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Did you just brave the lines of a midnight launch party and snag yourself a PS Vita in the US? Good news ye early adopters, Sony’s PlayStation.Blog.US has just announced that select free apps will be available as part of today’s PlayStation Store update. Currently, you’ll find Netflix, LiveTweet and Flickr, but there’s still nary of trace of Facebook or Foursquare among the bunch (nor any official word on release dates for that matter). We gave each app a download and quick spin prior to them being officially listed, and everything’s running fairly smooth so far. Disappointingly, Vita’s 20MB cap on 3G data is totally in effect on Netflix, as switching to our cellular connection denied us any access to the service. We’re giving the apps some extended use to bring you our initial impressions shortly, but for now, you’ll find more info at the source link below.

‘Select’ PS Vita apps hit the US PlayStation Store: Netflix, LiveTweet and Flickr originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/select-ps-vita-apps-hit-the-us-playstation-store-netflix-liv/

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It would take nine months to sell all the homes on the market in the Baltimore region at the pace people are buying these days, in case you were wondering.

That’s simple math. What’s trickier — naturally — is knowing how long it will take to sell a particular house. Or whether the months’ supply is headed up or down.

Six months of supply is usually the rule of thumb for a market balanced between buyers and sellers. Not surprising that it would be higher than that (advantage, buyers) in January, part of the slow season.

But the other factor at play is the temporary slump in foreclosures for sale — something that’s expected to reverse in the not-too-distant future, now that the bank settlement over robo-signing is done. The Mortgage Bankers Association says foreclosure processing could initially slow further as big mortgage servicers put settlement requirements into place, but that it should speed up afterward.

And on top of that, you’ve got both would-be buyers and would-be sellers sitting things out for now. When they choose to get off the sidelines will affect the months of supply figure, too.

Some homeowners are waiting for prices to go up before they sell, either because they can’t or don’t want to accept today’s prices. A lot of possibly-future buyers seem to fall into one of two groups, too: Can’t afford it now or not willing to pay today’s prices.

Among renters who weighed in on a recent poll, just over a quarter said they’re renting because they can’t afford to buy a house and just under a quarter said it’s because they don’t want to buy right now. (Another quarter of participants said the No. 1 reason they rent is flexibility — you can pick up and leave more easily.)

Where do you stand? Are you on the sidelines of buying, selling or both — and if so, why?

Source: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/business/realestate/blog/2012/02/9_months_of_housingmarket_supply_for_now.html

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[unable to retrieve full-text content]HealthDay – SUNDAY, Feb. 19 (HealthDay News) — A new animal study suggests
that a genetic mutation could put certain people at higher risk for
becoming obese if they eat high-fat diets.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/weightloss/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20120220/hl_hsn/genemightboostriskforobesity

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In the course of my work I get to see a lot of rewritten stories and novels and I?m always astounded at how quickly writers resubmit after receiving a critique.

Considering the writers are coughing up good money for the benefit of someone?s advice, it seems a bit odd not to take the time to at least digest the comments and suggestions. All too often, within a few days of a critique going out, the story reappears in my inbox (often with a note saying it has been rewritten following the advice given). Um, no, usually all that has happened is a few minor corrections have been made to tidy things up, but the major errors to do with plot, characterisation, dialogue and other important factors remain.

So, here?s some advice on how to get the most from a critique, whether it has been paid for, given freely on a peer review site, or is feedback from a writing buddy.

Do Nothing

That?s right. Do nothing. Don?t set to and rewrite immediately. Take a few days to read and reread the comments and suggestions. Only after absorbing the feedback and letting it run through your subconscious will you be able to decide which aspects of the criticism are valid and which would take your work in a direction you don?t want it to go.

Make Notes

Once you?ve absorbed the criticism, make notes on how to deal with it. How are you going to fix the plot holes? What layers can you add to give depth to the storyline? How are you going to flesh out the characters to make them less wooden? What can you do to improve the dialogue? How can you make transitions into and out of flashbacks smoother? What can you do to improve the settings? How can you balance telling and showing?

On this last point, don?t let anyone tell you that you should always show and not tell. A piece of advice given to me some time ago, which I felt summed up the balance perfectly, is to show (using dialogue and interaction to dramatise) what?s important and to tell (using narration to link dramatised scenes) what isn?t.

Rewrite

Okay, now you have your notes, it?s time to rewrite. If you?ve followed steps one and two above you should now be in a good position to make a really good job of the rewrite.

Be Patient

Put your rewritten story out of your mind for a few weeks. Don?t read it again until at least a week has gone by, but the longer you can leave it, the better it will be for you. It?s impossible to read something objectively too soon after you?ve been working on it. Take the time to write something new ? or rewrite another story.

Read Critically

Get out the original critique and your notes and read your story with these in mind. Have you covered everything? If you stumble over a minor point, don?t tell yourself it?s nothing to worry about ? make notes on how to fix it.

Finished? Nope, not even close. Repeat steps 1-5 until the story is the best it can possibly be. Then, and only then, resubmit it to the competition. However, by then it might be so good that you could submit it to a competition with even better prize money.

?

Critique Service for Writers
Flash 500 Flash Fiction Competition
Flash 500 Humour Verse Competition

Source: http://thewritersabcchecklist.blogspot.com/2012/02/critically-speaking.html

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18
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Capital is one of the biggest requirements for real estate. So many people want to get started in real estate investing, but do not have the money to do so.

Sometimes it can seem like a Catch-22 kind of situation. You want to invest in real estate to make money, but you need money to invest in real estate. Many people wonder how they will ever be able to get started in real estate investing if they are unable to come up with the money to do so.

A grant can be the answer for you here.

You may have previously heard that there are grants available for people who want to start their own businesses. Naturally, this leads you to wonder if there are grants for real estate investing.

The simplest answer is that there are grants available for almost anything you want to do. That answer would translate to mean that there are indeed grants for real estate investing. The key to getting grants for real estate investing is first finding these grants.

