall in Wichita, Kansas, creates havoc at the airport where crews had to dig out a plane stuck on the tarmac. NBCNews.com's Dara Brown reports.

It said it expected 2 to 5 inches of snow in Boston, adding ?the amount of rain versus snow that falls will dictate whether snowfall amounts are on the higher or lower end of this range.?

The storm hit parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan on Friday.

In Minnesota alone, the State Patrol said there were 124 crashes during the morning commute, killing one driver and injuring 23, NBC affiliate KARE in Minneapolis reported.

Pacific Northwest storm
Meanwhile, a storm in the Pacific Northwest was expected to bring strong winds through Saturday and dump 2 to 3 feet of snow on the Cascade Mountains through Monday, the NWS said.

Much of the Midwest is covered in a blanket of white as a massive winter storm has covered parts of Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas with over a foot of snow. NBC's John Yang reports.

?Considerable blowing and drifting snow and an increased avalanche risk are expected in the high terrain for portions of the region,? it said.

The NWS issued?winter storm warnings?for parts of Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Utah.

"Periods of heavy snowfall" were also expected Saturday in parts of Hawaii, according to another winter storm warning notice.

Up to 12 inches were possible at high altitudes in an area including Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, with temperatures in the mid-20s to mid-30s.

Related:

PhotoBlog: Winter whiteout slams central US

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Source: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/23/17065445-storms-to-dump-snow-on-new-england-heavy-rain-on-southeast-forecasters-warn?lite

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Sunday, February 24, 2013

Senate panel plans Tuesday vote on Lew nomination

FILE - In this Feb. 13, 2013, file photo Jack Lew, President Barack Obama's choice to be treasury secretary, testifies during his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington before the Senate Finance Committee. Democratic Sen. Max Baucus of Montana, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, says the committee will vote on Lew's nomination Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, said Lew had answered the committee's questions "in a thorough and fully transparent manner" and that the committee has conducted a "thorough review" of the nominee. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

FILE - In this Feb. 13, 2013, file photo Jack Lew, President Barack Obama's choice to be treasury secretary, testifies during his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington before the Senate Finance Committee. Democratic Sen. Max Baucus of Montana, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, says the committee will vote on Lew's nomination Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, said Lew had answered the committee's questions "in a thorough and fully transparent manner" and that the committee has conducted a "thorough review" of the nominee. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) ? The chairman of the Senate Finance Committee says the committee will vote on Tuesday on the nomination of former White House chief of staff Jack Lew to be treasury secretary.

Democratic Sen. Max Baucus of Montana says in a statement that Lew has answered the committee's questions "in a thorough and fully transparent manner" and the committee has conducted a "thorough review" of the nominee.

Lew would succeed Timothy Geithner in President Barack Obama's second-term Cabinet.

Some of the toughest questions he faced during his confirmation hearing dealt with his short time at Citibank. Lew was a top executive during the height of the financial crisis.

On policy matters, he addressed Europe's debt crisis, U.S.-China relations and the 2010 financial regulatory overhaul.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2013-02-24-US-Treasury-Lew/id-1bb47708426c478ba3af4554b7763dc5

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Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Five workers shot at Amplats mine in South Africa: TV

Five workers shot at Amplats mine in South Africa: TV
US-SAFRICA-MINE:Five workers shot at Amplats mine in South Africa: TV

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - At least five workers were shot on Monday after security guards at an Anglo American Platinum mine in South Africa opened fire following clashes between rival union factions, ENCA television said.

The station said it believed one worker at the Siphumelele shaft had been killed.



(Reporting by Ed Cropley; Editing by David Dolan)

Page: 1

Source:Reuters. All Rights Reserved

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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Girl mysteriously catches fire at Oregon hospital

An 11-year-old cancer survivor who was hospitalized with a head injury is now recovering from third-degree burns after her shirt mysteriously caught fire in a Portland, Ore., hospital room.

The girl, Ireland Lane, had been painting in her room at Doernbecher Children's Hospital, ABC affiliate KATU reported. Moments later, she ran into the hallway screaming, with her T-shirt aflame.

"I've been in medicine going back 30 years now and never heard anything like this. And hopefully I never will again," Dr. Stacy Nicholson, assistant chief at Doernbecher Children's Hospital, told KATU.

Doernbecher did not immediately respond to ABC News' requests for comment.

Hospital staff extinguished the flames, but the cause of the fire remains a mystery. Ireland said she used hand sanitizer to clean a table that rolled over her bed, where she had painted a wooden box as a gift for her nurses, the Oregonian reported. Officials are investigating whether the alcohol-based sanitizer and static electricity could have sparked the fire, a spokesman for the Oregon State Fire Marshal told ABCNews.com.

Ireland, who is a cancer survivor, had been hospitalized for an unrelated head injury. She was due to leave the hospital the day of the fire, Feb. 2. Instead, she is undergoing treatment for third-degree burns on her chest, neck, arms and earlobes at Legacy Oregon Burn Center, the Oregonian reported. She is listed in serious condition and scheduled to undergo a second skin graft Thursday - her 12 th birthday.

"She's quite a tough one," the girl's father, Stephen Lane of Klamath Falls, Ore., told the Oregonian. "She's been through more than any child I've ever heard of, and to still walk around with a smile on her face and enjoy the things of the day that are going on, and be a kid is to me pretty amazing."

Lane said his daughter "still has bad dreams," but doesn't remember the fire. He, on the other hand, can't get it out of his head. He was sleeping in Ireland's hospital room when the fire erupted and followed his frantic daughter into the hallway, where he smothered the flames with his body, according to the Oregonian.

"I can handle all of it - I'm a dad and I'm supposed to," he told the paper. "But I hate seeing her unhappy stuck in a hospital again."

