Author: Serkadis

Lubricant analysis is a vital part of a predictive maintenance strategy. However, until now, this has been almost completely related with oils, despite the fact that around 80% of bearings are l lubricated with grease.
After years of research, SKF has developed a new methodology to evaluate grease condition directly in the field. In order to perform this methodology, the new SKF Grease Test Kit TKGT 1 has been launched as the latest addition of its extensive range of bearing greases, automatic lubricators, lubrication tools, lubrications systems, and so on included in the SKF Lubrication Platform.
By using the methodology and performing quick and easy tests, users will be able to assess the condition of fresh and used greases directly in the field.
Three different tests are included in the protocol: consistency (patent applied for), oil bleeding, and contamination evaluation. By this means, they will have a good understanding of the conditions of the grease and will have the possibility to take decisions directly in the field The TKGT 1 includes guidelines for a proper interpretation of the results of the tests.
This is not the first time that SKF generates innovation in grease testing procedures. Other previous SKF inventions have become the standard in industry, like SKF EMCOR, SKF V2F, SKF ROF, SKF ROF+, SKF R2F, SKF Be Quiet, SKF Low temperature torque, and so on.
For additional information please contact your local SKF

We’ve modified our popular 32V DC Electric Screwdriver line to create the new CESL series drivers.
These drivers function exclusively with the newly designed CECT326-SSO Controller, providing the user with a host of options including slowstart, batch counting, and OK/NG rundown indication based on the screwdriving cycle occurring within a predefined time window.

An externally accessible I/O connection provides the user with a signal interface. Outputs (24VDC, 10mA)
are available for rundown OK, rundown NG, and batch complete. External switches may be wired to the input for
remote enable (part in position) and remote clear (reset the batch count).

• Accurate Torque Control, Ergonomic Design
• Same proven performance as our standard 32VDC
300 Series Screwdrivers
• Precision Shut-off Clutch
• Hi/Lo Speed Selection Switch
• Selectable Slow Start Function
• Large LED Display of Screw Count Values
• Externally Accessible I/O Connections
• Programmable Batch Counting with Audible
Buzzer indicating batch complete
• Programmable Time Window for comparison
with actual fastening cycle time – Lights indicating
OK/NG rundown cycle
• Screwdrivers feature standard ESD safe housings
• CE / RoHS Compliant

CipherLab Launches Powerful Windows Mobile Computer
Next-generation processing, large memory and powerful WLAN module ensures collection of essential, hard to capture mission-critical data for retail, distribution, healthcare and similar industries

Taipei, Taiwan — November 15, 2009 — CipherLab (TWO: 6160), a leading innovator in Automated Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) for the retail, warehouse, healthcare, government and distribution markets, today launched a powerful new Windows® CE-based industrial mobile computer with its 9300 series mobile devices.
The 9300 features the latest version of Windows CE, along with industry-leading processor performance, expanded memory, powerful WLAN connectivity and a robust new 1D/2D imaging engine – all geared toward providing increased employee productivity. The new enhancements make the 9300 particularly well suited to industries where vast amounts of data are communicated on small labels, industries such as pharmaceuticals and food processing.

“When talking to some of the world’s most influential retail and warehousing companies, we repeatedly heard about their need to quickly capture mission-critical information like food expiration dates, precise dosages and more,” said Sherman Chuang, President of CipherLab. “The CipherLab 9300 offers the performance and processing necessary to accomplish this, and in a sleek, rugged and reliable package that makes it an ideal handheld for these demanding environments.”

Built on the Marvell® PXA310 embedded processor with 512 MB of program memory, 256 MB of data memory and an expandable SD/MMC memory slot, the 9300 has the power to process more data faster in order to support the most demanding data collection methods and applications. The CipherLab 9300 can read 1D and 2D codes with a choice of 2D imager or laser options. For anywhere mobility, the 9300 comes with a CCX® v4.0 certified Summit WLAN module built in, giving workers stable wireless communications to other devices with the latest security protocols. The 9300 can be expanded and customized as necessary thanks to CipherLab’s included PowerSuite SDK, Naurtech CETerm for full integration of legacy applications, and SOTI® Mobicontrol for managing mobile devices across the enterprise. The choice of 29- or 43-key keypad and embedded Windows CE 6.0 operating platform makes the 9300 easy to use.

CHICAGO (AP)  — Boeing Co. says one of its new 787s made an unplanned landing because an engine lost thrust unexpectedly.

Pilots landed at the airport in Moses Lake in central Washington on Friday. It had taken off from Boeing Field near Seattle.

Boeing says the plane had an “uncommanded loss of thrust” in one of its two engines. Boeing spokesman Jim Proulx (PROO) says the 787 can fly on one engine, but it’s normal procedure to land when there’s an engine problem.