If you have ever tried to search for grants for real estate investing, you might have noticed that the process is a lot like searching for college scholarships. There are plenty of grants for real estate investing out there, but many of them have very specific requirements. For example, the requirement for a grant might be phrased as something like ?Must be a descendant of George Washington living the state of New Mexico?. That example might be a little overboard, but you get the hint.

After looking at the requirements for so many different grants for real estate investing, you might think that there is no hope of ever getting a grant. Of course if you give up, you will never know if you can receive grants for real estate investing. You can succeed in getting grants for real estate investing if you don?t first try to get the grants.

To obtain grants for real estate investing, you must first know how to write a grant proposal. This is not a skill that is inherent. While you might be effective at other kinds of writing, grant proposals have their own format. This format must be followed if you want to receive grants for real estate investing. If you are not aware of the format for grant proposals, you can find information on the internet or through purchasing reference material from a bookstore. Alternatively, you can hire someone to write grants for you.

To improve the odds at receiving grants for real estate investing, you should apply for every grant you come across. If you think you meet the criteria in even the slightest way, it is worth a try to write the grant proposal.

In the case that you are paying someone to write your grant proposals, chances are you don?t want to spend the money to have more than ten grant proposals written for you. You can pay someone to write a few, and then use those as a guideline for drafting your own.

The key to finding grants for real estate investing is persistence. Continue trying until you have exhausted your resources, you may find that it pays off in the end.

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Tags: real estate

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Source: http://www.pursonalityplus.com/2012/02/18/grants-that-are-available-for-real-estate-investing/

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February 19th, 2012 02:24 AM | by sherry | Baby Development.??

Dr. Seuss Craft For Kids. The Cat In The Hat written by Dr. Seuss is a delightful story to read to children on Dr. Suess? birthday, and there are so many wonderful activities to go along with the book, like this Dr. Seuss Cat In The Hat Short Vowels craft for kids! This educational and fun Cat In The Hat craft activity is great way to introduce preschoolers and kindergarten children to the short vowel word family AT! Just the perfect phonics lesson for a Dr. Seuss theme unit. So, what are you waiting for? Let?s make a Cat In The Hat with the short vowel word family AT! Craft supplies you will need: White construction paper or card stock Red construction paper Red crayons Black marker Scissors Stapler or scotch tape Craft instructions: Have the children draw a ?Cat In The Hat? hat on white construction paper. Using a red crayon, have the children color red stripes on the hat, leaving white stripes in-between the red stripes. On each stripe, have the children write a word that rhymes with Cat and Hat, like Sat, Bat, Hat, Pat and Mat. When complete, have the children cut out the hat. Then, have the children cut a strip from red construction paper, about 2 inches wide and long. Have the children staple the ends of the strip together. ?This will become their Cat In The Hat headband. Lastly, have the children staple their Cat In The Hat to their headband And, voila, the children have now made a Cat In the Hat Phonics craft! ?What a simple and fun Cat In The [...]

Tags:?Dr. Seuss Activities, Dr. Seuss Crafts, Featured Activities, Free Craft Ideas, Holiday Crafts, Language Arts & Reading Printables, Short Vowels Printables, Word Familes Printables

Source: http://lulaby.org/dr-seuss-cat-in-the-hat-phonics-craft

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Renovations are necessary to increase worth to your property. Not only that, they are vital in keeping your property in tip-top shape. There are numerous items that you could do to greatly enhance your living area, and a few undertakings tend to be more sophisticated than others. Read this article for some suggestions.

Woodstove Helpful Hints

Instead of installing electricity based heating system in your home, consider going with large woodstoves. With the proper woodstove pipe and the right size, a wood burning stove is more cost effective and heats better. If the electricity ever goes out, you are still able to keep warm in the winter.

To prevent animals like birds or squirrels from nesting in your chimney, install a chimney cap. These devices feature mesh sides that allow smoke to escape, but the solid top prevents animals from entering your chimney to build nests, which can ignite and cause a chimney fire when you use fireplace stoves.

Even if you don’t use your woodstove much, it’s important to get your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly by a professional. Burning wood can cause creosote to accumulate, and that could lead to a chimney fire. Avoid burning pitchy wood like pine to help keep creosote under control after a cleaning.

More Woodstove Helpful Hints

If you are considering a woodstove or a wood furnace for warming your dwelling, recognize that this is a much better way than incorporating a conventional fireplace. Apart from artistic factors, this type of system is also very efficient since the majority of the heat ends up in your house instead of going through the chimney as it will by having an open fire place. Moreover, the fireplace requires a great deal of outdoors, that will be supplied from the inside of your residence, essentially consuming up a lot of the oxygen inside the house, as opposed to modern day wood burning stoves are air-tight and require minimal oxygen from your living quarters.

To create a modern focal point in your living room or study, consider installing a new stone, brick, or wood mantel for the area above your fireplace. If your fireplace already has a mantel, you can have it sanded and refinished to change its look. You could also update it by staining the brick or concrete with a rich color.

Final Woodstove Helpful Hints

Be safe and sound on the home remodeling endeavor! Stop running the natural gas lines when you find yourself accomplishing work close to fireplace stoves, in a kitchen, in a basement or around any other fixtures that have a gas line. Construction in the presence of gas can be extremely dangerous! Make sure you know where the shutoff valve is! Also, be sure you know where the gas lines are so you do not inadvertently hit one.

As revealed in the article, home improvement can be a good thing, but it can also have a downside. Some home improvements do not pay off and may even make your house harder to sell. By applying these simple rules of home improvement do’s and do-not’s, you can keep from making a disaster that you will be forced to live with.

Source: http://afh-sfsd.org/quick-advice-for-woodstove-options-an-a-z/

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Taking Control of Congestive Heart Failure

Feb. 21 (Tuesday) 10 a.m. to noon: ?Taking Control of Congestive Heart Failure? will be held in St. Joseph?s Medical Center Classroom 1, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. This free class will help those who have been diagnosed with Heart Failure (CHF) ? giving information about the symptoms, the causes, the risks, plus how to control them with diet, rest and activity, and medications. To preregister for this free class, please call (209) 461-5061.