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Source: http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/girl-catches-fire-oregon-hospital-175725559--abc-news-health.html

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Monday, February 18, 2013

Ohio State University Women's Basketball vs. Minnesota


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Sunday, February 17, 2013

Video: Google may go into retail



>>> an intriguing proposition tonight about what might be in store for google. the company reportedly plans to start opening retail stores in the united states by the end of the year. the stores, like those of its competitors, apple and microsoft, would let customers get a better feel for its products such as its new tablets and smart phones .

Source: http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/50835361/

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Baseball kicks off play Saturday at Bright House Field

The USF baseball team will begin regular season play on Saturday at Bright House Field in Clearwater, playing three games this weekend as part of the Big East-Big Ten Baseball Challenge, an annual three-day Division I baseball event.

?

USF is scheduled to play two games on Saturday. The team will battle its Big East conference rival Louisville at 4 p.m. and then face off against Big Ten affiliate Purdue at 7:30 p.m. Bulls baseball action continues Sunday at 1 p.m. at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium in Dunedin where USF will square off against Indiana. ?

USF?s first and most important match-up of the weekend comes against Louisville, which is ranked as the No. 1 team in the Big East. The Bulls will need to have their bats ready for the Cardinals, who led offensive categories with a .295 batting average, 632 hits and 427 runs scored last season. USF will rely upon senior outfielder Alex Mendez to kick the team?s offense into gear.

Mendez collected 63 hits, knocked in 32 runs last and played a crucial role in the USF?s Big East Championship Tournament victory against Louisville last season. He went 2-for-4 and drove in half of the Bulls? runs in a 6-2 win.

USF will be tested in the second game against Purdue, the 2012 Big Ten Conference champion.

Purdue recorded 45 victories last season and played two games in the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship Tournament before being eliminated by Kentucky in a regional matchup.

Senior pitcher Nick Lovecchio is slated to be on the bump for the Bulls, going 4-1 with a 2.63 ERA and failing to give up any home runs last season. Lovecchio will be probed by Purdue?s balanced offense and senior outfielder Stephen Talbott, who batted .347, collected 60 hits and knocked in 18 runs last season. Pitching proved to be the difference in the Bulls? 7-5 victory against the Boilermakers in 2008 and Lovecchio and the Bulls hope to do the same on Saturday.

USF?s closing game against Indiana should prove to be tight because both clubs are polar opposites of one another in terms of offense and defense.

The Bulls have strength in pitching that the Hoosiers are missing, and Indiana has a boom in the bat that USF lacks. Junior Nolan Thomas is one of the players rumored to start for the Bulls on Sunday.

Thomas transferred from Tallahassee Community College and went 7-2 with 61 strikeouts and a 2.83 ERA before coming to USF. Thomas will face Indiana?s stellar sophomore outfielder Sam Travis, last season?s Big Ten Freshman of the Year award winner, should he be called upon to take the mound. Travis batted .319 with nine homers last year and poses to be a nightmare for opposing pitchers in 2013. The southpaw Thomas hopes to neutralize Travis and earn his first career win at USF. The Bulls fell to the Hoosiers, 9-7, in 2008, but the team anticipates a better outcome this weekend.

After this weekend, the Bulls will travel to FSU to take on the Seminoles in a three-game set beginning at 4 p.m. next Friday.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/usforacle/ILRI/~3/vFSTmdChfrc/baseball-kicks-off-play-saturday-at-bright-house-field-1.2811111

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The Quest for Communication Solutions | Dallas Regional ...

By Erica Mulder, Manager, Communications

EriccsonTechQuest200x102The communications field can present its own set of problems.? Businesses use several forms from email, websites, video chat, social media to smart phones and conference calls.? Getting all those tools and technologies to mesh to ensure what you want said is conveyed can be a big challenge.

The TechQuest program gives small tech companies or university researchers the opportunity to present their technology solutions and business plans to major high tech companies in the North Texas area, forging relationships and securing funding for their projects.? The Metroplex Technology Business Council and Ericsson are partnering on TechQuest this year.? They are looking for new innovators to become part of the program and provide solutions for the latest cloud and communications challenges.

The targeted technologies include mobile management, business support systems (BSS), content delivery network (CDN), managed server providers (MSP) and unified communications.

In return, selected innovators will have the opportunity to become a business partner with Ericsson to release and brand their new technology.

TechQuest is accepting applications through March 15th.? For details click here.

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Source: http://dallaschamberblog.org/2013/02/15/the-quest-for-communication-solutions/

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California Scientists Propose System to Vaporize Asteroids That Threaten Earth

Home > Press > California Scientists Propose System to Vaporize Asteroids That Threaten Earth

Concept drawing of the DE-STAR system engaging both an asteroid for evaporation or composition analysis, and simultaneously propelling an interplanetary spacecraft.
Courtesy Philip M. Lubin
Concept drawing of the DE-STAR system engaging both an asteroid for evaporation or composition analysis, and simultaneously propelling an interplanetary spacecraft.

Courtesy Philip M. Lubin

Abstract:
As an asteroid roughly half as large as a football field -- and with energy equal to a large hydrogen bomb -- readies for a fly-by of Earth on Friday, two California scientists are unveiling their proposal for a system that could eliminate a threat of this size in an hour. The same system could destroy asteroids 10 times larger than the one known as 2012 DA14 in about a year, with evaporation starting at a distance as far away as the Sun.

Santa Barbara, CA | Posted on February 14th, 2013

UC Santa Barbara physicist and professor Philip M. Lubin, and Gary B. Hughes, a researcher and professor from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, conceived DE-STAR, or Directed Energy Solar Targeting of Asteroids an exploRation, as a realistic means of mitigating potential threats posed to the Earth by asteroids and comets.

"We have to come to grips with discussing these issues in a logical and rational way," said Lubin, who began work on DE-STAR a year ago. "We need to be proactive rather than reactive in dealing with threats. Duck and cover is not an option. We can actually do something about it and it's credible to do something. So let's begin along this path. Let's start small and work our way up. There is no need to break the bank to start."

