Facebook (FB) on Thursday released an update to its Messenger app on Android and iOS that will help the company further compete with services like Google Voice and Skype. The update allows users to send short voice messages, up to a minute in length, to one another using the application, similar to popular apps Voxer and HeyTell. Additionally, Facebook is allowing Canadian iOS users to make free calls using the application with a Wi-Fi or cellular data connection, The Verge reported. It is speculated that if testing goes well, the company may bring the feature to Europe and the United States.
Why Some Facebook Users Constantly Update Status
Labels: Technology
Scientists have found what compels people to constantly update their Facebook status. College students who posted more status updates than they normally did felt less lonely over the course of a week, even if no one "Liked" or commented on their posts, researchers found.
"We got the idea to conduct this study during a coffee-break sharing random stories about what friends had posted on Facebook," psychology researcher Fenne große Deters, of the Universitat Berlin, told LiveScience in an email. "Wondering why posting status updates is so popular, we thought that it would be thrilling to study this new form of communication empirically."
Deters and her colleague recruited about 100 undergraduates (all Facebook users) at the University of Arizona. All participants filled out initial surveys to measure their levels of loneliness, happiness and depression, and they gave the researchers access to their Facebook profiles by friending a dummy user created for the experiment.
The students were sent an analysis of their average weekly status updates (online wall-memos) and some of the participants were then told to post more statuses than usual over the next seven days. During that week, all completed a short online questionnaire at the end of each day about their mood and level of social connection.
Compared with the group of students who didn't adjust their social media habits, those who went on a status-writing blitz felt less lonely over the week, the team found. Their happiness and depression levels went unchanged, "suggesting that the effect is specific to experienced loneliness," the researchers wrote. And a drop in loneliness was linked to an increase in feeling more socially connected, which the researchers believe is the cause behind the positive effects of status updating. [6 Personal Secrets Your Facebook Profile Isn't Keeping]
Interestingly, the team found that loneliness levels did not depend on whether the students' status updates garnered any comments or "Likes" from Facebook friends. One might assume that a lack of response could be considered a form of rejection, but the act of writing a status update itself might help people feel more connected, the researchers said. When crafting a clever status, Facebook users have a target audience in mind. Simply thinking about their friends (or at least their Facebook friends) can have a "social snacking" effect.
"Similar to a snack temporarily reducing hunger until the next meal, social snacking may help tolerate the lack of 'real' social interaction for a certain amount of time," the researchers wrote in a paper published last month in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science.
Now with over a billion users, Facebook has become the focus of an increasing number of studies trying to uncover the real-life social side effects that can accompany using the social media site.
For example, research presented last year at the meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP) showed how the site offers a dangerous medium for social comparison. People in that study with lots of Facebook friends had lower self-esteem, feeling worse about their place in life and their achievements if they'd just viewed their friends' status updates, compared with people who hadn't recently surfed the site. But for people with just a few Facebook friends, viewing status updates wasn't a problem.
Another study, detailed in the Sept. 13 issue of the journal Nature, found such Facebook friends can influence real-life actions of one another. In that study, one "get out the vote" message sent to 61 million Facebook users on Election Day 2010 led to 340,000 people casting ballots when they otherwise would not have.
"We got the idea to conduct this study during a coffee-break sharing random stories about what friends had posted on Facebook," psychology researcher Fenne große Deters, of the Universitat Berlin, told LiveScience in an email. "Wondering why posting status updates is so popular, we thought that it would be thrilling to study this new form of communication empirically."
Deters and her colleague recruited about 100 undergraduates (all Facebook users) at the University of Arizona. All participants filled out initial surveys to measure their levels of loneliness, happiness and depression, and they gave the researchers access to their Facebook profiles by friending a dummy user created for the experiment.
The students were sent an analysis of their average weekly status updates (online wall-memos) and some of the participants were then told to post more statuses than usual over the next seven days. During that week, all completed a short online questionnaire at the end of each day about their mood and level of social connection.
Compared with the group of students who didn't adjust their social media habits, those who went on a status-writing blitz felt less lonely over the week, the team found. Their happiness and depression levels went unchanged, "suggesting that the effect is specific to experienced loneliness," the researchers wrote. And a drop in loneliness was linked to an increase in feeling more socially connected, which the researchers believe is the cause behind the positive effects of status updating. [6 Personal Secrets Your Facebook Profile Isn't Keeping]
Interestingly, the team found that loneliness levels did not depend on whether the students' status updates garnered any comments or "Likes" from Facebook friends. One might assume that a lack of response could be considered a form of rejection, but the act of writing a status update itself might help people feel more connected, the researchers said. When crafting a clever status, Facebook users have a target audience in mind. Simply thinking about their friends (or at least their Facebook friends) can have a "social snacking" effect.