Boeing flew new parts out to Moses Lake over the weekend, and the plane returned to Seattle on Sunday.

The 787 is going through flight testing. The plane with the engine problem is the first test plane. Boeing’s first three 787s are not being sold to airline customers.

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

Distributed via Chicago Press Release Services

ELMHURST (STMW)  — Two west suburban police officers were left “bruised and scraped” after a suspected heroin dealer struck them with his car while attempting to flee a bust last week.

About 8 p.m. on Feb. 16, Elmhurst police officers arranged to meet the suspects to purchase heroin in the parking lot of Extended Stay America, 550 W. Grand
Ave., Elmhurst Police Chief Steve Neubauer told Pioneer Press.

After giving the signal, squad cars surrounded the suspects, who refused to turn off their car and place their hands in sight, he said. Fearing they were attempting to hide a weapon or tamper with evidence, two officers opened the door of the car.

The suspect then threw his car into reverse, “scooping” up the officers and smashing into an approaching squad car, Neubauer said.

“This is very quick and dangerous work,” he said.

The driver, Conzie R. Tyus, 26, of the 6200 block of S. Eberhart Ave. in Chicago, was charged with two counts of aggravated battery, unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, criminal damage to state supported property, possession of marijuana and driving with a suspended license, the chief said. It was also found that he was wanted on a warrant out of Chicago for domestic battery.

Also charged were Floyd Johnson, 22, of the 1500 block of S. 21st St. in Maywood with possession of marijuana; and Palie Babo, 21, of the 1900 block of S. 24th St. in Bellwood with possession of marijuana and attempting to obstruct justice (providing a fake name). Babo was also wanted on two warrants for failure to appear out of DuPage and Cook counties.

Neubauer said the officers were not seriously injured and returned to work the following day. “They are OK. Bruised and scraped up, but back to work.”

Several packets of suspected heroin were recovered from the scene.

Tyus and Babo were taken to DuPage County Jail, while Johnson was released
on bond.

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

Distributed via Chicago Press Release Services

CHICAGO (STMW)  — An elementary school librarian and a UIC lecturer were charged after a Friday night raid uncovered an elaborate marijuana grow house with an estimated street value of $234,000 in the Far South Side home they owned.

Heidi Keller, 47, and Adrian Ortiz, 45, were arrested at their Bridgeport home on Friday night. They are accused of running a drug operation based at another location, a grow house in the Far South Side’s South Deering neighborhood.

Cook County Sheriff’s police officers spent three months investigating the couple, who purchased a home in the 10000 block of S. Exchange Ave. in October. They said it was an investment property, but police found no evidence it was being used for anything other than a marijuana growing operation.

When officers entered the front door to the single-family home, they were greeted by the smell of marijuana, which filled the home. In the basement, they found eight irrigation tables with 186 marijuana plants, the release said.

A complicated lighting system with high-wattage lamps were set to a timer, ensuring each of the plants was exposed to a sufficient amount of lighting. High-flowing water pumps were also set up to irrigate the plants.

Keller told investigators she is a librarian at Haines Elementary, 247 W. 23rd Pl. in Chicago. Ortiz identified himself as a lecturer in English at the University of Illinois at Chicago, the release said.

Bond for Keller was set at $20,000 Monday and bond for Ortiz was set at $30,000. Keller will appear for a preliminary hearing on March 19 and Ortiz on Feb. 24.

Members of the Cook County Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force, which includes sheriff’s police, as well as officers from Calumet City and South Chicago Heights, participated in the Friday night raid at the home. and the arrest at a condo building in the 3500 block of S. Sangamon St.

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

Distributed via Chicago Press Release Services

CHICAGO (AP) ― Illinois Senate President John Cullerton is challenging Republican candidate for governor Bill Brady to present his own budget plan as the state struggles with a whopping deficit.

Cullerton on Monday said he doubted Brady’s suggestion that he could fix the state’s finances without an income tax increase.

Cullerton says the state senator from Bloomington should detail his plans to cut the budget and fix the deficit ahead of the November election.

Brady has said the state doesn’t need an income tax increase.

Cullerton’s Senate has already passed an income tax increase but the idea went nowhere in the Illinois House. Gov. Pat Quinn has also proposed raising the income tax.

Brady leads state Sen. Kirk Dillard in the Republican race for governor, although the results haven’t yet been finalized.

(© 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Read the original article from WBBM News Radio.

Distributed via Chicago Press Release Services

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Dodge, Racing

The “more power” guys over at Mopar have released details about the 2010 Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, and you better get your order in soon because these suckers are gonna go fast. Last year the company offered 100 Drag Pak Challengers and all were sold rather quickly. Heck, even legendary drag racer Don Garlits took the keys to one, coming out of a six-year (most recent) retirement to run his Drag Pak Challenger at the U.S. Nationals last year.

