Monday, October 29, 2012

Polls show new Israeli bloc will retain power

JERUSALEM (AP) ? A pair of polls show that the Israeli premier's new alliance with his hard-line foreign minister has failed to produce a boost but could keep them in power after the Jan. 22 election.

Israeli Channel 2 TV's poll Sunday showed the new bloc of Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud and Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu would maintain the 42 seats they currently hold in the 120-seat parliament. Netanyahu had hoped the merger would boost their numbers.

The poll surveyed 500 people and had a margin of error of four percentage points. It said the Labor Party would finish second with 23 seats.

A separate poll on Channel 10 showed the new hard-line bloc dropping seven seats from its current total. The TV channel did not provide details of how the poll was conducted.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2012-10-28-Israel-Politics/id-9813dc6912224bb5abb43cc9e43f021a

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Thursday, October 25, 2012

Mystery Glow of Dark Matter Halos Fueled by Extragalactic Stars

Stars ripped from their home galaxies as they collide with other galaxies can get slung into giant invisible cocoons of dark matter, researchers say, which might explain mysterious radiation pervading the sky.

These findings suggest the halos of?dark matter?surrounding galaxies are not completely dark after all, but contain a small number of stars, investigators added.

In recent decades, satellite telescopes have detected more infrared light emanating from the sky than known galaxies could account for. Scientists had suggested this strange glow might come from sources too dim for observatories to see directly ? for instance, the earliest, most distant galaxies. If such primordial galaxies were responsible for this radiation, that might suggest far more of them existed than before thought, potentially radically altering notions of how the cosmos evolved.

Now, using NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, astronomers have viewed a sufficiently large enough patch of sky to help shed light on this infrared glow. The researchers found that neither primordial galaxies nor faint dwarf galaxies could explain fluctuations in this excess radiation seen across space.

"We have made new measurements of the glow and found it to be brighter in intensity by several orders of magnitude than the first galaxies," study lead author Asantha Cooray, a cosmologist at the University of California, Irvine, told SPACE.com.

Instead, the researchers suggest wandering stars in the gargantuan spherical halos of dark matter enveloping their home galaxies might be responsible for this mysterious light. Physicists think invisible, as-yet-unidentified dark matter makes up about 85 percent of all matter in the universe.

"These diffuse stripped halo stars explain the missing infrared glow," Cooray said.

These stars were likely torn from the main bodies of their galaxies during epic collisions with other galaxies. They may have also been stripped away from their original homes by other galaxies pulling at them with their gravity, just as the moon's gravity tugs at Earth's oceans to generate tides. [Photos of Great Galaxy Crashes]

"For a typical Milky Way-sized galaxy, the intensity of light coming from these halo stars is about 1 percent of the total light from that galaxy," Cooray said. "That fraction grows rapidly, to as high as 20 percent, in denser galaxy environments like galaxy groups and clusters, as collisions and tidal stripping are more frequent in dense regions of the universe."

Mostly, these stars were only exiled to the most distant outskirts of their home galaxies instead of getting hurled out into intergalactic space, trapped as they were by the gravitational pull of the dark matter halos surrounding their galaxies. Galaxies exist in dark matter halos that are much larger than the galaxies; when galaxies merge together, stars and gas sink to the middle of the resulting combined halo.

"If I sum all of the galaxies out to about a billion years since the Big Bang from today, the stripped diffuse stars contribute about 10 percent of the total infrared light intensity seen by Spitzer ? the rest is the light from galaxies," Cooray said. "The previous explanation attributed that 10 percent of unexplained intensity to primordial galaxies and stars, but the most recent estimates by a variety of authors, not just my group, are that the primordial galaxies contribute at most 0.5 percent."

Future research can see whether data from other telescopes and experiments will confirm the research team's model.

"These halo stars, while bright in the infrared, should also emit visible optical light," Cooray said. As such, the Hubble Space Telescope should be able to see these stars as well, he explained.

The scientists detailed their findings in the Oct. 25 issue of the journal Nature.

Follow SPACE.com on Twitter?@Spacedotcom. We're also on Facebook?&?Google+.

Copyright 2012 SPACE.com, a TechMediaNetwork company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/mystery-glow-dark-matter-halos-fueled-extragalactic-stars-171003300.html

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Tom Watson bombshell: paedo ring 'linked to ... - Political Scrapbook

Tom Watson has used parliamentary?privilege?to refer to a paedophile ring linked to a previous British prime minister:

?The evidence file used to convict paedophile Peter Righton, if it still exists, contains clear intelligence of a widespread paedophile ring. One of its members boasts of its links to a senior aide of a former Prime minister who says he could smuggle indecent images of children from abroad.?

?The leads were not followed up but if the file still exists, I want to ensure that the Metropolitan Police secure the evidence, re-examine it, and investigate clear intelligence suggesting a powerful paedophile network linked to Parliament and Number 10.?

Just when you thought nothing could blow the BBC off the front pages ?

Source: http://politicalscrapbook.net/2012/10/number-10-paedophile-ring/

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7 Dead Simple Website Traffic Tips ? Even Grandma Likes These

Website trafficOver the years I have developed my own website traffic tips that have sent real fireworks through my websites. My tips are never any big secret though and are usually very easy to implement.

You could say that my whole life revolves around website traffic because I have been generating it since 2005. When I look back, generating traffic for my quality content is all I have been doing to create successful websites. In the picture to the left it says ?get website traffic fast?. I am not sure what I was thinking when I wrote that!

Here are a few website traffic tips that even your grandma can follow. I have used all of these to generate the traffic showing in that screenshot.

#1. Time to Generate Traffic

Generating traffic requires a huge amount of effort and time. It has taken me years to get to 10,000 visits a day on one website. This is what you will need to spend your time on to reach your traffic goal.

  1. Time to learn how to create great content to attract traffic.
  2. Time to learn SEO to get high rankings and get traffic.
  3. Time to promote your content to get traffic.
  4. Time to maintain your site and keep traffic.
  5. Time to finally outsource your website traffic generation.

People are shocked at the work I have done with my websites, but let me tell you, earning a full time living from blogging is a dream job. It has all been worth it for me. I could never go back to working with time constraints, like having to be somewhere at a certain time. Taking the time to generate website traffic over the years, actually gave me the gift of time back completely.

#2. Content That Rocks

Good content makes a huge difference in this process because it is linked to many other things which can work in your favor. If the content is well written, reliable and informative, there is a high chance that it will be shared on different social networking websites which will help increase your website?s popularity. Good content in a way guarantees that a person will visit your website again because the information he found here the first time was good enough for him/her to return.

I would also like to mention SEO within your good content, as SEO on its own is useless.

#3. No Brainer Website Traffic Tip

Content also includes the way you organize your website, because if your content is good but the website lacks organizational skills, then it won?t be able to generate much traffic as it won?t be easily readable or understandable. One example of this can be using Flash player on your website, which generally slows it down for those who use it, which is why you should check for ways in which you can change your methods to those which produce fast and effective results.

#4. Social Hookups

Make sure that your website has either a YouTube channel or a Facebook or Twitter page as these things will definitely work in your favor. Social networking websites contribute a great deal in getting more traffic on a page, especially if those pages are popular on Facebook or Twitter, or if the videos they make on YouTube are widely viewed. ?I am a huge fan of getting website traffic from Youtube, but that is just one of the sites on my Social Media Checklist.

#5. Blog Ads Two Ways

We are trying to keep traffic not scare it away! Banners, advertisements, pop-ups are all okay if they exist in a small quantity. Nobody likes to visit a website which gives birth to many pop-ups or has its entire content covered with advertisements. Even if your information is readable, placing a lot of advertisements all over your page might not be great idea as it makes it difficult to focus and it definitely does not appeal to the eye. People might avoid visiting a website again if it is completely covered with banners.