"Similar to a snack temporarily reducing hunger until the next meal, social snacking may help tolerate the lack of 'real' social interaction for a certain amount of time," the researchers wrote in a paper published last month in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science.
Now with over a billion users, Facebook has become the focus of an increasing number of studies trying to uncover the real-life social side effects that can accompany using the social media site.
For example, research presented last year at the meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP) showed how the site offers a dangerous medium for social comparison. People in that study with lots of Facebook friends had lower self-esteem, feeling worse about their place in life and their achievements if they'd just viewed their friends' status updates, compared with people who hadn't recently surfed the site. But for people with just a few Facebook friends, viewing status updates wasn't a problem.
Another study, detailed in the Sept. 13 issue of the journal Nature, found such Facebook friends can influence real-life actions of one another. In that study, one "get out the vote" message sent to 61 million Facebook users on Election Day 2010 led to 340,000 people casting ballots when they otherwise would not have.
Kris Jenner Facebook Page Calling Kim Kardashian Critics 'Hoes' A Fake!
Labels: Technology
Kris Jenner made headlines this week after being quoted as calling critics of daughter Kim Kardashian's pregnancy (with boyfriend Kanye West) "hoes" on her Facebook page.
The problem is... it wasn't Kris' actual page!
PLAY IT NOW: Rob Kardashian Reacts To Sister Kim Kardashian’s Pregnancy
In an article published on Thursday, the UK's Daily Mail ran a story quoting Kris as posting, "Kim Kardashian is 32 & she's pregnant, but y'all hoes be 16 with 4 kids and no baby daddy.. & y'all calling her a slut? PLEASE, have a seat."
While the fake quotes were quickly picked up by media, the Facebook page cited by the British paper is merely a fan page (linking back to an unverified Twitter account, and having only 40,000 "likes").
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Kim Kardashian & Kanye West: Reality & Rap Power Couple!
Even the bio on the fake Facebook page seems to be a dead giveaway that it's not the Kardashian matriarch's actual page.
"Keep your latest UPDATES about the Kardashian/Jenner family.We love Kris Jenner," the fan page's bio states. "LIKE IT please! If you're a Kris Jenner Fan!"
And in the page's description on the "About" page, it seems to be clear the page is not authored by Kris, stating, "This is for the most AWESOME Mommy in all the world! For the Lovely Kris Jenner I love her a LOT! We love you."
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Reality TV’s Brunette Bombshell Kim Kardashian!
Meanwhile, Kris' official Facebook page boasts nearly half a million "likes," and the last official post on the famed momager's account was published on December 28.
As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, on Sunday, Kim announced she and Kanye West are expecting a baby.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Celebrity Baby Bumps
"We feel so blessed and lucky and wish that in addition to both of our families, his mom and my dad could be here to celebrate this special time with us," the 32-year-old star wrote in a post on her personal website at the time. "Looking forward to great new beginnings in 2013 and to starting a family. Happy New Year!!! Xo.
The problem is... it wasn't Kris' actual page!
PLAY IT NOW: Rob Kardashian Reacts To Sister Kim Kardashian’s Pregnancy
In an article published on Thursday, the UK's Daily Mail ran a story quoting Kris as posting, "Kim Kardashian is 32 & she's pregnant, but y'all hoes be 16 with 4 kids and no baby daddy.. & y'all calling her a slut? PLEASE, have a seat."
While the fake quotes were quickly picked up by media, the Facebook page cited by the British paper is merely a fan page (linking back to an unverified Twitter account, and having only 40,000 "likes").
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Kim Kardashian & Kanye West: Reality & Rap Power Couple!
Even the bio on the fake Facebook page seems to be a dead giveaway that it's not the Kardashian matriarch's actual page.
"Keep your latest UPDATES about the Kardashian/Jenner family.We love Kris Jenner," the fan page's bio states. "LIKE IT please! If you're a Kris Jenner Fan!"
And in the page's description on the "About" page, it seems to be clear the page is not authored by Kris, stating, "This is for the most AWESOME Mommy in all the world! For the Lovely Kris Jenner I love her a LOT! We love you."
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Reality TV’s Brunette Bombshell Kim Kardashian!
Meanwhile, Kris' official Facebook page boasts nearly half a million "likes," and the last official post on the famed momager's account was published on December 28.