Described as a "directed energy orbital defense system," DE-STAR is designed to harness some of the power of the sun and convert it into a massive phased array of laser beams that can destroy, or evaporate, asteroids posing a potential threat to Earth. It is equally capable of changing an asteroid's orbit -- deflecting it away from Earth, or into the Sun -- and may also prove to be a valuable tool for assessing an asteroid's composition, enabling lucrative, rare-element mining. And it's entirely based on current essential technology.

"This system is not some far-out idea from Star Trek," Hughes said. "All the components of this system pretty much exist today. Maybe not quite at the scale that we'd need -- scaling up would be the challenge -- but the basic elements are all there and ready to go. We just need to put them into a larger system to be effective, and once the system is there, it can do so many things."

The same system has a number of other uses, including aiding in planetary exploration.

In developing the proposal, Lubin and Hughes calculated the requirements and possibilities for DE-STAR systems of several sizes, ranging from a desktop device to one measuring 10 kilometers, or six miles, in diameter. Larger systems were also considered. The larger the system, the greater its capabilities.

For instance, DE-STAR 2 -- at 100 meters in diameter, about the size of the International Space Station -- "could start nudging comets or asteroids out of their orbits," Hughes said. But DE-STAR 4 -- at 10 kilometers in diameter, about 100 times the size of the ISS -- could deliver 1.4 megatons of energy per day to its target, said Lubin, obliterating an asteroid 500 meters across in one year.

The speed of interplanetary travel -- far beyond what is possible with chemical propellant rockets used today -- could be increased with this sized system, according to Lubin. It could also power advanced ion drive systems for deep space travel, he said. Able to engage multiple targets and missions at once, DE-STAR 4 "could simultaneously evaporate an asteroid, determine the composition of another, and propel a spacecraft."

Larger still, DE-STAR 6 could enable interstellar travel by functioning as a massive, orbiting power source and propulsion system for spacecraft. It could propel a 10-ton spacecraft at near the speed of light, allowing interstellar exploration to become a reality without waiting for science fiction technology such as "warp drive" to come along, Lubin said.

"Our proposal assumes a combination of baseline technology -- where we are today -- and where we almost certainly will be in the future, without asking for any miracles," he explained. "We've really tried to temper this with a realistic view of what we can do, and we approached it from that point of view. It does require very careful attention to a number of details, and it does require a will to do so, but it does not require a miracle."

Recent and rapid developments in highly efficient conversion of electrical power to light allow such a scenario now, Lubin said, when just 20 years ago it would not have been realistic to consider.

"These are not just back-of-the-envelope numbers," Hughes concurred. "They are actually based on detailed analysis, through solid calculations, justifying what is possible. And it's all available under current theory and current technology.

"There are large asteroids and comets that cross the Earth's orbit, and some very dangerous ones going to hit the Earth eventually," he added. "Many have hit in the past and many will hit in the future. We should feel compelled to do something about the risk. Realistic solutions need to be considered, and this is definitely one of those."

Three UCSB undergraduate students are assisting Lubin and Hughes with the DE-STAR project: Johanna Bible and Jesse Bublitz, both from the College of Creative Studies, and chemistry major Joshua Arriola.

####

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George Foulsham
805-893-3071

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805-893-8432

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805-756-5648

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Source: http://www.nanotech-now.com/news.cgi?story_id=46928

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Penn State Football: 4 Players with the Most to Prove in Spring Practice

Perhaps no Nittany Lion had a more up-and-down season than Sam Ficken. The maligned kicker drew?some criticism (including from myself) after a miserable start to the year that saw him miss?six of his first eight field-goal attempts.

Ficken starting receiving negative attention after?a 17-16 Week 2?loss at Virginia where he missed four field goals and had an extra point blocked. His struggles continued throughout the season, and perhaps caused head coach Bill O'Brien to lose confidence in the kicker, electing to go for it on fourth down on several occasions.

Fortunately for Ficken, he did finish strong, making his final 10 field goals, including the game-winner in overtime in the season finale against Wisconsin.

Entering 2013, he will once again find himself as the Nittany Lions' placekicker as there are limited options beyond him. However, he will still need to prove himself during spring practice and carry the success that he found late in 2012?into this year.

If there are any signs that the kicker will not be consistent, the coaching staff may start looking elsewhere.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1531409-penn-state-football-4-players-with-the-most-to-prove-in-spring-practice

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Pakistan wants improved ties with India, Afghanistan: Ashraf

parvaiz-ashraf-6701

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf. ? File photo

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf Saturday said Pakistan desires better relations with all its neighbours including India and Afghanistan to keep the region stable and peaceful.

In an interview to a private television channel, he said there is realisation in the international community that Pakistan is a responsible nuclear power.

?It is not in the interest of the world that tension continues in our region,? he added.

The premier said Pakistan and India made efforts to normalize relations but some incident happens affecting the bilateral ties.

?I said in British Parliament that we desire peaceful relations with our neighbours and we want India to recognise this.?

He said Kashmir is the core issue which is cause of tense relations with India and Pakistan?s viewpoint is that Kashmir issue should be resolved according to aspirations of Kashmiri people and the UN Security Council?s resolutions.

Pakistan never refuses to talk and always preferred to have dialogue with India, he added.

To a question about ties with Afghanistan, the prime minister said Pakistan is a unique example as it took care of so many Afghan refugees on humanitarian basis when the economic conditions were not so good.

?We are proud of that help and we undertook it as our responsibility as Afghans are our neighbours and Muslims and we needed to take care of them.?

He said Pakistan wants better relations with Afghanistan and in his first meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and British Prime Minister David Cameron, it was agreed that peace should prevail in Afghanistan.

He said Pakistan sacrificed a lot in war against terrorism. It was Pakistan?s own war as its cities, towns, mosques and public places were targeted, he added.

Ashraf said the international community with its collective wisdom wanted to resolve the problem of terrorism through negotiations to ensure peace.

He said it is heartening that democratically elected civilian government is going to complete its five year tenure which has strengthened the democracy. ?Now all political parties have to go to the court of the people.?