But flip this topic from ads on your site to ads on some other webmasters site. Yes, why not buy some banner space on another well known blog. For example, Hesham over at Famousbloggers.net sells banners that are extremely well priced, considering how popular his blog is. If you placed an attractive add on that site you would definitely bring traffic to your website.

#6. Free Opportunities

Besides using social networking sites to help make your page more popular, another thing that you can do to bring in more traffic is use free advertising wherever it?s available to your advantage. Chances are it might not yield great results, but some sort of improvement can be expected and once again there is absolutely no harm in trying.

Also creating a free blog and posting updates there can generate traffic.

Watch my Website Traffic Video ? All? Free Traffic Opps

#7. Best Traffic Tip

Lastly, what you need to keep in mind is that generating traffic to your website is a long process and requires you to be patient because this is something that cannot be done overnight.

Of course there are the lucky few that can create amazing content that goes viral instantly. But if you are still learning how to create great content, be patient because with experience, you will learn and eventually get more website traffic.

Source: http://basicblogtips.com/simple-traffic-tips.html

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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Boston Globe Endorses GOP?s Tisei for Congress

The Boston Globe, one of the country?s more liberal papers, has endorsed Republican Richard Tisei for Congress in Massachusetts? 6th District.

The paper lauds Tisei?s moderate views and takes four-term incumbent John Tierney to task for the controversy surrounding his brother-in-law?s illegal offshore gambling operation.

The Republican has ?served with distinction as minority leader in the state Senate,? The Globe states. ?Tisei?s mix of libertarianism and fiscal conservatism makes an excellent blueprint for New England Republicans. Even as the national Republican Party veered to the right during Tisei?s years on Beacon Hill, he avoided hot-button social issues and instead staked out a common-sense, reform-oriented direction for the Senate GOP caucus.?

Tisei is an exemplar of bipartisanship. And while Globe editors don?t like his opposition to Obamacare, he ?isn?t in denial about problems with the current healthcare system,? they write. ?There?s longstanding evidence of Tisei?s willingness to defy his party and even public sentiment at key points. He voted against rolling back the state income tax from 5.3 percent to 5 percent because he didn?t think the state could afford to do so.?

As for Tierney, he shouldn?t be punished for his brother-in-law?s involvement in the gambling business or the fact that his wife was paid handsomely for handling the brother-in-law?s money, The Globe says.

?Yet his insistence that he knew nothing about the matter strains credulity. And his efforts to fend off inquiries into the subject ? for instance, by trying to stage-manage how the issue might be discussed in debates ? seem high-handed and disrespectful of voters? legitimate concern.?

Real Clear Politics rates the race leaning to Tierney. But the only poll it lists, taken by The Globe Sept. 21-27, shows Tisei ahead 37 to 31 percent. And based on that poll, The Washington Post last week moved the race from leaning Democratic to toss-up.

? 2012 Newsmax. All rights reserved.

Source: http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/tisei-massachusetts-globe-endorsement/2012/10/23/id/461144

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The Apple Store Is Down As a Nation Trembles in Confusion and Fear

Much like the eclipses of old would rattle the marrow of the ancients, the online Apple Store has traded its wares for a parading GIF of away multilingual away messages and left us all existentially afeared. Apple! Apple! Why have you forsaken us?!?!?!?!? More »


Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/WGgSI6u8xso/the-apple-store-is-down-as-a-nation-trembles-in-confusion-and-fear

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South Africa?s Zuma,Tested by Mining Crisis, Faces Scandal Close to Home

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Source: www.nytimes.com --- Tuesday, October 23, 2012
President Jacob Zuma is the subject of multiple probes over how $27 million of government money came to be spent on upgrades to his private home. ...

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/24/world/africa/south-africas-zumatested-by-mining-crisis-faces-scandal-close-to-home.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Cumming, Lauper Host Swing State Hurrah

Alan Cumming, Cyndi Lauper Host Last Hurrah for Swing States category: Barack Obama

The Scottish singer/actor/director and star of CBS' "The Good Wife," Alan Cumming, is teaming up with pop star Cyndi Lauper to host a performance and silent auction tonight in in New York for the Obama campaign. Acting as a prelude to the last national debate of the 2012 election, the event is called "The Last Hurrah for the Swing States."

"It don't mean a thing if we ain't got those swings," Cumming wrote on his blog.

Cumming tweeted Monday morning that there were still tickets available for the Obama fundraiser. For just $100, guests can enjoy general admission seating with drinks included. $500 gets VIP seating and table service.

In 2010, Cumming criticized Obama for his record on gay rights. Almost a year and a half later, he praised the president for coming out in favor of same-sex marriage. Cumming has donated $3,300 to the president since September 2011, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

It's not the first time Lauper has declared her support for Obama, either. Lauper took to Twitter in January to declare her outrage at Mitt Romney's use of her 1986 hit, "True Colors," in an attack ad. Lauper, who launched a campaign focused on LGBT youth homelessness this summer, has also praised President Obama for his stance on same-sex marriage.

Springsteen Hopes To Return Obama to 'Glory Days' category: Barack Obama

Rocker Bruce Springsteen joined former president Bill Clinton at rally to back President Obama in Ohio, telling supporters America needs a leader "who has a vision that includes all our citizens, not just some."

"The forces of our opposition have been tireless," Springsteen said, before thanking Obama for health care reform, "a more regulated Wall Street," and the fact that "GM is still making cars."

"Without them, what would I write about?" he asked with a smile. "I'd have no job."

Springsteen, who endorsed the president and touted the importance of this election, also played some crowd pleasers at the rally to rev up the audience. The Boss played six songs including a cover of Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land," "We Take Care of Our Own," from his new album and "No Surrender," which he dedicated to the president. Springsteen closed out the rally with the fan favorite "Thunder Road."

A few days earlier, the rocker released a written endorsement of the president on his website.

"Right now, there is a choice going on in America, and I'm happy that we live in a country where we all participate in that process," the "Born in the U.S.A." singer writes. "For me, President Obama is our best choice because he has a vision of the United States as a place where we are all in this together."

Lindsay Lohan Becomes Political Turncoat category: Mitt Romney

Actress Lindsay Lohan has voiced her support for GOP Presidential Candidate, Mitt Romney. "I think unemployment is very important for now, so as of now I think (my vote) is Mitt Romney." Lohan made the comment Oct. 11 reports FOX411's Pop Tarts, at the Mr. Pink Ginseng Drink Launch Party Los Angeles.

Lohan who called President Obama's presidential victory "amazing" four years ago , admitted that she was unable to watch the Vice Presidential Debate but didn't specify a reason, suggesting mysterious undertones for switching her political allegiance and supporting the Republican ticket.

"It's a long story, but you're going to have to wait for that." Lohan remarked.

The troubled actress' political activism has spiked in recent weeks. Just last month Lohan tweeted the president, suggesting that he "cut taxes for those who need it: middle-class families, small businesses" as well as "those that are listed on Forbes as 'millionaires'."

"Girls" Star Endorses Obama category: Barack Obama

Lena Dunham, the creator, writer and star of the HBO series "Girls," endorsed Barack Obama's reelection bid via Twitter.

The tweet read, "I'm voting because I want to party at my sister's future wedding #ForAll" and was accompanied by a photo of Dunham with the words "marriage equality" written across her hand. The star's announcement grabbed the attention of the Obama campaign and was featured on its official tumblr page.