The Immune System ~ To Boost or Not To Boost?

Feb. 21 (Tuesday) 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: The immune system is the most powerful defense we have against infection and disease. From the common cold to parasites or cancer, learn how your immune system is designed to protect you from illness. You will discover natural strategies to enhance immune system function now and in the many years to come. Pamela Colby, N.D., is a licensed naturopathic doctor in the state of California and maintains family practices in Lodi and Berkeley. She views symptoms and disease as signs of a deeper energetic imbalance. She teaches her patients how to create healthy lifestyle routines while identifying and treating the underlying cause of disease. St. Joseph?s Medical Center Mind, Body and Spirit Wellness Series, Auditorium, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. The cost for the entire four-week series is $20 per person. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Information: (209) 461-6889 or SJCancerInfo@chw.edu.

CareVan Provides Daily Free Health Clinic

St. Joseph?s Medical Center CareVan presents a free, walk-in health clinic for low-income and no-insurance individuals or families, 16 years old and older. The hospital?s mobile health-care services will be available to handle most minor urgent health care needs. Diabetes screening and blood pressure screening are offered on special days as noted. If you have questions, contact (209) 461-3471. Clinic schedule is subject to change without notice.

• Feb. 21 (Tuesday) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: St. George?s Church, 120 W. Fifth St., Stockton.
• Feb. 22 (Wednesday) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: West Lane Bowl, 3900 West Lane, Stockton. Sponsored by St. Joseph?s Spirit Club members.
• Feb. 23 (Thursday) 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton.
• Feb. 24 (Friday) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Health clinic includes diabetes and blood pressure screening clinics; Rite Aid, 1050 N. Wilson Way, Stockton.
• Feb. 28 (Tuesday) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Wagner Holt School, 8778 Brattle Place, Stockton.
• Feb. 29 (Wednesday) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Rite Aid, 1050 N. Wilson Way, Stockton.
• March 1 (Thursday) 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton.
  

Central Valley Recovery, Awareness, Preventing Strokes Program

Feb. 22 (Wednesday) noon to 2 p.m.: Have lunch and learn about stroke, sponsored by Healings in Motion at San Joaquin Stockton WorkNet Building, 56 S. Lincoln St., Stockton. Guest speaker will be Breanna Garrison, stroke coordinator/neuro clinical specialist at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, the Valley?s first and only certified stroke center. Topics included will be: The Target Stroke Program,? Get With The Guidelines (GWTG) program, Quality initiatives, Treatment Timeline Goals,? Risk Factors, Prevention Education and time for questions and answers. We will also have drawings for prizes and other goodies. Cost: $10. Reservations and information: (877) 672-4480 or (209) 234-2802; or register online at http://cv-raps2012.eventbrite.com.

Mobile Medical Clinic for Military Veterans

Feb. 23 (Thursday) 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: American Legion Karl Ross Post 16, 2020 Plymouth Road, Stockton, will host the VA Rural Health Mobile Medical Outreach Clinic Team. No appointment necessary. There will also be veterans service officers, enrollment specialists, medical and mental health teams on site. The Rural Health Mobile Medical Clinic Team will provide free examinations and consultations, referrals and, prescription renewals for veterans currently enrolled in the VA Health Care System. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for medical or psychological services, members of the team can provide you with information about and assistance with eligibility and enrolment for VA care. VA health care may complement your current insurance coverage. Eligibility requirements have changed, therefore, if you have been denied in the past, please come speak with a team member. Benefits are available for Vietnam and Iraq/Afghanistan veterans. If you are not currently in the VA system, bring a copy of your DD214 to attach to your enrollment form. If you do not have a copy of your DD214, one can be obtained for you. In addition, volunteer veteran service officers will be available to review your benefits, assist with enrollment forms and provide assistance with filing claims. Information: Valerie Gabriel, LCSW, at (209) 588-2604.

Total-joint Replacement Class for Hips, Knees

Feb. 23 (Thursday) 1 to 3 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital?s Outpatient-Rehabilitation Services offers a free educational class for those planning to have total joint-replacement surgery of the hip or knee at Lodi Memorial Hospital West, 800 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi.? Knee class is at 1 p.m.; hip class is at 2 p.m. Learn about preparations and exercises to do before surgery; the day of surgery and what to expect during the hospital stay; rehabilitation following surgery; techniques to decrease pain and swelling; and ways to promote maximum healing and return to normal function. Call (209) 333-3136 for more information or to sign up for the class.? Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend.? For information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at www.lodihealth.org.

Asthmanology

Feb. 25 (Saturday) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: The seriously fun Asthmanology event at the World of Wonders Science Museum, 2 N. Sacramento St., Lodi, is aimed to bring asthma awareness and education to the community. Joined by Respiratory Works, the museum will be filled with activities aimed to increase awareness of asthma. Experienced staff from Respiratory Works will be on site to advocate and bring asthma education and awareness to kids and families. If you have asthma, know someone with asthma or want to learn more about asthma, this event is for you. You?ll learn what causes wheezing and what triggers are. Regular museum admission applies. Information: ?www.wowsciencemuseum.org.

Cancer Care Symposium for Health Care Professionals

Feb. 25 (Saturday) 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.: This one day symposium ? Cancer Kaleidoscope: The View Keeps Chaning ? will address issues that past participants have requested to better understand and care for those experiencing cancer. Experts from across the region will share their expertise about hormone receptor considerations for treatment of breast cancer, new treatments for prostate cancer, acupuncture for pain control, ethics and the myths regarding cancer and cancer care. This symposium will be a truly eclectic combination of cancer related items to expand your knowledge of cancer care. Who should attend? Physicians, pharmacists, nurses, social workers, laboratory personnel, and anyone involved in cancer care will benefit. This symposium is sponsored by St. Joseph?s Regional Cancer Center in cooperation with the American Cancer Society. Information on fees and registration: (209) 467-6331. Symposium will be held at O?Connor Woods Main Clubhouse, 3400 Wagner Heights Road, Stockton.

