text:
Read the full story here Web Link posted Wednesday, October 16, 2013, 7:14 AM
Town Square
Fire department defends pancake-breakfast alert
Original post made on Oct 16, 2013
Read the full story here Web Link posted Wednesday, October 16, 2013, 7:14 AM
Comments (47)
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Oct 16, 2013 at 8:31 am
I don't get it. Why would an emergency helicopter landing generate 911 calls? I would imagine in a real emergency, 911 would have sent the helicopter so why call them? Curiosity yes, but hardly worth calling 911 just to find out what's going on. After all, who calls 911 when they see police activity?
This doesn't ring true.
a resident of another community
on Oct 16, 2013 at 9:37 am
Sounds like someone is trying to cover their tracks for a misuse of an "emergency" system. Chief Nickel is off to a good start with coverups instead of admitting it was wrong.
a resident of Downtown North
on Oct 16, 2013 at 9:53 am
I agree with Resident and with Richard.
a resident of Palo Verde
on Oct 16, 2013 at 10:20 am
The headline says "defends" but when Nickle is quoted he says he would change the wording or use something like facebook instead. This does not sound like a defense to me.
There is an explanation of the thinking when the message went out. OK. Did the headline writer fail to read or comprehend the rest of the story?
p.s. I am not related to or know anyone in fire department or even city govt. I was annoyed by the message but I think the steps being taken are appropriate and not deserving of "coverup".
a resident of Crescent Park
on Oct 16, 2013 at 10:27 am
Much to do about nothing, as is usual in Palo Alto. I understood the message to be primarily about a helicopter landing.
a resident of Midtown
on Oct 16, 2013 at 10:27 am
wbp is a registered user.
I agree with Richard, I think this was a misuse of the emergency notification system. This was not an emergency. I also doubt the statistics on how many calls to 911 they get when a helicopter lands somewhere.
a resident of Greenmeadow
on Oct 16, 2013 at 10:37 am
I think PAFD just acknowledged they should do this differently next time. Enough said. Let's move on.
a resident of Professorville
on Oct 16, 2013 at 10:39 am
I liked the alert. I like living in a town that feels small enough that a pancake breakfast is news. It's enough for me if they say they'll use FB next time.
a resident of Midtown
on Oct 16, 2013 at 10:42 am
The "alert" messages were quite disruptive at our home. It felt like an unreasonable use of this important message system. Reading this article, I realize that I should have made a more formal complaint to make sure the Chief hears the concerns of what came across as an advertisement.
a resident of Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on Oct 16, 2013 at 10:53 am
Another complaint from here.
As for not waking people up, some of us who've had our sleep scheduled regularly messed up been by the NIGHTLY midnight and later helicopter and plane flights were still sleeping -- or trying to -- at 9AM.
a resident of Fairmeadow
on Oct 16, 2013 at 11:08 am
When I saw the message I immediately deleted it, as it wasn't something in which I was interested. I didn't even realize that it was from the County Alert email service until there were articles about it in various papers, including the Sacramento Bee.
I agree that this was not the best use of this service, but it's not the first time that it has been used somewhat irresponsibly, in my opinion.
The Fire Chief's claim that he was trying to avert 911 calls about a helicopter landing in Palo Alto really is lame. Has there ever been a helicopter landing in Palo Alto in the past that has generated 911 calls? Probably not. So, how does he, having only recently arrived in town, come to this conclusion?
Twitter, Facebook, and the normal email lists, and PSAs in the local media should be more than enough outreach for these sorts of activities. Hopefully this fellow will not use the SCCAlert system for his fundraisers in the future.
a resident of Old Palo Alto
on Oct 16, 2013 at 11:11 am
Shouldn't try to justify it. just apologize for it,
a resident of Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on Oct 16, 2013 at 11:12 am
Does anyone know how to lodge a complaint about all the late-night early-morning flights?
You can set your watch by them: midnight, 12:30AM, 1:30AM.
Very loud and very annoying where I live.
a resident of Adobe-Meadow
on Oct 16, 2013 at 11:28 am
If the purpose was to alert about the helicopter flight, why didn't the phone message explicitly say anything about this flight? The email message did though, although the helicopter flight info was buried in the message.
It was clear from the phone message and the email message that the primary purpose was to promote the pancake breakfast benefiting Project Safety Net. A laudable goal, but not an emergency.
a resident of Fairmeadow
on Oct 16, 2013 at 12:03 pm
If Palo Alto wants a way to communicate with the city via text and phone, they should have an event line and as residents we should be able to sign up and choose what types of events we'd like to be alerted about.
Come on PA - Get it together. An emergency alert system is no place for advertisements.
On a side note:
I didn't get this alert!! I feel left out :(
I wanted to go... sniffle sniffle - I love pancakes and so do my kids *darn
a resident of Crescent Park
on Oct 16, 2013 at 12:03 pm
I loved getting notification about the pancake breakfast and I don't have a problem with them using the alert system. It was a short and sweet message. I'm sure more folks were happy to receive it than not receive it. We don't need to create ANOTHER means for communicating.
a resident of Adobe-Meadow
on Oct 16, 2013 at 12:30 pm
I guess I'm one of the 10 people who complained to the city. It's a little unnerving when all 4 phones in the household start to ring at the same time, just as we're trying to get out the door to work. I heard 'pancake breakfast' and hung up. Later in communication with the city they said it was to warn people about the helicopter landing at Rinconada. Oops -- never heard that. And I live a block from Mitchell Park. Am I going to hear a helicopter at Rinconada? I don't think so. This is bordering on 'the boy who cried wolf.' That's my main objection. If it's used for non-emergency calls many of us won't bother to answer it. Then a real emergency gets ignored. How about a different system with separate sign-up for 'city news?'
a resident of Southgate
on Oct 16, 2013 at 12:31 pm
I agree with Richard.
a resident of Crescent Park
on Oct 16, 2013 at 12:56 pm
Do you know what time it was in Europe when I got this "emergency" call?
a resident of Midtown
on Oct 16, 2013 at 2:50 pm
I agree with Richard, a little ___ covering going on here. I think the Fire Chief got the meaning of emergency confused. I seem to remember a story when I was kid about a wolf...
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Oct 16, 2013 at 2:55 pm
I removed myself from this "emergency" alert system because the repeated abuses. Next time I'll call 911 when something really happens.
a resident of Crescent Park
on Oct 16, 2013 at 3:25 pm
I am fine with the pancake alert ... unless it happens chronically it is not a problem.
a resident of Fairmeadow
on Oct 16, 2013 at 3:48 pm
As of this hour (15:47 on Wednesday), there is a link up on the Drudgereport
pointing to a SF CBS TV web-site:
Web Link
Guess when you pay a Fire Chief as much as this one, he's got to do something to justify his salary.
a resident of Professorville
on Oct 16, 2013 at 4:14 pm
There is no defense of this: apologies and penalties are what is needed here.
a resident of another community
on Oct 16, 2013 at 4:48 pm
In my opinion the Fire Chief's excuse and statement are lame at best. If he was honestly trying to calm people as to why a helicopter was going to be in the area the Emergency Alert should have stated something about a helicopter at a minimum.
I'd have more respect for FD managers if they just admitted they made a huge mistake. Instead of trying a 3rd grade cover up.
a resident of Community Center
on Oct 16, 2013 at 5:24 pm
The real question is why did it take the weekly 5 days to do a story. I guess they were caught between a rock and a hard place. They were hoping the story would blow over so they would not have to do a story that would embarrass their buddies in fre department -- when it did not they were forced to do the story otherwise their journalistic integrity ( I say suppressing a guffaw) would be compromised. Tough trying to be an " independent " news source and protect your buddies at the same time
a resident of Palo Alto High School
on Oct 16, 2013 at 5:39 pm
Ha, right when I answered the phone and heard the first sentence, I hung up and thought, "Oh, the Palo Altans are going to complain about this." Sure enough, here we are. I agree the "helicopter notification" is lame, and I didn't even hear it because I hung up. If he really wanted to notify people about helicopters, the message should have been called at 12:30, as the helicopter appeared around 1:00.
I actually brought my family to the Pancake Breakfast (I'd already read about it) and it was quite a fun time (for elementary kids). The DJ was funny and the exhibits were interesting, and included PA SWAT team gear, CPR dummies for practice, trailer with kiddie lecture about fire safety, police motorcycle to sit on, police car to climb into, fire truck to climb into, a demo of firemen rescuing a dummy from a car wreck, helicopter landing, etc. My only complaint is that they starting rounding up people to wait for the show 45 minutes prior to the show.
The phone call/email was overkill. Just a non-invasive email to our PA residents would be a better idea for publicizing.
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on Oct 16, 2013 at 5:42 pm
Yeah, I was surprised by the call, too. But now...the Chief's point about informing the public to avoid overwhelming 911 with concerned callers makes absolute sense to me.
I happened to drive by right when all the demonstrations were happening - LifeFlight, crashed car/jaws-of-life demo and when multiple fire & emergency vehicles (with lights flashing, firefighters in full regalia) were all clustered near each other at Embarcadero & Newell. Very visible. Cars slowed around the scene (appropriately) and groups of curious pedestrians were evident on the other side of Embarcadero. I now understand why an alert was necessary. Last year the breakfast was held at Stanford's firehouse - not on a main thoroughfare.
To PAFD and Facebook - thank you so much for your kind and incredible support of Project Safety Net - for delighting Palo Alto children and parents with your demonstrations and tasty food - for the critical service you provide for our community every day.
I am glad 911 was not overwhelmed - I can see how it easily could have been, had the public not been made aware. If you're guilty of one thing - it's for being too cheery and welcoming on the alert. It threw alot of us off, apparently... You'll have to "fix that" next year - warning first. (hint hint for 2014). THANK YOU!!!
a resident of Midtown
on Oct 16, 2013 at 6:53 pm
OK, Eric Nickel abused resources intrusted to him, and in my opinion should be dismissed.
But the real question is, where do we go in Palo Alto to complain about deficient and inappropriate behavior of Palo Alto employees. It has been my experience that there is a cover your ass culture in city services, and one official laughed at me when I suggested Palo Alto should adopt a quality improvement program.
a resident of Barron Park
on Oct 16, 2013 at 7:23 pm
Yes, was out of town and got a text and a voice mail from the "emergency system". Pancakes are not an emergency. That was advertising. It's SPAM.
a resident of Midtown
on Oct 16, 2013 at 10:19 pm
Oh for the love of Pete! Do you people realize that if you received the alert -- you SIGNED UP for it on the AlertSCC website? The emergency alert system is different and frankly, I'm glad we don't get many calls from that system. How was this call any different from the callout the school district sent asking parents to fill out a survey? And by the way, to the person with four phones - isn't having four phones receiving a message at the same time somewhat of a high class problem? Really? The federal government can't get its act together and the alert is your biggest worry?Get over yourselves!
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Oct 17, 2013 at 9:01 am
"Pancakes are not an emergency".
Obviously Ken has never had to satisfy the cravings of a pregnant wife. ;-)
a resident of Palo Alto High School
on Oct 17, 2013 at 11:05 am
The fire chief should be dismissed? Get real! It was a minor disruption, no worse than someone honking their horn. Actually, someone honking their horn for no emergency situation is more bothersome to me. Fortunately, Palo Altans know better than to honk their horns when not necessary.
As far as us signing up for the AlertSCC, the implication was that we would receive only emergency calls. But "emergency" is open to interpretation. A missing person isn't considered an emergency by some. We don't receive many AlertSCCs, so if it's a call where the public can help others, it's worthwhile.
It's the sales calls which kill me.
a resident of Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on Oct 17, 2013 at 11:42 am
If they're going to warn us about every helicopter and plane, be prepared to be woken up at midnight, 12:30 AM, 1:30 AM, etc.
The excuse is totally bogus.
a resident of Community Center
on Oct 17, 2013 at 1:17 pm
"We have learned there are other technologies to use for event notification, such as Facebook, Twitter...." Nickel said.
Hey everyone, the Palo Alto Fire Department has just discovered the existence of Facebook and Twitter! Let's all welcome to the PAFD to 2008.
a resident of Palo Verde
on Oct 17, 2013 at 2:05 pm
Here to voice my complaint. The emergency line has been abused.
a resident of another community
on Oct 17, 2013 at 3:15 pm
If the alert was really about the helicopter landing, then a notice of the helicopter landing would have been the first thing mentioned in the alert.
a resident of Old Palo Alto
on Oct 17, 2013 at 7:56 pm
Kinda funny how no city council members bothered to respond to this incident. Kinda sad that the city manager (who authorizes use of the Alert SCC Emergency messages) chose to let the new Fire Chief fend for himself. Guess this speaks volumes about the city manager and his lack of integrity and inability to exert any professional management skills. After promoting the recent hiring of numerous senior management positions to promote efficiency (including multiple communication positions), the city manager has shown that he would rather let his employees hang in the wind while he shamefully hides, accepts no responsibility, and acknowledges nothing. What a pity!
a resident of Esther Clark Park
on Oct 17, 2013 at 10:06 pm
Using the Emergency Alert system to invite people to a pancake breakfast was just plain stupid, period. I saw the helicopter landing as I drove by Walter Hayes. I had no idea why a medical helicopter would land there, being so close to Stanford hospital, and then I remember the Emergency Alert. That was irresponsible, and costly. There is no way the PAFD sold enough pan cakes to pay for the simple hourly cost of fuel for that helicopter, let alone the hourly maintenance and crew costs, and don't forget the cost of the police needed to block off Embarcadero for the stunt, no way, this had to be a money loosing 'event', when the real cost shouldered by tax payers is considered. PAFD abuses the Emergency Alert system, pisses away probably thousands of dollars in helicopter fees (yes, they are very expensive to operate) for what? a PR stunt fail? Well done, some great community building there.
a resident of Midtown
on Oct 17, 2013 at 11:01 pm
This is so sad that people are so disconnected from their community. Palo Alto Fire Dept. really just wanted people to come out and enjoy a great day. They try to do something nice like raise money for a cause that is trying to save kids from completing suicide and you are complaining about a phone call? Really??
a resident of Crescent Park
on Oct 18, 2013 at 8:48 am
Thanks Sally - I'm with you - and so are thousands of other Palo Altans who participated and are able to keep perspective on this.
The demonstration scene was visible & worthy of letting the public know (to not be alarmed, cause traffic problems or inundate 911). The alert - as delivered - sounded more like an ad, less like an alert. A momentary incident & very forgivable offense in my book - especially given the big picture (and the Chief's acknowledgement).
Borrowing from your words: It IS sad that a few vocal people seem so disconnected from the good that is so evident in their own community. The PA Fire Dept. - who serve us every day - did something incredible last Saturday. They created a welcoming and wonderful event for families while simultaneously raising awareness and money for an extremely important cause - suicide prevention.
Community connections protect life as well as make life enjoyable. I'm grateful to the PAFD for recognizing that and bringing us together on a beautiful Saturday morning.
More maple syrup, Palo Alto - fewer sour grapes!
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Oct 18, 2013 at 9:34 am
This was nothing more than an advertisement that the Fire Dept. was doing a pancake breakfast. Helicopters are in Palo Alto every now and then lifting heavy items on top of buildings. I don't see a alert notice for them. Waste of taxpayer money!
a resident of Crescent Park
on Oct 18, 2013 at 10:31 am
@ Josh:
Agree with you that the message came off as an ad. Acknowledged and apologized for. And in the big picture - worthy of forgiveness.
But this scene was far far more than any old helicopter landing. It was worthy of notifying the public in advance - for public safety reasons.
Message should have been better crafted to inform the public not to worry.
Big picture? There was huge public benefit - for all - even for those who disapprove. Shaping up to be another great weekend in Palo Alto. Have a good one!
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Oct 18, 2013 at 11:07 am
Much to do about nothing. I can't believe how much people are getting their panties in a wad. If the city had not sent out the alert, you same bunch of cry babies would have complained about the helicopter noise and lit up the 9-1-1 phone boards for Palo Alto and CHP. There is no pleasing some people. Damed if you do, damed if you don't. Bravo to PAFD and PAPD for this great event to allow its citizens to have a glimps of the wide range of duties their personnel perform on a regular basis.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Oct 18, 2013 at 11:13 am
I received the Alert and as soon as pancake breakfast appeared I switched off.
If I had seen the scene I would still have been alarmed because what I saw had not prepared me for anything of the scale it was reported to have been.
The alert did not even mention where the breakfast was meant to have been held. It did not warn me about anything.
If they had wanted to warn us, it should have mentioned the place and the demonstration scenario, not the breakfast.
I will give them the benefit of the doubt. But if the boy calls wolf again...
a resident of Greenmeadow
on Oct 18, 2013 at 11:59 am
I very much agree with Big Picture and Sally. We went to the PAFD event at Riconada Park because of the phone call -- I listened to the phone message twice to hear all the details.
The display and explanation of the skills of the Firemen and Paramedics was awesome. We've lived in Palo Alto 40 years and have never seen a Life Flight helicopter land in a park.
Life Flight helicopters are what you are hearing flying over in the night --they are on their way from and to Stanford Hospital with seriously injured people, or emergencies, or donated organs for life-saving procedures. We should all consider ourselves lucky to have such services available to us if ever needed.
The PALO ALTO FIRE DEPT did a very fine job at Saturday's fundraiser for Project Hope, community event and demonstration!
Here's Big picture's wise words again to keep this event in perspective!
"Thanks Sally - I'm with you - and so are thousands of other Palo Altans who participated and are able to keep perspective on this.
The demonstration scene was visible & worthy of letting the public know (to not be alarmed, cause traffic problems or inundate 911). The alert - as delivered - sounded more like an ad, less like an alert. A momentary incident & very forgivable offense in my book - especially given the big picture (and the Chief's acknowledgement).
Borrowing from your words: It IS sad that a few vocal people seem so disconnected from the good that is so evident in their own community. The PA Fire Dept. - who serve us every day - did something incredible last Saturday. They created a welcoming and wonderful event for families while simultaneously raising awareness and money for an extremely important cause - suicide prevention.
Community connections protect life as well as make life enjoyable. I'm grateful to the PAFD for recognizing that and bringing us together on a beautiful Saturday morning."
a resident of Barron Park
on Oct 18, 2013 at 5:45 pm
Callers have dialed 911 to report barking dogs and to report their children refuse to go to school so a 911 call for a helicopter landing in a residential neighborhood would not be a surprise at all!
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
"Susie Meyers Coaching"
PGA of America, May 6 2013
They fill ranges at tour events every week, standing behind and beside players, arms folded, gazes fixed: movie stars on golf's red carpet.
Celebrity instructors, those teachers whose names fill the pages of golf magazines and whose comments about this swing or that spark grill-room discussions around the country, are far more famous than most of their students. Even tour pros sometimes take a backseat to their teachers. More fans knew Butch Harmon than recognized Nick Watney a few years ago, and David Leadbetter, with his ubiquitous straw hat, still signs more autographs than most of the players in the field any given week.
That is not the case for PGA professional Susie Meyers, a former LPGA Tour player who grew up in Phoenix and now teaches out of Ventana Canyon Golf and Racquet Club in Tucson. She prefers to stay low-key and out of the spotlight, even when one of her students wins the Honda Classic in impressive fashion.
"Michael (Thompson) started working with me at age 14 when he was a three handicap," Meyers said. "I'm the only coach he's ever had other than his college coach."
It would be perfectly understandable for Meyers to shout that fact from every rooftop, especially after Thompson's win. The PGA of America has 1,023 female members but very few teach PGA Tour players, and even fewer can claim to have a tour winner as a lifelong student. But that is not her style: never has been, and never will be.
"My job as an instructor is to be the least important part of the process," Meyers said. "When Michael does something like what he did at the Honda, I want him to 100-percent believe that he did it all himself and I had nothing to do with it. That is what a coach is supposed to do. Your job as a coach is to make your player self-reliant."
Her approach in that process differs from many, but so does her background. After a college career at Arizona, several years in the minors and three seasons on the LPGA Tour, Meyers began teaching at Ridgeway Country Club in Westchester, New York. Then she joined Jim McLean as an instructor. Later, she moved to Hank Haney's staff.
"That was when I realized that I did not learn the game the way I was teaching it," she said. "And I realized that anyone can diagnose a golf swing. It's finding out what someone wants to accomplish and focusing on the positive that's crucial to learning. It's far more important that a person learns how to trust themselves, and that means not focusing what they're doing wrong but what they're doing right and what they want to do better."
Rather than overhaul the swing using high-tech gadgetry, Meyers avoids cameras and stays away from anything that could be interpreted as "negative change."
"We don't ever talk about overhauling or fixing: we talk about developing," she said. "I never tell Michael what he's doing wrong. We talk about what he wants to accomplish, what he wants to do, and I tell him that if he focuses on that, the negative things will fall away." There was no negativity in Thompson's performance at PGA National. Any other player in search of his first tour win might have let the odd gremlin creep into his mind after missing a couple of greens on the back nine, but Thompson kept his composure and stuck to his game: a game he and Meyers have worked on for the past 14 years.
"I'll almost always teach him one new short-game shot every time I see him," Meyers said. "At the U.S. Open last year, I taught him one new shot and he used it the entire week. He keeps developing these shots and working on them until he sees every short-game shot and can execute them without thinking about how he does it. That is the beauty of having him own the shots. He just looks at the target and the situation and the body responds.
"That is really how we do everything in life. We look and our body responds. When we drive a car, we have no conscious thought about turning the steering wheel or pressing the pedals: we simply look at where we want to go. Michael is able now to look at a shot and his body knows how to do it."
He knows it well enough that Meyers won't be making many appearances on tour ranges this season. She doesn't need the ego boost and her student doesn't need her standing guard over every shot.
It's a different and refreshing philosophy, especially for a tour coach. Some might even call it the perfect woman's touch.


