Nearly 1.5 million strollers made by Graco’s Children’s Products have been recalled, according to reports from MSNBC and CNN. After seven reports of children’s fingers being cut when the stroller canopy hinge is opening or closing, the following strollers have been recalled – Graco’s Passage, Alano and Spree strollers and travel systems. Two children’s fingers were cut and there were five reports of children losing their fingertips.
Mr. Pickens said he was refocusing the plan, not only de-emphasizing wind energy, but also turning his natural gas focus from cars and pickup trucks to big commercial vehicles.
NASA is inviting eligible education institutions, museums and other organizations to examine and request space program artifacts online. The items represent significant human space flight technologies, processes and accomplishments from NASA’s past and present space exploration programs.
This makes perfect sense to me. The Orbiters are large, and expensive to maintain. If NASA keeps them they’d have to find a place to house them, keep them clean, and so on. That would be a huge waste of money! By selling them to a museum or some other institution NASA gets some cash, and a museum gets just about the coolest exhibit ever. I would pay an admission fee to tour through an actual Orbiter! So this is a great idea. If you qualify, go to this page and sign up.
I’ll note I already own a piece of Hubble: when I worked on the camera called STIS, all the team members were given a piece of mylar insulation blanket that was removed in a 1999 servicing mission as a souvenir. The snippet is encased in plastic, but it flew on Hubble for nearly ten years.
I wonder if it’s legal for NASA to sell them? That would be a nice fundraiser too.
Chicago police detective John Killackey has been charged with misdemeanor theft and assault for stiffing a cab driver on a fare in April and threatening him with a gun when the driver asked for payment, officials said today.
Killackey, 32, is listed in public records as a police detective who joined the police force in 2000. According to a source, the officer is the son of Jack Killackey, the former commander of the Deering police district. The elder Killackey is currently an official at the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communication.
The driver, Karl Clermont, has said he picked up Killackey on April 23. When they arrived at his destination near Armitage and Damen Avenues, Killackey, who was off-duty at the time, refused to pay his $8 cab fare and pulled a handgun on Clermont, the driver alleged.
Killackey appeared to be intoxicated when Klermont picked him up at about 1:35 a.m. and drove to the Lincoln Park destination, said George Lutfallah, who first wrote about the case in Chicago Dispatcher, a publication on taxi-related subjects.
When they arrived, Killackey got out of the cab and started to walk away without paying the fare, Luftallah said. Klermont called after him, and he returned to the taxi.
Killackey allegedly brandished a handgun as he told the driver he didn’t owe him anything. “Get out of the car and see what happens,” the detective said, according to Luftallah.
Klermont called 911, and when officers arrived they found Killackey in a nearby alley; when they saw his identification, his badge and his gun, they learned he was a police officer.
The driver filed a complaint with the Independent Police Review Authority. On Thursday he spoke with prosecutors at the state’s attorney’s office, Luftallah said.
Killackey was charged Friday, said Andy Conklin, a spokesman for the state’s attorney’s office.
He has also been relieved of police powers and an internal investigation is under way, said Chicago Police News Affairs Lt. Maureen Biggane. Killackey has been put in an administrative role, she said.
IPRA also is conducting an investigation of its own, said agency spokesman Curtis Tarver.
“Be a bunny!” That was the essence of the message coming from the South Korean Department of Health this week.
Faced with an incredibly low birth rate–lower even than that of Japan–the government has now stepped in to force its employees to make more babies. They hope to do it with a flick of the switch.
At 1900 on Wednesday, officials at the Ministry of Health will turn off all the lights in the building. They want to encourage staff to go home to their families and, well, make bigger ones. They plan to repeat the experiment every month.
South Korea’s birth rate (the average number of babies born during a woman’s lifetime) is one of the world’s lowest. In 2008 the rate was 1.19, raising fears that the population will begin shrinking within a decade.
The Ministry of Health, says the BBC, is now sometimes referred to as the Ministry of Matchmaking as it arranges social gatherings to encourage people to find love and potential partners. The government also doles out gift vouchers to encourage people to have more babies–a priority for the country as its society rapidly ages and health care costs spiral upward.
As the government scrambles to get its citizens into their bedrooms, critics say unless childcare and education costs come down, young families won’t be encouraged to have babies. The naysayers argue that it will take more than just turning off the lights to get people to act like bunnies.
White Knight Chronicles is finally going international on February 2nd that means the year-long wait is now down to two weeks. Level 5 really pushed for online gameplay on this one, which is rather rare for
So much for a nice, calm first time on day shift for me!
But first, I need to say that just my three days off to turn my body back onto a day schedule were amazing. I immediately felt like myself again. It was as if a light has been turned off and now it is on. I have motivation and energy and a spark! I woke up at 7 in the morning and I was so ready to go! I missed that.