Free Eye Clinic at Chinese New Year Festival

Feb. 26 (Sunday) 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.: Vision Service Plan Mobile Eyes is a deluxe clinic on wheels. It?s outfitted with state-of-the-art exam rooms and dispensaries, plus a finishing lab. Midtown Optometry optometrist Derron Lee has arranged for the lab along with optometry students from the University of California, Berkeley College of Optometry to assist in providing free eye exams and eyeglasses for the needy. The clinic will be outside the Stockton Memorial Civic Auditorium, 525 N. Center St., Stockton, during the Stockton Chinese New Year Festival.

$50,000 in Scholarships for Students Pursuing Health Studies

Feb. 26 (Sunday) deadline: Health Plan of San Joaquin is offering $50,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties for the 2012 academic school year. Health Plan of San Joaquin?s Health Careers High School Scholarship Program provides the opportunity for high school seniors to apply for a $2,500 scholarship based on their desire to pursue a career in the health care industry at an accredited college or university. The scholarship application will be accessible online through www.ScholarshipExperts.com, an online portal for scholarships. Applications may be submitted through Feb. 26. To learn more about the Health Careers High School Scholarship Program, contact Shani Richards at (209) 461-2284 or at srichards@hpsj.com. ?We?re hopeful that students will take advantage of this funding opportunity,? said Richards, HPSJ?s scholarship program coordinator. ?Student financial need remains high, parental support is challenged in the wake of the economy, and the area continues to experience a shortage of new health care graduates. These scholarships really can make a difference for students, and, in the longer term, our community.? The objective of the program is to support education and community health by investing in students who seek to become health care professionals and return to practice in San Joaquin or Stanislaus county. ?The significant deficit of health professionals available in the region is expected to continue into the future, so encouraging students from our local communities to consider health care careers is critical. The HPSJ Scholarship program does just that by offering the potential of sustained financial support for students who may be challenged by educational expenses,? said Dr. Dale Bishop, medical director at Health Plan of San Joaquin.

A Place to Begin

Feb. 28 (Tuesday) 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Need a tool to help you stay in the moment? Discover the gift of the present as you design your own personal prayer strand using the Sacred Wheel of Peace, a piece of string, and a pile of beads. In this hands-on experiential workshop you will be guided through a process to create your own prayer beads to use as your personal centering tool. Eleanor Wiley is a bead artist conducting interfaith, health and peace workshops nationally and internationally. She is the author of A String and a Prayer, There Are No Mistakes and Changing Bead By Bead. Eleanor created the Sacred Wheel of Peace that honors all faith traditions and cultures. Visit www.prayerbdzs.com. St. Joseph?s Medical Center Mind, Body and Spirit Wellness Series, Auditorium, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. The cost for the entire four-week series is $20 per person. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Information: (209) 461-6889 or SJCancerInfo@chw.edu.

Advance Directives Forum

Feb. 29 (Wednesday) 10 a.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi, offers a community forum on advanced directives. Lodi Memorial social workers will be on hand to talk about the importance of advance directives, answer questions and provide assistance with filling out advance directives. Sample advance directive forms will be provided. This is a complimentary service open to all. Notary services are available. Those interested in learning more about advance directives can visit the hospital?s website, www.lodihealth.org, and click on ?Advance Directive? for a sample form, instructions and other helpful information.

Growing GREENS/Eating LEAN

March 1 (Thursday) 11 a.m. to noon (or March 15, 29; April 12, 26; May 10, 24; June 7, 21): This free program at the Nutrition Education Center at Emergency Food Bank, 7 W. Scotts Ave., Stockton, is a combination of vegetable/fruit gardening workshops and nutrition/cooking demonstrations incorporating fruits and vegetables. Information: (209) 464-7369 or www.stocktonfoodbank.org.

Breastfeeding: Getting Off to a Great Start

March 1 (Thursday) 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi, offers ?Breastfeeding: Getting off to a Great Start,? a one-session class covering the advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy, the breastfeeding process, common problems and solutions. An additional breastfeeding class for working moms is held Tuesdays, March 13 and May 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m., and is available only to participants who have already attended ?Breastfeeding: Getting off to a Great Start.?? Call (209) 339-7520 to register. For information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at www.lodihealth.org.

Childbirth Preparation

March 3 (Saturday) 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi, offers an all-day childbirth-preparation class. Cost is $45 per couple. For more information or to register, call (209) 339-7520.? For information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at www.lodihealth.org.

VN CARES Pacific Family Health Fair

March 4 (Sunday) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: University of the Pacific pharmacy students and Vietnamese Cancer Awareness and Research Education (VN CARES) are hosting the fifth annual Pacific Family Health Fair at St. Luke?s Catholic Church Gymnasium, 3847 N. Sutter St, Stockton. Families will be able to participate in free health screenings, scavenger hunts, health education and more. Health screenings include blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, osteoporosis and more. Many local businesses and organizations will also be offering free services and information. There will be activities for children of all ages about mindful eating, staying active, healthy lifestyle tips, and all sorts of fun and games. There will be many door prizes. Information: (209) 946-2561.

Asthma Summit for Health Professionals and Public

March 10 (Saturday) 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. for physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, health educators and pharmacists; 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for general public; registration deadline March 5: San Joaquin County Public Health?s Obesity & Chronic Disease Prevention Taskforce will be presenting a two-part summit ? Connecting Community to Combat Asthma ? at the San Joaquin County Office of Education Wentworth Education Center, 2707 Transworld Drive, Stockton. The two components to the event: 1) a session at the beginning of the day will be targeted to health care professionals. CME?s will be offered for physicians and BRN credits for nurses and other professionals; 2) the general public is invited to a community summit that will include an expert speakers panel with time to ask questions, and interactive breakout sessions including an inhaler clinic and coaches clinic on asthma and athletes.?There is no cost for either event. View the fliers for more information, Healthcare Professionals or General Public. Free continental breakfast provided with morning registration. Free lunch provided with public registration. To register, send your name, organization if any, mailing address, phone and email address by fax to (209) 468-4960 or mail to San Joaquin County Office of Education, P.O. Box 213030, Stockton, CA 95213-9030. Information: Mikey Kamienski, executive director, Charterhouse Center for Families, at (209) 476-1106.