As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, on Sunday, Kim announced she and Kanye West are expecting a baby.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Celebrity Baby Bumps
"We feel so blessed and lucky and wish that in addition to both of our families, his mom and my dad could be here to celebrate this special time with us," the 32-year-old star wrote in a post on her personal website at the time. "Looking forward to great new beginnings in 2013 and to starting a family. Happy New Year!!! Xo.
Spirax Sarco Releases Steam Trapping Overview Brochure
Labels: Business
A large selection of steam trap to meet the requirements of plant facilities
Blythewood, SC (PRWEB) January 10, 2013
Spirax Sarco has introduced a comprehensive Steam Trapping Overview Brochure, which combines all of their steam trap products and solutions. The brochure is divided into each trap type with explanation of the trap operation, user benefits and shows a list of all models to assist the reader with selecting the right trap for their plant. A side by side comparison chart shows all the trap types with main features, typical applications, sizes, body rating and maximum operating pressure. Also included is trap testing equipment, trap accessories and distribution and condensate manifolds which all are part of the steam trapping family of products.
The publication is available in print or as a .pdf at http://www.spiraxsarco.com/us
About Spirax Sarco, Inc.
Spirax Sarco is the world leader in steam system management. The Company provides a broad range of fluid control products, engineered packages, systems expertise and site services for its diverse range of over 100,000 industrial and institutional customers. The Company helps its customers to optimize production capacity, reduce energy costs and emissions, improve product quality and enhance the safety of their operations. Spirax Sarco has strategically located manufacturing plants around the world and employs approximately 4,700 people, of whom around 1,300 are direct sales and service engineers. Further information can be found at http://www.spiraxsarco.com/us.
Blythewood, SC (PRWEB) January 10, 2013
Spirax Sarco has introduced a comprehensive Steam Trapping Overview Brochure, which combines all of their steam trap products and solutions. The brochure is divided into each trap type with explanation of the trap operation, user benefits and shows a list of all models to assist the reader with selecting the right trap for their plant. A side by side comparison chart shows all the trap types with main features, typical applications, sizes, body rating and maximum operating pressure. Also included is trap testing equipment, trap accessories and distribution and condensate manifolds which all are part of the steam trapping family of products.
The publication is available in print or as a .pdf at http://www.spiraxsarco.com/us
About Spirax Sarco, Inc.
Spirax Sarco is the world leader in steam system management. The Company provides a broad range of fluid control products, engineered packages, systems expertise and site services for its diverse range of over 100,000 industrial and institutional customers. The Company helps its customers to optimize production capacity, reduce energy costs and emissions, improve product quality and enhance the safety of their operations. Spirax Sarco has strategically located manufacturing plants around the world and employs approximately 4,700 people, of whom around 1,300 are direct sales and service engineers. Further information can be found at http://www.spiraxsarco.com/us.
Passion Flower Powder Now Helps Prevent Insomnia in Adults Reports iTrustNews.com
Labels: Business
Passion flower powder is now helping to prevent insomnia in adults as reported by iTrustNews.com. The recent introduction to the U.S. market and several prominent showings on popular television programs has helped to introduce adults to this new sleep aid according to a new report now published.
Danbury, Connecticut (PRWEB) January 10, 2013
The iTrustNews.com website has published a new report about the popularity of passion flower powder to help prevent insomnia in adults. The healing benefits of this natural plant were recently introduced to U.S. television audiences on several popular medical programs. The new report published online details the many uses of this herbal medicine and exactly which retailers are now discounting online pricing due to the recent surge in requests for this new powder.
The passiflora, sometimes referred to as passionflower, has been used for centuries for its healing benefits in many cultures. The unprocessed powder that is created through grinding of the stems, leaves and flowers of this plant is used as additives in some foods. The healing benefits include digestive health, anxiety relief and blood pressure normalization. The iTrustNews.com report focuses on the sleep therapy that some have found when using this plant in powdered form.
Some health food stores and specialty retailers are now stocking the passion flower powder in order to meet the demand of consumers. The announcement of the healing benefits and ways this powder can be used has helped to create new interest both online and offline. One of the popular ways that men and women ingest this powder is in tea or other drinks. The majority of the supplies can be found online sold in one-pound packages. The pricing in the report was found to vary from retailer to retailer although discount information is included.
The all-natural base of the passion powder is one reason that consumers are now selecting this product. Instead of pharmaceutical created medicines, the natural ingredients provide a safe and effective sleep aid to adults suffering from insomnia. The new report online is scheduled to remain updated as new prices and stock information is obtained from retailers now selling this herbal aid.
About iTrustNews
The iTrustNews company syndicates its articles, new stories and product reviews through a network of hundreds of outlets on the Internet. News is gathered and reported by this company on a daily basis. A team of writers, editors and researches work together to locate some of the best discounts that can be found online to help consumers. The iTrustNews company launched its product reviews section of its website in 2012 and has continued with updates in the New Year. Through daily updates and special reports, this company provides a trusted resource for consumers researching products and services online.