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Which is more valuable? Time or money? As it turns out, if you can save one, you can save the other.
Private jets are a way to make that win-win happen.
Sure, private jets are swanky. But if you can spend less money to get an equally luxurious experience in first or business class, why not fly with an airline?
A quick search turns up one-way first class flights from New York to Los Angeles for about $1,000.
The same flight with private jet charter company JetSuite costs over $4,500 per passenger.
That's a lot of money to justify for the added luxury of having no one else around.
To find out what the real benefits to flying private are, we spoke with Steve Cass, vice president of communications at private jet maker Gulfstream.
It all comes down to saving time, which means saving money.
Less Time On The Ground
It starts on the way to the airport. Small jets don't need the huge runways and staffs offered by major airports, so they can fly out of smaller spots.
There are many more minor airports than major ones, so you often don't have to travel as far to get to one. And they're less congested, making the experience more pleasant.
You don't have to deal with the TSA or long check-in lines, so you can you arrive at airport minutes, not hours, in advance. That's time, money, and aggravation saved. And when you get off, your bags are thrown right into your car, so there's no time spent at the baggage carousel.
Plus, you fly when you want. Flying commercial, Cass said, "we adjust our schedule to meet the needs of the airline." In the sphere of private aviation, it's the other way around.
A Faster Trip
Private flights aren't tied to the same hub and spoke networks used by airlines, so if your plane has enough fuel capacity to reach your destination, you'll go direct. "That saves a huge amount of time," Cass said.
Private jets are usually designed to climb faster than airliners, so they're above crummy weather sooner. They usually fly faster, too.
Commercial jets cruise around 35,000 feet; smaller jets typically fly higher. That puts them above the traffic, so their routes are more direct — they don't compete with bigger planes for space. The extra flexibility lets the jets capture better winds and avoid adverse weather, too.
Privacy In the Air To Get Work Done
On top of moving faster and wasting less time, it's easier to get work done in the air when you're alone. Even in first or business class, Cass pointed out, it's risky to have confidential conversations, because you don't know who may be around.
He also directed us to a 2009 survey by the National Business Aviation Association. Respondents rated themselves as 20% more productive while on company aircraft than in the office. Their counterparts flying commercial reported a 40% drop in productivity.
So the next time you wonder why companies spend tens of millions to buy their own jets instead of putting employees on commercial fights, know that it's not about creature comforts. It's about saving time and money.
[An earlier version of this post was written by Alex Davies.]