11th Annual Autism Collaborative Forum

March 17 (Saturday) 7 to 8 a.m. registration; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. forum: 11th annual Autism Collaborative Forum brings Dr. Peter Gerhardt, expert on adults with autism and Asperger?s syndrome, to the San Joaquin County Office of Education Wentworth Education Center, 2707 Transworld Drive, Stockton. Costs varies from $20 to $50. Registration deadline: March 5. Information: Gail Brodigan-Dalton at (209) 468-4907 or gbrodigandalton@sjcoe.net or www.sjcoe.org/calendar/calendarDetails.aspx?ID=2283 to print registration flier. The drastic increase of autism and related disorders is now one case per 110 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Given this information, there are a steadily growing number of adolescents and young adults affected. Gerhardt will present on how to identify and plan for the future of these individuals, including transition from adolescence to adulthood, employment goals, community integration, social competence, sexuality and quality of life concerns.

Stork Tours for Parents-To-Be

March 21 (Wednesday) 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Parents-to-be are invited to attend a free stork tour at Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi. Prospective parents may view the labor, delivery, recovery and nursery areas of the hospital and ask questions of the nursing staff. Call (209) 339-7520 to register.?For more information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at www.lodihealth.org.

Big-Brother/Big-Sister Class for Kids 3-8

March 21 or May 16 (Wednesday) 3 to 4:30 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi, offers a big-brother/big-sister preparation class. This class, for children ages 3 to 8, will help youngsters adjust to the arrival of the new baby. The cost is $10 for the first child and $3 for each additional child. Call (209) 339-7520 to register.?For more information, visit the LMH website at www.lodihealth.org.

Eye Safety in the Workplace

Some 100 million American workers are affected by computer eyestrain, a symptom of Computer Vision Syndrome, according to Stockton therapeutic optometrist Derron Lee. ? March is Eye Safety in the Workplace Month, and as our nation has moved from a manufacturing society to an information society, Computer Vision Syndrome has become a workplace concern,? Lee said. ?While prolonged computer use will not damage vision, it can make you uncomfortable and decrease productivity.? Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is caused by the eyes constantly focusing and refocusing on the characters on a computer screen. These characters don?t have the contrast or well-defined edges like printed words and the eyes? focus cannot remain fixed. ?Symptoms of CVS include headaches, loss of focus, burning or tired eyes, blurred vision and neck or shoulder pain,? Lee said. CVS can be partially alleviated by changes in the ergonomics of the work area. ?Proper lighting and monitor placement can go a long way toward reducing CVS, as can giving your eyes frequent breaks from the computer. But the underlying cause of CVS ? the ability of the eyes to focus on the computer screen ? may only be remedied by specialized computer glasses,? he said. Lee said a comprehensive eye exam, including questions about a person?s computer use habits, is the first step. ?If we determine that vision correction for computer use is required, we can prescribe computer lenses that are designed to improve your vision in the 18-inch-28-inch range, the optimal distance between your eyes and the computer monitor,? Lee said. Click here for more information.

New Quality Indicator Tools Help Hospital Consumers

Providing consumers with more options to make informed health care decisions, the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development? recently released four new Web tools allowing users quick and easy access in comparing hospitalization and utilization rates for various conditions statewide and by county in five year trend increments.

Wide Gap Between Care Patients Want and Receive at End of Life

When it comes to how they want to spend their final days, most Californians would prefer to die a natural death at home without being a burden, financially or emotionally, on their families. Yet according to a new poll released Feb. 14 by the California Health Care Foundation, a disparity exists between what people say they want at the end of life and what actually occurs. Among the results:

• Nearly 8 in 10 say that if seriously ill, they would want to speak with their doctor about end-of-life care. But fewer than 1 in 10 report having had such a conversation, including just 13% of those over 64.
• While 82% say that it is important to put their wishes in writing, less than one quarter have done so.
• Only 44% of Californians who have lost a loved one in the last 12 months say their loved one?s end-of-life preferences were completely followed and honored by providers. These numbers drop to 26% for those who experienced a language barrier and 25% for those uninsured at the time of death.
• Seventy percent say their home is their preferred place of death, but only 32% passed away in their homes.
• The poll finds broad support, regardless of political affiliation, for reimbursing doctors to talk about end-of-life options: 84% of Democrats, 72% of Republicans, and 80% of Independents say it would be a good idea to pay for the conversation.

CHCF is releasing an accompanying report that profiles the state of palliative care in California?s acute care hospitals. Among the findings:

• Palliative care consultation services have experienced a great deal of growth in recent years: Between 2007 and 2011, pediatric services increased by 128%, while adult services increased by 24%.
• Most palliative care services have modest budgets, with 60% operating on less than $300,000 annually.
• Every major metropolitan area in California except Los Angeles increased the number of hospital-based palliative care programs between 2007 and 2011. The percentage of Los Angeles hospitals with such programs actually decreased.

Read the complete press release now. For further details and additional resources, including a consumer guide for developing an advance directive from the American Bar Association and videos of individuals and family members reflecting on their experiences with these issues, visit www.chcf.org/endoflifecare.