Talking about achievements of his government, he said, ?We restored powers of the Parliament which were usurped by dictator, promoted tolerance, formed a coalition government and run it successfully. This is success of democracy.?

He expressed confidence that the PPP would get another mandate from the people in next elections on the basis of its programmes like Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), for making the country self-reliant in food, raising salaries and pensions and for carrying out development projects despite focusing on challenge of terrorism.

?We inherited many challenges from the previous government and when we came it was said that terrorists were only 40 kilometers from the capital and will take it over. Flag of Pakistan was taken down from Swat.?

But the government reversed the situation and ensured that 2.5 million displaced people returned to their homes with dignity, he mentioned. ?We will tell the people about all these achievements.?

He said it is also credit of Pakistan People?s Party that it elected a person like him as prime minister who was from middle class and his family has no political background.

Ashraf said it is also achievement of the government that it appointed opposition leader as Chairman of Public Accounts Committee and also appointed a person as Chairman Election Commission who was nominated by the opposition.

He said it should also be appreciated that the sit in of thousands of people led by Dr Tahirul Qadri in Islamabad ended peacefully and nobody was hurt.

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Source: http://dawn.com/2013/02/17/pakistan-wants-improved-ties-with-india-afghanistan-ashraf/

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Saturday, February 16, 2013

HarryAbbott published Bath Rugby coach Neal Hatley predicts a battle with former club...

Bath Rugby have a fight on their hands if they are to make it six wins on the bounce this weekend, according to forwards coach Neal Hatley.

Hatley has a host of first-experience of Bath?s latest opponents, London Irish, who travel to The Rec on Saturday (2.15pm).

The former prop spent a decade as a player with the Berkshire club and was Academy manager for four years before moving to The Rec along with former Irish head coach Toby Booth last summer.

Although Bath enter the Aviva Premiership clash on the back of five straight wins, that will count for nothing against an Irish side who have also improved recently.

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?London Irish have lost one game since the start of the year and they have got some unbelievably good players that belie where they are in the league,? said Hatley, who played down the impact his and Booth?s knowledge will have on the game.

?To score 30 points against Saracens is no mean feat, so we are going to have to be sharp again to get the result we are looking for.

?We know them probably better than most because of the coaches here but I don?t think having worked there is too much of an advantage.

?Six months is such a long time and you are constantly evolving in the game.?

Bath suffered a 29-22 defeat when they travelled to the Madejski Stadium in September and Carl Fearns says Bath are desperate to make amends for a poor performance.

?We let ourselves down last time and we didn?t quite turn up,? said flanker Fearns.

?We let a few points go and we?ve got to make sure we get it right this week to carry through the momentum we?ve built up.

?There is a massive buzz at the moment and we?ve made great strides in attack.

?The positions we got ourselves in at the start of the season which we weren?t quite finishing, now we?ve got the confidence to take them.

?We?re going into this week confident but we are still hurting from our last result against them.?

Bath have props Davey Wilson and Paul James available to them from England and Wales Six Nations duty respectively but Hatley says scrum-half Michael Claassens is still not fit after a hand injury. Simon Taylor or Ryan Caldwell are also not expected to feature.

?We just don?t want to push Michael because he will be a key player for us later on in the season,? said Hatley.

?It?s one of those injuries that you know if you just push too hard now you can be knocked back another five or six weeks. We just don?t want to take that risk.?

Source: http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/Bath-Rugby-coach-Neal-Hatley-predicts-battle-club/story-18156876-detail/story.html

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UK retail sales fall unexpectedly in January

LONDON (Reuters) - British retail sales unexpectedly fell in January hurt by heavy snow, reviving worries that the economy may be slipping into a third recession since the onset of the financial crisis.

Sales volumes slipped 0.6 percent in both monthly and annual terms, the Office for National Statistics said on Friday, confounding economists' expectations for growth.

"The underlying picture is that the economy is bouncing along the bottom, so weather disruptions can easily tip it into negative territory," said Rob Wood, economist at Berenberg Bank.

Britain's economy has endured two recessions since the 2008 financial crisis and contracted again at the end of last year, coming closer to its third slump, although stronger recent economic data has raised hopes of modest growth in early 2013.

"This release brings a dip back on the table," Wood said.

Another recession would pile pressure on Britain's Conservative-led government, which has had to defend its austerity programme against criticism it is stifling growth.

The government says cuts are necessary to shrink a swollen deficit, but it also needs solid growth to meet its budget targets and bolster its chances of winning a 2015 election.

The pound hit a half-year low against the dollar and British government bonds extended gains after the retail data release.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast a 0.4 percent rise in sales on the month and a 0.8 percent increase on the year. The ONS also revised December's numbers down.

Weather is not the only problem facing British consumers. High inflation has eroded their spending power in recent years, with real wages now at their lowest since 2003.

Little respite is on the cards. The Bank of England warned on Wednesday that inflation would remain high until 2016 and economic growth would be slow.

In a sign that it was not just the bad weather that is weighing on consumers, sales between November and January posted their steepest fall compared to the previous three months since March 2010.

In expenditure terms, retail sales account for roughly one fifth of Britain's gross domestic product.

FAIR-WEATHER SHOPPERS

The ONS said weak food sales, which posted their biggest monthly fall since May 2011, were the main reason behind the overall sales drop, with bad weather forcing some small grocers to close.

"Given it has come early in the quarter, there is some chance of catch-up in February and March," said David Tinsley, economist at BNP Paribas.

"But of course forgone food sales are not necessarily made good," he said, adding that a scandal over horse meat sold as beef might also hurt sales.

Unemployment figures next week will provide further clues about the state of the economy at the turn of the year.

One major British retailer has showed shoppers might be getting back to spending in February. John Lewis said on Friday that sales at its department stores jumped by more than a fifth last week compared to a year earlier. However, that number was flattered by heavy snowfall in February 2012.