Dunham's sister Grace acted alongside her in the film "Tiny Furniture," which was also written and directed by the "Girls" star.

'Clueless' Star Gives Romney Red Hot Endorsement category: Mitt Romney

Stacey Dash -- who rose to prominence by playing Alicia Silverstone's character's best friend in the movie "Clueless" -- endorsed Mitt Romney Oct. 7 on Twitter, sharing a picture of herself in a red bathing suit in front of an American flag backdrop.

"Vote for Romney. The only choice for your future," Dash tweeted.

Dash received some heat for her endorsement, with some of her Twitter followers tweeting insults at the '90s movie star.

Abortion-activist and Obama supporter Sandra Fluke came to Dash's defense on Twitter, writing, "So disappointed to see people attacking @REALStaceyDash for voicing her opinion. Disagree politically, but #racist attacks are unacceptable."

Romney Gets Buzz Bissinger Endorsement category: Mitt Romney

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and "Friday Night Lights" author, Buzz Bissinger, has officially endorsed Mitt Romney.

Romney lately has been using the motto from the television show "Friday Night Lights," based on Bissinger's book. "Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose" was printed on a poster that the Romney campaign hung in the Magness Arena during the presidential debate in Denver on Oct. 3. Romney started his stump speech on Oct. 5 with the phrase as well.

Explaining his endorsement in a Monday, Oct. 8 column for the Daily Beast, Bissinger wrote, "Four years ago, all Obama had to do was speak and everyone swooned. That was four years ago. It is now four years later. He is no longer the chosen one. He is just too cool for school in a country desperate for the infectiousness of rejuvenation."

Although he supported Obama in the 2008 election, he has come to the conclusion that "Romney has it" and "Our president no longer does." The tipping point, he says, came last week after watching the two candidates debate in Denver.

Romney Scores Touchdown Endorsement

Mitt Romney received a hefty endorsement from Denver Broncos legendary QB John Elway.

Elway threw his support behind presidential candidate Mitt Romney on Oct. 1, two days before the first presidential debate in Denver.

The football legend called the Romney ticket a touchdown, dubbing Mitt Romney and running mate Paul Ryan America's "comeback team."

"Gov. Romney is a proven leader with the experience and background to turn around our struggling economy," Elway said in a news release. "In these tough economic times, we need a president who understands how to get America working again -- by standing on the side of taxpayers and small-business owners who do the real job creating. I am endorsing Gov. Romney and Congressman Ryan for president and vice president, because I know having the courage to make decisions and tackle challenges is what leads to results and real change. America needs a comeback team ? Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are that team."

After his endorsement, Elway appeared at a rally for Romney in Denver, which the Romney campaign said drew 5,500 people.

Obama Gets Celeb Attention Overseas category: Barack Obama

Pop sensation Jennifer Lopez was just one of the many famous faces who attended a Democratic fundraiser in Paris for President Obama. The singer was accompanied by her beau, Casper Smart, 25, a dancer in her video for "Get on the Floor."

The celeb couple was joined by a flock of celebrities who came out to support the president at the swanky international event hosted by Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Guests included Scarlett Johansson, Kanye West, Stella McCartney, Mick Jagger and Lee Radziwill.

The Paris party had a $2,500 ticket price and reportedly Johansson took the stage at the event to deliver a speech in support of the president. The supporters gathered at La Maison 8, a former home of designer Kenzo Takada.

This is not the first fundraiser hosted by the Vogue editor. Wintour has already held two fundraisers for Obama this year. Wintour is in Paris for Fashion Week to view spring/summer 2013 collections. By the time those clothes are in stores, Wintour no doubt hopes that President Obama will still be in the White House.

Romney Gets a 'Dirty' Sort of Endorsement category: Mitt Romney

Mike Rowe, host of the Discovery Channel series "Dirty Jobs," appeared with Mitt Romney Sept. 26, 2012, at a campaign event in Ohio. The media personality and Ford ad star touted the importance of job opportunity while standing next to the GOP presidential nominee onstage.

"There's got to be a better way to be happy and successful in your career than simply assuming a massive amount of debt and exiting an educational program that gives you a degree without training," Rowe said.

Despite appearing at Romney's campaign event, Rowe argued he was not technically endorsing Romney. Earlier this month, Rowe posted an online open letter to Romney. The letter began, "If you read the whole thing, I'll vote for you in November."

Rowe said Romney responded to his letter.

Rowe's post, which aimed to emphasize the value of hard work and the nation's skills gap, was not one-of-a-kind, as Rowe admitted in a postscript that he directed in a similar letter to President Obama in 2008.

"P.S. In the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that I wrote a similar letter to President Obama," Rowe wrote in the letter. "Of course, that was four years ago, and since I never heard back, I believe proper etiquette allows me to extend the same offer to you now. I figure if I post it here, the odds are better that someone you know might send it along to your attention."

Jay-Z and Beyonce category: Barack Obama

President Obama was hosted Sept. 18 in New York City by rap mogul Jay-Z and wife Beyonce. The fundraiser, organized by the two longtime Obama supporters, was held in the rapper's swanky 40/40 Club in the heart of Manhattan.

The mega-star power couple has an ongoing relationship with the first family. Beyonce sang at the president's inauguration in 2008, and she also attended a fundraising dinner in March hosted by the first lady. The love of the ladies is mutual as Michelle Obama helped Beyonce with efforts to promote global humanitarianism.

Jay-Z and the president also have a bond. In early September, the president appeared in a prerecorded video at a Jay-Z event in Philadelphia.

In an email to Obama supporters, Beyonce said she's a huge fan and will do whatever it takes to help him win a close race.

Gwen Stefani category: Barack Obama

There was face painting, animal balloons and fake tattoos on the tennis courts, and big white umbrellas on the lawn of Gwen Stefani's Beverly Hills house Sunday, Aug. 12, as she played host to Michelle Obama for a family-friendly Sunday of Fun.

The No Doubt rocker and her two sons, 6-year-old Kingston and 3-year-old Zuma, frolicked with the first lady at the $2,500-per-family fundraiser, which Stefani called a "playdate."

"Getting ready for Michelle Obama to come for a playdate," Stefani tweeted before the event, adding later that "Zuma cried all over my pink top! Oh well mom central."

While President Obama has been racking up Hollywood endorsers, the first lady has attracted support of her own from an array of female singers.

From Stefani to Beyonce to George Clooney to Morgan Freeman, here's a look at the celebrities who have thrown their support to Obama, and those who have put their money on Mitt Romney.

Elizabeth Banks category: Barack Obama

"Hunger Games" actress Elizabeth Banks may not want to talk to her employer about her intimate women's health issues, but she candidly laid them out for President Obama supporters in a campaign ad.

Banks, who played Effie Trinket in "The Hunger Games," admitted she got birth control from Planned Parenthood as an uninsured college graduate "for my massive migraine headaches and my heavy flow."

"These aren't the types of things I want to discuss with employers," Banks said, weighing in on the debate between Republicans and Democrats over Planned Parenthood funding. "That's between me and my doctor and, at the time, my doctor happened to be at Planned Parenthood. So I'm really grateful they exist."

Banks said she was supporting Obama because he has "not compromised on women's rights," while his GOP rival Mitt Romney wants to cut funding for Planned Parenthood over the small percentage of the health care provider's business that goes to providing abortions.

"For that little 5 percent that Mitt Romney decides he doesn't agree with he's going to take away cancer screenings? What is he doing?" Banks says in the ad. "He's going to take away people's access to health care close by."

Anne Hathaway category: Barack Obama

Days after "The Dark Night Rises" hauled in $36 million at the box offices last weekend, its fierce female star, Anne Hathaway, helped President Obama rake in millions for his re-election campaign at a Hollywood-studded fundraiser in Connecticut.