Heart Medications Help Only If You Take Them

People take their prescribed medications for chronic conditions such as heart disease only about half the time. This high rate of ?nonadherence? leads to an estimated 125,000 preventable deaths in the United States each year and costs the health care system between $100 and $300 billion annually. The February 2012 issue of the Harvard Heart Letter looks at this huge problem and offers practical tips on how to ensure that people take the medications they need, when they should be taking them. Cost is one barrier, of course, but so are complicated dosing regimens, hassles in getting prescriptions filled, and side effects. The February Heart Letter offers some hurdle-clearing ideas:

• Cost ? When you get a new prescription, check with your health plan to make sure it?s the lowest-cost option available. If not, talk with your doctor. Also, take advantage of free medication programs sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and the discount plans at large retailers and pharmacies.
• Complexity ? If you take several medications with different dosing schedules, talk with your doctor about how to streamline your medication regimen. Also, recent studies have shown that using mail-order pharmacies can improve medication adherence, presumably through convenience and cost advantages.
• Side effects ? Heart medications come with non-life-threatening but bothersome side effects, including fatigue, nausea, coughing, and muscle pain. Both doctors and pharmacists can offer effective strategies to ease side effects, but only if you talk with them about it.

The February Heart Letter feature on medication adherence also includes useful tips for establishing personalized memory aids for tracking which medications to take and when. Read the full-length article: ?Medications help the heart ? if you take them?

Kaiser Study Examines Implications of Medi-Cal Role for Diabetics

A new analysis from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows how Medicaid coverage provides access to care for adults with diabetes and how Medicaid (known as Medi-Cal in California) expansions under the Affordable Care Act could improve access for currently uninsured adults with diabetes. In the paper, published Jan. 10 in the journal Health Affairs, Foundation researchers Rachel Garfield and Anthony Damico report that adult Medicaid beneficiaries with diabetes have higher spending and service use than adult beneficiaries without the disease, but comparable access. At the same time, uninsured low-income adults with diabetes have higher out-of-pocket spending, are less likely to use services, and are more likely to report access barriers than those already covered by Medicaid. As they become eligible for Medicaid under health reform they are likely to enter the program with unmet health needs, and covering them is likely to result in both improved access and increased use of health care by this population, the study found. The full study, ?Medicaid Expansion Under Health Reform May Increase Service Use and Improve Access For Low-Income Adults With Diabetes,? can be accessed online at http://www.kff.org/medicaid/kcmu11012oth.cfm.

Creating Safer Sleep Environments for Kids

January through March: First 5 San Joaquin is pleased to present the Quarterly Health Messaging E-Toolkit on ?Safer Sleep Environments.? This quarter?s health messaging toolkit focuses on increasing the awareness about the risk of fatal sleeping accidents and injuries among young children due to unsafe sleep environments. View more information and resources.

Physical Fitness Trumps Body Weight in Reducing Death Risks

If you maintain or improve your fitness level ? even if your body weight has not changed or increased ? you can reduce your risk of death, according to research reported in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. In a study of 14,345 adult men, mostly white and middle or upper class, researchers found that:

• Maintaining or improving fitness was associated with a lower death risk even after controlling for Body Mass Index (BMI) change.
• Every unit of increased fitness (measured as MET, metabolic equivalent of task) over six years was associated with a 19 percent lower risk of heart disease and stroke-related deaths and a 15 percent lower risk of death from any cause.
• Becoming less fit was linked to higher death risk, regardless of BMI changes.
• BMI change was not associated with death risks.

BMI is a measurement based on weight and height (kg/m2). MET measures the intensity of aerobic exercise ? specifically, the ratio of metabolic rate during a specific physical activity to a reference rate of metabolic rate at rest. ?This is good news for people who are physically active but can?t seem to lose weight,? said Duck-chul Lee, Ph.D., the study?s lead researcher and physical activity epidemiologist in the Department of Exercise Science at the University of South Carolina?s Arnold School of Public Health in Columbia. ?You can worry less about your weight as long as you continue to maintain or increase your fitness levels.? Results of the study underscore the importance of physical inactivity as a risk factor for death from heart disease and stroke, said researchers. Researchers also found no association between changes in body fat percentage or body weight and death risk. Participants, who were an average 44 years old, were part of the long-term, large-scale Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study. They underwent at least two comprehensive medical exams. Researchers used maximal treadmill tests to estimate physical fitness (maximal METs), and height and weight measurements to calculate BMI. They recorded changes in BMI and physical fitness over six years.

Questions About Health Reform Law?

• How are small businesses affected by health reform?
• Will everyone have to buy health insurance?
• How will the new provision allowing young adults to remain on a parent?s insurance work?

The FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) section of the Kaiser Family Foundation?s new Health Reform Source provides concise answers to common questions about the health reform law. You can search for your question or submit a new question if yours is not addressed. http://healthreform.kff.org/faq.aspx. Additional questions addressing the affordability of health insurance, how programs like Medicare and Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) will be financed under health reform and others are addressed in a series of Video Explainer clips featuring foundation experts answering specific questions about the law on a variety of health policy topics. http://healthreform.kff.org/video-explainers.aspx. Kaiser?s Health Reform Source, http://healthreform.kff.org, an online gateway providing easy access to new and comprehensive resources on the health reform law, provides these and other new features and tools including an interactive timeline showing when health-reform provisions take effect, all the latest polling data, links to other information resources, and the latest health-reform headlines from Kaiser Health News.

Respiratory Support Group for Better Breathing

First Tuesday of month 10 to 11 a.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital and the American Lung Association of California Valley Lode offer a free ?Better Breathers?? respiratory-support group for people and their family members with breathing problems including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. Participants will learn how to cope with chronic lung disease, understand lungs and how they work and use medications and oxygen properly. Pre-registration is recommended by calling (209) 478-1888 or (209) 339-7821. For information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at www.lodihealth.org.

Planned Childbirth Services

Tuesdays 6 to 8 p.m.: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, hosts a four-class series which answers questions and prepares mom and her partner for labor and birth. Bring two pillows and a comfortable blanket or exercise mat to each class. These classes are requested during expecting mother?s third trimester. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136 or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Say Yes to Breastfeeding

Tuesdays 6 to 8 p.m.: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, offers a class that outlines the information and basic benefits and risk management of breastfeeding. Topics include latching, early skin-to-skin on cue, expressing milk and helpful hints on early infant feeding. In addition, the hospital offers a monthly Mommy and Me-Breastfeeding support group where mothers, babies and hospital clerical staff meet the second Monday of each month. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136 or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous

Are you having trouble controlling the way you eat? Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) is a free Twelve Step recovery program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, undereating or bulimia. For more information or a list of additional meetings throughout the U.S. and the world, call (781) 932-6300 or visit www.foodaddicts.org.