For 2010, Dodge is offering another lucky 100 folks the chance to get behind the wheel of a Challenger Drag Pak racer, which is built to compete in sanctioned NHRA Stock, Super Stock and Comp Eliminator classes. The Drag Pak isn’t street legal, but it should be worth every penny of its $39,999 pricetag. Underhood you’ll find the ubiquitous 6.1-liter Hemi V8 mated to your choice of a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

The Stone White Drag Pak cars are based on the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 and in Stock Eliminator configuration, they’re almost 1,000 pounds lighter than the street car. Imagine if the street SRT8 weighed just 3,200 pounds! To help pare that weight and make it more race-ready, the package includes a “composite lift-off hood with functional scoop, Dodge Viper-style front seats, polycarbonate door windows, a light-weight cooling module with electric fan, manual rack-and-pinion steering, a special cable-operated deck-lid release, special light-weight front-brake assemblies and special cable-operated throttle linkage and pedal assembly.”

If you’d like to get a Drag Pak for yourself, you need to submit a Dodge Challenger Drag Pak Application, which is available at www.mopar.com or from the Mopar Direct Connection Tech Line at 888-528-HEMI (4363). The full press release can be found after the jump and you can check out a gallery of the 2009 Drag Pak below.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Dodge announced 2010 Challenger Drag Pak availability, 2009 sold out

Dodge announced 2010 Challenger Drag Pak availability, 2009 sold out originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As mentioned before, tuners will have a strong presence at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. German tuner Hamann will come to the show with its new Tycoon EVO M, which is based on the 555-hp BMW X6 M.

Besides the noticeable visual upgrades, this modified X6 M gets an ECU upgrade, stainless steel high performance exhaust system with metal catalyzers and other enhancements. That allows for a total output of 670-hp and 575 lb-ft of torque. 0-62 mph comes in just 4.2 seconds (standard X6 M does it in 4.5 seconds) with a top speed increase to 186 mph.

Click here to price the 2010 BMW X6 M.

Hit the jump for the press release to read more and for the high-res image gallery.

Hamann Tycoon EVO M (BMW X6 M):

Press Release:

HAMANN-Motorsport, the renowned specialist for exquisite refinements of BMW-automobiles shows its latest developments on the 80th Geneva Motor Show. The masculine show-piece on the HAMANN exhibition stand with 200 square metres is the world premiere of the 670 hp/493kW strong and 300 km/h fast TYCOON EVO M based on the BMW X6 M.

The TYCOON EVO M – powerful appearance with striking design

Already the shape of the TYCOON EVO M with its impressive broad built gives a good hint of what is to be discovered. Mainly responsible for that are the front and the rear wing extensions made of light composite materials. These let the body expand by impressive 60 millimetres. Additionally, the HAMANN designers enhanced the sides with the newly designed side skirts. The distinctive hallmark of the front is the apron with the four striking LED daytime running lights. But the body set does not only emphasise the appearance, enlarged air inlets in the front and the carbon bonnet allow an optimised air ventilation of the engine compartment. At the X6 M rear, HAMANN also replaces the original skirt with an own development. This makes room for the earthy sounding sports exhaust system with the centrally positioned double end pipes. The rear view of the TYCOON EVO M is perfected with beautifully designed rear- and roof spoilers. All of those components produce a low-swirling airflow over the vehicle silhouette and render additional downthrust.

Rich performance enhancement thanks to optimised exhaust gas flow

In addition to the spectacular shape of the TYCOON EVO M the HAMANN engine department added a powerful performance enhancement for the serial engine. The most significant component for the performance enhancement and responsible for the dynamic and earthy sound of the TYCOON EVO M is the stainless steel high performance exhaust system with metal catalysers. A newly programmed map for the serial motronic completes the upgrade and suspending the speed limit of 250 km/h allows unrestrained driving pleasures.

As a result of the modifications, the X6 M now offers 670 hp / 493 kW at 6,000 r.p.m. and 780 Nm torque at 1,500 – 5,650 r.p.m. This is a surplus of 115 hp and 100 Nm compared to the serial version. Therefore, the all-wheel accelerated from 0 to 100 in only 4,2 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 300 km/h.