Back to my first time alone on day’s…it started off calm. I had two patients with the same exact problems: admitted with infected hemodialysis catheters who needed them removed and became septic, and were now awaiting new HD catheter insertion. Both needed their dialysis. Kind of bizarre how similar their stories were. My one guy was totally confused, but was pleasant, love that.
My other patient got an order to transfer out once I brought her down to interventional radiology for temporary catheter and then onto dialysis.
During all of this, there was a code on the unit and my manager was there all day. I kind of wondered if she was watching me, gauging how I would react in situations. During a second code, she asked if I would walk around the unit to make sure everyone was okay. The minute I stepped out of the room, the nurse next door frantically asked me to grab a suction set up, intubation, and to page RT. Alright…
And then, the craziest of the day…they aren’t allowed to give me three patients since I am still new, but they needed a 1:1 nurse for a new patient coming up from another ICU because he needed to be on a rotoprone bed! I have no training in this, at all. I knew my manager did NOT want to give me this patient, but she had no choice. These patients are SICK. My preceptor from orientation (aka: my ICU Mom) was like, “I cannot believe they are going to give you this patient. This is insane. I had to take a 10 hour class on this bed…” My manager felt that since it was at the end of the day, it wouldn’t be a huge deal and she reiterated that she would never want me to have this patient for a whole shift. Not that I’m incompetent or anything, but I simply just do not have the experience.
After I gave up my patient to another nurse, I spent about 2 hours with the bed representative going over how the bed works. Wow, I feel like I don’t need to go to weight lifting this week because I actually got a work out.
The bed looks like either a torture chamber or some sort of NASA device.
Numerous straps and buckles and controls.
I felt so anxious, I just wanted to go get the patient and bring him up! However, the bed representative was so helpful and reassuring. She kept saying how she would not leave me and I could call her day or night. Knowing that my shift was coming to an end, my fears began to alleviate.
My manager actually went up the open heart unit with me to help bring the patient down! The best part: I got report from my preceptor of my final semester of nursing school!! YAY!! She is so down to earth and similar in personality as me; sarcastic, etc.
In short, this patient was definitely sick. For those who have no idea what the heck this bed is or what it does: the basic premise is that it helps patients with severe respiratory issues, like ARDS. Basically, the patient goes into the bed (or…we put them in the bed) very tight, snug, and strapped in, and then the bed turns them upside down (prone) and starts rotating back and forth like a rotisserie. The purpose is to help perfuse other parts of their lungs and increase oxygenation to those other areas. That is the best I can explain it.
Here’s a video I found on youtube. I have no association with this video, I am only trying to show what the heck it looks like:
I don’t want to give too much info about the patient. He was young (30’s) with a GI issue and surgery that led to sepsis.
He was obviously on the ventilator…with 100% FiO2. He also had the following drips: propofol, levophed, neosynephrine, xigris, D10, bicarb, potassium, protonix…I can’t even remember what else! For lines, a swan, two central lines, and an A-line. Also, had a J-tube, G-tube, NGT, foley, Chest tube, JP drain, and blake…! In other words: sick.
Let’s just say, it was A FREAKIN’ pain in the ass to get him transferred, detangled, and assembled in the bed. Fortunately, the next shift had arrived, so the oncoming nurse (who happened to be my night shift preceptor) helped to set him up.
For this bed, all the lines need to be straightened (ha!) and placed in this wheel-device that turns with the patient and prevents everything from being pulled. All of that goes at the top of the head, while the foley, chest tube, and dignacare (or any fecal-management device) goes through the hole by the feet.
It took us about an hour and a half to get him mostly set-up. I left work at 6:45 (shift ends at 6), but I wanted to stay since we hadn’t gotten to the point of proning him yet. The bed representative and I strapped him in. The freaky-ish part is this handle that you have to crank, which moves all of the cushions in towards the patient, squeezing them super tight. You need to turn the handle until you cannot anymore. It feels like you’re going to just squish the patient to death!
When I left work, my legs hurt worse than they had in all of my life! I actually took an excedrin for them when I came home, and I never take medicine!
However, I can say that I did have a good day. Sure, I was nervous, but I learned something new. I feel like I need to be more confident and that is what I am going to work on. I need to prove to my manager and everyone else that I will survive on day’s and everything will be ok! I think that majority of nurses trust me and think I am competent, but I just need the experience. For the most part, I want my manager to be comfortable with her decision to let me move to day’s.
I must say that one of the best things in the Music industry, is seeing the uniting of African artists in the name of producing good, high quality music.
British Rock band, Noisettes, have collaborated with two of Africa’s best artists, Wale and Estelle, in the remix of “Don’t Upset The Rhythm (Go Baby Go)”, an upbeat dance tune with a very rocky-hip-hop, catchy tune.