• Tuesdays 7 p.m.: Modesto Unity Church, 2547 Veneman Ave., Modesto.
• Wednesdays 9 a.m.: The Episcopal Church of Saint Anne, 1020 W. Lincoln Road, Stockton.
• Saturdays 9 a.m.: Tracy Community Church, 1790 Sequoia Blvd. at Corral Hollow, Tracy.

Adult Children With Aging Relatives

Second Wednesday of month 4:30 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital offers an Adult Children with Aging Relatives support group at the Hutchins Street Square Senior Center. For information, call (209) 369-4443 or (209) 369-6921.

Individual Stork Tours At Dameron

Wednesdays 5 to 7 p.m.: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, offers 30 minute guided tours that provide expecting parents with a tour of Labor/Delivery, the Mother-Baby Unit and an overview of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. New mothers are provided information on delivery services, where to go and what to do once delivery has arrived, and each mother can create an individual birthing plan. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136 or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Brain Builders Weekly Program

Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital and the Hutchins Street Square Senior Center offer ?Brain Builders,? a weekly program for people in the early stages of memory loss. There is a weekly fee of $25. Registration is required. Information or to register, call (209) 369-4443 or (209) 369-6921.

Infant CPR and Safety

Second Thursday of month 5 to 7 p.m.: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, offers a class to family members to safely take care of their newborn.? Family members are taught infant CPR and relief of choking, safe sleep and car seat safety.? Regarding infant safety, the hospital offers on the fourth Thursday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. a NICU/SCN family support group. This group is facilitated by a Master Prepared Clinical Social Worker and the Dameron NICU staff with visits from the hospital?s neonatologist. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136 or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Group Meetings for Alzheimer?s Patients, Caregivers

Thursdays 10 to 11:30 a.m.: The Alzheimer?s Aid Society of Northern California in conjunction with Villa Marche residential care facility conducts a simultaneous Caregiver?s Support Group and Patient?s Support Group at Villa Marche, 1119 Rosemarie Lane, Stockton. Caregivers, support people or family members of anyone with dementia are welcome to attend the caregiver?s group, led by Rita Vasquez. It?s a place to listen, learn and share. At the same time, Alzheimer?s and dementia patients can attend the patient?s group led by Sheryl Ashby. Participants will learn more about dementia and how to keep and enjoy the skills that each individual possesses. There will be brain exercises and reminiscence. The meeting is appropriate for anyone who enjoys socialization and is able to attend with moderate supervision. Information: (209) 477-4858.

Clase Gratuita de Diabetes en Espa?ol

Cada segundo Viernes del mes: Participantes aprender?n los fundamentos sobre la?observaci?n de az?car de sangre, comida saludable, tama?os de porci?n y medicaciones. Un educador con certificado del control de diabetes dar? instruccion sobre la autodirecci?n durante de esta clase. Para mas informaci?n y registraci?n: (209) 461-3251. Aprenda m?s de los programas de diabetes en el sitio electronico de St. Joseph?s: www.StJosephsCares.org/Diabetes

Nutrition on the Move Class

Fridays 11 a.m. to noon: Nutrition Education Center at Emergency Food Bank, 7 W. Scotts Ave., Stockton.? Free classes are general nutrition classes where you?ll learn about the new My Plate standards, food label reading, nutrition and exercise, eating more fruits and vegetables, and other tips. Information: (209) 464-7369 or www.stocktonfoodbank.org.

Free Diabetes Class in Spanish

Second Friday of every month: Participants will learn the basics about blood sugar monitoring, healthy foods, portion sizes, medications and self-management skills from a certified diabetic educator during this free class. St. Joseph?s Medical Center, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information and registration: (209) 461-3251. Learn more on St. Joseph?s diabetes programs at www.StJosephsCares.org/Diabetes.

All Day Prepared Childbirth Class

Third Saturday of month 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, offers community service educational class of prebirth education and mentoring. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136 or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Big Brother/Big Sister

Second Sunday of month: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, has a one-hour class meeting designed specifically for newborn?s siblings. Topics include family role, a labor/delivery tour and a video presentation which explains hand washing/germ control and other household hygiene activities. This community service class ends with a Certification of Completion certificate. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136 or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Outpatient Program Aimed at Teens

Two programs: Adolescents face a number of challenging issues while trying to master their developmental milestones. Mental health issues (including depression), substance abuse and family issues can hinder them from mastering the developmental milestones that guide them into adulthood. The Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offered by St. Joseph?s Behavioral Health Center, 2510 N. California St., Stockton, is designed for those individuals who need comprehensive treatment for their mental, emotional or chemical dependency problems. This program uses Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to present skills for effective living. Patients learn how to identify and change distorted thinking, communicate effectively in relationships and regain control of their lives. The therapists work collaboratively with parents, doctors and schools. They also put together a discharge plan so the patient continues to get the help they need to thrive into adulthood.

• Psychiatric Adolescent IOP meets Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 7:30 p.m.
• Chemical Recovery Adolescent IOP meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m.

For more information about this and other groups, (209) 461-2000 and ask to speak with a behavioral evaluator or visit www.StJosephsCanHelp.org.

Click here for Community Medical Centers (Channel Medical Clinic, San Joaquin Valley Dental Group, etc.) website.

Click here for Dameron Hospital?s?Event Calendar.

Click here for Doctors Hospital of Manteca?Events finder.

Click here for Hill Physicians website.

Click here for Kaiser Central Valley News and Events

Click here for Lodi Memorial Hospital?Event Calendar.