The ONS said the quantity of food sold fell by 2.6 percent compared with January last year, touching its lowest volume since April 2004.

Meanwhile, the share of online food sales jumped by nearly a third, probably another reflection of the bad weather that kept shoppers at home. The increase in online shopping helped big retailers, the ONS said.

Retail sales excluding fuel fell 0.5 percent on the month but were 0.2 percent higher than in January 2012 - much weaker than economists' forecasts for rises of 0.4 percent on the month and 1.4 percent on the year.

(Additional reporting by Clare Hutchison and Estelle Shirbon)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/uk-retail-sales-fall-unexpectedly-snowy-january-094216739--business.html

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Spy planes check their vision on these parking lot-sized focus charts

When you go to the eye doctor, you look at a chart and tell them what you can see. It's the same way for the cameras on spy planes ? but their charts have to be big enough to see from 20,000 feet.

There are an unknown number of these striking focus charts scattered around the U.S., reports the Center for Land Use Interpretation (CLUI). They have been in use since they were first put together in the 1950s and '60s ? when the development of spy planes like the SR-71 Blackbird and U-2 necessitated careful calibration of their onboard cameras.

The charts differ from one another, but all share some characteristics: large white bars painted at known sizes and distances, sometimes parallel, sometimes perpendicular to each other.

The result is an easy way to tell whether a camera can make out the details it's supposed to from high in the air, or whether adjustment is necessary. Other countries have them as well ? something which attracted the notice of satellite imagery buffs several months ago.

However, the digital cameras in today's drones and planes can be easily adjusted on the fly, making these charts somewhat unnecessary ? but a few are still maintained, possibly for adjusting legacy equipment.

One notable exception is the Curiosity Mars rover, which has one of these bar charts on its body (as well as a penny) for checking the focus of its MAHLI camera.

There are several more examples of these interesting patterns at the CLUI post, as well as a bit more history on the military project and technical details of the charts.

Devin Coldewey is a contributing writer for NBC News Digital. His personal website is coldewey.cc.

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/futureoftech/spy-planes-check-their-vision-these-parking-lot-sized-focus-1C8400482

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Cruzerlite Androidified Clone Army Case for Samsung Galaxy Note 2

Cruzerlite presents the premium Androidified line of TPU cases with custom designed Andy the Android print. Stand out from the rest and show off your Samsung Galaxy Note 2 with these one of a kind cases.

The Androidified TPU Case is made from shock absorbent and scratch resistant thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). This slim-fitting case provides great protection from day to day use and accidental bumps and spills.

The sleek, light-weight design of the case fully wraps around the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 while also raising the front of the device to protect the screen while face down. Precise cutouts provide easy access to all ports while buttons have been covered for protection from daily use.

Flexible, easy to apply, and easy to remove, this affordable case comes in several different colors, allowing you to choose the case that fits you as well as it fits the phone.

Features:

  • Flexible TPU Gel Case
  • Android Clone Army print
  • Specifically for Samsung Galaxy Note 2
  • Precise cutouts for all buttons and ports
  • Screen exposed

Please Note: Product images, including color, may differ from actual product appearance.

Works with: Samsung Galaxy Note 2

Source: http://store.mobileburn.com/content/accessories/4-54--13783.htm

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Palestinian rally for hunger striker turns violent

JERUSALEM (AP) ? Palestinians clashed with Israeli soldiers on Friday at several demonstrations in the West Bank held to support a prisoner observing an intermittent hunger strike to protest his incarceration.

The Israeli military said about 500 Palestinians threw rocks and rolled burning tires at soldiers who responded with tear gas during the main rally outside Ofer prison in the West Bank. The protesters called for the release of Samer Issawi, who has been on an on-again, off-again hunger strike for several months as he serves time for alleged terror activity.

Protests spread to several other West Bank flashpoints which turned violent as well. Palestinian medics said they treated dozens of people for tear gas inhalation and minor wounds sustained from rubber bullets. Two Israeli soldiers were lightly injured, the military said.

The prisoner issue is an emotional one for Palestinians after decades of conflict with Israel. Palestinians generally view them as heroes, regardless of the reason for their imprisonment ? even when their crimes have involved killing civilians. Last year hundreds of Palestinian prisoners used hunger strikes to seek concessions from Israel.

Issawi, 35, was initially released in 2011 in a prisoner exchange. One Israeli soldier was freed from captivity in Gaza in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom were convicted of being involved in suicide bombings and other deadly attacks.

Some prisoners, like Issawi, were released on condition of travel limits. Israeli Prison Service spokeswoman Sivan Weizman said he was arrested after he violated the terms of his release. She said he was arrested for "terror activity" and sentenced to 26 years, but released in the 2011 prisoner swap after serving only six years.

Issawi is under medical supervision and eats periodically, she said.

Issawi's sister, Shirin, said he has been on hunger strike for 206 days. She said he has only been drinking water since January. She said the prison takes her brother to an Israeli hospital for treatment.

The Palestinian minister of prisoner affairs, Issa Qaraqe, said Issawi began his fast in August and has been observing it intermittently.

Qaraqe said Issawi had lost 35 kilograms (about 77 pounds), has kidney pain and has lost feeling in parts of the right side of his body.

He said there are four prisoners on hunger strike.

Human rights groups have warned of their worsening health.

"If, God forbid, any prisoner dies of hunger strike inside the prison, the situation on the ground will deteriorate," Qaraqe said. "People won't stand for any prisoner to die of a hunger strike."

Mideast envoy Tony Blair issued a statement expressing concern for the prisoner's health. "This issue needs to be resolved quickly in order to avoid a tragic outcome which has the potential to destabilize the situation on the ground," he said.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas made an unannounced visit to a separate demonstration for prisoners near Ramallah. He said the prisoner issue would top his agenda in meetings with President Barack Obama, who is expected to visit the region next month.

Last year, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners won multiple concessions from Israel after going on hunger strikes ? some that lasted weeks.