Varying rim designs and sizes

Specially adjusted to the increased requirements of the TYCOON EVO M, the refining specialist presents varying wheel designs and sizes. A highlight concerning styling and technology is the rim model UNIQUE FORGED ANODIZED produced in most modern forged technology. The dynamic shape of the delicate, anodised cross spokes does not only lead to a dynamic and striking look, but also results in an even weight distribution and therefore guarantees higher bearing loads. HAMANN offers the 23-inch wheel in the dimensions 11.0 x 23 at the front- and 12.0 x 23 at the rear axle, combined with wheels measuring 315/25 R 23.
The light alloy wheels are especially emphasised with the HAMANN lowering kit. Progressively coiled springs at the front axle and a modification kit for the rear axle thereby lower the centre of gravity of the Sports Utility Vehicle by approx. 40 millimetres.

Most noble interior applications underline the motor sports atmosphere

In addition to the existing factory-provided interior, HAMANN offers accessories made of black-anodised aluminium in combination with carbon applications. Pedals and foot rest render motor sports air and perfectly match the 12-part HAMANN decoration set made of carbon fibre. An three-spoke sports steering wheel additionally render the TYCOON EVO M a dynamic overall appearance. For the luggage compartment in the back of the X6 M, HAMANN offers an elegant and practical boot mat with diamond-shaped decorations and an embroidered logo.

For more information about the extensive HAMANN tuning programme, please visit the web site www.HAMANN-MOTORSPORT.com.

– By: Kap Shah

By John F. Terzano

A spate of recent news reports has called into question the objectivity of some forensic evidence and highlighted the need for effective oversight mechanisms for the nation’s crime labs. Fingerprint analysts told The Missouri Lawyer that when police officers have access to the labs, they often pressure the fingerprint examiners to secure arrests. In December, the New York State Inspector General released a report revealing that forensic analyst Gary Veeder falsified hundreds of results over a fifteen year period. The Phoenix, Arizona Police Department announced plans to investigate claims that lab technicians in the crime lab undermine the integrity of criminal investigations by leaving evidence behind at scenes and disposing of fingerprint evidence. In December, Donald Gates walked free from prison after his exoneration for a rape and murder he did not commit when it was revealed that FBI lab technician Michael Malone provided false testimony and inaccurate testing results.

Forensic lab accreditation through organizations such as the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) is an important first step that all labs should undertake. However, the New York lab at which Gary Veeder worked was accredited by ASCLD/LAB, and yet it took over fifteen years and hundreds of result falsifications for Veeder’s problematic work to be discovered. As ASCLD/LAB itself acknowledges, accreditation is only part of a “laboratory’s quality assurance program”. Some states are beginning to recognize the need to augment private accreditation with more ongoing oversight and additional quality standards in order to ensure that only accurate and reliable forensic evidence is utilized in criminal proceedings.

The Justice Project’s policy review, Improving the Practice and Use of Forensic Science, outlines several steps states should take, including creation of an independent oversight commission to more closely supervise the work of forensic science laboratories. This commission would set statewide quality standards for all labs and would provide more rigorous, ongoing oversight of forensic testing to ensure that labs operate in a way that is consistent with the highest scientific standards. The commission would also adopt standards and regulations regarding the training and certification of all lab employees and safeguards against inadvertent bias in forensic analysis. These safeguards will help to ensure the objectivity and reliability of forensic testing and analysis.

When held to stringent, scientific standards forensic evidence can be a powerful tool for seeking justice. However, until our forensic oversight goes beyond accreditation, forensic evidence will continue to be mishandled, and jurors will be prevented from hearing reliable evidence. Placing forensic labs under the purview of an independent oversight commission will increase the fairness and accuracy of the criminal justice system and help ensure that fewer wrongful convictions occur because of shoddy forensic work. We must implement appropriate oversight and safeguards to prevent innocent defendants from convictions based on flawed forensics.

Should Greece look to the example of New York City to solve it’s debt problems?

Barry Ritholtz has a thoughtful essay comparing the 1970s debt problem of New York City to those of Greece. Both stemmed from out of control public spending and public borrowing, fueled in part by financial shenanigans that included selling future revenue streams that masked debt. Like Greece, New York’s indebtedness and its deficit was revealed to be far higher than commonly understood–and much of it was in short term debt that needed to be quickly refinanced. When it comes to the origins of the Greek debt crisis, New York City should have served as a warning sign reading: disaster lurks here.

Unfortunately, the problem faced by Greece is far worse than the problem faced by New York. And New York’s debt problem was far worse than people think nowadays–and the resolution of the crisis hardly the panacea many now think.

As Ritholtz points out, New York State responded with the creation of the Municipal Assistance Corp, which was known as “Big Mac.” Big Mac extended the short term debt to longer term bonds, in part by converting some city taxes to state revenues that were used to guarantee Big Mac bonds. Both the state and federal governments also came thought with financial relief, despite what you might have heard about President Ford telling New York to “drop dead.” City payrolls were massively cut and the City’s pension funds were required to buy Big Mac bonds.