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- Major Milestone Marks 125th Anniversary of Company's Founding
- Continues Diverse Healthcare Leadership in Diagnostics, Medical Devices, Nutrition and Branded Generic Pharmaceuticals
- Set to Deliver Industry-Leading Growth, Expanding Margins and Strong Cash Flow
- Businesses Aligned With Long-Term Healthcare and Patient Trends, Particularly in Fastest-Growing Economies
ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Jan. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott ABT today announced it has completed the separation of its research-based pharmaceuticals business, which became AbbVie, a new independent biopharmaceutical company. AbbVie will begin trading independently on the New York Stock Exchange today under the symbol "ABBV."
On Nov. 28, 2012, Abbott's board of directors declared a special dividend distribution of all outstanding shares of AbbVie common stock. For every 1 share of Abbott common shares held as of close of business on Dec. 12, 2012, Abbott shareholders received 1 share of AbbVie common stock on Jan. 1, 2013.
Abbott announced in October 2011 that it was separating into two independent companies, as its businesses evolved into two different investment identities. AbbVie is a research-based specialty biopharmaceuticals company with a broad portfolio of medicines, including leadership in immunology and virology, and a pipeline of breakthrough therapies. Abbott is one of the largest science-based, diversified healthcare companies, with market-leading offerings in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic pharmaceuticals.
"We wish our colleagues at AbbVie continued success as they become part of a new, independent company that is already making a significant difference, focusing on highly specialized, market-leading therapies for some of the world's most difficult-to-treat diseases," said Miles D. White, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott.
"Abbott has taken the most transformative action in its 125-year history," said Mr. White. "We have had enduring success precisely because of what we're doing now – reinventing ourselves for changing times and creating new ways to serve the millions of patients, customers, communities and shareholders who depend on us."
Strength Through Diversity
Abbott begins its 125th year with approximately $22 billion in revenues generated throughout 150 countries and remains one of the largest and most far-reaching global healthcare companies, with diversity across technologies, businesses and geographies.
The company is comprised of four businesses of roughly equal size – diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic pharmaceuticals. Abbott's businesses are all leaders in their respective fields and hold the top market positions across numerous categories. These businesses develop leading, science-based products that are meeting the needs of patients and consumers in the evolving global healthcare environment.
Abbott is well positioned to deliver reliable performance with industry-leading growth, expanding margins and strong cash flow. The company's businesses are aligned with long-term health trends, including the world's aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic disease, and improving access to care in fast-growing economies. Continued investment in new technologies is advancing Abbott's offerings in vascular health, diabetes care, diagnostic screening and detection, vision correction and nutrition science.
Revenue among Abbott's businesses is well balanced geographically, with 30 percent generated in the United States, 30 percent from Western Europe, Canada, Japan and Australia, and 40 percent from the fastest-growing economies, including India, China, Russia and Brazil. The company's presence in these high-growth markets is among the most expansive of any diversified healthcare company and is expected to reach nearly 50 percent of sales by 2015.
About Abbott
Abbott is a global healthcare company devoted to improving life through the development of products and technologies that span the breadth of healthcare. With a portfolio of leading, science-based offerings in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic pharmaceuticals, Abbott serves people in more than 150 countries and employs approximately 70,000 people.
Visit Abbott at www.abbott.com and connect with us on Twitter at @AbbottNews.
– Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 –
A Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Some statements in this news release may be forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including Abbott's expected financial results after the separation. Abbott cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect Abbott's operations are discussed in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," to our Annual Report on Securities and Exchange Commission Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2011 and in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," to our quarterly report on Securities and Exchange Commission Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 and June 30, 2012, and are incorporated by reference. Abbott undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law.
SOURCE Abbott
© 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.


