The economic difficulties of recent years have affected Americans in many different ways. On one hand, many of those who were lucky enough to keep their jobs were relatively unscathed. However, many fared much worse. The plight of this group was recently echoed by a report from the Corporation for Enterprise Development. According to the report, about 43.9 percent of U.S. households are on the brink of financial collapse. The report found that this group of people is "liquid asset poor," meaning that this group of Americans does not have enough money to live ...

The largest asset for many couples is the equity in their home. This amount fluctuates with the housing market. During the recent housing market collapse, it became a case of apportioning losses and many divorcing couples lost their homes to foreclosure, if neither could afford payments. As the housing market rebounds in the Twin Cities, separating couples are in better position of splitting positive equity. The Pioneer Press reports that the median sales price in the 13-county metro area rose to $160,000 in January, which is 14.3 percent higher than a year ago. As the ...

Before two people decide to get married, they will often discuss some of the plans that they have for the future, to be sure that they are both on the same page. They may discuss whether or not they want to have children, and where they want to live. This clear communication can help the couple move forward, and begin making plans for the rest of their lives together. However, we all know that not every marriage will work out. Many couples give very little thought to what will happen in the event that the marriage ends in divorce. They try everything they can to make ...

Many Colorado outdoors enthusiasts love a fresh coat of powdery snow for their activities., stalled vehicles and motor vehicle accidents can all result from the difficulties of driving on snowy roads that lack friction, but you can reduce the chances of being in an accident by following some safe driving practices. Preparation and Driving Safe driving begins even before your car leaves the driveway. The Colorado Department of Transportation recommends that you find out the road conditions before you leave. Clear off snow from your vehicle and your headlights, so that ...

Some days, it seems like it's almost impossible to turn on the news or open a newspaper without reading a provocative headline -- complete with a not-so-glamorous mug shot -- about some star's DUI charge. The latest in a long string of celebrity DUI arrests One of the latest famous faces to hit the news with a DUI arrest was actor Thomas Gibson. The 50-year-old is most famous for his role as Unit Chief Aaron Hotchner in the hit television serious Criminal Minds. Gibson's character is a tough boss who rarely shows any chinks in his armor to the special agents who work ...

New Yorkers have their Metro Cards. Denizens of Los Angeles have their cars. But while New Yorkers have other means of transportation, many Angelenos would be lost without their wheels, given the sprawl of their city and limited public transportation options. It's no surprise that in a city known for its endless traffic jams, car accidents -- and injuries -- are inevitable. But what stands out about one accident recently reported in a local college newspaper is the seriousness of the injuries sustained a freshman business major in a car crash on Interstate-5. Student ...

Since 2008, drivers in California have been prohibited from using cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. The single exception has been that drivers 18 years of age and older are allowed to use a hands-free device. The following year, the California Wireless Communications Device Law prohibited drivers from writing, sending or reading text-based communication on an electronic wireless communications device, such as a cell phone, while driving. This law took effect on January 1, 2009. Exactly four years later, on January 1, 2013, an exception to this texting and ...

After a four-day trial at the Seminole County Courthouse in Sanford, Florida, Attorneys Lindsey Gergely and Chris Kaigle with The Umansky Law Firm received an acquittal of all charges for their client, former Seminole County Firefighter/ EMT Dean Erlandson. Mr. Erlandson was brought to trial on four very serious charges: aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated assault with a knife, false imprisonment, and domestic violence battery. Late Friday afternoon, March 1, 2012, to a packed courtroom, the jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty as to all counts. Dean ...

As the trial for the murder suspect and con man best known as Clark Rockefeller gets underway in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, March 11, Star Creek Entertainment releases Frank C. Girardot Jr.'s gripping true crime book, "Name Dropper: Investigating the Clark Rockefeller Mystery" (19.99). Based on his year-long investigation, Saratoga FL native Girardot reveals chilling details about the evidence - most of it circumstantial -- that led to Rockefeller's arrest for allegedly killing computer geek John Sohus in San Marino, CA in 1985. Actor Dean Norris, ...

Addicted to Show Business, written and performed by Emmy award winning comedian Dave Konig, is a comedic tour-de-force about the one addiction there's no 12-step program for! Opening Wednesday March 13th, 8PM, at the St. Lukes Theater 308 West 46th St. New York City. In this hilarious - and uplifiting - new show, Konig cons his way into a starring role in a Broadway musical (even though he can't sing or dance), he talks his way into - and out of - hosting a national talk radio show for the Catholic Church (even though he's Jewish), Adam Sandler pushes him on stage, and ...

Tennessee based SSM Industries Inc., (SSM) is pleased to announce their partnership with National Safety Apparel (NSA). This unique partnership is important for the safety industry, as it brings together two Made-in-the-USA fabric and garment manufacturers. The goal is to better protect American workers with a new lightweight, high arc rated flame resistant fabric. SSM Industries, Inc., Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Steve Smith says, "SSM is proud to align with NSA. Both companies are innovative and dynamic. We are working together to bring PRO-CFR 12 CAL., ...

Parents of finicky eaters have a hard enough time trying to ensure their children receive proper nutrition. Trying to get children to swallow vitamin pills may add to their frustration. Natural Dynamix is a California based vitamin manufacturer whose Gummy Cuties are quickly becoming the most popular gummy vitamins for children. Both parents and children agree that Natural Dynamix's Gummy Cuties are the most delicious and nutritious gummy vitamin supplements. Natural Dynamix's gummy vitamin products are made in the U.S.A. and are all allergen, gluten and casein free. ...