Much of that is impossible for Greece. In the first place, many of New York’s bondholders were wealthy New York City residents and locally based financial institutions. These bondholders exerted their political influence to demand the necessary budgetary reforms. The people of Greece and Greek financial institutions own a much smaller percentage of Greek government debt, which means that they lack the incentive to demand reform. Instead, much of the demand for budget deficit reduction is coming from outsiders, the leaders of Germany and the European Union. They lack political clout within Germany, however, which makes the odds of reform much longer.

The New York City bondholders also had an incentive to compromise. They recognized that a bankrupt New York City would be both humiliating and perhaps unlivable. The values of their Park Avenue apartments would plummet. So they made concessions to keep the city afloat. The Greek bondholders don’t much care about what happens to life in Greece, and so they have little incentive to concede. What’s more, they expect that the Germans will come through with a bailout because of the desire to keep the Euro intact as a viable currency.

New York City also had financial resources that Greece lacks. Eventually, some 40% of the city’s pension funds were invested in the Big Mac Bonds. The Greek pension system is so broken that it cannot afford to buy new bonds to bail out the Greek government.

It’s also worth noting that New York City paid a heavy price for its budgetary reforms. The punitive cuts in city payrolls triggered a flight of the “white ethnics” from the city. The old municipal jobs weren’t available anymore so the incentive to stick around was gone. Neighborhoods were abandoned and parts of the city became ‘no go’ zones for many of the residents who remained. Crime lurched upward and would continue to climb for a decade and half. The murder rate wouldn’t peak until 1990. The city’s education system was all but destroyed, with drop-out rates skyrocketing. New York City had escaped a debt crisis but found itself in a crime, population, and educational crisis that would last for decades.

It’s far from clear that Greece could survive a similar crisis on a national scale.

What’s more, the New York City rescue was not without financial scandal. As Ritholtz points out, Big Mac was run by Felix Rohatyn, whose family of wealthy Viennese bankers had fled from the Nazis to New York during World War Two. After his parents divorced, his mother remarried Henry Plessner, a partner of Lazard Frères in its Paris branch. The bank gave Felix a summer job at the New York branch of the bank while he was still in college. When he graduated in college, Felix went to work in Paris for the senior partner of the bank, Andre Meyer.

After New York City’s financed had been somewhat stabilized, Rohatyn returned to Lazard Frères. In March of the following year, Big MAC announced that it had selected Lazard Frères as its financial adviser. Mayor Ed Koch denounced the arrangement as a “moral conflict of interest.” Lazard was forced to step aside as financial adviser.

In short, Greece probably cannot go the way of New York City in addressing its debt problems. And, even if it could, it probably shouldn’t and doesn’t want to.

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• Memo to Greece: It’s Time To Declare War On Goldman Sachs
• It’s Not Just Greece, Now They’re Going On Strike In "Rich" Europe
• Will AIG Force The US To Bail Out Greece?

By Isaiah Esipisu KAMPALA, Feb 22 (IPS) A severe shortage of highly-trained medical personnel is one of the many challenges to providing health care at a local level across Africa. Task shifting – permitting less-specialised people to carry out certain functions – is one proposal to over come this, but it is meeting resistance.

In Uganda, community health workers may soon be allowed to administer injectable contraceptives in a strategy geared towards meeting family planning needs. The same plan has so far been rejected by Kenya's medical establishment.

In both Kenya and Uganda, thousands of trained nurses are either unemployed, or are working in sectors not related to their profession, Kenyan government records show the country has more than 8,000 unemployed nurses – at the same time as the public health system reports a shortfall of 44,000 nurses.

"We are concerned about the need for more healthcare workers in our healthcare facilities," says Dr Francis Kimani, Kenya’s Director of Medical Services, explaining that financial constraints have led to positions remaining unfilled.

"But the government has implemented an arrangement known as Economic Stimulus Program, through which 4,200 nurses have already been interviewed and will be employed by the month of March this year. In January, we recruited 400 nurses and they will be posted to various workstations any time now."

Keep injections in trained hands?

But, Kimani says, the government will not allow community-based workers to take on a function previously reserved for nurses, despite the acute shortage of trained professionals in healthcare facilities countrywide.

Kimani argues that allowing non-professionals to take charge of giving contraceptive injections could compromise service delivery; infection through improper sterilisation is one risk, failing to recognise when the contraceptive is contraindicated is another.

But non-governmental organisations working in the health sector argue that evidence suggests the best and cheapest method of effectively providing healthcare at the local level is by shifting tasks to community health workers.

This is what informed a pilot study by the secretariat of the East, Central and Southern African Health Community (ECSA HC) to find out whether local health workers, who already distribute condoms and birth control pills, could also give injections safely.