Danbury, Connecticut (PRWEB) January 10, 2013
The iTrustNews.com website has published a new report about the popularity of passion flower powder to help prevent insomnia in adults. The healing benefits of this natural plant were recently introduced to U.S. television audiences on several popular medical programs. The new report published online details the many uses of this herbal medicine and exactly which retailers are now discounting online pricing due to the recent surge in requests for this new powder.
The passiflora, sometimes referred to as passionflower, has been used for centuries for its healing benefits in many cultures. The unprocessed powder that is created through grinding of the stems, leaves and flowers of this plant is used as additives in some foods. The healing benefits include digestive health, anxiety relief and blood pressure normalization. The iTrustNews.com report focuses on the sleep therapy that some have found when using this plant in powdered form.
Some health food stores and specialty retailers are now stocking the passion flower powder in order to meet the demand of consumers. The announcement of the healing benefits and ways this powder can be used has helped to create new interest both online and offline. One of the popular ways that men and women ingest this powder is in tea or other drinks. The majority of the supplies can be found online sold in one-pound packages. The pricing in the report was found to vary from retailer to retailer although discount information is included.
The all-natural base of the passion powder is one reason that consumers are now selecting this product. Instead of pharmaceutical created medicines, the natural ingredients provide a safe and effective sleep aid to adults suffering from insomnia. The new report online is scheduled to remain updated as new prices and stock information is obtained from retailers now selling this herbal aid.
About iTrustNews
The iTrustNews company syndicates its articles, new stories and product reviews through a network of hundreds of outlets on the Internet. News is gathered and reported by this company on a daily basis. A team of writers, editors and researches work together to locate some of the best discounts that can be found online to help consumers. The iTrustNews company launched its product reviews section of its website in 2012 and has continued with updates in the New Year. Through daily updates and special reports, this company provides a trusted resource for consumers researching products and services online.
New Book Tells of a Veteran Whose Life is Changed When He Moves to Arizona
Labels: Business
Author John C. Bird pens a fascinating fiction about a guy who gets more than he bargained for in retirement
(PRWEB) January 10, 2013
When Retired Army Officer Andy Frank moved to Arizona, it was so he could be near his other veteran buddies. He got more than he bargained for when he met Jenifer. Readers can witness the intriguing series of events that occur in author John C. Bird’s A Veteran Moves to Arizona.
When Andy is having breakfast with his three veteran friends, he finds himself attracted to a younger woman, Jenifer, who is their server. They go on one date that changes their lives forever. A Veteran Moves to Arizona follows their budding romance amidst a conflict with the Las Vegas mob, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other dilemmas that the couple must deal with. Adding complications to their already precarious relationship is Andy’s issue with their age difference—as he is twice Jenifer’s age—and Jenifer’s fear of men, which is brought about by her past experience with abuse. Will these two overcome all the challenges they face and find love and happiness?
An interesting story of a guy who just wants to be left alone in his retirement, who feels compelled to assist a young woman in need, A Veteran Moves to Arizona is also a take that explores the different feelings between two people who are cautiously navigating the unpredictable waters of love. It is a must-read for the Veteran, the romantic, and the Vet with PTSD and his significant other.
For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to http://www.Xlibris.com.
About the Author
John C. Bird has eight articles in publication on management topics and is the author of A Marine – A Soldier.
A Veteran Moves To Arizona * by John C. Bird
Publication Date: 10/26/2012
Trade Paperback; $19.99; 196 pages; 978-1-4797-3113-8
Trade Hardback; $29.99; 196 pages; 978-1-4797-3114-5
eBook; $3.99; 978-1-4797-3115-2
Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7879. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (610) 915-0294 or call (888) 795-4274 x. 7879.
For more information on self-publishing or marketing with Xlibris, visit http://www.Xlibris.com. To receive a free publishing guide, please call (888) 795-4274.
(PRWEB) January 10, 2013
When Retired Army Officer Andy Frank moved to Arizona, it was so he could be near his other veteran buddies. He got more than he bargained for when he met Jenifer. Readers can witness the intriguing series of events that occur in author John C. Bird’s A Veteran Moves to Arizona.
When Andy is having breakfast with his three veteran friends, he finds himself attracted to a younger woman, Jenifer, who is their server. They go on one date that changes their lives forever. A Veteran Moves to Arizona follows their budding romance amidst a conflict with the Las Vegas mob, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other dilemmas that the couple must deal with. Adding complications to their already precarious relationship is Andy’s issue with their age difference—as he is twice Jenifer’s age—and Jenifer’s fear of men, which is brought about by her past experience with abuse. Will these two overcome all the challenges they face and find love and happiness?