Hathaway co-hosted the $35,800 per-person fundraiser Aug. 6, 2012, with producer Harvey Weinstein at his home in Connecticut. The duo helped Obama add $2 million to his campaign war chest.

Hathaway is a longtime Obama supporter, having attended his inauguration festivities in 2009 and telling People magazine shortly after his election that she'd love to work in the White House as "first babysitter" for Obama's daughters, Sasha and Malia.

The president returned the compliment at Monday's fundraiser, gushing about Hathaway's "spectacular" performance as Catwoman in the latest Batman movie.

"She's spectacular," Obama told the crowd of about 60 supporters. "I got a chance to see 'Batman,' and she was the best thing in it.

"That's just my personal opinion," the president said as Hathaway beamed and laughed, according to the pool press report.

Other notable names at the fashionable fundraiser included "West Wing" screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, Vogue editor Anna Wintour and reality-TV host Jerry Springer.

Clint Eastwood category: Mitt Romney

On Aug. 3, Clint Eastwood came out in support of Mitt Romney when he made an appearance at an Idaho fundraiser for the presumptive GOP nominee.

The Oscar-winning director said he is supporting Romney this November "because I think the country needs a boost somewhere."

While Eastwood also endorsed the Republican presidential candidate in 2008, lending his support to Sen. John McCain in his bid for the White House and even campaigning for him, his position the 2012 race hasn't always been clear. After a cameo in a Super Bowl ad about the revival of the auto industry this February, where he uttered the instantly famous line, "It's halftime, America," Eastwood was forced to clarify that he was not in fact supporting Obama's re-election campaign.

Jenna Jameson category: Mitt Romney

Sipping champagne in the VIP lounge of San Francisco's Gold Club gentleman's lounge, former porn star Jenna Jameson said she was supporting Mitt Romney to win the White House in November.

"I'm very looking forward to a Republican being back in office," Jameson told a CBS San Francisco staffer in August. "When you're rich, you want a Republican in office."

But four years ago Jameson, who is estimated to have a net worth of $20 million, was singing the opposite tune.

"I look forward to another Democrat being in office," Jameson told PR.com, noting that Republicans "put their crosshairs on the adult industry."

Jameson said in the 2007 interview that she supported then-Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

"I love Hillary," Jameson said. "I think that in some ways she's pretty conservative for a Democrat, but I would love to have a woman in office."

Jerry Springer category: Barack Obama

Talk show host Jerry Springer, a lifelong Democrat, does not see why America would not want President Obama in the White House for another four years. The reality TV presenter lavished praise on the president after meeting with him in Cincinnati in July.

"I have met with lots of politicians, but this man is truly exceptional," Springer said after the meeting, according to the Huffington Post. "He's so competent and so smart, I just don't see why we wouldn't want him for four more years as president."

Springer was once a politician himself, serving one year as mayor of Cincinnati and running failed campaigns for Congress and Ohio governor.

"I'm a long-standing supporter of the Democratic Party and believe in President Obama," Springer said.

Morgan Freeman category: Barack Obama

Morgan Freeman, actor and vocal Obama supporter, became the second celebrity donor to write a $1 million check to the support the president's re-election bid. Since there is a spending cap on individuals contributing to political candidates, Freeman gave his million to the pro-Obama Super PAC Priorities USA Action.

"Pres. Obama has done a remarkable job in historically difficult circumstances," Freeman said.

The actor praised Obama for ending combat operations in Iraq, reforming Wall Street, keeping the auto industry alive, reforming health care and appointing the first woman to the Supreme Court.

"He has led our nation to be more tolerant," Freeman said. "In return, he is the target of hundreds of millions of dollars from right-wing sources. I am proud to lend my voice - and support - to those who defend him. Priorities USA Action is doing a great job of protecting the values I believe in. I am happy to help them and I hope others will join me."

Bill Nye the Science Guy category: Barack Obama

Bill Nye, that quirky science guy from 1990s TV fame, took his brightly-colored bow ties on the campaign trail making a trip through New Hampshire in support of the Obama campaign on July 16. At stops in three New Hampshire towns, Nye sang the praises of the president's education policies and pushed for more science and engineering programs.

"This is the most important election of my life and I believe we're at a crossroads, a turning point," Nye told the Fosters Daily Democrat. "We can either move forward, especially in education, or backward. I think voters have a clear choice, so I'm supporting the president."

The eccentric Science Guy who showed children the fun side of learning on his 'Science Guy' TV show appeared as a special guest at both of the White House Science Fairs.

"The choice is clear" on who to vote for in November Nye proclaimed at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord, N.H. "The president supports moving education forward, supporting our teachers and administrators and public education, and the other side, for lack of a better expression, just wants to take it for granted."

Marc Anthony category: Barack Obama

President Obama has added another star-studded fundraiser to his already history-breaking list, appearing with singer Marc Anthony in Miami Beach in June.

The concert featuring the Latino singer in the heavily-Hispanic state of Florida came just one day after the Supreme Court struck down three key parts of Arizona's immigration law ? a win for Obama ? and upheld the state's right to check the immigration status of everyone stopped by police ? a win for Republican Gov. Jan Brewer.

Anthony, who supported Obama in 2008, aimed to convince Latinos to support the president in a campaign video released in early June.

"The president has our back, so it's time to let him know that we've got his," Anthony says in the video.

Bob Dole category: Mitt Romney

While former presidential candidate Bob Dole is not your typical Hollywood celebrity, as a 40-year veteran of the Republican Party leadership his endorsement still packs a punch.

Dole, you could say, endorsed Mitt Romney before endorsing Mitt Romney was cool, writing a letter supporting the former Massachusetts governor that ran in the Des Moines Register in the midst of the rough and tumble of the GOP primary in December.

Dole described that early endorsement this week in an interview with GQ, saying his support came down to a choice between Romney and former GOP candidate Newt Gingrich.

"I'm not a Gingrich fan, so ?" Dole said, "I thought he ? well, I'll say this: Romney looks like a president."

Dole insisted his Romney endorsement was "not tepid at all," noting that Romney's opponent President Obama is "totally out of step."

Cristina Saralegui category: Barack Obama

Days after President Obama announced that his administration would no longer deport young undocumented immigrants, the woman often dubbed the "Hispanic Oprah" made her first-ever presidential endorsement, pledging her support for Obama.

Cristina Saralegui, who has hosted a popular Univision talk show for more than 20 years, is featured in two Obama for America campaign videos, one in English and one in Spanish.

"I came to this country when I was 12 years old because my parents wanted to give me new opportunities to succeed," Saralegui says in the video. "President Obama wants everyone to have the chances I had."

Saralegui's support comes as both Obama and Romney are making a push to court Hispanic voters, one of the fastest-growing voting blocs. If endorsements from Latino celebrities are any guide, Obama has a head start over Romney, with Saralegui joining the likes of Marc Anthony, Eva Longoria and Ricky Martin on the president's side.

Spike Lee category: Endorsed: Barack Obama

Director Spike Lee, an ardent Obama supporter in 2008, is less optimistic about the president's election prospects this time around, telling GQ magazine in an article published June 12 that an Obama win in November "is not a lock."

"The people have to get out and vote," Lee said. "It is not a lock that President Obama is getting a second term, and people have to really rekindle the enthusiasm that we had the first time."

As for Mitt Romney, Lee said the best thing he has going for him is that "he's not Obama."