The pilot in Uganda's Nakasongola district demonstrated that trained community health workers, supervised by a more highly-trained professional, can handle the procedure.

The findings tally with trials in parts of Asia. Early results from a similar ongoing pilot study in Tharaka district in Kenya show similar positive results.

Uganda considering the shift

Uganda's Director of Health Services, Dr Kenya-Mugisha Nathan, is receptive to the proposal.

"As professionals, we can only make a decision that is informed by evidence. And evidence is based on research findings. We are in the process of studying the ECSA HC report before we present a policy statement to our policy makers for implementation," said Dr Nathan.

He argues that training the community health workers on how to administer injectable contraceptives is precisely how to avoid compromising services. "When we include the word training, it means equipping an individual with necessary skills to perform a given duty," he says.

Should the practice be approved in Uganda, he says that the community health workers will be monitored and supervised at all stages to minimise the chance of errors.

Learn from experience

However, Kenyan government officials base their resistance on past experience with task-shifting in a related area.

Traditional birth attendants, who are the first people called to assist rural and low-income pregnant women in Kenya, were given training to help them identify complications early and refer these cases to better-equipped health centres and personnel.

In many cases, however, these birth attendants instead used the fact of their training to present themselves as qualified doctors, opting to try and handle complications themselves and putting mothers and children at great risk by referring them to hospitals desperately late.

"As much as we appreciate the good work being done by community health workers, we must as well learn from experience," says Dr Josephine Kibaru of the Kenya’s Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation. "We trusted the traditional birth attendants so much, and as a result, they ended up putting women’s lives at greater risks instead of saving their lives."

She however noted that the government of Kenya recognises the community as the first level of healthcare. "Our ministries of health have established a community based strategy to provide guidance for the delivery of particular services at community levels," she said.

Officials from the ECSA Health Community say that they will continue advocating for a legislation to be implemented in countries that look at it as a positive move.

"This does not mean that we are sidelining Kenya. No. Kenya is still an ECSA member state, and we have several other things we do together in order to improve health delivery in the country," said Dr. Odiyo Odongo, the ECSA Health Community Manager for Family and Reproductive Health Program.

The U.S. men’s hockey team’s thrilling Olympic victory Sunday over Canada fans the flames for next month’s Paralympic rivalry between the border teams.

“Rock ‘N’ Roll,” says J.J. O’Connor, general manager of the U.S. Paralympic hockey team. “Oh man, what a game. I was on the edge of my seat. I was fired up.”

Not that O’Connor, 31, of Mount Prospect, needs any more inspiration for his Paralympic team of double-amputees and athletes who can’t use their legs. Officially known as Ice Sledge Hockey, the game gets O’Connor’s competitive juices flowing.

“Canada is definitely our No. 1 rival,” O’Connor says. “We go at it with Canada. When our guys and the Canadians play, it’s a war.”

O’Connor pauses a second before sheepishly mentioning a YouTube video from 2008 that shows the Paralympic athletes from the U.S. and Canada erupting into a full-fledged, punches-flying hockey brawl with referees scrambling to separate the players.

“There’s no question it’s competitive and physical, the same as the USA-Canada game,” O’Connor says, referring to Sunday’s Olympic matchup between some of the NHL’s best players.

In sled hockey, the players hold short hockey sticks in each hand. One end of the stick is serrated to help players grip the ice and use their arms to propel the sled, turn and stop. The other end features a curved hockey stick for shooting.

After coming home with the bronze in 2006, the U.S. Paralympic hockey team aims to take the gold from Canada in Vancouver next month.

“We’re ranked No. 1, but Canada has a fantastic team,” O’Connor says.

The U.S. squad will get a boost from the addition of some new sleds, specially made by Scheck & Siress, a Chicago orthotics and prosthetics firm with centers in Bannockburn, Naperville, Oakbrook Terrace, Schaumburg and throughout the suburbs.

“We made three custom buckets for people missing both legs above the knee,” says David Rotter, 41, chief clinician and lab manager at Scheck & Siress’ laboratory at the University of Illinois-Chicago. The firm also made sturdy, custom veneer shells with the USA logo for all 15 sleds.

“They worked great and will hopefully give the guys a competitive edge to beat Canada,” Rotter adds.

“They did a heck of a job and hit the nail on the head with everything,” Paralympian Bubba Torres, 18, of New Jersey, says on a video made last month when he tested his bucket at hockey rinks in Chicago, West Dundee and Hoffman Estates. “I’m sitting up higher than my old bucket, so it gives me more leverage and helps give me a longer stride.”

Taking molds of player’s bodies, Scheck & Siress spent six days to make the three sleds, and donated much of that labor and design work, Rotter says. Each sled weighs less than a 16-pound bowling ball.

