Archive for October, 2011
Workers in Texas dismantle last of nation’s biggest nuclear bombs
Wednesday, October 26th, 2011AMARILLO, Texas — The last of the nation’s biggest nuclear bombs, a Cold War relic 600 times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima was dismantled Tuesday in what one energy official called a milestone in President Barack Obama’s mission to rid the world of nuclear weapons.
Workers in Texas separated the roughly 300 pounds of high explosives inside from the special nuclear material — uranium — known as the pit. The work was done outside of public view for security reasons, but explosives from a bomb taken apart earlier were detonated as officials and reporters watched from less than a mile away.
Put into service in 1962, when Cold War tensions peaked during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the B53 weighed 10,000 pounds and was the size of a minivan. Many of the bombs were disassembled in the 1980s, but a significant number remained in the U.S. arsenal until they were retired from the stockpile in 1997.
The B53′s disassembly ends the era of big megaton bombs, said Hans Kristensen, a spokesman for the Federation of American Scientists. The biggest nuclear bomb in the nation’s arsenal now is the 1.2-megaton B83, he said. The B53 was 9 megatons.
The 1.5-kiloton bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, at the end of World War II killed as many as 140,000 people.
The B53s’ size helped compensate for their lack of accuracy, Kristensen said. Today’s bombs are smaller but more precise, reducing the amount of collateral damage, he said.
Kristensen said the Obama administration shouldn’t boast about dismantling the B53 when its arsenal of active nuclear warheads has been reduced by only 10 in the past seven months and Russia’s arsenal has grown by 29. The two nations signed a treaty in December to reduce their arsenals.
Since the B53 was made using older technology by engineers who have retired or died, developing a disassembly process took time. Engineers had to develop complex tools and new procedures to ensure safety.
“We knew going in that this was going to be a challenging project, and we put together an outstanding team with all of our partners to develop a way to achieve this objective safely and efficiently,” said John Woolery, general manager of the Pantex Plant near Amarillo, where the bomb was taken apart.
The plant is the nation’s only nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly facility. Tuesday was the first time in 18 years media were allowed into secure places there. Hallways in one building had pictures of nuclear blasts from tests hanging on the walls. Riding in a bus one could see areas in the 16,000-acre facility, one of the nation’s most secure sites, where plutonium pits and other weapons materials are stored.
The B53′s pit will be kept there temporarily, Pantex spokesman Greg Cunningham said. Meanwhile, the remaining non-nuclear material and components will be processed, which includes sanitizing, recycling and disposal, the National Nuclear Security Administration said last fall when it announced the Texas plant’s role in the B53 dismantling.
What You Need to Know About Insulin
Tuesday, October 25th, 2011Insulin. It is a hormone essential for life. The diabetic child has to administer insulin, he may not be valid alternative treatment. In Spain today, using human insulin.
Types of Insulin:
1. Fast-acting insulin that begins to take effect within 15 minutes after injection, acting with greater intensity between 30 and 70 minutes.
2. Fast-acting insulin that begins [...]
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Stocks reach highest level since August
Tuesday, October 25th, 2011NEW YORK (AP) — Stock indexes closed Monday at the highest point since the U.S. debt limit showdown in August. The market was driven higher by a round of big corporate takeovers and reports that Europe’s bailout fund will be larger than originally thought. The Nasdaq composite turned positive for the year.
Netflix Inc. plunged 26 percent in after-hours trading after the DVD-by-mail and video streaming company forecast a sharp drop in fourth-quarter profits.
Investors are still waiting for a resolution to Europe’s debt problems. European leaders said they made progress at a weekend summit and plan to unveil concrete plans for containing the crisis by Wednesday.
The Dow Jones industrial average was up about 40 points in the first hour of trading but moved steadily higher through midday following reports that Europe’s takeover fund will be greatly expanded. It finished with a gain of 104.83 points, or 0.9 percent, at 11,913.62.
“The market is expecting that there will be some kind of deal worked out Wednesday,” when European financial ministers are scheduled to meet, said Uri Landesman, president of Platinum Partners.
“If there’s not a deal by then, the market is going down significantly.”