An interesting story of a guy who just wants to be left alone in his retirement, who feels compelled to assist a young woman in need, A Veteran Moves to Arizona is also a take that explores the different feelings between two people who are cautiously navigating the unpredictable waters of love. It is a must-read for the Veteran, the romantic, and the Vet with PTSD and his significant other.
For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to http://www.Xlibris.com.
About the Author
John C. Bird has eight articles in publication on management topics and is the author of A Marine – A Soldier.
A Veteran Moves To Arizona * by John C. Bird
Publication Date: 10/26/2012
Trade Paperback; $19.99; 196 pages; 978-1-4797-3113-8
Trade Hardback; $29.99; 196 pages; 978-1-4797-3114-5
eBook; $3.99; 978-1-4797-3115-2
Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7879. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (610) 915-0294 or call (888) 795-4274 x. 7879.
For more information on self-publishing or marketing with Xlibris, visit http://www.Xlibris.com. To receive a free publishing guide, please call (888) 795-4274.
Criminal cases made Pa. AG hand over NCAA suit
Labels: Sports
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania's attorney general said she granted Gov. Tom Corbett the authority to file a federal antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA because the litigation could present a conflict of interest as her office prosecutes three Penn State administrators.
Attorney General Linda Kelly told The Associated Press on Thursday that "an actual conflict of interest could, and likely would, arise if this office were involved in both cases."
Her office is prosecuting Graham Spanier, Gary Schultz and Tim Curley on charges of endangering the welfare of children, obstruction, conspiracy, failure to report suspected child abuse and perjury. Prosecutors claim they illegally covered up complaints and suspicions about Sandusky, a former defensive coordinator who was convicted last summer of 45 counts of child sexual abuse, including attacks inside campus facilities.
Corbett sued the NCAA in federal court on Wednesday, saying a set of penalties imposed against Penn State over its handling of the matter should be thrown out on antitrust grounds. The school agreed to a $60 million fine, a four-year ban on post-season play, a reduction in scholarships and the elimination of more than 100 wins under former coach Joe Paterno.
The size and scope of the criminal case made it "untenable" for the attorney general's office to sue the NCAA, Kelly said.
"Given the serious nature of both these cases, keeping these matters separate is the best course of action for the people of Pennsylvania," she said.
The NCAA has called Corbett's lawsuit meritless and an affront to the victims of Sandusky, who is now serving a 30- to 60-year state prison sentence for abuse of 10 boys over 15 years.
Spanier, forced out as president last year after Sandusky's arrest, remains a faculty member but is on paid leave. Curley is serving out the last year of his contract as athletic director, also on leave. Schultz, the school's vice president for business and finance, has retired.
All three have said they are innocent.
Under state law, the attorney general pursues and defends lawsuits involving most state agencies, but can delegate that power for reasons of efficiency or if it is otherwise deemed to be in the best interests of the state.
Kelly said her office received a request from Corbett's lawyer James D. Schultz on Friday, Dec. 14, for permission to sue the NCAA. Her office granted it three days later, she said. That authority, signed by the chief of her litigation section, can be terminated or amended by the attorney general's office, and it does not cover any appeals.
Kelly, a Republican, was nominated two years ago by Corbett, who left the office midterm after being elected governor.
Her decision drew criticism Thursday from a suburban Philadelphia politician who is considering a run against Corbett in the 2014 GOP primary. Bruce Castor, a Montgomery County commissioner and former district attorney, said the lawsuit appeared to be filed in a rush because Kelly's successor, Democrat Kathleen Kane, is scheduled to be sworn in Jan. 15.
"I can't imagine any circumstances where I would have given up a case of this importance from my office," Castor said. "It would be exciting. It would be challenging. It would be headline-grabbing. It would have all of the elements that I used to think made a case worthwhile of handling, if not by myself, with my staff."
Kane did not respond to a message seeking comment left Thursday for Charlie Lyons, a top aide in her transition.
Walter Cohen, who spent nearly seven years in the attorney general's office, including a year as the attorney general, said he doubted Kane will want to take the case back.
"She's going to be handed a lot of stuff that happened under Linda Kelly, including the Curley and Schultz and Spanier prosecutions," Cohen said. "That itself is a lot to do
Attorney General Linda Kelly told The Associated Press on Thursday that "an actual conflict of interest could, and likely would, arise if this office were involved in both cases."