Rotter got involved with the Paralympic hockey team after meeting O’Connor, who broke his neck crashing into the boards during a hockey game at age 16 and is paralyzed. O’Connor has some movement in his right arm and can stand, but he can’t play the sled version of the game he loves.

“I just kind of let that be, but I help other players to enjoy it. I just love the sport,” says O’Connor, whose passion for bringing hockey to athletes with disabilities is legendary. The handicap-accessible ice rink in West Dundee is named in his honor.

A co-owner of two Sport Clips hair-cutting franchises (1920 Route 83 in Round Lake Beach and 3452 N. Clark St. in Chicago), O’Connor is webmaster for the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois. While the Paralympic athletes on the sled team are age 17 to 42, O’Connor welcomes younger kids and anyone interested in sled hockey to e-mail him at [email protected]. The suburbs offer plenty of chances to play.

“I think the double-amps have an advantage,” O’Connor says, noting players missing both legs are lighter and tend to be more agile in the sleds. In some ways, sled hockey takes more skill than traditional hockey because players must use their arms to move across the ice and then switch to the other end of their sticks to control the puck and shoot, O’Connor says. The rest of the game, including checking someone into the boards and penalties, is the same.

People who think the Paralympics are nothing more than a friendly gathering where the goal is simply to participate “should get on the ice with these guys and take one check,” Rotter says. “It’s hockey. These guys are banging into each other. Paralympic athletes are pretty amazing athletes. If it got any television play in the U.S., people would be blown away by the athletic ability of the competitors.”

While O’Connor appreciates the chance to show the world sled hockey in the Paralympics, he’s got a bigger goal.

His U.S. team takes on Korea on March 13. Then the Czech Republic the next day. Then Japan. If things work out right, the U.S. team will dispose of Canada to bring home the gold medal on March 20.

“We don’t like losing,” O’Connor says. “And we’re a better team than before.”

Read the original article on DailyHerald.com.

Distributed via Chicago Press Release Services

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Cadillac, Luxury

Thinking about taking home a new Cadillac CTS Coupe and ready to start mixin’ ‘n’ matchin’? Cadillac has put the coupe’s order guides online, which means it’s time to start playing with packages. You might be in for a little disappointment, though, when you discover that things like that the pane of glass isn’t a proper sunroof – it only tilts – kind of like the unit on Audi’s A5. Nor can you have the new Evolution Green Metallic exterior with the Ebony interior and Saffron seat inserts. But that’s probably a good thing…

Otherwise, there aren’t too many surprises, just details to know, like which package you’ll need in order to get the rearview camera on the nav screen and not on the mirror. Or you could just get the CTS-V Coupe and make sure you drive home with everything standard.

[Source: General Motors via GM Inside News]

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe ordering guide plops onto the Interwebz originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Cars North America said today that it has cut its inventories in half in the past few months to 45 days and expects to end incentive spending by the end of next month.

“We were oversupplied across the board, and those inventory levels are pretty balanced again,” said COO Michael Bartsch. “We operated with up to 90 to 100 days supply at the peak last year and we ran aggressive lease rates. That was very unusual for us.”

Porsche, which has been offering lower lease rates on the Cayenne and Boxster, said “it is a core part of our brand values to have no incentives.”

Click here for pricing on the 2010 Porsche Cayenne.

Dealers have been urging Porsche to end lease deals because funds were being diverted from marketing to pay for them. Jerry Nelson, owner of Schneider+Nelson Porsche in West Long Branch, N.J., said that incentives helped dealers turn the corner. ”We were in dire straits with inventory last year, and Porsche helped us out with incentives.”

Porsche sales were up 8 percent in January. A V6 version of the Panamera is due to join the lineup by mid-June with a starting price tag of $74,400.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Today was quite possibly the most boring trading day of the past year…. But, the excitement picked up in the final half-hour of trading as an abrupt sell-off occurred.

Here’s the whole damage: Dow down 19 points to 10,383, the NASDAQ down 2 points to 2241, and the S&P 500 down almost 2 points to 1107.

Gold and silver followed suit. Gold dropped $6.50 to $1115.60 an ounce and silver fell $0.16 to $16.28 an ounce.

Oil managed to hold above $80 a barrel, up $0.35 to $80.16.

The biggest loser in the S&P today is H&R Block (HRB), as we previously mentioned – down 4.5% to $20.16 a share. In contrast, the biggest gainer was Millipore Corp. (MIL), which despite rumors of a takeover bid, soared 21.2% to close at $86.50 a share.

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Europe’s labor-induced economic standstill will have to wait.

According to The Telegraph, Lufthansa pilots have agreed to suspend their strike until March 8, in hopes that a resolution can be reached early.