Take a look at the video below and make your decision. Is this a hit or not??
Protesters marched outside CTA headquarters downtown today as the transit agency put the finishing touches on a major downsizing of bus and rail service.
A crowd of fewer than 100 people consisted mostly of CTA unionized employees. One protester of the service cuts was ejected from the agency’s boardroom after he disrupted the monthly CTA meeting by throwing papers into the air.
More than 1,000 CTA employees will be laid off on Feb. 7 if planned service cuts go through to help eliminate a projected $300 million budget deficit.
“You literally are restructuring the lives of thousands of people … I think the people of this city deserve better,” Darrell Jefferson, president of the bus drivers and bus mechanics union, Local 241 of the Amalgamated Transit Union, told CTA board members.
Jefferson and others urged the board to rescind the service cuts.
The service reductions will eliminate nine express bus routes and increase waiting times for passengers on more than 100 other bus routes as well as rail lines, officials said.
Buses and trains are expected to be much more crowded too.
CTA bus service will be reduced 18 percent, leading to shortened hours of operation on 41 bus routes, and rail service will be cut by 9 percent, resulting in longer waits between trains, officials said.
The unions have refused to go along with salary freezes and unpaid furlough days that non-union CTA employees are being forced to take as a way to reduce the $300 million budget deficit caused in large measure by a dropoff in sales tax revenue and real estate transfer taxes.
China, the only economy that seems to matter, at least if you listen to the folks on CNBC who say that today’s sell off is all China-related, is set to release a bash of fresh economic data.
Industrial production (est. up 19.6%), GDP (est. 8.5%), CPI (est. up 1.4%), and retail sales (up 16.3%) are the main releases, according to ForexLive.
As they note, you should really watch the inflation one, since that’s what everyone’s freaked out about right now.
Coinciding with an earlier report, the first images of the 2011 BMW 335is have leaked out, and if history is any indication, we should have all the official details within a few days.
Available in both coupe and cabrio form, the 335is – designed to slot in above the recently revised 335i and below the V8-powered M3 – will reportedly be equipped with the last 335i’s twin-turbocharged inline-six (N54), putting out an estimated 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, with an overboost function increasing the twist to 369 lb-ft for short durations. Predictably, the 0-60 time will drop to around five seconds and the top speed will increase to 149 mph.
A six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox are expected to be part of the package, along with an M-Sport Appearance package, blacked-out grille, darkened mirrors and a mildly revised suspension. Expect all the information to be revealed soon and plan to see the 335is, along with the rest of the revised 3 series line, in person at the Geneva Motor Show this March.
The United States Supreme Court today denied relief in Wood v. Allen, an Alabama case which asked the Court to address whether trial lawyers performed adequately when they failed to investigate and present evidence of mental retardation. The decision focused on the procedural rules that limit federal habeas corpus review and did not reach the merits of Mr. Woods’s claim.
Metra is warning riders that freezing forecast for today may adversely affect service across its system.
The National Weather Service has issued a freezing rain advisory for much of northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana. The advisory is set to go into effect at 3 p.m. to 6 a.m. Thursday and means that periods of freezing rain or drizzle will cause roads to get slippery and create other travel difficulties, according to the agency’s Web site.
“Please be advised that as always, we will make every reasonable effort to assure your timely and comfortable commute,” Metra said in an online service alert. “Unfortunately, weather conditions beyond our control often create unanticipated delays or service disruptions.”
The freezing rain is expected to start after 3 p.m. this afternoon and continue into Thursday.
Casi una de las últimas novedades que tuvimos a fines del año pasado, el Honda HSV-010 GT resultó ser uno de los más espectaculares lanzamientos, aunque destinado al mundo del Super GT, en Japón. Ya han circulado algunas fotos e incluso un vídeo que mi compañero Denns nos mostró inmediatamente al lanzamiento de Honda.
Pero ahora Honda lanza un comunicado de prensa con algunas especificaciones más del espectacular deportivo. Se confirma el dato del motor y lógicamente será el V8 3.4 litros. La potencia, va a estar por encima de los 500 caballos, aunque al parecer en Honda no se ponen muy de acuerdo en cuanto a la potencia total; se anuncian “más de 500 caballos“. El par motor está en las mismas, estableciendo que “será de 392 Nm o más“.
Con 4.674 centímetros de largo y dos metros de ancho, resulta ser 6,5 centímetros más largo y 10 centímetros más ancho que el NSX de la anterior generación de la firma, que usara en las pistas japonesas.
Desgraciadamente, y ya que el NSX fue discontinuado para producción en serie, este monstruo no integrará el catálogo de venta de Honda, ya que la compañía se ha centrado en ofrecer coches más pequeños, más baratos y más masivos para el público. Nos hubiera gustado ver uno en la carretera. Si el HSV-010 GT tiene éxito en la pista ¿irán a ofrecerlo también en versión de calle, al menos en edición limitada?