Her office is prosecuting Graham Spanier, Gary Schultz and Tim Curley on charges of endangering the welfare of children, obstruction, conspiracy, failure to report suspected child abuse and perjury. Prosecutors claim they illegally covered up complaints and suspicions about Sandusky, a former defensive coordinator who was convicted last summer of 45 counts of child sexual abuse, including attacks inside campus facilities.
Corbett sued the NCAA in federal court on Wednesday, saying a set of penalties imposed against Penn State over its handling of the matter should be thrown out on antitrust grounds. The school agreed to a $60 million fine, a four-year ban on post-season play, a reduction in scholarships and the elimination of more than 100 wins under former coach Joe Paterno.
The size and scope of the criminal case made it "untenable" for the attorney general's office to sue the NCAA, Kelly said.
"Given the serious nature of both these cases, keeping these matters separate is the best course of action for the people of Pennsylvania," she said.
The NCAA has called Corbett's lawsuit meritless and an affront to the victims of Sandusky, who is now serving a 30- to 60-year state prison sentence for abuse of 10 boys over 15 years.
Spanier, forced out as president last year after Sandusky's arrest, remains a faculty member but is on paid leave. Curley is serving out the last year of his contract as athletic director, also on leave. Schultz, the school's vice president for business and finance, has retired.
All three have said they are innocent.
Under state law, the attorney general pursues and defends lawsuits involving most state agencies, but can delegate that power for reasons of efficiency or if it is otherwise deemed to be in the best interests of the state.
Kelly said her office received a request from Corbett's lawyer James D. Schultz on Friday, Dec. 14, for permission to sue the NCAA. Her office granted it three days later, she said. That authority, signed by the chief of her litigation section, can be terminated or amended by the attorney general's office, and it does not cover any appeals.
Kelly, a Republican, was nominated two years ago by Corbett, who left the office midterm after being elected governor.
Her decision drew criticism Thursday from a suburban Philadelphia politician who is considering a run against Corbett in the 2014 GOP primary. Bruce Castor, a Montgomery County commissioner and former district attorney, said the lawsuit appeared to be filed in a rush because Kelly's successor, Democrat Kathleen Kane, is scheduled to be sworn in Jan. 15.
"I can't imagine any circumstances where I would have given up a case of this importance from my office," Castor said. "It would be exciting. It would be challenging. It would be headline-grabbing. It would have all of the elements that I used to think made a case worthwhile of handling, if not by myself, with my staff."
Kane did not respond to a message seeking comment left Thursday for Charlie Lyons, a top aide in her transition.
Walter Cohen, who spent nearly seven years in the attorney general's office, including a year as the attorney general, said he doubted Kane will want to take the case back.
"She's going to be handed a lot of stuff that happened under Linda Kelly, including the Curley and Schultz and Spanier prosecutions," Cohen said. "That itself is a lot to do
Women's hockey team at Dalhousie University suspended over hazing ritual
Labels: Sports
HALIFAX - Officials at Dalhousie University in Halifax have suspended the women's hockey team for the rest of the season after an investigation revealed that a recent hazing ritual involved excessive drinking, intimidation and humiliation.
University spokesman Charles Crosby issued a brief statement Thursday saying many of the team's players were "put in harm's way" both physically and psychologically during a private house party in September.
Crosby says an investigation by the vice-president of student services started after a first-year athlete approached the team's coach with concerns about the treatment of new players.
Though no one was physically hurt, Crosby says the incident represents a serious breach of the university's expectations.
He confirmed that the team captains have been removed from their positions and all but the first-year players have been suspended for the remainder of the 2012-13 season, which has made it impossible for the team to continue playing.
As well, Crosby said the team will be educated about the university's hazing policy and counselling services will be offered to team members.
University spokesman Charles Crosby issued a brief statement Thursday saying many of the team's players were "put in harm's way" both physically and psychologically during a private house party in September.
Crosby says an investigation by the vice-president of student services started after a first-year athlete approached the team's coach with concerns about the treatment of new players.
Though no one was physically hurt, Crosby says the incident represents a serious breach of the university's expectations.
He confirmed that the team captains have been removed from their positions and all but the first-year players have been suspended for the remainder of the 2012-13 season, which has made it impossible for the team to continue playing.
As well, Crosby said the team will be educated about the university's hazing policy and counselling services will be offered to team members.
Spond cherishing chance at BCS title
Labels: Sports
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Notre Dame linebacker Danny Spond values every chance he gets to be on the football field.
That might sound trivial. After all, doesn't every player feel that way?
Probably so, but then again, few players have seen what Spond has seen.