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The Centre for Disease Control has a tagline: CDC 24/7. Saving lives. Protecting people. It seems they may not be adhering to this mission statement at all. The CDC whistleblower autism link revelation has seen the department's integrity shot to smithereens.
Jon Rappoport reports:
CDC whistleblower: "Oh My God…what we did" by Jon Rappoport
This article was originally posted here.
On October 14, Brian Hooker and Andrew Wakefield sent an official and detailed complaint to the CDC and the US Dept. of Health and Human Services.
The devastating and explosive complaint concerns scientific misconduct in a now-infamous 2004 CDC study, which gave the MMR vaccine a free pass and concluded the vaccine had no connection to autism.
CDC whistleblower William Thompson was a co-author on that study, and on August 27 he admitted he and his co-authors committed fraud and covered up the vaccine-autism connection.
(The full 34-page complaint can also be accessed via Age of Autism, here)
The complaint references a 5/24/14 phone call between whistleblower Thompson and Brian Hooker. The call was recorded.
Thompson references one aspect of the fraud, a group of children with "isolated autism," who were at higher risk of developing autism after receiving the MMR vaccine—the true data on these children were intentionally omitted from the study. Thompson says to Hooker:
"…the effect [autism] is where you would think it would happen. It is with the kids without other conditions ["isolated autism"]…I'm just looking at this and I'm like 'Oh my God….I cannot believe we did what we did…but we did [bury the data on these children]…It's all there…It's all there. I have handwritten notes.'"
Concerning the overall fraud he committed in the 2004 study, Thompson states, in another phone conversation with Brian Hooker, "I have a boss who's asking me to lie…Higher ups wanted to do certain things and I went along with it. In terms of command, I was 4 out of 5."
Thompson named several of those higher ups. They were his co-authors on the 2004 study: Coleen Boyle, Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsop, and Frank Destefano.
In other words, those co-authors were among those who wanted Thompson to commit fraud.
This is highly significant, because Destefano and Boyle are not merely researchers. They are also high-ranking executives at the CDC, in the area of vaccines—director of the Immunization Safety Office (Destefano) and director of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (Boyle).
As the complaint states, Thompson wrote a note to the head of the CDC at the time (2004), Julie Gerberding. He was very nervous about a presentation he was due to make at a large Institute of Medicine vaccine-autism meeting.
Thompson wrote: "I will have to present several problematic results relating to statistical associations between receipt of the MMR vaccine and autism."
Thompson was considering blowing the whistle, in public.
Gerberding never answered his note. Thompson did not make his presentation.
But we know this. After Gerberding stepped down as head of the CDC in 2009, she went to work for Merck, assuming the position of president of Merck Vaccines.
Merck manufactures the MMR vaccine.
That was, of course, the vaccine at the center of the whole 2004 fraud at the CDC. The vaccine whose connection to autism was buried.
To say this merging of facts is explosive is a vast understatement.
But the major media, who will report and trumpet flimsy scandals with great enthusiasm, have instituted and maintained a total blackout on this one.
Can they begin to imagine what parents of children who received the MMR vaccine, and then developed autism, think and feel about all this?
About the author: Jon Rappoport
The author of three explosive collections, THE MATRIX REVEALED, EXIT FROM THE MATRIX, and POWER OUTSIDE THE MATRIX, Jon was a candidate for a US Congressional seat in the 29th District of California. He maintains a consulting practice for private clients, the purpose of which is the expansion of personal creative power. Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, he has worked as an investigative reporter for 30 years, writing articles on politics, medicine, and health for CBS Healthwatch, LA Weekly, Spin Magazine, Stern, and other newspapers and magazines in the US and Europe. Jon has delivered lectures and seminars on global politics, health, logic, and creative power to audiences around the world. You can sign up for his free emails at NoMoreFakeNews.com.


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His lawyers filed a motion Friday for pretrial discovery that says they weren't able get the material from prosecutors, despite making several requests.
They also said a judge has agreed to hold a hearing on issues related to Cynthia Baldwin, the school's then-chief lawyer who accompanied Spanier and two other administrators to grand jury appearances.
Spanier's lawyers wrote that they made discovery requests in December, April and late September and were either ignored or told they were premature. They said there is a large volume of material that must be turned over.
"For example, the commonwealth's witnesses testified that 30 terabytes of data from multiple email boxes maintained by Dr. Spanier were collected, and the commonwealth alleged, among other things, that this evidence revealed that Dr. Spanier deleted emails in an attempt to obstruct the grand jury investigation," his lawyers wrote.
Joe Peters, a spokesman for the attorney general's office, said Monday that Spanier and the other defendants will be getting discovery materials this week. He called the filing by Spanier routine.
It was "filed to preserve the fact that the defendant asked for certain documents, should it come to pass that the defense feels there was something they didn't get," Peters said.
Spanier, who faces charges of perjury, conspiracy, obstruction, failure to report suspected abuse and endangering the welfare of children, has denied the allegations. He is awaiting trial along with Tim Curley, the school's former athletic director, and Gary Schultz, a now retired university vice president.
Peters said a hearing regarding Baldwin is "inevitable," but he did not think any date has been set for it.
Spanier's lawyers wrote that Baldwin, also a former state Supreme Court justice, "breached the attorney-client privilege and work product doctrine by herself testifying before the same grand jury as to her confidential communications with Dr. Spanier and work performed on his behalf."
Spanier is seeking from prosecutors the transcript of her testimony and any "understanding or agreement" regarding future prosecution, including any grant of immunity for her grand jury testimony.
Sandusky, the school's longtime assistant football coach under Joe Paterno, is serving a 30- to 60-year state prison sentence for sexual abuse of 10 boys over 15 years. The state Superior Court recently denied his request for a new trial.


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Patrick Faricy is a Graduate of Art Center College of Design in Pasadena California and has been creating images professionally for over twenty years. From books and magazine covers to Harry Potter trading cards, Patrick finds great enjoyment in each project and is still amazed he has turned his childhood hobby into a full time career.
Clients include Coca Cola, Target, 3M, GMC, BBC, Discover Card, Master Card, Visa, NatWest, Dow, Schick, Pillsbury, Kellogg, General Mills, Kemps, Boston Market, Busch Gardens, Disney, Mattel, Galoob Toys, Continental Airlines, Consumer Reports, The Weekly Standard, Reader's Digest, Boys Life, Harper Collins, Simon and Schuster, Tor, Pleasant Company, Houghton Mifflin, The Village Voice, USA Today, Paragon Cable, Jack Magazine, Men's Health, Blender, Stuff, Sega, Adaptec, ADA, History Channel, QVC, Anderson Windows, Fingerhut, BYU, CNA Insurance, U.S. Golf Association and BBDO and Ogilvy and Mather.
Patrick has been recognized for his work repeatedly by industry peers. He has received awards from the Society of Illustrators New York, The Junior Library Guild, An Image Award nomination from the NAACP, Awards of Excellence from Communication Arts (Illustration Annuals 40 and 43). In 2010, Patrick received Gold and Silver Awards in the Book category from the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles' annual competition. And most recently, in 2011, he won the Silver Award in the Book category and the Joseph Morgan Henninger – Best In Show award, from the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles.
When not working, Patrick spends time with his 2 children Charlotte and Christopher who continue to inspire and bring him great joy. Every once and a while, he gets to indulge in his other passion: writing, playing and recording music.


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'Gangnam' Simpson: I was an 'ass'
Former Sen. Alan Simpson said Thursday that although he made an "ass" of himself by dancing Gangnam style in an online video, he hopes the substance of his debt reduction message also got through to millennials.
"I said, 'Hell, that looks like riding a horse and throwing a lasso, I can do that.' I made a perfect ass out of myself, which is glorious because usually it's just making an ass of yourself," the former Republican Wyoming senator said on Fox News.
( PHOTOS: Dancing politicians)
On Wednesday, Simpson appeared in a video for "The Can Kicks Back," in which the 81-year-old advocates for national debt reduction and imitates the South Korean performer PSY, whose Gangnam Style video has been viewed more than 850 million times on YouTube.
"Well, I didn't enjoy it but it was fun. I mean, it hurt my knee," Simpson said on Fox News.
The Can Kicks Back targets millennials about reducing the national deficit and receives some of its funding from The Campaign to Fix the Debt, which Simpson and Erskine Bowles created. Simpson and Bowles authored the Simpson-Bowles deficit reduction plan, a political hot topic amid for lawmakers looking to lower the debt.
Simpson said lawmakers should quit talking to the media about their fiscal cliff negotations, calling some of the rhetoric "BS."
"The only way you get something done is shut the door while the media is shrieking that things are being done in secret. Let me tell you, the toughest part of leadership is to be in a room for exhaustion periods of time and saying, 'Guys, will you shut up when you leave here because I think we're getting close,'" Simpson said.
He continued: "And out the door they go and then suddenly there's a light from a television camera and then two or three of those guys – it's like a giant moth – just go over to it… I mean it's BS and it's fakery and it's tragic."