Last week, a Gaza man who carried out the longest-ever hunger strike by a Palestinian prisoner returned home. Akram Rikhawi ended his 103-day hunger strike last July in exchange for Israel's pledged to release him five months earlier than his scheduled release in June.

Rikhawi, 40, served a nine-year sentence for transporting suicide bombers.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/palestinian-rally-hunger-striker-turns-violent-130323305.html

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PFT: Vikings GM has 'no intent' to trade Harvin

Dwight FreeneyAP

On Friday, out of the blue, the Colts announced that they have parted ways with veteran defensive end/linebacker Dwight Freeney.? Technically, they haven?t.? Not yet.

More specifically, the Colts have decided that Freeney won?t be re-signed, which means that he?ll become a free agent on March 12.

Owner Jim Irsay gushed about Freeney in a release confirming the move, saying that ?[f]ew people have meant as much to the success of the Indianapolis Colts as Dwight Freeney,? that ?[h]e has been a dominant player,? and that he ?was an artist, a joy to watch, and the dedication he put toward his craft was a rare quality.?

Irsay also said that Freeney will be inducted into the team?s Ring of Honor.

But if the Colts and Irsay truly want to honor Freeney, they?ll do the honorable thing and cut him.? This would allow Freeney to have a three-week head start on free agency, searching for a team without having to box out the other various free agents who will all be chasing the same cap dollars.

If the Colts are, as they have declared, moving on, there?s no reason to squat on Freeney?s rights any longer.? So if they mean all those nice things they?re saying about Freeney, they?ll do something that will cost them nothing ? while also giving real meaning to the phrase ?part ways.?

UPDATE 9:37 p.m. ET:? A reader raised a valid point.? By cutting Freeney, the Colts would not be eligible for compensatory picks based on his departure via free agency.? However, the compensation drops significantly for players on the wrong side of 30, and with the Colts having so much cap space chances are they?ll sign more players than they lose in 2013, which means they?ll get no compensatory picks at all in 2014.? And if they didn?t cut Freeney in order to improve their standing in the compensatory draft pick formula, they should say so.

Source: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/02/15/spielman-says-vikings-have-no-intent-to-trade-percy-harvin/related/

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South Shore Frolics organizers urgently seeking donations for parade

The South Shore Frolics organizers are urgently seeking public and private donations to reinstate the event?s parade this summer. The parade was canceled last year when the Bay View Lions, who produce and sponsor the event, were unable to secure adequate funding to finance the parade.

The parade is scheduled for Saturday, July 13. This year marks the 64th annual Frolics event.

To date the Lions have raised 20 percent of the $30,000 required to underwrite the parade, Patty Pritchard Thompson announced today, in an emailed funding-appeal. ?The full $30K number needs to be reached no later than Thursday, February 28, for the Parade to continue! ? Thompson said.

The Bay View Business Improvement District (BID #44) matched the first $3,000.

In addition to sponsorships and donations, the Lions ask that members of the community help spread the word that funding is critical in order to save the 2013 South Shore Frolics parade.

Learn about sponsorship levels here.

For more information, contact Patty Pritchard Thompson or send your donation to:

Bay View Lions Club
Attn: Parade
PO Box 070104
Milwaukee, WI 53207

Checks are payable to the Bay View Lions Club

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Copyright 2012 by Bay View Compass. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: http://bayviewcompass.com/archives/13199

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Russia Oil Corp Rosneft seeking to borrow up to US$30-billion from China for possibly doubling oil supplies

Russian oil company Rosneft is seeking to borrow up to US$30-billion from China in exchange for possibly doubling oil supplies to the mainland. The move would make Beijing the largest consumer of Russian oil and further divert supplies away from Europe.

Industry sources told Reuters news agency that Rosneft?was in talks with the China National Petroleum Corporation. But Rosneft denied it was discussing the loan, and refused to comment on whether it might enter into negotiations at a later date.

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Tags: China, China National Petroleum Corporation, largest consumer of Russian oil, News, oil, politics, possibly doubling oil supplies, Rosneft, Russia, Russia to divert oil supplies away from Europe, US$30-billion

Source: http://johnib.wordpress.com/2013/02/15/russia-oil-corp-rosneft-seeking-to-borrow-up-to-us30-billion-from-china-for-possibly-doubling-oil-supplies/

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Dominican Republic Strengthens its Military to Confront Organized Crime

Ra?l S?nchez-Azuara/Di?logo

13/02/2013

During CANSEC 2012, Major General Pedro Antonio C?ceres Chestaro, Deputy Minister of the Dominican Republic Armed Forces, told Di?logo that a bill was proposed to have Dominican troops participate in peace keeping operations as a UN member. (Photo: Sandra Marina/Di?logo)

During CANSEC 2012, Major General Pedro Antonio C?ceres Chestaro, Deputy Minister of the Dominican Republic Armed Forces, told Di?logo that a bill was proposed to have Dominican troops participate in peace keeping operations as a UN member. (Photo: Sandra Marina/Di?logo)

Interview with Dominican Army Commander, Major General Pedro Antonio C?ceres Chestaro, Deputy Minister of the Dominican Republic Armed Forces

In terms of surface and population, the Dominican Republic is the second largest country in the Caribbean. Its strategic geographic location places the island in a privileged position, which is not only attractive to tourists and foreign investments, but also to organized crime. In an interview with Di?logo during the Caribbean Nations Security Conference (CANSEC), held in Miami, Florida, in December 2012, Major General Pedro Antonio C?ceres Chestaro spoke about the security challenges he faces as Deputy Minister of the Armed Forces, as well as the legislative and structural changes expected to take place in his country.

Di?logo: General C?ceres Chestaro, what are the most significant achievements accomplished by the Dominican Armed Forces in 2012?

Major General Pedro Antonio C?ceres Chestaro: As for significant achievements, we can mention the improvements in joint operations, organizational structures and our judiciary system, which resulted from the different legislative proposals on Security and Defense presented by the National Congress, such as the Armed Forces? Organic Law, the Intelligence National System Law, the Comprehensive Social Security Law, and the Peacekeeping Operations Law.