The native of Littleton, Colo., was a star quarterback at Columbine High, where a school shooting took the lives of 13 people in 1999. Now a linebacker, he wears jersey No. 13 to honor those victims and has been deeply affected by the school massacre in Newtown, Conn., last month.
In August, he feared he might lose his football career when a migraine headache struck him so severely that he was unable to move parts of his body.
Now he's about to take the field with a national championship at stake.
"This is the biggest stage that we'll ever play on," Spond said.
No. 1 Notre Dame (12-0) meets No. 2 Alabama (12-1) on Monday night at Sun Life Stadium, a matchup of storied programs that will collide and decide the BCS national champion. Spond is expected to start for the Irish, who enter the game with the nation's top-ranked scoring defense, just a smidge ahead of the Crimson Tide.
Alabama is favored, which to the Irish isn't exactly a relevant point.
"In our eyes, this is a step down from the Super Bowl," Spond said. "Underdog or if you're favored in these games, that doesn't really matter."
And if anyone on the field Monday night can speak on what really matters, it might be Spond.
He knows what the Columbine shootings meant to his community, both then and now. He grieved for the victims of the school massacre in Newtown that took the lives of 26 students and teachers at an elementary school.
"I can't express how horrible of an event that is," Spond said Thursday, when he was among a small group of Notre Dame players who met with reporters in advance of the title game. "Going through that ... unspeakable. It's hard to explain. It's hard to put into words. I don't know what to say about it, other than time will heal. It did our community and I know it will there."
Spond relies on faith and makes no secret of it, using his beliefs to get him through tough moments, on the field and off.
When he was hospitalized in August, football wasn't his concern. Walking was.
Parts of Spond's left side were numb when he was struck by the migraine, which doctors originally feared was a stroke. He walked with a limp after spending about half a week in the hospital, then needed rehabilitation just so he could feel close to normal again. Football was pushed aside.
That is, until he surprised the Irish by coming back so quickly.
"We were just wondering if he would ever be able to function regularly on a daily basis," Irish star linebacker Manti Te'o said. "And then for him to come out — what was it, a week and a half later? — and say 'I'm going to practice,' we were like, 'Oh, Danny, you can just chill, you know. This is life we're talking about, not just football. Just chill.' But he goes, 'I'm going to get ready.'"
So he got ready. He finished the regular season with 38 tackles in 10 games, which doesn't sound all that impressive.
Notre Dame defensive coordinator Bob Diaco begs to differ.
"Danny Spond is, to me, one of the players of the year," Diaco said.
"To watch him battle and fight and stay positive and become the player that he has become for his teammates in 2012, he is a stalwart out there to the field. It's very hard to get a play on him in the pass game or the run game. It's just really been inspirational for me to watch and be a part of. So I'm so thankful for Danny Spond specifically in my life."
Spond said the six-week wait for this has been easier than some might think, since it's allowed the Irish to prepare and heal.
In short, he knows his team will be ready for whatever Nick Saban and Alabama can throw Notre Dame's way on Monday night.
"They are a great team," Spond said. "They are obviously in this game for a reason and they have proved that in the past couple of years. Coach Saban has built a very strong program over there, so we're preparing for their best. They'll give us their best."
That might sound trivial. After all, doesn't every player feel that way?
Probably so, but then again, few players have seen what Spond has seen.
The native of Littleton, Colo., was a star quarterback at Columbine High, where a school shooting took the lives of 13 people in 1999. Now a linebacker, he wears jersey No. 13 to honor those victims and has been deeply affected by the school massacre in Newtown, Conn., last month.
In August, he feared he might lose his football career when a migraine headache struck him so severely that he was unable to move parts of his body.
Now he's about to take the field with a national championship at stake.
"This is the biggest stage that we'll ever play on," Spond said.
No. 1 Notre Dame (12-0) meets No. 2 Alabama (12-1) on Monday night at Sun Life Stadium, a matchup of storied programs that will collide and decide the BCS national champion. Spond is expected to start for the Irish, who enter the game with the nation's top-ranked scoring defense, just a smidge ahead of the Crimson Tide.
Alabama is favored, which to the Irish isn't exactly a relevant point.
"In our eyes, this is a step down from the Super Bowl," Spond said. "Underdog or if you're favored in these games, that doesn't really matter."
And if anyone on the field Monday night can speak on what really matters, it might be Spond.
He knows what the Columbine shootings meant to his community, both then and now. He grieved for the victims of the school massacre in Newtown that took the lives of 26 students and teachers at an elementary school.
"I can't express how horrible of an event that is," Spond said Thursday, when he was among a small group of Notre Dame players who met with reporters in advance of the title game. "Going through that ... unspeakable. It's hard to explain. It's hard to put into words. I don't know what to say about it, other than time will heal. It did our community and I know it will there."