Even with concerns about Europe, U.S. companies are still reporting bigger profits. “Although there is a good deal of economic and political uncertainty in the world, we are not seeing it much in our business at this point,” Caterpillar Chief Executive Doug Oberhelman said.
The maker of construction equipment reported a 44 percent surge in income, more than Wall Street analysts were expecting, thanks to strong growth in exports. The company said it expected the global economy to continue recovering, albeit slowly. Caterpillar jumped 5 percent, the most of the 30 companies in the Dow.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 index rose to 1,254.19. That is just 3.45 points, or 0.3 percent, below where it started the year. It’s the highest close for the S&P 500 since Aug. 3, just as Washington was resolving a showdown over raising the country’s borrowing limit. If the S&P 500 finishes the year with a gain, it will be its biggest turnaround since 1984.
The Nasdaq composite rose 61.98, or 2.3 percent, to 2,699.44. The gains turned the Nasdaq positive for the year. The S&P 500 is the only major market index that remains lower than where it started the year.
The Russell 2000 index of small companies rose 3.3 percent as investors moved money into higher-risk assets.
Netflix sank 26.4 percent post-market trading after forecasting fourth-quarter income that was far below what analysts were expecting. Through Monday’s close the stock had plunged 59 percent since July 12, when it raised prices and announced a plan to break its DVD-by-mail business into a separate company. The company abandoned the plan after it triggered a revolt among subscribers.
Other major U.S. companies due to report earnings this week include UPS Inc., Ford Motor Co. and Procter & Gamble.
Analysts expect companies in the S&P 500 to report earnings growth of 14 percent for the third quarter, according to data provider FactSet. They expect a 10 percent gain in revenue.
Expenses are also expected to climb. Higher costs for raw materials helped drag down income 8 percent at Kimberly-Clark Corp., which reported results Monday. The stock fell 5 percent. The company is a major consumer products maker whose brands include Huggies and Kleenex.
Higher costs also hurt cigarette maker Lorillard, which reported a 3 percent drop in income. Lorillard’s stock fell 0.6 percent.
A series of corporate deals helped lift the market, said Phil Orlando, chief equity strategist at Federated Investors. “This is telling us that companies think stocks are cheap, and they’re willing to spend some of the cash that’s sitting around on their balance sheets,” he said.
Deals announced included:
• HealthSpring Inc. jumped 34 percent after Cigna Corp. said it will buy the health insurer for about .8 billion in cash. Cigna rose 1.4 percent.
• RightNow Technologies Inc. gained 19 percent after Oracle Corp. said it will buy the tech service company for about .5 billion. Oracle rose 2.3 percent.
• Mattel Inc. rose 2 percent after it agreed to buy Hit Entertainment, the owner of the Thomas & Friends and Barney brands, for 0 million in cash.
• The J.M. Smucker Co. added 0.7 percent after it bought most of Sara Lee Corp.’s North American foodservice coffee operations for about 0 million.
Five shares rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange. Volume was average at 4.2 billion shares.
Cafero endorses McQuaid
Monday, October 24th, 2011To the Editor:
I heartily endorse and support Rick McQuaid for Town Clerk in the upcoming elections on Nov. 8. As a lifelong resident of Norwalk, Rick has made a career of giving back to his hometown. In his current position as an intervention specialist in the city’s school system, he helps “at risk” kids who need it most, either because of academic issues or behavior that is manifested in the classroom due to of problems at home.
Rick McQuaid has sacrificed for his community with little fanfare; he served for eight years on the Planning Commission in addition to nearly 16 years on the Common Council. He is currently Chairman of the Council.
He also has private sector experience that will be invaluable as Town Clerk in dealing with Norwalk residents in need of answers and help.
Rick brings a wealth of knowledge of government and industry and has demonstrated that he can work with everyone he comes into contact with. As our Town Clerk, he will be able to solve the problems and meet the needs of the more than 85,000 people who, like me, call Norwalk home.
Rick McQuaid is a person of integrity and he has always exhibited a common sense touch. He understands the demands of the job he is seeking, and Norwalk would be wise to hire him.