Golf fans can find the world's best golfers and experience top tournament and match play competition at two world-renowned events held this year at the acclaimed Muirfield Village Golf Club just outside Columbus in Dublin, OH, with travel packages featuring tickets to both now available. Muirfield Village Golf Club becomes the first venue ever to host three of golf's most celebrated international team competitions: The Presidents Cup, The Ryder Cup and The Solheim Cup. The Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance, takes place May 27-June 2. The 38th edition ...

The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia is excited to announce the renewal of Maestro Dirk Brosse's contract as Music Director for another four-year term, through the 2017-2018 concert season. Maestro Brosse was selected for the position in 2009 and began his tenure with The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia at the start of the 2010-2011 concert season. "I am elated to extend my time here with The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia," Music Director Dirk Brosse commented. "I love Philadelphia and the wonderful opportunity to make music with such talented musicians. ...

British Airways is taking a step back in time by hosting the 'Highest 80s Gig in the Sky' on Sunday 10 March for Red Nose Day, with Bananarama, Tony Hadley (of Spandau Ballet), Kim Wilde and Go West performing. The exclusive flight will attempt to break a Guinness World Record for the 'Highest Concert', flying up to 43,000ft. Departing from Heathrow Terminal 5, the gig will raise money for Flying Start, British Airways' charity partnership with Comic Relief, in aid of Red Nose Day (15 March, 2013). The eighties concert harks back to the period when Comic Relief ...

The Greenspan Law Firm, P.A. went to the Florida Supreme Court to fight the PIP insurers and stand up for the rights of Florida providers of diagnostic imaging services as well as chiropractors, medical doctors and others who treat car accident victims. Attorney Harley N. Kane, who heads The Greenspan Law Firm's PIP practice, presented oral argument on behalf of the Appellee provider in GEICO General Insurance Co. v. Virtual Imaging Services, Inc., Case No. SC12-905. The question presented is whether PIP insurance companies can pay for health care services based upon ...

Polaris Financial Technology Ltd, a leader in products, solutions and services that enable unprecedented operational productivity for the global Financial Services industry, today announced that Mashreq, one of UAE's leading financial institutions, has gone live with Polaris' revolutionary Intellect Global Transaction Banking (GTB) platform. The integrated cash management platform, complete with portal and backend modules, will enable the Bank to offer its customers' transaction banking services on a single platform in multiple countries in the Region. With Polaris' ...

BLIP Systems and G4 Apps today announced a broad strategic partnership that combines the proven wireless solutions of BLIP Systems with ambitious driver assistance and traffic management software company G4 Apps to provide North America with the BlipTrack traffic solution. High-tech and low-cost traffic solution. With proven technologies like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi tracking, the cost for collecting detailed data for travel time, origin and destination, traffic flow, queuing and more has decreased significantly compared to traditional measuring technologies and the new ...

Nanoparticles carrying a toxin found in bee venom can destroy human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) while leaving surrounding cells unharmed, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have shown. The finding is an important step toward developing a vaginal gel that may prevent the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. "Our hope is that in places where HIV is running rampant, people could use this gel as a preventive measure to stop the initial infection," says Joshua L. Hood, MD, PhD, a research instructor in medicine. The study appears ...

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (03/07/2013) —African lions and villagers would benefit from fences to protect them from each other, according to a new study by University of Minnesota researcher Craig Packer published online by Ecology Letters on Tuesday, March 5. Fencing has long been anathema to most conservationists, but Packer said it offers the best hope for saving iconic African wildlife, an undertaking that will require sweeping measures rather than piecemeal efforts. In an interview, he called for an international "Marshall Plan" to erect fences where possible to protect ...

Irvine, Calif., March 7, 2013 – Positive emotions are known to play a role in physical well-being, and stress is strongly linked to poor health, but is this strictly a "First World" phenomenon? In developing nations, is the fulfillment of basic needs more critical to health than how one feels? A UC Irvine researcher has found that emotions do affect health around the world and may, in fact, be more important to wellness in low-income countries. The study, which appears online in Psychological Science, is the first to examine the emotion-health connection in a representative ...

The enteric nervous system (ENS), the "little brain" that resides within the gut wall, governs motility, secretion, and blood flow in the human gastrointestinal tract. Failure of the ENS to develop normally leads to congenital megacolon (Hirschsprung Disease) while loss of normal gut innervation is thought to contribute to debilitating motility disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome. In order to prevent and treat these conditions, it is necessary to understand the molecular mechanisms that control the formation and function of the ENS. In this issue of the Journal ...

In addition to its well-known effects on the CNS, alcohol consumption has a significant impact on metabolism. After consumption, the body rapidly begins converting ethanol to acetate, which can serve as an energy source for the brain and other organs. Lihong Jiang and colleagues at Yale University used a brain imaging technique, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, to track acetate uptake and metabolism in the brains of heavy drinkers (consumed at least 8 drinks/week) and light drinkers (consumed less than 2 drinks/week). In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, ...

Enhanced brain acetate metabolism may reward heavy drinkers In addition to its well-known effects on the CNS, alcohol consumption has a significant impact on metabolism. After consumption, the body rapidly begins converting ethanol to acetate, which can serve as an energy source for the brain and other organs. Lihong Jiang and colleagues at Yale University used a brain imaging technique, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, to track acetate uptake and metabolism in the brains of heavy drinkers (consumed at least 8 drinks/week) and light drinkers (consumed less than 2 drinks/week). ...

ANN ARBOR—In evolutionary biology, there is a deeply rooted supposition that you can't go home again: Once an organism has evolved specialized traits, it can't return to the lifestyle of its ancestors. There's even a name for this pervasive idea. Dollo's law states that evolution is unidirectional and irreversible. But this "law" is not universally accepted and is the topic of heated debate among biologists. Now a research team led by two University of Michigan biologists has used a large-scale genetic study of the lowly house dust mite to uncover an example of reversible ...