"Once we get to the debates my man [Obama] is going to tear him up," Lee said. "It's going to be obvious who should lead this country for the next four years once they go head to head, toe to toe, elbow to elbow, butt to butt. And I don't think Mr. Romney can hang with him. He just can't!"

Lee and his wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, hosted the president at their New York City brownstone home for a $35,800-per-ticket fundraiser in January.

During his remarks to the crowd of about 40 supporters, Obama told the movie producer/director that on his "first official date" with Michelle Obama, he took her to see "Do the Right Thing," which Lee wrote and directed in 1989.

"I think you helped me out that day," Obama said. "So it worked out, which is why I've always had a soft spot for Spike Lee in my heart."

Jay-Z category: Endorsed: Barack Obama

If there's any lingering doubt about whether rapper Jay-Z is an Obama supporter, as he was in 2008, the hip-hop megastar dispelled it in June.

In an interview with CNN, Jay-Z said President Obama is a better choice for the country than Mitt Romney "by leaps and bounds."

The rapper praised Obama's recent support for same-sex marriage, saying the issue "is still holding the country back."

"You can chose to love whoever you love; that's your business," Jay-Z, 42, said. "It's no different than discrimination against blacks. It's discrimination plain and simple."

Jay-Z and wife Beyonce have been ardent Obama supporters since his 2008 campaign. And the president is equally supportive of the hip-hop duo. When The Atlantic asked whether he preferred Jay-Z or Kanye West, Obama said, without hesitation, "Jay-Z."

Beyonce showed her love for the first family in January, writing a letter to Michelle Obama in which she said the first lady was "the ULTIMATE example of a truly strong African American woman."

Ricky Martin category: Endorsed: Barack Obama

International pop star Ricky Martin, famous for hits like "Livin' La Vida Loca," swung his infamously leather pants clad hips in step behind President Obama, endorsing him for the 2012 election.

The openly gay singer hosted a fundraiser with Obama in New York just days after the president publicly declared his support for same-sex marriage in May.

"I applaud President @barackobama for affirming that ALL Americans should enjoy equal rights," Martin tweeted shortly after the president's announcement. "Historic! I will be a very proud host on Monday."

While the fundraiser was scheduled weeks before Obama's announcement, it takes on a new significance following Obama's assertion that "same sex couples should be able to get married."

"I am proud to support our president," Martin told Univision's Spanish-language program Primer Imapcto after announcing the fundraiser in April.

"I believe Barack Obama has shown a deep conviction to help those most in need, even if their voices are not always the ones heard the loudest in Washington," Martin continued. "He has also been an exceptionally strong advocate for the Latino and LGBT communities, leading us to precedent setting milestones such as the appointment of the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice and the repeal of [Don't Ask, Don't Tell]."

George Clooney


Actor George Clooney was an Obama supporter before being an Obama supporter was cool. In a 2006 interview with ABC News, Clooney said then-Sen. Obama was "the most charismatic person I've been in a room with in a long time."

"I must tell you, I've never seen anybody in my life in person that was as qualified this young to do what I think we need done," Clooney said.

And six years later, Clooney is still a firm Obama supporter. Clooney hosted one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for President Obama, hauling in a record-breaking $15 million at the star-studded black tie event at Clooney's Hollywood home.

Other big names at the $40,000 per plate dinner included actors Toby Maguire and Salma Hayek, designer Diane Von Furstenberg, singer Barbara Streisand and comedian Billy Crystal.

"I'm disillusioned by the people who are disillusioned by Obama, quite honestly, I am," Clooney said on ABC News Now's "Popcorn with Peter Travers" before the October release of "The Ides of March," a political movie that he wrote, directed and starred in. "Democrats eat their own. Democrats find singular issues and go, 'Well, I didn't get everything I wanted.' I'm a firm believer in sticking by and sticking up for the people whom you've elected."

Sarah Jessica Parker category: Barack Obama

Two weeks after the president enlisted the help of Hollywood A-lister George Clooney to host a $12 million campaign fundraiser, Obama is pumping up his star power again, only this time it's "Sex and the City" star Sarah Jessica Parker who is hosting.

Parker is not only an Obama donor, but has participated in his campaigns and his administration. She volunteered to call undecided voters in the week leading up to the election in 2008, she served on the president's Committee on Arts and the Humanities starting in 2009, and she recorded a public service announcement supporting a White House veterans program earlier this year.

"For me, this election is even more important than 2008," Parker wrote in a letter to Obama supporters. "I'm hosting this event on June 14th because there is so much at stake this year, and I want to keep doing what I can."

The "fabulous" New York City fundraiser, as Parker describes it, is likely to be a hot spot for celebrities, much like Clooney's Los Angeles gala was.

Jeff Foxworthy category: Endorsed: Mitt Romney

He already loves the cheesy grits. He has perfected the twang in his "y'all." And in order to further beef up his Southern street cred before the Alabama and Mississippi primaries, Mitt Romney called in the blue-collar cavalry.

Self-proclaimed Redneck comedian Jeff Foxworthy joined Romney on the Alabama campaign trail in March, just days before the state's primary election, after endorsing the GOP candidate via Twitter.

"Time for Republicans to unite behind Governor Romney, a great leader who can win the White House and rebuild our economy for all Americans," Foxworthy tweeted.

The "Blue Collar Comedy Tour" headliner most famous for his "you might be a redneck if..." jokes went out on the stump to support Romney amid a torrential downpour in Mobile, Ala., before traveling to two additional meet and greets in Biloxi, Mississippi and Richland, Mississippi.

Bon Jovi category: Barack Obama

Ten days before Sarah Jessica Parker hosts her "fabulous" fundraiser, rocker Jon Bon Jovi will take the stage to serenade Obama donors at an equally-pricey and similarly-star-studded fundraising "gala dinner."

Like Parker, Bon Jovi is a longtime Obama supporter. He hosted a fundraiser for then-candidate Obama at his home in 2008 and was one of a handful of music stars who played in Obama's pre-inauguration concert.

The rock star also serves on the White House Council on Community Solutions, which promotes volunteerism and community building.

James Taylor

How sweet is it to be loved by James Taylor? If you're President Obama, it's pretty sweet considering the sing/songwriter is embarking on an 18-city concert tour through a handful of battleground states.

Taylor, who endorsed Obama in 2008 as well, said he will throw a little politics between the fire and rain on his folk-rock tour this year.

"I really love this president. I love what it says about America, that we were able to elect this man," Taylor, 63, said in an interview with local North Carolina TV affiliate WCNC.

The North Carolina native will sing the president's praises in tough general election states like Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Ohio and Colorado.

Ted Nugent

Hollywood may be leaning toward President Obama, but the rockers seem to be picking Romney. Ted Nugent came out in support of Mitt Romney shortly after Kid Rock made a guest appearance on the Romney campaign trial to play his song "Born Free."

Nugent announced his endorsement on Twitter, telling his 44,000 followers "after a long heart & soul conversation with Mitt Romney today I concluded this good man will properly represent we the people & I endorsed him."

Nugent, who is from Michigan but now lives in Texas, told the Texas Tribune that before deciding on his endorsement he spoke with Romney over the phone to make sure the former Massachusetts governor would not enact any gun law restrictions and would help rein in what he dubbed the "out of control" U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

"The conclusion based on all the evidence I can find is that Mitt Romney has the best shot at bringing the U.S. Constitution, common sense, and the American way back to the White House," Nugent told the Tribune.

But Romney was not Nugent's first choice for president.

"It is my firm belief that Rick Perry would have [made] and would make the best president we could choose," Nugent said, adding that he was baffled by Perry's debate performances. "If the real Rick Perry had been at those debates, he would still be in the race."