Larry Cafero
State Rep. Norwalk
New Briefs for Monday, Oct. 24
Monday, October 24th, 2011Upcoming Norwalk LWV debates
• Monday, Oct. 24: 7-8 p.m. Board of Education District C Forum; 8-9 p.m. Common Council District C Forum, Norwalk City Hall Common Council Chambers
•Wednesday, Oct. 26: 7-8 p.m. Board of Education District D Forum; 8-9 p.m. Common Council District D Forum, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 208 Newtown Avenue; Rear Entrance
•Thursday, Oct. 27: Mayoral Forum, 7-9 p.m., Norwalk City Hall Community Room 125 East Avenue
•Wednesday, Nov. 2: 7-8 p.m. Board of Ed District E Forum; 8-9 p.m. Common Council District E Forum, Roton Middle School 201 Highland Ave.
•Thursday, Nov. 3: 7-8 p.m. Board of Education District A Forum; 8-9 p.m. Common Council District A Forum, Free refreshments at 6 pm Norwalk Public Library Community Room, Main Library, Belden Avenue
Day of the Dead, El Dia De Los Muerto
NORWALK — The nonprofits Junior Arts and Music and Sono Corporate Center will host a South Norwalk community celebration of the Mexican Holiday, El Dia De Los Muertos on Oct. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m.
The free event will begin with music, food and fun at Sono Park at 50 Washington St. From there, a carved pumpkin will lead a noisy parade down Washington Street before turning right onto Water Street and ended at JAM, 140 Water St. Once at JAM, friends and families will be invited to partake in Mexican art activities and music.
Brien McMahon turns 50
NORWALK — Brien McMahon High School will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 29, with a dinner-dance at Chatham Manor on Connecticut Avenue from 6-11 p.m. Tickets are and includes a reception hour, buffet dinner, guest speakers and music. A cash bar will be available.
A large turnout is expected so purchasing tickets early is encouraged. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, contact Anniversary Committee Chairperson MaryAnn Wehrheim at the high school, 203-852-9488, ext. 11294 or mem47@optonline.net, or Joe Madaffari at pridejm@aol.com.
Movie of the Month
NORWALK — The fourth Movie-of-the-Month at NCC, 188 Richards Ave., will be 1967′s “Hombre,” directed by Martin Ritt and starring Paul Newman, Richard Boone, and Frederic March, Martin Balsam, and Barbara Rush. The film will be shown at 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, Nov. 3, in the East Campus Forum Theatre.
Center for Global Studies Open Houses Scheduled
NORWALK – The Center for Global Studies, an interdistrict high school located in Brien McMahon High School, will hold an evening open house at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10. The CGS is open to any grade 9-12 student in Fairfield County who wants to learn Arabic, Chinese or Japanese language and culture. The program includes trips abroad and hosting opportunities.
Prospective students and their parents can meet teachers and students, tour the school, and learn about the program in depth.
There are also Daytime Open Houses on Friday, Nov. 18 and Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 8 to 10 a.m.
Applications for admission are due on Jan. 15, 2012. Visit www.centerglobalstudies.org for more information.
Veterans rent, mortgage assistance available
NORWALK –Time is running out for filing an application to the Peter Wojtecki Veteran Assistance Foundation. The Foundation will pay rent, mortgage or any other unexpected expense for one year for a veteran who needs temporary help to get back on his or her feet.
Documents required are proof of honorable military service, proof of residency, copy of bills for which assistance is requested, financial statements and income tax return.
Applications must be submitted by Oct. 30.
To obtain an application, the veteran may write to: P.O. Box 404, New Canaan, 06840, or visit http/Wojtecki.blogspot.com. You may also call (203) 801-0060 or (203) 359-0169.
Lucie Arnaz plays
for Land Trust
NORWALK –The Norwalk Land Trust will present “An Evening with Lucie Arnaz” at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, at Norwalk Concert Hall. Arnaz is the daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and will perform a cabaret show with standards from yesterday and today. Tickets are to benefit the Land Trust’s education and stewardship programs. For information, call (203) 838-9985.