Di?logo: Has the military cooperation between the Dominican Republic and the United States contributed to these achievements in any way?

Maj. Gen. C?ceres: The United States, through the Southern Command, constitutes a partner of vital importance to us. Their cooperation is crucial for the execution of multiple plans that resulted in various contributions in equipment and training, hence strengthening human and material capabilities of the Armed Forces. As a result, the level of training and development, obtained by our personnel in U.S. schools and military centers has been strengthened, as in the case of WHINSEC and CHDS for top level courses in National Defense and Security. We also developed a series of joint exercises aimed at helping people in need, as in the case of the New Horizons [humanitarian assistance exercise]. With regard to training, there are permanent teams working with our personnel in the fields of special operations, civil affairs and intelligence through the Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S), with early execution and awareness on illicit actions. In all these cases, logistical support, exchange of doctrine procedures, and lessons learned provide strength and preparedness to the Forces? operational capacity.

Di?logo: In mid-2012, the Minister of the Dominican Republic Armed Forces started a process to reform the institution. What changes can be anticipated, and what are the expectations of this process?

Maj. Gen. C?ceres: Admiral Sigfrido Pared P?rez has presented his management plan within the strategic plan for the Armed Forces 2012-2015, with very positive changes on the operational capability of the force and the wellbeing of soldiers. The Commission for the Armed Forces Reform and Modernization has also been strengthened, with the optimization of the Defense and Security capability, which will implement internal control standards for resources that will pave the road for a departmental culture aimed at planning, assessment and positive results.

Di?logo: What is the Dominican Republic?s role in the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), involving Caribbean nations, and in the Conference of Central American Armed Forces (CFAC)?

Maj. Gen. C?ceres: We are founding partners in this fortunate initiative, so we are constantly trying to integrate the objectives of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative by properly identifying common challenges and threats, knowing that transnational criminals are very clever and take advantage of any weakness we may show. Thus, it is important for us to remain united and vigilant against organized crime.

In regards to the CFAC, it is a conference that shows that our relationship is mature and has kept us working side by side in the area of operations and intelligence, and also in strengthening relations through the exchange of instructors, officer and cadet participation in schools and academies, the establishment of regional centers in partner nations supported by the existing strengths of those countries, as in the case of the Guatemalan Peacekeeping Operations Regional Command, the Honduran Humanitarian Assistance Regional Center, the Salvadoran Counter Terrorist Regional Center, the Nicaraguan Demining Regional Center, and the Dominican Republic?s CFAC Human Rights and International Humanitarian Rights Regional Center, which strengthens measures to promote trust among partner nations.

Di?logo: What security advancements are taking place with Haiti?

Maj. Gen. C?ceres: The Dominican Armed Forces maintain and increase interaction and information exchange with internal security organizations from Haiti through the Haitian Ministry of Interior and their Armed Forces, by interacting with our Land Border Security Specialized Corps. With regard to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), we have always kept good relations in terms of communication, information exchange, and cooperation, which was very valuable after the earthquake in January 2010.

Di?logo: What is the opinion of the Armed Forces minister regarding the Dominican Republic?s possible participation in peacekeeping missions in the near future?

Maj. Gen. C?ceres: The minister?s opinion has always been favorable, and his initiative to introduce the bill on Dominican troop participation as a UN member in peacekeeping operations into the National Congress is proof of that, as well as the importance he has conferred on the peacekeeping unit, and the strength and dynamism given to the School of Peacekeeping Operations since 2010. Officially created in October 2012, the school has generated very positive results, offering courses such as the Peacekeeping Basic Course, Peacekeeping Operations Instructor course, Peacekeeping Special Operations Senior Staff course, Peacekeeping Operations Military Observer course, and the War Correspondent and Peacekeeping Operations Leader course.

Di?logo: The theme of CANSEC 2013 deals with the importance of preserving the Armed Forces? resources in our countries, especially during these times of economic challenges. What specific steps are you taking in this sense?

Maj. Gen. C?ceres: We give paramount importance to the preservation of our resources, and we manage them in the most appropriate way. We direct [the resources] to optimizing Security and Defense capabilities and the implementation of basic internal control within the Dominican State. Furthermore, the next revision of the Dominican Armed Forces? Joint Doctrine, performed every five years, represents an opportunity of improvement for the existing methods and of implementing those that will significantly contribute to the use and maintenance of equipment.

Di?logo: Your country has made important investments during the last year, for example, the purchase of Super Tucano aircrafts, pilot training in Brazil and Colombia, as well as the acquisition of airborne radars. Are there any other important investments planned for 2013?

Maj. Gen. C?ceres: The defense program including Super Tucano aircrafts and radars is part of an integral system aimed at strengthening national security; to protect our land, maritime and air borders and appropriately confront those threats that challenge us. The president has manifested a strong interest in national security, the acquisition and installation of security equipment by the Armed Forces for use in the Command, Control, Communications and Technologies Center, which will cover the different military components and specialized corps. At the same time, he has authorized the minister to proceed with installing of the equipment. The acquisition of sensors and devices to increase awareness levels has been set as top priority in the 2010-2030 national development strategy. These devices will improve our response capacity and prevent our jurisdiction areas from being used for illicit activities.

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Source: http://www.dialogo-americas.com/en_GB/articles/rmisa/features/regional_news/2013/02/13/feature-ex-3915

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Military exercise highlights US policy shift to Asia

Rosie Brown / Yankee-Brown Productions

A U.S. Navy landing craft arrives at Thailand's Hat Yao beach during Cobra Gold 2013, a military exercise involving 13,000 military personnel.

By Ed Kiernan, NBC News contributor

HAT YAO, Thailand -- An ear-thumping explosion reverberates around the bay as a plume of water shoots hundreds of yards into the air.