Kid Rock

Kid Rock found his presidential jam the day before his home state's voters found their polling places. The rapper-turned-country-rocker belted out "Born Free," Mitt Romney's official campaign song, at the presidential candidate's final Michigan rally before Romney's home state voted Feb. 28.

While the musician did not actually endorse Romney, he insisted on a personal meeting with the GOP candidate before he agreed to take the stage at Romney's rally.

"The other day I got in my car and I drove out to a home of a fellow that lives in this area, and I asked him whether he might come here tonight," Romney said before introducing Kid Rock. "He said, 'If you're elected president, will you help me help the city of Detroit?' I said I would. And then I turned to him, and I said, 'By the way, given the fact that I'm willing to do those things, will you come here and perform a concert tonight for my friends, and he said he would."

Rock's pseudo-endorsement represents a change of heart for the music star. During the last presidential race, Rock, whose real name is Bob Ritchie, said celebrities should keep their political opinions to themselves.

"I truly believe that people like myself, who are in a position of entertainers in the limelight, should keep their mouth shut on politics," he told CMT Insider. "Because at the end of the day, I'm good at writing songs and singing. What I'm not educated in is the field of political science. And so for me to be sharing my views and influencing people of who I think they should be voting for ... I think would be very irresponsible on my part."

Rock went on to say that celebrity endorsements actually "hurt politicians."

"As soon as somebody comes out for a politician, especially in Hollywood, when they all go, 'I'm voting for this guy!' -- I go, 'That's not who I'm voting for!'" Rock said in the 2008 interview.

Bill Maher

While another comedian makes a mockery of Super PACs, liberal jokester Bill Maher put $1 million worth of support behind the pro-Obama Super PAC Priorities USA.

Maher said he decided to write the mega-check to Priorities "partially out of fear -- fear of Santorum and Romney," who he said live in a "bubble of insanity."

"Half the country is nuts, and Obama could very well lose," Maher told the Los Angeles Times after announcing his donation in February. "He may not have been the best president in his first term, but given the alternative, I feel there's a clear choice.

"Unless the rich liberals get into the game," Maher added, "Obama will be horribly outspent. If he is outspent, he stands a good chance of losing."

Maher told ABC News that he hoped his hefty donation would inspire other wealthy Democrats to do the same.

"Hey, rich liberals," he said. "If I can do this, there's a lot of people who can do it even easier."

Eva Longoria


To say that actress Eva Longoria is an Obama supporter would be a glaring understatement.

Not only has the "Desperate Housewives" star publicly announced her support for the president and held high-dollar fundraisers to fill his election war chest, she is one of two big names in Hollywood who signed on to be one of 35 "ambassadors" for his re-election campaign.

Longoria will spearhead efforts to reach women and Hispanic voters leading up to the 2012 election, Obama's re-election campaign announced in February. Kalpen Modi (aka Kal Penn) is the only other actor on the list.

Before a high-dollar fundraising dinner with the president in September, Longoria told Jimmy Kimmel that Obama has been "very receptive" to her in her efforts to promote Latino issues.

"I'm a big Obama supporter no matter what he's been through -- he's been beaten up the past couple of years," Longoria said, according to the Huffington Post. "He's been very receptive for me, I'm a big advocate for Latino issues, and so he's been a big listener and he's done a lot of coalitions and roundtables regarding what we want changed."

Longoria helped raise between $200,000 and $500,000 for Obama's re-election in 2011 and in she helped inspire additional online donations in December when the Obama campaign raffled off a dinner with the actress to five online donors.

Chuck Norris


Chuck Norris' endorsement of Newt Gingrich was nearly as epic as the decades of jokes about his larger-than-life persona.

"Civilization is on the brink," Norris wrote in a WND.com editorial. "We need a veteran of political war who has already fought Goliath, because he will be facing Goliath's bigger brother. [Gingrich] is the best man left on the battlefield who is able to outwit, outplay and outlast Obama and his campaign machine."

After the endorsement, Gingrich anointed Norris as a member of his "Faith Leaders Dream Team," a group of what he called "fearless Christians" who serve as Gingrich's "official advisory coalition on issues pertaining to life, marriage, and religious liberty," according to his campaign website.

Donald Trump


If you ask Donald Trump, the most important endorsement of the GOP primary was Donald Trump's, which he bestowed on Mitt Romney after a whirlwind of rumors that the real estate mogul was going to pick Newt Gingrich.

Trump officially announced his endorsement in the Trump International Hotel on the Las Vegas strip shortly before the Nevada Caucus.

"Mitt is tough, he's smart, he's sharp, he's not going to allow bad things to continue to happen to this country that we all love," Trump said. "So, Gov. Romney, go out and get 'em. You can do it."

Vince Vaughn


Hollywood humor met primary politics when actor Vince Vaughn endorsed Rep. Ron Paul while introducing him at the Liberty Political Action Conference in September.

"Ron and Vince are friends, with Vince not merely interested in Dr. Paul's philosophy but he also graciously invited Dr. and Mrs. Paul to the premier of his film 'Couples Retreat,'" Paul's campaign manager Jesse Benton said in a statement, according to Slate.

Vaughn is a long-time supporter of Paul, having endorsed his 2009 book "End the Fed," as well.

Stephen Spielberg


Having a three-time Academy Award winning director on your side is not only good for morale; it's also great for fundraising. Director Steven Spielberg donated nearly $150,000 to Democratic election efforts in 2011, including $5,000 to Obama's campaign and $100,000 to pro-Obama super PAC Priorities USA, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

While Spielberg is a long-time supporter of the Democratic Party, he was not one of the original Hollywood Obama-backers. During the 2008 Democratic primary, Spielberg endorsed Obama's opponent Hillary Clinton.

Cindy Crawford


Supermodel City Crawford was a firm supporter of Barack Obama in 2008, with both she and her husband contributing the federal limit to the Illinois senator's presidential campaign.

But in 2012, the model-turned-actress is putting her bet on Mitt Romney. Crawford appeared in an early campaign video for the former Massachusetts governor, although her spokeswoman told CNN at the time that Crawford was "not politically aligned with any party or candidate" and merely doing a favor for one of Romney's sons, with whom she was friends.

Kelly Clarkson


While pop star Kelly Clarkson did not officially endorse Ron Paul, the original "American Idol" winner tweeted some Ron Paul Revolution love to her 1.1 million followers back in December.

"I love Ron Paul," Clarkson tweeted. "I liked him a lot during the last Republican nomination, and no one gave him a chance. If he wins the nomination for the Republican Party in 2012, he's got my vote. Too bad he probably won't."

Clarkson's tepid support ignited a deluge of 140-character criticisms from her Twitter fans, many of whom were apparently unhappy about racist newsletters Paul sent out during his decades-long tenure as a Texas congressman.

Clarkson later apologized to her Twitter fans for throwing her support behind Paul.

"I am really sorry if I have offended anyone," Clarkson tweeted. "Obviously, that was not my intent. I do not support racism. I support gay rights, straight rights, women's rights, men's rights, white/black/purple/orange rights. I like Ron Paul because he believes in less government and letting the people (all of us) make the decisions and mold our country. That is all. Out of all of the Republican nominees, he's my favorite."

In an interview for Rolling Stone in March, Clarkson said she was flabbergasted by the instant outrage that her political-themed tweet incited.

"I'm hanging out with my brother and my little niece, playing Barbies, and Ron Paul comes on TV," she said according to Politico. "He doesn't BS around anything. I was like, 'This dude is refreshing.' All I did was tweet what I thought, and people went crazy! All of a sudden people were like, 'You hate gay people' -- what? I didn't even endorse him! All I said was that I liked him. I voted for Barack, so it's not even like I'm a hardcore Republican."