Registrar of Voters to hold special sessions
NORWALK – The Registrar of Voters will hold voter registration session Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. An additional evening session will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. Regular office hours are: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The last day to register by mail is Oct. 25 the deadline to register in person in Nov.1; those persons who move to Norwalk or turned 18 or have become a United States citizen after Nov. 1, can register up to Nov. 7 by noon.
Voters must be 18 years of age, must be citizens of the United States and must be a bona fide resident in the town/city in which they seek to be admitted.
BMHS to hold used clothing drive
NORWALK — Brien McMahon High School will be holding a used clothing drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. The school will accept clothing, coats, belts, handbags, linens, pillows, backpacks, stuffed animals and shoes and boots. The school will be paid by the pound and all proceeds support the BMHS PTO. Note: all items must be packaged in plastic bags. Call (203) 852-0388 with questions/concerns.
Carbohydrate counting diabetes diet
Sunday, October 23rd, 2011
carbohydrate counting diabetes diet
When it comes to diabetes it is very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle as well as important to maintain a healthy diet and a carbohydrate counting diabetes diet can do just that. It can help you stay on track with your diabetes as well as with your health.
Carbohydrate counting diabetes diet is a great way to not only maintain your diabetes but also a good way to lose weight at the same time. With carbohydrate counting you can maintain a healthy weight all while maintaining your diabetes at the same time.
Carbohydrates are very dangerous for diabetics because carbohydrates are nothing but starches and there are good starches and there are bad starches. Bad starches are the starches that take longer to break down or for the body to absorb and when the body can’t absorb the sugar fast enough it causes the sugar to build up which registers for as a diabetic having high blood sugar because of the higher sugar levels. Some examples of bad carbohydrates are breads, pastas, grains and wheat products but you can eat carbohydrates but as a food exchange such as wheat bread for white bread, etc.
Good starches are starches that your body can absorb and breakdown which means that your body is able to handle them and they don’t have to work harder in order to maintain them. Good starches are in your whole wheat pastas and bread versus the white ones.
By being able to perform and follow a carbohydrate counting diabetes diet you can not only maintain a better health about yourself but will also be able to maintain a healthy diet and a healthy blood sugar reading level.
Pete Seeger and pals attend NYC protest action
Sunday, October 23rd, 2011NEW YORK — Folk music legend Pete Seeger joined in the Occupy Wall Street protest Friday night, replacing his banjo with two canes as he marched with throngs of people in New York City’s tony Upper West Side past banks and shiny department stores.
The 92-year-old Seeger, accompanied by musician-grandson Tao Rodriguez Seeger, composer David Amram, and bluesman Guy Davis, shouted out a verse as the crowd of about 1,000 people sang and chanted.
They marched peacefully over more than 30 blocks from Symphony Space, where the Seegers and other musicians performed, to Columbus Circle. Police watched from the sidelines.
At the circle, Seeger and friends walked to the chant of “We are the 99 percent” and “We are unstoppable, another world is possible.” Seeger stopped to bang a metal statue of an elephant with his cane — to cheers from the crowd.
At the center of the circle, Seeger and Amram were joined by ’60s folk singer Arlo Guthrie in a round of “We Shall Overcome,” a protest anthem made popular by Seeger.
After more singing, Seeger asked for a mic check to tell the crowd: “The words are simple: I could be happy spending my days on the river that flows both way-ay-ays.”
During the march, the younger Seeger, in troubadour fashion like his grandfather, walked among the protesters playing songs. Amra took up a flute and others enlivened the night protest with the sounds of the accordion, banjos, and guitars.
At the front of the throng, marchers held American flags and a large blue flag that said: “Revolution Generation … Debt is Slavery.” Along the way, the crowd sang protest songs made popular or written by Seeger, Woody Guthrie, and others of the protest era.
Occupy Wall Street began a month ago in lower Manhattan among a few young people, and has grown to thousands around the country and the world.
An Associated Press-GfK poll says more than one-third of the country supports the Wall Street protesters, and even more — 58 percent — say they are furious about America’s politics.