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Services on Demand
Related links
- Cited by Google
- Similars in Google
South African Journal of Surgery
On-line version ISSN 2078-5151
Print version ISSN 0038-2361
S. Afr. j. surg. vol.48 n.1 Cape Town Feb. 2010
Bilateral versus posterior injection of botulinum toxin in the internal anal sphincter for the treatment of acute anal fissure
Ibrahim Othman
M.D.; Department of General Surgery, Tanta University, Egypt
AIM: Comparison of bilateral versus posterior injection of botulinum toxin into the internal anal sphincter for treatment of acute anal fissure.
METHODS: Forty patients with acute anal fissure were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group 1 was treated by injecting 20 units of botulinum toxin into each side of the internal anal sphincter, and group 2 by injecting 25 units of botulinum toxin into the midline posteriorly.
RESULTS: The mean time to pain relief was 8.45 (standard deviation (SD) 7.41) days in group 1 and 7.20 (SD 7.19) days in group 2. Healing took place in a mean of 5.20 (SD 1.85) weeks in group 1 and 5.40 (SD 2.01) weeks in group 2. Fissures failed to heal in 2 patients in group 1 and 3 in group 2, and recurred in 4 patients in group 1 and 3 in group 2.
CONCLUSION: Botulinum toxin injection is effective in treating acute anal fissure. A single posterior injection is easier and less painful than bilateral injection, and is as effective in pain relief.
"Full text available only in PDF format"
1. Corman M. Anal fissure. In: Corman ML, ed. Colon and Rectal Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven, 1998: 206-223. [ Links ]
2. Oh C, Divino CM, Steinhagen RM. Anal fissure. 20-year experience. Dis Colon Rectum 1995; 38: 378-382. [ Links ]
3. Huskisson EC. Measurement of pain. Lancet 1974; 2: 1127-1131. [ Links ]
4. Jankovic J, Brin MF. Therapeutic uses of botulinum toxin. N Engl J Med 1991; 324: 1186-1194. [ Links ]
5. Madalinski M, Kalinowski L. Novel options for the pharmacological treatment of chronic anal fissure - role of botulin toxin. Curr Clin Pharmacol 2009; 4(1): 47-52. [ Links ]
6. Maria G, Cassetta E, Gui D, Brisinda G, Bentivoglio AR, Albanese A. A comparison of botulinum toxin and saline for the treatment of chronic anal fissure. N Engl J Med 1998; 338: 217-220. [ Links ]
7. Sajid MS, Vijaynagar B, Desai M, Cheek E, Baig MK. Botulinum toxin vs glyceryltrinitrate for the medical management of chronic anal fissure: a meta-analysis. Colorectal Dis 2008; 10(6): 541-546. [ Links ]
8. Maria G, Brisinda G, Bentivoglio AR, Cassetta E, Gui D, Albanese A. Botu-linum toxin injections in the internal anal sphincter for the treatment of chronic anal fissure: long-term results after two different dose regimens. Ann Surg 1998; 228: 664-669. [ Links ]


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Since becoming involved in Jewish cooking, I've learned that the term "Jewish cuisine" covers a very broad range of foods from all over the world. That's because Jews have settled in many different countries throughout history. In what has become known as the Jewish Diaspora, the Roman army conquered Jerusalem and destroyed the Second Temple (year 70 CE). Jewish people were exiled from Israel, and were forced to disperse to different areas of the Middle East and Europe. Today, Jewish communities can be found on every continent of the globe. Though these communities vary greatly in customs and cuisine, they are connected by their remarkable devotion to the Torah, which has remained unchanged throughout the centuries.
There are two major Jewish groups that split off into two different parts of the world during the Middle Ages. Jewish people who landed in Europe, in places like Germany, Poland, and Russia, are called Ashkenazi Jews. Jews who went to Mediterranean places like Spain, Portugal, Africa and the Far East became known as Sephardic Jews. Most American Jews today are Ashkenazi, though there are plenty of Sephardic Jews as well. My hubby actually descends from both—his father is Ashkenazi, his mother is Sephardic. Both groups share a basic theology and practice, but they do differ in terms of traditions and customs. For example, Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform denominations sprang from the Ashkenazi; Sephardic Jews have their own style of liturgy.
So what about the food?? The truth is, Jewish cuisine is extremely diverse and reflective of the many regions where Jews have settled. There are Jewish communities on every continent, and each community has its own unique regional cuisine. The thread that ties all of these diverse flavors together is the universal adherence to a series of Jewish dietary laws. These laws, known as "kashrut" (kahsh-root), are the Torah-based rules for keeping kosher.
Tomorrow, I'll talk a little more about what it means to keep kosher. Now, with all that history stuff out of the way, I've got to go pack. Heading back to LA after a blissful week in Hawaii. Looking forward to being home again… I miss my kitchen!