Michelle Branch


Apparently pop stars flock together when it comes to presidential endorsements. Shortly after Kelly Clarkson tweeted her support for Ron Paul, fellow pop princess Michelle Branch retweeted her support, writing, "@kelly_clarkson I wholeheartedly agree. #RonPaul."

Branch is best known for her early 2000s hits "Breathe" and "All You Wanted."

Gene Simmons


Gene Simmons, the bassist in the rock band Kiss, chose team Romney in January, telling Big Hollywood that Romney has the best chance of beating President Obama.

"Who's got a chance? Mitt Romney's got a chance and he's got the experience," Simmons said in the Big Hollywood interview. "He's run successful companies, knows how to make money. I believe Mitt Romney and President Obama are going to have a very good dialogue, and I want to hear that dialogue."

Joe Perry


In what is becoming typical rock star fashion, Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry used Twitter to tell the world he was voting for Ron Paul.

"Obama hasn't done anything close to what he promised he'd do," Perry tweeted in January. "Didn't get my vote and I got lotta grief. Well, my votes for Ron Paul."

Pat Boone


The 1950s singer, actor and author Pat Boone, 77, threw his support behind Rick Santorum, saying in a statement that Santorum is "experienced, honest and deeply principled," according to Politico.

"I am excited to endorse Rick Santorum for president. I've known Rick for many years, and Rick has been a consistent defender of conservatism and the values our great nation was founded upon," Boone said in a statement released by Santorum's campaign.

Boone, whose rendition of Little Richard's "Tutti Fruiti" sent him to the top of the Billboard charts, is an outspoken critic of President Obama. He told the San Francisco chronicle in September that he believes the president was born in Kenya, is a Muslim and is "spending millions" to hide his real birth certificate. Each charge was refuted after Obama released both his certificate of live birth and long-form birth certificate.

Snooki


The Donald might not be running for president, but if he were, he would enjoy the backing of one of his fellow reality-TV superstars, Snooki. The "Jersey Shore" diva, whose real name is Nicole Polizzi, told the Huffington Post in January that Donald Trump would be her pick for president.

"I thought Trump was going to run," Snooki told the Huffington Post. "But he's not, right? I would endorse him and vote for him."

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Source: http://news.yahoo.com/cumming-lauper-host-swing-state-hurrah-145750493.html

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Backup strep throat testing may be unnecessary

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Doctors don't need to double-check the results of a negative strep throat test because any missed cases typically don't result in additional health problems for patients, according to a new study.

Researchers found that among people with strep throat symptoms, an initial in-office test failed to detect the bacterial infection six percent of the time - but those oversights didn't lead to complications from the infection.

The findings support recent recommendations from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) that for adult patients, doctors can rely on the rapid test results alone to make treatment decisions.

"Though I'm confident in our review of the data to say we aren't allowing serious diseases to go untreated, it's reassuring that there were no severe (complications) in persons who had a negative rapid test, but had a positive (secondary) test" in this study, said Dr. Chris Van Beneden, an epidemiologist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who helped develop the IDSA guidelines.

Many doctors still send out throat swabs for backup testing after an initially negative result. Double-checking office results using a more involved DNA test is also a standard recommendation of the Joint Commission, a healthcare accreditation organization.

The Joint Commission does, however, allow doctors to opt out of backup testing if they can analyze their own procedures and show that the first, rapid test is sufficiently accurate.

The purpose of double-checking negative tests is to make sure no cases go overlooked, because untreated strep throat can develop into serious problems, such as rheumatic fever.

But extra testing costs money, so researchers wanted to see how much was spent on the testing and how many health complications were avoided because of it.

Dr. Georges Nakhoul and Dr. John Hickner at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio collected medical records over a two-year period from 25,000 adult patients who had come to the clinic for a sore throat.

About 20,000 of the patients received an in-office strep test, and nearly 17,000 of those were negative.

The doctors sent a throat swab off for backup DNA testing for 15,500 patients, and 953 - or six percent - of those secondary tests came back positive.

No patients who were diagnosed based on the backup test developed complications related to their strep throat infection.

TOO MANY ANTIBIOTICS

Almost half of the 953 patients with a late diagnosis were prescribed antibiotics before the positive test result came back.

The other half received their prescription a couple of days after their initial doctor's visit - perhaps too late to be helpful anyway, Nakhoul said.

"By the time they got the call back from the physician to get the antibiotics, it's been two days. This is usually the window when the antibiotic is most effective... so we're not doing the patient any good," he told Reuters Health.

The results show backup testing didn't prevent any inappropriate use of antibiotics, the researchers reported in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

Not only did many of the late-diagnosis patients get a prescription before the results of the second test came in, 45 percent of patients who had both a negative rapid test and a negative backup test also received antibiotics. Without a bacteria-related ailment, those drugs wouldn't be expected to do patients any good.

Over-prescription of antibiotics is a major public health concern, since any use of the drugs can contribute to resistance - making future infections much harder to treat.

"We know antibiotics are used inappropriately regardless of whether backup (testing) is used or not," Van Beneden told Reuters Health.

Each backup test costs patients or their insurance companies $113 at the Cleveland Clinic - which works out to a price tag of $1.7 million in this study alone.

Nakhoul said because none of the missed cases resulted in complications, the added expense isn't worth it.

For practices using an in-office rapid test, he said, "physicians should just believe the (test) and not do the second step."

SOURCE: http://bit.ly/Thuj4o Journal of General Internal Medicine, online October 6, 2012.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/backup-strep-throat-testing-may-unnecessary-150143831.html

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Monday, October 22, 2012

Nobody needs to see Darrell Issa naked (Unqualified Offerings)

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Starting an online home business | SEO Internet Marketing

Beginning an online home business is a simple and effective way to earn some further income or even replace a full-time day job. With the recent advances in online technology, an entire procedure can be successfully implemented and expanded right from a living room or home workplace. There are many directions that an online business can take, and many of these selections are very inexpensive or even free to start. Forethought and direction In order to start up a successful online business, one must make forethought and planning a Before. Considering there are a number of choices to pursue, a little up-front analysis is advantageous. Make a decision whether income will be earned from the sale of information, physical product sales, drop shipping, affiliate programs or selling advertising space. Also compare website selections, including free blogs, shopping cart services with a monthly fee or hosting services to create a website from scratch. Considering it is normally acknowledged that a niche focus brings in more sales, it is also recommended to brainstorm and research for particular keywords. Getting online Once the plan is obvious, a proper website must be created. This can be accomplished in any number of ways. One no longer needs to be a programming genius to create a website. There are many options to start a website for free, and even paid monthly services typically offer incredible free software that can be installed quickly and easily. Entire systems can be built in a subject of weeks or even days, all with little to no earlier web design knowledge. Marketing and advertising Once the website is up and running, it?s time to tell the world. Popularity of various social media websites makes sharing links and related information a breeze. One of the best ways to generate interest in a site is by creating articles, videos and other content to provide prospective customers with valuable information for free. Regular advertising methods, such as print flyers, business cards and direct sales may also be effective. Driving traffic Driving traffic to a website can be considered a science that isn?t always obvious to new online entrepreneurs. This aspect of an at-home business may be the most important piece of a marketing campaign, so hiring an expert may be useful. If this isn?t possible, one can discover effective ways to drive first-time and repeat visitors by using social media tactics, email list marketing, and regular creation of valuable content. Once visitors begin to flow to the website on a steady basis, sales are sure to increase, creating a very successful home business online.