Let Us Review The Hottest Selection Of Boss Motorsports Wheels
Saturday, October 22nd, 2011Being a vehicle owner is more than just practical; our cars portray our status and our tastes. When it comes to purchasing a vehicle we will spend many days or even weeks checking out all the options so that we are certain to choose a model that matches our personality. However, even with extensive research, we still end up with a car that is sold in huge numbers. If you want to modify your motor so that it stands out from all the others you should start on the wheels. How about a set of Boss rims to add an extra style to the appearance?
We should feel proud to drive our vehicles. We may spend a lot of money modifying the interior, for example with special seats and a music system, but it is the exterior that will get you noticed. These wheel and tire packages are a great way to create a new look, as they are very noticeable.
You should look at the car’s rims in the same way that you view your shoes. Ask yourself if you’d go to your office in a pair of dirty old pumps, most of us would not. Then why would you drive a car with boring old stock parts? Modifications help to show others that we care about every aspect of our appearance, be it on our person or in our possessions.
Maybe you are wondering why Boss rims are such a good buy as opposed to other brands. Well, the quality of the finish is second to none. There has been extensive craftsmanship and research that has gone into every single design. Of course you would want any rims to be structurally solid, this is as important as their appearance as if there was any cracks or weaknesses then they can easily come flying off when you are in top gear; the consequences of this should not need to be explained.
If you prefer to buy American goods and more so in the times of economic turmoil, you’ll be happy to find out that Boss are a wholly owned American business with factories only within the States. Your cash will not end up lining the pockets of foreign shareholders.
The amount of testing that has gone into each Boss product will give you peace of mind that they have been built satisfactorily. It’s no surprise that Boss rims are so popular. It would not be possible for any company to remain profitable these days if they did not produce top quality goods.
One issue with cheap rims is that they soon become tarnished and look unsightly. By choosing Boss rims you will have a set of rims that have a unique coating which help to prevent damage and therefore provide a much longer life. No matter what vehicle you own, be it an SUV, sports model, or a new hybrid car, then a set of funky looking rims will give you a great satisfaction and pride.
Borderline diabetes diet
Saturday, October 22nd, 2011
borderline diabetes diet
One of the most important key factors in taking care of your diabetes and being able to maintain them is to take care of your diet and exercise. Borderline diabetes diet is a main way in taking care of your diabetes and making sure that you are able to keep a balance diet and exercise and by doing those in moderation taking care of diabetes is a cinch.
Borderline diabetes diet is key when trying to maintain your diabetes. Fiber is very important to any diabetic. A fiber diet can help prevent borderline diabetes. Some of the foods that are good fibers are bran, beans, fresh berries, lentils and green leafy vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage and greens such as spinach. If you cannot get enough fibers in your diet then fiber supplements are recommended but only if you cannot get enough from natural foods.
When it comes to being a borderline diabetes and needing a good borderline diabetes diet fresh fruits, vegetables are needed in order to make up at least 50% of your diet. Meats need to be low fat, skinless and fresh, don’t get frozen meats or prepackaged meats if they can be avoided. Grill, bake or broil your meats before eating them instead of frying them in harmful oils and marinades.
Borderline diabetes diet also can consists of brown rice instead of white and bran, stay away from white sugar and flour and use alternatives that are better for you. Eat fresh foods and foods that are grown naturally instead of eating prepackaged meals which can save you time, money and also be more beneficial to your health instead of detrimental.
Borderline diabetes diets can be achieved and are easy to take care of with the right combination and knowledge so better yourself with the right foods!
Pure Stevia Extract Powder 3.5 oz Powder
Saturday, October 22nd, 2011Pure Stevia Extract Powder – 3.5 oz – Powder
Stevia Extract (Stevia rebaudiana) (leaf) (Supplying Steviosides) – 42 mg – %
Pure Stevia Extract Powder Description: NO unpleasant aftertaste and NO calories. The steviosides should not adversely affect blood glucose levels in most individuals. Also available in liquid form. Size: 3.5oz 42mg Powder Directions: Take 1 serving daily, preferably with a meal or beverage. Store in cool, dry place. Serving Size: 1 scoop Ingredients: Amount per serving: % Dail….more info