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Bigotry: The Dark Danger
Harun Yahya: Turmoil in Middle East Cannot Affect Iran-Turkey Friendly Ties
TEHRAN (FNA)- A world-renowned Turkish Muslim scholar says that Iran and Turkey are two major countries in the Middle East and should establish an Islamic alliance to serve as a role model for all the Muslim nations of the world.
According to Harun Yahya, the friendly and amicable relations between Iran and Turkey have always been robust and dynamic and nothing can negatively affect these relations.
"The turmoil and civil conflict in the Middle East have never affected the friendship of these two countries, which from time to time have different points of view. This is how it's supposed to be. For years, it is well-known by all that I have called for the importance of an alliance between Turkey and Iran to bring a solution to the current problems of the Middle East… Thus Iran and Turkey must become strong allies and this alliance must be based on unconditional love as commanded by our religion," said Harun Yahya in an exclusive interview with Fars News Agency.
Harun Yahya, whose original name is Adnan Oktar, is a Muslim Turkish author, intellectual and public speaker. A prolific writer, he has published more than 200 books translated into several languages. Yahya is referred to as the "biggest propagator of ijaz literature." His famous book, Atlas of Creation, has been widely distributed across the world and drawn international reactions, both in commendation and criticism.
Yahya is an advocate of Creationism theory and through his extensive writings has refuted and rejected Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. He is the president of the Science Research Foundation which was established in 1990. He is a prominent anti-Zionist author and has given hundreds of interviews to newspapers, websites, TV and radio channels in countries across the globe on different social, cultural and political subjects.
FNA has conducted an interview with Mr. Yahya and asked him questions about the election of Hassan Rouhani as Iran's president, Iran's foreign policy and Iran-Turkey relations. What follows is the text of the interview.
Q: What do you think about the approach taken by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in terms of the country's foreign relations? He is seen as a moderate politician who intends to improve Iran's ties with the world countries and alleviate the concerns of the international community over Iran's nuclear program. What do you think about him?
A: It was really important that the new President Rouhani stated that he is against all sorts of extremism and gave the message of a more moderate understanding, during his oath-taking ceremony. These explanations were conspicuous and heavily supported by messages of unity and his friendly attitude as well as his statements that the Torah, the Gospel and the Qur'an have common values. Adopting a moderate understanding and protecting values like art, science and women are important for Muslim countries.
Mr. Rouhani's recent explanations as to removing the pressure on artists were also very remarkable. The moderate and compassionate messages he is sending to the world are spectacular. It seems that with the presidency of Rouhani, Iran has entered into a striking atmosphere of change. This is what both Iran and the whole world needed.
Actually all problems would inevitably end, when other countries believe in the sincerity of this spirit of "love, brotherhood and peace" in the policies implemented by Iran. Therefore, it is utterly important that Iran repeatedly and substantially states that she is against killing people regardless of the method used whether nuclear, chemical or conventional weapons. If you recall, Ayatollah Khamenei mentioned this and it was very effective. Repeatedly stating that it is religiously forbidden (haram) to use nuclear weapons according to Islam would help Iran's position and image in the eyes of other countries and help ease any worries they may have about Iran. It is crucial that this is explained and the West is persuaded about its reality.
Islam is like water that puts out terror. Islam is water and terror is fire. Could water fan the flames? Water puts out the flames. Therefore it's significant to explain that values such as love, compassion, mercy, respect, deep thinking, sincerity and a spirit of charity are in the essence of Islam. If the world believes that Rouhani's compassionate and loving approach is the official state policy, then this unneeded hostility would disappear.
Q: Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has just been to Turkey and held meetings with high-ranking Turkish officials including Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. How do you see the future of Iran-Turkey relations, especially given the promise made by the two country's officials to boost the mutual trade to $50 billion by the year 2017?
A: Turkey and Iran are the two big and very important powers of the Middle East. By Allah's leave, Turkey and Iran will become the first two countries of the Islamic Union, we await this very much. We share the same history and the same geography with Iran. We have always had perfect relations.
The turmoil and civil conflict in the Middle East have never affected the friendship of these two countries, which from time to time have different points of view. This is how it's supposed to be. For years, it is well-known by all that I have called for the importance of an alliance between Turkey and Iran to bring a solution to the current problems of the Middle East. The alliance of these two powerful countries based on love would constitute an important spiritual power in the Middle East and with the support of other states such as Syria, Iraq and Egypt, this alliance would bring solutions to countries having serious problems now. Thus, Iran and Turkey must become strong allies and this alliance must be based on unconditional love as commanded by our religion.
Mr. Rouhani and Mr. Zarif are two enlightened and foresighted people who can take serious steps about this matter. With regard to Syria, Turkey's offer to Iran saying "Let's find a solution together" is also very important. Muslims must solve this problem of persecution that is taking place in another Muslim country together. I think that especially an alliance between Turkey and Iran would be very effective.
You know that despite the embargo, Turkey is the only country that can trade with Iran. Insha'Allah, I pray that this embargo be lifted shortly and the Iranian people can take a deep breath. An Iran that grows commercially and economically is a matter of pride for us as well. We want Turkey to economically grow and prosper, but we have always aimed that we grow with other Muslim countries. Therefore I believe that these trade agreements are very important and valuable. This is also a sign of our improving friendship.
Q: What do you think about the possible reconciliation and rapprochement between Iran and the United States? Iranian people remember the bitter memories of the US interventions in their country's internal affairs; however, some analysts in the world believe that chances have now emerged that the acrimony of the past can be forgotten. How can the United States defuse the tensions with Iran and win the confidence of the Iranian people?
A: It's best to leave what happened in the past in the past. Before, America was ruled by some understandings and ideologies that had scary plans concerning the Middle East. It would be wrong to attribute their mistakes to new governments and think that this point of view will never change.
However, when we make a general evaluation we can see that America's government and the American people have a different understanding than before. President Obama, who has adopted a policy of retrieving from the Middle East, is a very reasonable leader in comparison to some other American leaders of the past. It would be fitting to find the new Iranian policy of the US, which is now moving in a peaceful direction, trying to cope with the difficulties of the economic crisis and willing to retrieve its troops from the Middle East, as favorable.
Some circles in the US were mistaken when they thought that a policy of "bringing to a line" would be effective. However, education was the only method with which they could get results. This is not only for the US policy but also for all of the problems faced by other states. An anti-materialist, anti-Darwinist education based on the Qur'an and the signs leading to faith would be the essential solution to all of the problems faced by the world.
Moreover, we need to evaluate the recent events within the scope of Iran's new policy. Having a moderate government was a good opportunity for the US to take a step forward in that direction. The good relation between the Rouhani and the Obama administrations is a nice improvement that will yield big returns as well.
As the peoples of the Middle East, we can offer better contributions and beauties to the US than they can offer to us in return. We must consider this, abandon the traditional hostile policies of the past and move towards love and friendship. This is because with the Islamic Union, we aim for a foundation that will bring harmony not only to Muslim countries but also to the whole world.
Reconciliation between Iran and the US seemed impossible in the past, but now it sets an example for all other countries. Therefore we must break with the past and move towards friendship with solid and progressive steps.
Q: Turkey is a Muslim country, but the majority of its citizens are Sunnis. On the other hand, Iran is a Shiite-dominant country; however, the two nations have maintained close and friendly relations with each other through times. As a Muslim scholar, what do you think about the peaceful coexistence of the Sunnis and the Shiites? How should they avoid disputes and move toward convergence and solidarity?
A: Before everything we are Muslims. We have the same religion and we are brothers and sisters. The conflict of Sunnis and Shiites is completely artificial and it is a plot to destroy the Islamic world. No Muslim should ever fall into this trap. There are Shiite and Alawite people living in our country: They are at the heart of this country. I am always saying that they are the cement of this country. They are people of love and compassion. I always present their loving character as an example to others.
Both our Prophet Mohammad (SAAS) and Hazrat Ali (PBUH) are people of extraordinary beauty whom we love, respect and hold up as an example because of their deep love. There are no divisions among us. We are a single ummah united under the name "Muslim." For example, I come from the lineage of Hazrat Ali (PBUH) and I am proud of it. I am very proud that there are people who love Hazrat Ali (PBUH) as much as this. Like the Shiites in my country, the Shiites and the Sunnis in Iran are my brothers and sisters. I could never discriminate between them.
No Muslim should fall into this plot that aims to set Muslims against Muslims. The discrimination of Sunnis and Shiites is simply a deceit, which was propounded by some devious circles and came down to this day in order to weaken Muslims. Now there are people who support this for their own agenda. The current turmoil and weakness in the Middle East is a result of their efforts. No one should fall into this trap. Allah says in the Qur'an, "Muslims are brothers." He says, "Don't be separated." We must be united, remembering that we believe in the same Allah and the same prophet. We must teach love to those who want hatred, because this is what religion commands.
Iran and Turkey's friendship is a good example of this. From now on, we must show in an even stronger way to those who seek conflict through sectarianism that everything will be solved through love and unity.
Q: In your recent writings, you mentioned that the United States should distance itself from the destructive policy of imposing economic sanctions against Iran or other countries since these sanctions affect the livelihoods of the ordinary citizens, impede their access to foodstuffs, medicine and other goods. What do you think about the impact of the sanctions on the Iranian people? Do you consider the sanctions legal or justifiable?
A: I do not think that such a method could ever be justifiable by any manner of means. Is it not a pity for the people living in that country? Is it not a pity for those newborns, those innocent, inoffensive people? There is such an unjust and utterly unnecessary implementation here. The US made a grave mistake with such an implementation and the Iranian people are suffering under the load of that right now.
An altercation in a political sense takes place between the leaders of two countries and an embargo is placed upon the people of that country. The people in that country are left in poverty; they have no access to medicine or sufficient food, or any necessities for that matter. That is not right. This wrong should be made right instantly. I believe that dialogue and messages of good intentions coming from both sides are very important in this respect as well. I hope this unjust implementation of the embargo will come to an end soon.
Q: Some of your books have been translated into Persian and circulated across Iran. What's your viewpoint regarding the importance of reaching out to the Iranian readers? What do you think about the translation and publication of your books in Iran?
A: I am very proud that my books are published in Iran. As I have said before, Iran is an important country; it is the castle of the Middle East. The Iranian people are very valuable, honest and good people. We have a brotherhood of Islam and history. This needs to become stronger, so the two countries can be united through indestructible ties of love. My books are books that refute the superstitions of our day, take the love and peace revealed in the Qur'an as a base, preach the Existence of Allah with millions pieces of evidence from nature, the universe and living beings and herald the fact that we are in the time of the emergence of Hazrat Mahdi (PBUH).
I'd like to express that I do not get any copyright from my books and they can be downloaded free of charge from the Internet. Therefore, my only purpose in telling these important truths is earning Allah's good pleasure. We are in an important period. We are waiting for the appearance of Hazrat Mahdi (PBUH). Therefore, there needs to be means that will show people the truth and prepare them for the holy era of Hazrat Mahdi (PBUH). I am praying that my books could be those means. When I witness the impact of these books worldwide I'm very pleased. Insha'Allah, in a short time I will have the opportunity to distribute my books in Farsi in Iran. I hope that I could reach out to my brothers in Iran more.
Interview by Kourosh Ziabari
2014-01-29 17:29:57


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Headwinds in Both Directions
I thought I had imagined it at first. Cycling along the Seacoast Road one day, I pedaled against a strong headwind. On the return trip along the same road not long after, I found myself struggling against a headwind again. How could this be? In this land, where sadistically steep hills, heavily textured road surfaces and other resistance-producing phenomena were so commonplace, was I not at least entitled to a return tailwind in accordance with the laws of physics?
Possibly I was mistaken in remembering there had been a headwind in the original direction. Yes, that must have been it, I decided. But several days later, the same thing happened again along this route - a route which, as "luck" would have it, had by now become a regular commute. I paid attention this time. Setting off late morning: headwind. Heading back early afternoon: headwind! Time after time, it was the same.


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Via The Fanhouse, it appears Deion Sanders has a few choice things to say about Michael Vick and his alleged dogfighting. And, if you don't mind us saying, we believe Deion Sanders might be completely insane.
Witness, in this op-ed, what Deion had to say in Vick's defense. Prepare thyself.
This is all the result of perspective.
What a dog means to Vick might be a lot different than what he means to you or I. Hold on, don't start shaking your head just yet. Listen to me. Some people kiss their dogs on the mouth. Some people let their dogs eat from their plate. Some people dress their dogs in suits more expensive than mine, if you can believe that.
And some people enjoy proving they have the biggest, toughest dog on the street. You're probably not going to believe this, but I bet Vick loves the dogs that were the biggest and the baddest. Maybe, he identified with them in some way.
Oh, there's more.
I believe Vick had a passion for dogfighting. I know many athletes who share his passion. The allure is the intensity and the challenge of a dog fighting to the death. It's like ultimate fighting, but the dog doesn't tap out when he knows he can't win.
Uh .... well ... yeah.
Don't Be Too Quick To Judge [The News Press] (The Fanhouse)


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Korean Kids Kicked Out of McDonald's for Throwing $250 French Fry Feast
Our sister site Kotaku already explained the phenomenon of "Potato Parties" at length, but here's a tl;dr:
A sale on french fries at McDonald's Japan reduced the cost of a large-size order to a paltry sum that encouraged local kids to start throwing so-called "potato parties" which mostly consisted of buying ridiculous amounts of fries and spreading them "feast-style" across multiple trays.
This caused major delays in fulfilling the orders of other paying customers, not to mention made a huge mess that low-wage workers then had to clean up. Kotaku also noted that, in Japan, leaving behind uneaten food is considered not only wasteful, but also highly disrespectful.
Well, the Potato Parties have apparently made the leap to South Korea, where a photo of some pranksters chowing down on a table full of fries recently went viral.
Unlike their Japanese counterparts, the Korean kids apparently shelled out a pretty won to realize their stunt — as much as 270,000 won (~$250), according to one report.
But the priceyness of the prank didn't do much to temper the outrage of the restaurant's employees, who ordered the "brats" to "stop causing trouble" and "get out of here."
Support for the employees flooded Twitter and other social networking sites, with many excoriating the teenagers for their callous insolence.
Some called on the perpetrators to be tracked down and punished, while others were merely content expressing shock at the "high number of glasses."