Two Marine F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets scream by overhead, while Huey and Super Cobra helicopters bank hard, simulating bombing runs. Heavily armed, amphibious assault vehicles churn up the sand as they unleash hordes of U.S. Marines onto one of Thailand's idyllic eastern beaches.

Cobra Gold 2013 -- the largest multinational military exercise in the Asia-Pacific region -- is officially under way.

Rosie Brown / Yankee-Brown Productions

A Thai marine waits patiently for instructions in the midday sun during Cobra Gold 2013.

The annual exercise is in its 32nd iteration and involves 13,000 military personnel countries, including Japan and South Korea, as well as observers from China and, for the first time, Myanmar.

For 10 days, these forces will conduct a variety of field exercises, from amphibious assaults and jungle warfare to humanitarian and civic assistance projects.

Leading the exercises are more than 1,000 Marines and sailors from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, part of Amphibious Force 7th Fleet.

Many of these servicemen and women will play a major role in America's new "Asia pivot" defense strategy, which calls for the strengthening of U.S. military power in the region.

"The pivot to the Pacific that President Obama has talked about is a refocusing of assets and efforts after over 10 years of war in Afghanistan and Iraq," said Capt. Cathal O'Connor, commander of Amphibious Squadron 11. "But the actual relationship of being out here in the Pacific goes back to the time of the Civil War."

Cobra Gold itself is a holdover from the Cold War when it was one of the key pillars of U.S. regional security.

'A deterrent'
During the height of the Cold War, the exercise regularly simulated invasions of Thailand from its northern and eastern borders.

Now with U.S. once again focused on the Pacific, Cobra Gold has taken on renewed significance, explained Jon Grevatt, an Asia-Pacific analyst for IHS Jane's.

"It has new purpose to show the strength of military collaboration between the U.S. and its partner nations, creating a deterrent to?Chinese and North Korean ambitions," he said.

Tensions have been rising in the region with the dispute between China and Japan over the Senkaku Islands ??known as Diaoyu in Chinese --?and North Korea's latest nuclear test.

Rosie Brown / Yankee-Brown Productions

Plumes of smoke rise from simulated bombing runs over Hat Yao beach in Thailand.

This strengthening has already begun with the Navy sending a newly upgraded, guided-missile cruiser, USS Antietam, to join the 7th Fleet based in Japan. The Antietam gives the Navy a more sophisticated air-defense system, particularly against ballistic missiles.

More ships will be arriving in the region in the near future as the Pentagon continues its plan to shift around 60 percent of all Navy warships to the Asia-Pacific theater by 2020.

And it's not just the Navy getting in on the action, the Marines have deployed two battalions -- nearly 2,000 troops -- to Okinawa in the last six weeks with more scheduled to arrive this summer. There are now more than 17,000 U.S. Marines based in Japan -- the most in over a decade.

Both Obama and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta have visited Southeast Asia in recent months, reinforcing how critical the Asia-Pacific theater has become to U.S. strategy.

"We all know that the Asia-Pacific is the traffic highway of so many goods and services. A great many things are manufactured in this part of the world," said Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley, commander of Amphibious Force 7th Fleet. "The United States has been a presence in the Pacific for many, many years? and they will continue to be so."

Sheila A. Smith, an expert on regional security in Asia for the Council on Foreign Relations, said that despite the fact China had accepted an invitation to observe Cobra Gold "military exercises always raise eyebrows."

?The president is a Pacific president," she said. "I think he realizes that the region has been overlooked. It?s not threat-based or military-driven. The large part is an adjustment of diplomatic focus."

Rosie Brown / Yankee-Brown Productions

US Marines assault Hat Yao beach during an exercise as part of Cobra Gold 2013.

Matt Stumpf, an expert on U.S.-Asian relations at the Asia Society?think tank, added: "I think what?s notable about this year?s exercise is in the context of the rebalancing of U.S. policy toward Asia.

"The president and [former Secretary of State Hillary] Clinton have both spoken in depth on their views that Asia is critical to the United States in the 21st century. And with the drawdown in Afghanistan and the end of the war in Iraq, there was an opportunity in Asia to refocus diplomatic, defense and development tools for U.S. goals in the region."

NBC News Staff Writer John Newland contributed to this report.

Related:

North Korea crisis: China talks softly to avoid alienating nuclear-armed neighbor

Much at stake for US as tensions rise in troubled China seas

South Korean, US Marines join forces in half-naked snow run

Source: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/15/16973088-huge-military-exercise-highlights-rebalancing-of-us-policy-toward-asia?lite

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Is historical claim behind the mystery group of (armed?) Filipinos in Borneo?

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Chrysler recalls 370,297 trucks for possible loose fastener

DETROIT (Reuters) - Chrysler Group LLC said on Thursday it was recalling 370,297 pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles globally because a loose fastener could cause the rear axle to lock up and make a driver lose control.

The recall, which expands on another recall announced last fall, affects 278,222 vehicles in the United States, 63,321 in Canada, 23,767 in Mexico and 4,987 in the rest of the world, Chrysler said.

Chrysler, which is controlled by Italy's Fiat, said it was recalling some Ram 1500 pickups from model years 2009 through 2012, Dodge Dakota pickup trucks from model years 2009 through 2011, and 2009-model Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango full-size SUVs.

A Chrysler spokesman said the U.S. automaker was aware of 15 accidents related to the recall, but no injuries.

Last October, Chrysler recalled more than 44,000 Dakotas and Ram 1500 pickups for the same problem. Further review of customer complaints and field reports, however, showed the problem also existed for vehicles not covered by the first recall, according to documents filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Chrysler said some rear axles were assembled with a fastener that can loosen and lead to failure. It said its dealers will install a retainer, at no cost to customers, that secures the fastener.

The recall was expected to begin in March, according to NHTSA documents.

(Reporting By Ben Klayman in Detroit; Editing by M.D. Golan)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/chrysler-recalls-370-297-trucks-possible-loose-fastener-195722079--finance.html

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