Have you ever sat back and thought whether this was the life you wanted to live? Is this the vital adventure to which you looked forward to since your childhood? Working at a job that you?re not pleased with or maybe even despise, with the continuous stress of a nagging boss and with no hope for a happy future ahead? No! It is time to give up the points you despise, fire your boss and start learning to write your pay check by yourself by beginning an online home business. If you have a working computer and an internet connection, you can rule your world much better than you can even imagine.

And having an online home based business is a wonderful way to make that happen. However a successful online home business can be achieved in several ways. You can use any of your born talents as a tool and make a living from it that lasts long time. An online home business can be varied from a part time home business entrepreneur to full time entrepreneurs who dedicate full time to their home based business. It?s not a make a difference of time or the talent but mostly it?s about the enthusiasm to go greater and the undying dedication to reach a certain target. Many students and employees also go for an online home business for an additional income and also as a pillar to keep their economic stability.

It is hard to say which one is the best path to be used when choosing an online home business but if anyone is interested in a home based business, that should be a path in which they are interested in and also which they are acquainted with.

Here are a few ideas for you to approach a home business opportunity, if you have always been conscious about your fitness; you can make an online home business as a fitness trainer for thousands of worried individuals out there who are frustrated about on their own. Furthermore, tutoring, photography, data your path, writing, web designing, Social networking, administrative support, designing, sales and marketing are only a few from hundreds of online home business opportunities available for you.

Although you have read this article so far, I know that still you are not ready to give up your job and start an online home business. Why? Because you are afraid! Not that we would ever suggest that you should just quit your job, however it can be a short term goal that has been achieved by many successful internet entrepreneurs.

So don?t fear because this is a natural fear as it is with many other people out there in the world. Just like any other kind of business, there seems to be a specific risk in when beginning and working an online home business. Especially with all the scam problems that are connected with just about anything online.

However you are looking at the empty half of the glass aren?t you? There are hundreds of people who have started an online home business and have achieved massive success. You shouldn?t hesitate to transform your life in order to achieve the success you have always wanted and should have by looking at the people who has failed in their attempts. When there are 5 ways which rip your money by cheating you, there still are hundreds of other eligible online businesses that have helped many people just like yourself to earn money in a clean and honest fashion.

Source: http://www.mehblog.org/starting-an-online-home-business

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Scientists link deep wells to deadly Spain quake

FILE - In this May 12, 2011 file photo, a police officer inspects damage caused by an earthquake the previous day in Lorca, Spain, Thursday, May 12, 2011. Farmers drilling ever deeper wells over decades to water their crops likely contributed to a deadly earthquake in southern Spain last year, a new study suggests. The findings may add to concerns about the effects of new energy extraction and waste disposal technologies. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz, File)

FILE - In this May 12, 2011 file photo, a police officer inspects damage caused by an earthquake the previous day in Lorca, Spain, Thursday, May 12, 2011. Farmers drilling ever deeper wells over decades to water their crops likely contributed to a deadly earthquake in southern Spain last year, a new study suggests. The findings may add to concerns about the effects of new energy extraction and waste disposal technologies. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz, File)

(AP) ? Farmers drilling ever deeper wells over decades to water their crops likely contributed to a deadly earthquake in southern Spain last year, a new study suggests. The findings may add to concerns about the effects of new energy extraction and waste disposal technologies.

Nine people died and nearly 300 were injured when an unusually shallow magnitude-5.1 quake hit the town of Lorca on May 11, 2011. It was the country's worst quake in more than 50 years, causing millions of euros in damage to a region with an already fragile economy.

Using satellite images, scientists from Canada, Italy and Spain found the quake ruptured a fault running near a basin that had been weakened by 50 years of groundwater extraction in the area.

During this period, the water table dropped by 250 meters (274 yards) as farmers bored ever deeper wells to help produce the fruit, vegetables and meat that are exported from Lorca to the rest of Europe. In other words, the industry that propped up the local economy in southern Spain may have undermined the very ground on which Lorca is built.

The researchers noted that even without the strain caused by water extraction, a quake would likely have occurred at some point.

But the extra stress of pumping vast amounts of water from a nearby aquifer may have been enough to trigger a quake at that particular time and place, said lead researcher Pablo J. Gonzalez of the University of Western Ontario, Canada.

Miguel de las Doblas Lavigne, a geologist with Spain's National Natural Science Museum who has worked on the same theory but was not involved in the study, said the Lorca quake was in the cards.

"This has been going on for years in the Mediterranean areas, all very famous for their agriculture and plastic greenhouses. They are just sucking all the water out of the aquifers, drying them out," he told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. "From Lorca to (the regional capital of) Murcia you can find a very depleted water level."

De las Doblas said it was "no coincidence that all the aftershocks were located on the exact position of maximum depletion."

"The reason is clearly related to the farming, it's like a sponge you drain the water from; the weight of the rocks makes the terrain subside and any small variation near a very active fault like the Alhama de Murcia may be the straw that breaks the camel*s back, which is what happened," he said.

He said excess water extraction was common in Spain.

"Everybody digs their own well, they don't care about anything," he said. "I think in Lorca you may find that some 80 percent of wells are illegal."

Lorca town hall environment chief Melchor Morales said the problem dates back to the 1960s when the region opted to step up its agriculture production and when underground water was considered private property. A 1986 law has reduced the amount of well pumping, he said.

Not everyone agreed with the conclusion of the study, which was published online Sunday in Nature Geoscience.

"There have been earthquakes of similar intensity and similar damage caused in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries when there was no excess water extraction," said Jose Martinez Diez, a professor in geodynamics at Madrid's Complutense University who has also published a paper on the quake.

Still, it isn't the first time that earthquakes have been blamed on human activity, and scientists say the incident points to the need to investigate more closely how such quakes are triggered and how to prevent them.

The biggest man-made quakes are associated with the construction of large dams, which trap massive amounts of water that put heavy pressure on surrounding rock.

The 1967 Koynanagar earthquake in India, which killed more than 150 people, is one such case, said Marco Bohnhoff, a geologist at the German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam who wasn't involved in the Lorca study.

Bohnhoff said smaller man-made quakes can also occur when liquid is pumped into the ground.

A pioneering geothermal power project in the Swiss city of Basel was abandoned in 2009 after it caused a series of earthquakes. Nobody was injured, but the tremors caused by injecting cold water into hot rocks to produce steam resulted in millions of Swiss francs (dollars) damage to buildings.

Earlier this year, a report by the National Research Council in the United States found the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing to extract natural gas was not a huge source of man-made earthquakes. However, the related practice of shooting large amounts of wastewater from "fracking" or other drilling activities into deep underground storage wells has been linked with some small earthquakes.

In an editorial accompanying the Lorca study, geologist Jean-Philippe Avouac of the California Institute of Technology said it was unclear whether human activity merely induces quakes that would have happened anyway at a later date. He noted that the strength of the quake appeared to have been greater than the stress caused by removing the groundwater.

"The earthquake therefore cannot have been caused entirely by water extraction," wrote Avouac. "Instead, it must have built up over several centuries."

Still, pumping out the water may have affected how the stress was released, and similar processes such as fracking or injecting carbon dioxide into the ground ? an idea that has been suggested to reduce the greenhouse effect ? could theoretically do the same, he said.

Once the process is fully understood, "we might dream of one day being able to tame natural faults with geo-engineering," Avouac said.

___

Jordans reported from Istanbul. Ciaran Giles in Madrid and AP Science Writer Alicia Chang in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/b2f0ca3a594644ee9e50a8ec4ce2d6de/Article_2012-10-21-EU-Spain-Man-Made-Quake/id-15d6349e37ae41f3b22076bbc7f67a56

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