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TM Launches IP Node To Position Malaysia As Internet Hub
By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng, Bernama (Malaysian National News Agency)
SINGAPORE, June 16–The newly-launched Internet Protocol (IP) node called Platinum IP Transit will position Malaysia as an Internet hub for the Asia Pacific region, according to Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM).
The IP node was jointly launched Tuesday by TM and US-based Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications Inc.
"The IP node will enable TM to offer high-end network services at competitive price, which will enhance its ability to offer high-quality IP-based services to local service providers and hence companies with operations in Malaysia,†TM group chief executive officer Datuk Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa told reporters at CommunicAsia 2009 here today.
CommunicAsia 2009 is a regional information and communications technology (ICT) exhibition and a global platform set to address current and emerging issues in the ICT and digital convergence landscape.
The IP node launch came just four months after TM and Verizon signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop the Internet hub in Cyberjaya.
Among the benefits cited for the hub are faster connections among local ISPs (Internet service providers), lower broadband costs, and more reliable international connections.
"The IP node will support the delivery of advanced data services to Malaysian-headquartered companies as well as multinational companies with operations in Malaysia and throughout the region,†said Zamzamzairani.
He said that customers will gain cost savings on international connectivity, as Internet queries and traffic needed to go outside the region and then back again.
"The Platinum IP Transit service is a product poised to benefit Asian ISPs, cellular broadband providers, content and application providers as well as enterprises,†he added.
Zamzamzairani said the collaboration will benefit customers with multinational operations, enabling them to gain seamless access to Verizon Business' expansive global network and solutions.
"Verizon customers with operations in the Malaysian market will likewise be able to benefit from our extensive local market expertise,†he said.
"This collaboration will provide an impetus for Malaysia to become a regional transit hub for global Internet service providers' routing traffic,†he added.
Besides cost savings for businesses, end-users will also benefit from the new IP node as Web surfers can expect faster connections and quicker page loads as part of the Internet traffic is now routed within the country, TM said.


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WASHINGTON (AP) – "Maxed out on the medications," is how Bill Ezzell describes his struggle with blood pressure. It's dangerously high even though the North Carolina man swallows six different drugs a day.
Hypertension may be the nation's sneakiest epidemic, a time bomb that's a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure, and one that's growing worse as the population rapidly grows older.
Despite an arsenal of drugs, millions of people in the United States can't get their blood pressure down to safe levels. Now, in a high-stakes experiment at dozens of hospitals, scientists are testing a dramatically different approach for the toughest to treat patients, by burning away some overactive nerves deep in the body that can fuel rising blood pressure.
To attempt an invasive treatment – a catheter is threaded through blood vessels in the groin up to the kidneys – reflects doctors' frustration with a disease that too often is underrated because people with it don't look or feel sick until a lot of damage has been done.
Pharmaceutical therapies have been the cornerstone of medicine for nearly a century, offering convenient, noninvasive treatment for countless diseases. But when it comes to some of the most stubborn chronic conditions, including diabetes, obesity and hypertension, medications too often aren't enough.
Researchers increasingly are trying medical devices and minimally invasive surgeries to help, such as stomach-shrinking techniques that improve obesity-caused diabetes and the new hypertension experiment.
"I think we have to hit on all cylinders if we're going to take on these very important diseases," said Dr. Steven Nissen, chair of the Cleveland Clinic's department of cardiology. "There are many examples where this convergence is taking place, where you push the drugs as far as you can, but when they can't go any further, you step in with more invasive approaches."
Cardiologists' interest in the nerve-zapping procedure also reflects how severe the burden of hypertension is poised to become, with many middle-aged boomers already affected.
"People are living longer with hypertension, and the disease tends to get worse as you get older," said Dr. Suzanne Oparil, a hypertension specialist at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. "The complications pile on later."
If deadening kidney nerves sounds like a strange way to attack hypertension, consider that nerves in the body's "fight or flight" system play a role in signaling kidney functions, which in turn help regulate blood pressure, such as by relaxing or tightening key arteries.
"If there was a snake in the room, all of our blood pressures would go up, appropriately so," explained interventional cardiologist Dr. Manesh Patel of Duke University, one of more than 60 medical centers around the country studying Medtronic Inc.'s nerve-zapping procedure.
But sometimes those nerves stay switched on when they shouldn't be, something today's medications can't address. The hope is that destroying a small number of the nerves could calm an overactive system, relaxing arteries and lowering blood pressure.
"Interrupting that signal makes physiologic sense," Patel said, adding that some patients have driven hundreds of miles to see if they're candidates. "There's a large unmet need."
Some 78 million people in the country, about 1 in 3 adults, have high blood pressure, meaning readings of 140 over 90 or higher. An additional 27 million people will have it by 2030, says a grim forecast from the American Heart Association. That's because the population is getting fatter and older. In fact, about half of people in their 50s have high blood pressure but by age 75, three-fourths do.
"If people live long enough, the vast majority are going to have hypertension," says Dr. Michael Mussolino of the National Institutes of Health's cardiovascular division.
Only about half of patients have their hypertension under control. Most need multiple drugs to treat it. Some 10 percent, more than 7 million people like Ezzell, have the resistant hypertension that is the initial target of the nerve-zapping procedure – people with high blood pressure despite three or more different kinds of medications.
Renal denervation, the procedure being promoted by Minneapolis-based Medtronic and other companies, has its roots in primitive nerve-severing operations performed in the 1950s, which often lowered blood pressure but at the expense of permanently injuring patients. Only in recent years have researchers revisited the technique, after companies developed easy-to-use catheters that can beam radiofrequency waves to burn away specific nerves without damaging the surrounding blood vessel.
It's aimed at only the hardest-to-treat patients. In small Medtronic studies, those treated saw the key top number of a blood pressure reading drop an average of 33 points, although they still needed their medications. Medtronic reported in March that the improvements were lasting up to three years. The company's Symplicity catheter is approved to treat hypertension in Europe and Australia, as are some competitors' versions.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration required a more rigorous study, now enrolling more than 500 people, that includes an unusual step to prove if it really works. Some patients receive the real procedure and some get a fake – just the catheter, no zapping. Patel describes patients wearing a blindfold and earphones while lying sedated on the treatment table, to ensure they don't know which they're getting.
Although pilot studies show few side effects, potential risks include bleeding, an injured blood vessel, immediate blood pressure or heartbeat problems, or complications from medications used in the procedure.
Ezzell's systolic pressure, that top number, hovers around 190 and sometimes jumps to a super-dangerous 230, despite his six daily drugs.
"The doctors seemed at wit's end as to what to do about it," says Ezzell, 74, of Jacksonville, N.C. So he got on the Internet, tracking down the Medtronic study at Duke, about two hours away.
Ezzell was treated this month and is waiting to see if his blood pressure drops, which earlier research shows happens gradually over six months.
Cardiologists are excited by the early findings, said Dr. Gordon Tomaselli, the heart association's president.
But "what we don't know is the long-term effect" of nerve zapping, Tomaselli cautioned. "It's going to take a little bit of time to make sure there are not adverse effects two years, three years, 10 years down the line."
In the last three years, the FDA has approved similar catheters that beam radio waves to treat asthma and a type of irregular heartbeat, conditions traditionally treated with medications.
More than five dozen companies are pursuing devices for hypertension, from catheters similar to Medtronic's to permanent implants left in arteries to regulate blood pressure.
In Europe, Medtronic's hypertension procedure costs about $14,000, sticker shock compared with the generic prices of standard hypertension medications and another reason for careful study to prove its effects.
Gwen Dirks, 71, of Virginia, Ill., was grateful to get the procedure in an early study. Her blood pressure was 200 over 120 despite two drugs.
"I've been on medications since I was 40," Dirks said. "Over the years I have tried many different things and got to the point where they no longer worked."
Two years after her experimental treatment, Dirks says her blood pressure is stable at about 130 over 80, although she continues to take her medications.
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James E. Hansen
James E. Hansen is a global warming alarmist. He equates generation of electricity via coal with the Holocaust.[1] He also compares those who disagree with him to Holocaust deniers.[2] Hansen believes that oil company executives should be tried for "crimes against humanity".[3]
He has been calling for acts of civil disobedience against the use of coal. Hansen defended vandals in court because they targeted a coal-fired power station.[4] His former supervisor, Dr. John Theon, said, "that Jim Hansen has gone off the deep end." [5]
Dr. John S. Theon rebuked his claims about global warming and stated Hansen was an embarrassment to NASA with his alarmist climate claims.[6]
|NASA scientist James Hansen who runs NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) has created worldwide media frenzy with his dire climate warnings, his call for trials against those who dissent against man-made global warming fear, and his claims that he was allegedly muzzled by the Bush administration despite doing 1,400 on-the-job media interviews.
On January 19, 2009, the UK Guardian quoted Hansen's dire warning that the about-to-be-inaugurated Barack Obama "Has Four Years to Save Earth" from the impact of global warming.[7]
See Also
- ↑ http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2187457/posts
- ↑ https://www.americanthinker.com/2009/03/the_farce_of_global_warming.html
- ↑ http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2008/06/23/nasas-hansen-oil-execs-should-be-tried-crimes-against-humanity
- ↑ http://www.climatechangefraud.com/content/view/2609/218/
- ↑ https://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,501064,00.html
- ↑ James Hansen's Former NASA Supervisor Declares Himself a Skeptic Inhofe Press Blog, January 27, 2009
- ↑ Hysterical Hansen Hype: Obama 'Has Four Years to Save Earth' NewsBusters.org, January 18, 2009