Just in case you were thinking Mafia Wars or Farmville weren’t a big enough part of your daily life, Facebook has followed up on its promise and will now offer email notifications from applications. As we foretold in October, Facebook’s roadmap for developers contained several key points that would restructure the ways in which applications would be allowed to contact users.
But before you go diving off the deep end worrying about an inbox full of even more Facebook notifications, take a deep breath and remember that 1980s anti-drug campaign slogan and let it become your mantra – “Just Say No.”
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In its blog post announcing the feature, Facebook is careful to note that its users will retain control over who can contact them by email.
According to Inside Facebook, our favorite social network will offer users the ability to use a proxy email address so they don’t have to divulge their email address to external entities but can still receive the notifications by email.
Thanks to Facebook moving in the direction of sharing things by default, this move is surely going to prompt accusations that Facebook is invading people’s privacy. However, we think that as long as no information is shared by default, emailing application notifications should be okay.
What we really hope, though, is that some of our friends don’t permanently disappear into the Farmville abyss as they are constantly reminded that the cows are coming home.
Omron’s HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer helps you walk the path to better health. The pedometer measures steps, aerobic steps (10 minutes or more of continuous movement), calories and distance. The Omron Health Management Software helps you monitor you progress as you achieve a healthier, more active lifestyle by tracking days, weeks, months and years of exercise. Just connect the pedometer with its USB connection to your PC to begin tracking your health today. Physical activity is essential for good health — Omron’s HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer helps you improve overall health, lose weight & get more energy in your daily life. Large display for easy reading Clock setting Detachable belt holder and security strap Battery – 1 CR2032 (included)
On January 22nd, BMW will reveal the official details and images about its new 2011 BMW 335is – a true (or closer) rival to the Audi S4. Nonetheless, thanks to someone at BMW who couldn’t keep their fingers off the “post” button, images of the 335is have popped up on BMWUSA.com and the folks at BimmerFile have grabbed them before they were taken down.
The 2011 BMW 335is will be powered by a 3.0L twin-turbocharged inline 6-cylinder with an extra 22-hp for a total of 322-hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. It will come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission but will get an optional 7-speed double clutch automatic.
As you can tell from the photos, the 355is Coupe and Convertible will get a new sports exhaust system, M sport package, rear bumper diffuse inserts in body color, 18-inch alloy wheels and much more.
Come back on Jan. 22 for more details.
2011 BMW 335is Coupe and Convertible (Leaked Images):
Since launch day, every Palm Pre and Pixi on Sprint has come with a little app that launches into a custom Sprint portal with news and links to information about your account. It looks as if Bell is going to follow the same route, though their app will be of the optional App Catalog variety. As reported over at Mobile Syrup, Bell is releasing a “Self Serve” app that will do the same for owners of Palm Pre phones on Bell. Self Serve the app will give Bell customers one-click access to Self Serve the website, where users can manage their accounts and track minute, text, and data usage. webOS users won’t be the only ones getting in on the action, as Bell is also releasing the app for the BlackBerry Storm and Tour (through BlackBerry App World).
Firefighters respond to what was described as a small fire at 420 W. Van Buren St. (William DeShazur/Chicago Tribune)
West Loop streets closed this morning because of a small office building fire have reopened, authorities said.
Firefighters were called to 420 W. Van Buren St. at 9:50 a.m. and discovered that welding sparks had apparently ignited insulation inside walls on the 12th floor, Chicago Fire spokesman Quention Curtis said.
The fire was under control just after 10 a.m. but traffic was blocked for sometime afterwards as firefighters stayed on the scene, Curtis said.
Lanes were closed for more than an hour on Van Buren at the Chicago River. About 15 fire companies responded.
Nearly 1.5 million strollers made by Graco’s Children’s Products have been recalled, according to reports from MSNBC and CNN. After seven reports of children’s fingers being cut when the stroller canopy hinge is opening or closing, the following strollers have been recalled – Graco’s Passage, Alano and Spree strollers and travel systems. Two children’s fingers were cut and there were five reports of children losing their fingertips.
If you have a few million lying around, and you qualify, you might want to add a Space Shuttle to your collection: 
“Be a bunny!” That was the essence of the message coming from the South Korean 
I must say that one of the best things in the Music industry, is seeing the uniting of African artists in the name of producing good, high quality music. 
Just in case you were thinking 
According to 
Since launch day, every Palm Pre and Pixi on Sprint has come with a little app that launches into a custom Sprint portal with news and links to information about your account. It looks as if Bell is going to follow the same route, though their app will be of the optional App Catalog variety. As reported over at 
Firefighters respond to what was described as a small fire at 420 W. Van Buren St. (William DeShazur/Chicago Tribune)