Spond relies on faith and makes no secret of it, using his beliefs to get him through tough moments, on the field and off.
When he was hospitalized in August, football wasn't his concern. Walking was.
Parts of Spond's left side were numb when he was struck by the migraine, which doctors originally feared was a stroke. He walked with a limp after spending about half a week in the hospital, then needed rehabilitation just so he could feel close to normal again. Football was pushed aside.
That is, until he surprised the Irish by coming back so quickly.
"We were just wondering if he would ever be able to function regularly on a daily basis," Irish star linebacker Manti Te'o said. "And then for him to come out — what was it, a week and a half later? — and say 'I'm going to practice,' we were like, 'Oh, Danny, you can just chill, you know. This is life we're talking about, not just football. Just chill.' But he goes, 'I'm going to get ready.'"
So he got ready. He finished the regular season with 38 tackles in 10 games, which doesn't sound all that impressive.
Notre Dame defensive coordinator Bob Diaco begs to differ.
"Danny Spond is, to me, one of the players of the year," Diaco said.
"To watch him battle and fight and stay positive and become the player that he has become for his teammates in 2012, he is a stalwart out there to the field. It's very hard to get a play on him in the pass game or the run game. It's just really been inspirational for me to watch and be a part of. So I'm so thankful for Danny Spond specifically in my life."
Spond said the six-week wait for this has been easier than some might think, since it's allowed the Irish to prepare and heal.
In short, he knows his team will be ready for whatever Nick Saban and Alabama can throw Notre Dame's way on Monday night.
"They are a great team," Spond said. "They are obviously in this game for a reason and they have proved that in the past couple of years. Coach Saban has built a very strong program over there, so we're preparing for their best. They'll give us their best."
Eco Wind Chimes Announces Shop by Sound Feature
Labels: Business
Seattle (PRWEB) January 08, 2013
Eco Wind Chimes is an online company that sells American-made wind chimes. Now, the company is launching its “shop by sound” feature. The feature allows online shoppers to make purchase decisions based on a sample sound. The sample sounds enables shoppers to listen to tones, such as “Earthsong”, “Island Melody” , “Majestic Morning” and more.
“Wind chimes provide soothing relief for the soul because of the music aspect. It only made sense that our online shoppers could hear the chimes before making a decision to purchase one,” said Stephen Betzen of Eco Wind Chimes. “Our renovated website allows people to shop by price and brand. But, it is the tone feature that really allows customers to connect with the wind chimes.”
The “Shop by Sound” feature can be accessed by clicking here: http://www.ecowindchimes.com/Shop-Wind-Chimes-By-Sound-s/3.htm “Online buying is at its strongest right now. I wanted to launch this feature so customers could really hear what we have to offer. Eco Wind Chimes has always stood out when stacked against our competitors because of our dedication to providing a superior quality product,” continued Betzen. Members of the media are invited to request a complimentary wind chime upon story request qualification.
About: All Eco Wind Chime products are made, and sourced, in the USA. The soothing products produced by Eco Wind Chimes match the company’s dedication to quality workmanship, affordability, and purposeful retail. Eco Wind Chimes is owned by husband and wife team, Rachel & Stephen Betzen.
Eco Wind Chimes is an online company that sells American-made wind chimes. Now, the company is launching its “shop by sound” feature. The feature allows online shoppers to make purchase decisions based on a sample sound. The sample sounds enables shoppers to listen to tones, such as “Earthsong”, “Island Melody” , “Majestic Morning” and more.
“Wind chimes provide soothing relief for the soul because of the music aspect. It only made sense that our online shoppers could hear the chimes before making a decision to purchase one,” said Stephen Betzen of Eco Wind Chimes. “Our renovated website allows people to shop by price and brand. But, it is the tone feature that really allows customers to connect with the wind chimes.”
The “Shop by Sound” feature can be accessed by clicking here: http://www.ecowindchimes.com/Shop-Wind-Chimes-By-Sound-s/3.htm “Online buying is at its strongest right now. I wanted to launch this feature so customers could really hear what we have to offer. Eco Wind Chimes has always stood out when stacked against our competitors because of our dedication to providing a superior quality product,” continued Betzen. Members of the media are invited to request a complimentary wind chime upon story request qualification.
About: All Eco Wind Chime products are made, and sourced, in the USA. The soothing products produced by Eco Wind Chimes match the company’s dedication to quality workmanship, affordability, and purposeful retail. Eco Wind Chimes is owned by husband and wife team, Rachel & Stephen Betzen.
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