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Press Release---It's official. People can't get enough of superheroes. Just looking at how much money the Avengers movie has raked in at the box-office, you know without a doubt that we are in a new age of superhero love. All the caped crusaders, cosmic characters and crime fighters we grew up with have taken on new faces and forms, and they are everywhere! In movies, on TV, in video games, theme parks and countless merchandising; the best and the brightest of our childhood memories have been ushered into a new age of Hollywood, and, baby, nothings ever going to be the same again!
The Philippine TOYCON has been the benchmark of all fan gatherings for the past 10 years, exceeding attendance records each year and highlighting the best of all things pop-culture including movies, anime, comics, gaming and of course pop-culture collectibles and memorabilia.
Waiting in the wings of greatness is the final installment of the Batman saga, with Christopher Nolan's ultimate chapter in the Dark Knight trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises. Warner Brothers launches excitement for the movie with an exhibit of original movie props and costumes and DC Comics launches its new line of Dark Knight-related merchandise, apparel and toys. Other movies like The Bourne Legacy, Flight of the Guardians and The Hobbit will also be featured. Also in anticipation of the upcoming GI Joe: Retaliation movie and the 30th anniversary of GI Joe action figures, members of the Philippine Toy Soldiers 118 will put together the biggest GI Joe action figure diorama playset in the Megatrade hall 2.
ABS CBN Interactive also brings on the biggest gaming event of the year, Amped Fest 2012. Amped Fest in ToyCon 2012 will serve as the venue for the launch of the most awaited Relic of Mystra and Version 4 releases of online gaming flagship brands, Shaiya and WarRock. The new gaming roster for 2012 as well as an Android and java mobile gaming portal will also be unveiled. GM Barbie Lee and a host of other models will also cosplay favourite Amped characters. Kapamilya (ABS-CBN Channel 2) celebrities will also make special appearances for the Kapamilya gamers. Amped Fest will also serve both the culmination of Netopia Cafe Wars and the opening of JBlaze Cup 2012, where winners are sent to Korea to compete with other international online gaming champions.
The convention also brings together the best assembly of local and international artists to exhibit much anticipated work. Seattle-based Hawaiian designer Arron "Angry Woebots" Martin shows off his brand of pop graffiti and design in an exhibit of his world famous panda art which has graced museum walls, skateboards, vinyl figures and books. Friends from Komikon will also bring in the best of our very own roster of artists: Heubert Khan Michael, Lui Antonio, Gilbert Monsanto, Lyndon Gregorio, Ariel Atienza, Lei Muncal, Jon Zamar & Sherry Zamar. The artist panel will be on hand to sign comics, do sketches and fan art and sample the best local indie and mainstream titles.
The biggest crowd drawer for the convention is cosplay, and this year all costumed heroes revolve around the Cosplay Universe. The Philippine Toycon features a huge space where cosplay fans can enjoy photo-ops in six huge themed exhibit spaces: The Anime Planet, Superhero Stars, Movie Nebula, Toy Supernova, Gaming Galaxy and Kids Constellation, all of which make up the Cosplay Universe. Aside from being photo backdrops, the Cosplay Universe will also be the biggest Cosplay competition in the country which will feature celebrity guest judges from the international Cosplay circuit and where contestants vie for big prizes in six cosplay categories.
The TOYCON would not be complete without the biggest gallery of toy collections from all over the Philippines which will highlight the best and latest action figure releases and the most amazing customized toys, statues, dolls and high end collectibles. The TOYCON Gallery will be held inside the Megatrade function rooms which will serve as the museum of the event.
The event's main draw is the huge dealers' floor where anything and everything pop-culture can be found and purchased at bargain prices. Almost 180 booths will be open to sell pop apparel, cosplay accessories, superhero merchandise, fantasy and sci-fi collectibles, comics, cards, and of course, all sorts of toys overflowing from action figures, transformers, diecast cars, robots and high-end statues and 1/6 scale Hot Toys.
Get ready for loads of prizes to be given away on various competitions, games and contests. There will also be hourly raffles and exclusive giveaways for lucky TOYCON attendees. Aside from those, the convention will feature surprise guest celebrities from ABS-CBN, band performances, live auctions, film-showings and panel discussions from the best toy collectors from the local toy groups and customizers.
The 11th Philippine TOYCON 2012 opens its gate on Friday, June 15, with a special Retailers Day were collectors can already start buying their favorite toy collection pieces, and continues on through Father's Day weekend on June 16 and 17 from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm at the Megatrade Halls 1 to 3, 5th level of the SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.
The 11th Philippine TOYCON is presented by Collectibles Unlimited and co-presented by the Megatrade Hall, SMART, DC Comics, HERO and AMPed. Major sponsors are Maxi Collector, Toy Kingdom, ABS-CBN Licensing and Publishing, Warner Brothers, and Solar-UIP. Minor sponsors are Comic Odyssey, Sugar Free and Blue, CIIT, Buhawi Studios, Big Boys Toystore, Great Toys, Psicom and Freshgear. Media partners are ABS-CBN, Studio 23, 99.5 RT, Magic 89.9, 88db.com and Flipgeeks. Event partners are Anime Alliance, Komikon and Larc En Ciel Fan Club Philippines.


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New Amazon Kindles to come loaded with new software
Kindle Fire HDs and Kindle Paperwhite will introduce a host of new features
In case you somehow missed the news, Amazon announced a handful of new Kindle devices Thursday.
A new model of the popular Kindle Fire tablet will soon be joined by three versions its successor, the Kindle Fire HD.
Additionally, Amazon introduced a brand-new ereader, the Kindle Paperwhite.
As impressive as all of these new and revamped devices are, Amazon has gone above and beyond when it comes to the new features and software included with their amped up Kindle line-up.
Big upgrades coming to X-Ray
When the revamped Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD arrive, they'll be stocked with a bunch of Kindle-exclusive features.
Chief among the upgrades all Fire devices will get is a massive upgrade to the X-Ray software.
Previously introduced on the Kindle Touch, X-Ray will now be incorporated for movies, books, and textbooks.
With a simple tap, users can find out about any actor in a given scene with help from IMDb, or search a glossary of a text without ever leaving the page they're on.
Whispersync for audiobooks and games
Not to be outdone, Whispersync fans will also find the reach of that feature boosted quite a bit.
While you could already use Whispersync to keep your place in a book across multiple Kindle devices in the past, Amazon expanded the virtual bookmark to work with audiobooks and games as well.
When reading, Whispersync for Voice allows you to leave off wherever you want, and pick up from the same point in the narrated version, or even read along with the audiobook.
The gaming version of Whispersync works in a similar manner, allowing you to resume play from any device thanks to cloud saving.
The Kindle Fire devices will see the benefits of all the Whispersync improvements, while the Kindle Paperwhite will utilize Whispersync for Voice.
Add with that "Immersion Reading," a partnership between Amazon and Audible to sync sight and sound while perusing narratives, and you have an all encompassing reading experience. The feature highlights text as its "professionally read aloud.
Monitor your child's tablet time with Kindle FreeTime
Parents can now screen content for their children, as well as setting time limits on how long they'll be able to access the Kindle Fire tablets.
Each and every feature on the Kindle Fire can be limited separately, which allows you to put a stop to endless hours of gaming, but also lets you set the reading abilities to unlimited.
Multiple profiles can be set up for households with more than one child, and FreeTime won't allow kids to expand beyond the limitations you've set without a password.
Never lose touch with custom Skype
Skype has teamed up with Amazon to create a customized version of their app for the Kindle Fire HD.
With its front-facing camera, the Kindle Fire HD is ideal for on-the-go video messaging right out of the box.
The service will of course remain free, which should come as no surprise to frequent Skype users, but as an added benefit for new users.
Check speed with Time to Read
Coming to the Kindle Paperwhite is a new built-in feature called Time to Read.
Time to Read will let you know how long it will take you to finish a chapter or a book based on its measurements of your previous reading habits.
The feature constantly updates alongside you, and will allow you to better estimate whether or not you have time to finish a chapter, or pick it back up later.
New hand-tuned fonts enhance Paperwhite typography
The Kindle Paperwhite's new display will not only be readable in all light, but it will also have hand-tuned fonts for even better reading.
Amazon has worked on the fonts the device will use down to the pixel level, which should give readers an unprecedented amount of clarity no matter where or what they're reading.
All the hard work on fine-tuning fonts has also allowed Amazon to include fancier fonts such as Baskerville and Palatino, which were so fine and thin, they were previously often hard to read legibly on an ereader.
Email upgrades
The new HD family comes fully loaded with an upgraded email system, Microsoft Exchange. Amazon's touting the fact the email service will sync newer emails before older ones, allowing for quicker access time.
Email support is available for Gmail, Exchange, Hotmail and, Amazon says, more.
There's also an enhanced calendar app.
Via Amazon
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