The bad news for travelers, however: airlines don’t just turn on and off at the push of a button. Even with the resumption of work, it will take a few days to get the airline running as normal.

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See Also:

• It’s Not Just Lufthansa, Now British Airways May Succumb To Strike
• It’s Not Just Greece, Now They’re Going On Strike In "Rich" Europe
• Greek Unions Going On Strike, Grounding Flights, And Shutting Down Schools In Opposition To Spending Cuts

ST. LOUIS — A small plane that slammed into a southwestern Illinois house and hangar in a subdivision built for aviation enthusiasts never sent out a distress signal before crashing, killing the two fliers who included a banker who once helped guide Missouri’s economic development, officials said.

No one on the ground was injured when the single-engine Piper Malibu apparently occupied by Donald Estell went down in the rain Sunday evening while approaching St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia, just east of the city, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Capt. Steve Johnson said.

County Coroner Rick Stone said the victims tentatively have been identified as Estell, a 65-year-old Clayton man who once headed the former Missouri Division of Commerce and Industrial Development, and Robert Clarkson, 68, of Belleville, Ill.

Stone said the intensity of the fiery crash hampered efforts to confirm the victims’ identities, meaning genetic testing that could take months may be necessary to make it official. “Right now, we’re using common sense” and identifying through circumstantial evidence, including that Estell and Clarkson have not been heard from since the crash, Stone said.

Johnson also said authorities believe two people were on the plane, based on the pilot’s flight plan, which listed a passenger. Relatives of that passenger — presumably Clarkson — have told investigators that person was to have been aboard the plane, Johnson said.

Stone said the plane was being flown by Estell, a licensed pilot who often having volunteered his services for and served as a board member of Angel Flight Central, a nonprofit agency that arranges charitable flights for humanitarian causes.

The cause of the crash remained unclear. The Federal Aviation Administration said Monday it was assisting the investigation but directed questions to the National Transportation Safety Board, the lead agency handling the probe. A Chicago-based NTSB investigator was headed to the crash site and was to brief reporters later Monday, a spokesman for the agency’s Washington headquarters said.

Estell had been board chairman of Stern Brothers & Co., a Clayton-based regional investment banking firm, before becoming Commerce Bank’s director of public finance last summer.

A man who answered Estell’s home telephone Monday declined to comment. Stern Brothers said in a statement it was “deeply saddened” by the death of the former chairman remembered as “a mentor and true gentleman. He touched many and will be missed by all.”

Bob McDaniel, the Cahokia airport’s director, said the plane, which can seat up to six passengers, was based at the airport and was flying from Vero Beach, Fla.

McDaniel said FAA records show that the plane left Vero Beach at 3:19 p.m. CST Sunday — about an hour behind schedule — and was approaching the Cahokia airport in light rain about three hours later when the crash occurred.

“The weather was well within (the pilot’s) capabilities,” McDaniel said. “It’s just somewhat of a mystery.”

Johnson said it was a miracle that no one on the ground was injured, noting that the home’s occupants were dining out at the time. Neighbors broke out windows to rescue two dogs that were inside the burning house, Johnson said.

Houses in the subdivision have hangars and private runways.

Read the original article on DailyHerald.com.

Distributed via Chicago Press Release Services

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Lotus, Electric

Lotus has provided a sneak peak at the underpinnings of its Proton concept ahead of the city car’s world debut at next week’s Geneva Motor Show, and while it isn’t much to go on, it’s a keen glimpse into the automaker’s future plans.

According to Lotus, the concept, penned by Italdesign, will be the first use of Lotus’ Range Extender engine, a series hybrid equipped with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder that sends electrical power to the drive motors and on to a single speed transmission. The city car can be plugged in to any AC main, allowing the driver to run off electricity alone for an unspecified range.

The Lotus Range Extender was originally unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year and if Lotus continues at this clip, we could see the city car on sale within the next three years. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Lotus provides a peek at Proton city car concept’s plug-in hybrid platform

Geneva Preview: Lotus provides a peek at Proton city car concept’s plug-in hybrid platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The BGR has come across an internal memo from AT&T asking AT&T cell phone shops to return their HTC Pure handsets to the warehouse.

No reason for the recall of the 7000 handsets are given, but the memo emphasises there are actually nothing wrong with the handsets, leading BGR to speculate this this may be due to slow sales, leading AT&T to replace the handsets with better sells on the shelves.

While this is pure speculation, the HTC Pure is in some ways an older generation device, not just due to the processor, but it features, at 3.2 inches,  the smallest screen of a current generation US smartphone, which likely impacted its popularity compared to similar devices like the HTC Imagio, which feature better styling and more features.

Can our readers speculate on the reasons for the recall or know more? Let us know below.