Click here for Mark Twain St. Joseph?s Hospital Classes and Events.

Click here for San Joaquin General Hospital website.

Click here for St. Joseph?s Medical Center?s?Classes and Events.

Click here for Sutter Gould news.?Click here for Sutter Gould calendar of events.

Click here for Sutter Tracy Community Hospital?events, classes and support groups.

San Joaquin County Public Health Services General Information

Ongoing resources for vaccinations and clinic information are:

1. Public Health Services Influenza website,?www.sjcphs.org
2. Recorded message line at?(209) 469-8200, extension 2# for English and 3# for Spanish.
3. For further information, individuals may call the following numbers at Public Health Services:

• For general vaccine and clinic questions, call?(209) 468-3862;
• For medical questions, call?(209) 468-3822.

Health officials continue to recommend these precautionary measures to help protect against acquiring influenza viruses:

1. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol based sanitizers.
2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve, when you cough or sneeze.
3. Stay home if you are sick until you are free of a fever for 24 hours.
4. Get vaccinated.

Public Health Services Clinic Schedules (Adults and Children)

Immunization clinic hours are subject to chance depending on volume of patients or staffing. Check the Public Health Services website for additional evening clinics or special clinics at?www.sjcphs.org. Clinics with an asterisk (*) require patients to call for an appointment.

Stockton Health Center: 1601 E. Hazelton Ave.; (209) 468-3830.

• Immunizations: Monday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tuesday 1-4 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.; Friday 8-11 a.m.
• Travel clinic*: Thursday 8-11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.
• Health exams*: Tuesday 1-4 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Friday 8-11 a.m.
• Sexually transmitted disease clinic: Wednesday 3-6 p.m. and Friday 1-4 p.m., walk-in and by appointment.
• Tuberculosis clinic*: Tuesday; second and fourth Wednesday of the month.
• HIV testing: Tuesday 1-4 p.m.; Thursday 1-4 p.m.

Manteca Health Center: 124 Sycamore Ave.; (209) 823-7104 or (800) 839-4949.

• Immunizations: Monday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-6 p.m.
• Tuberculosis clinic*: first and third Wednesday 3-6 p.m.
• HIV testing: first Wednesday 1:30-4 p.m.

Lodi Health Center: 300 W. Oak St.; (209) 331-7303 or (800) 839-4949.

• Immunizations: Monday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.; Friday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
• Tuberculosis clinic*: Friday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
• HIV testing: second and fourth Friday 1:30-4 p.m.

Protect Your Preteen from Serious Diseases

The Calaveras County Public Health Department reminds families of preteens about recommended and required immunizations for 11-and 12-year olds. Dr. Dean Kelaita, county health officer, encouraged families of preteens to schedule a doctor visit and get vaccines they need to stay healthy and meet the Tdap school entry requirement for incoming seventh-graders. During 2010, California experienced a whooping cough (also known as pertussis) epidemic that resulted in 10 infant deaths. Incoming seventh-graders for the 2012-13 school year must provide proof of having immunization against whooping cough (Tdap) before starting school. Students who have not met the requirement will not be allowed to start school. Immunity from childhood vaccines wears off over time, exposing a child to serious diseases that can lead to missed weeks of school or serious illness. Besides the Tdap shot, there are other immunizations that are now recommended for this age group, including the meningococcal vaccine, a second chickenpox shot (if they never had chickenpox disease), and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series. Also, everyone older than 6 months is recommended to receive flu vaccine. The Calaveras County Public Health Department offers no- or low-cost vaccines to children without health insurance or whose insurance does not cover immunizations. No one is turned away for inability to pay. Information: (209) 754-6460 or www.calaveraspublichealth.com.

Calaveras County Public Health Community Immunization Clinics

• San Andreas: weekly at Public Health Department, 700 Mountain Ranch Road, Suite C-2. Mondays 3 to 5 p.m. and Thursdays 8 a.m. to noon.
• Valley Springs: monthly at United Methodist Church, 135 Laurel St. Third Tuesday 3 to 5:30 p.m.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Have a health-oriented event the public in San Joaquin County should know about? Let me know at?jgoldeen@recordnet.com and I?ll get it into my Health Calendar. I?m not interested in promoting commercial enterprises here, but I am interested in helping out nonprofit and/or community groups, hospitals, clinics, physicians and other health-care providers. Look for five categories: Community Events, News, Ongoing, Hospitals & Medical Groups, and Public Health.

TO THE PUBLIC: I won?t list an item here from a source that I don?t know or trust. So I believe you can count on what you read here. If there is a problem, please don?t hesitate to let me know at (209) 546-8278 or jgoldeen@recordnet.com.?Thanks, Joe

Source: http://blogs.esanjoaquin.com/stockton-health-care/2012/02/18/joes-health-calendar-21812/

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) ? The United States has threatened action that could disrupt a French-led satellite maker’s supply chain, spurred by suspicion that it illegally used U.S. know-how or parts in spacecraft launched by Chinese rockets.

The State Department last month quietly warned the company, Thales Alenia Space, that export licenses needed by its U.S. suppliers might be denied, absent greater cooperation in an

investigation of the matter, a department email obtained by Reuters showed.

License refusals could crimp the 2 billion euros ($2.65 billion) in worldwide civil and military sales that the company, known as TAS, posted in 2010.

They also could force a costly product-line revamp and strain U.S. ties with France.

The threat escalates the United States’ multi-year push for details on the design and components of a watershed telecommunications satellite that TAS has labeled as free of U.S. parts and therefore exempt from U.S. export controls.

The State Department holds that the satellite is not free of license-requiring U.S. parts, and that TAS illegally exported it to China, according to a department summary of actions in the case provided to two congressional committees.

The issue is especially sensitive because U.S. intelligence officials have accused Beijing of wide-ranging covert efforts to steal U.S. technology secrets for economic and military advantage over the United States.

Washington bars satellites containing U.S. parts and U.S. design know-how from launch by China as part of sanctions imposed after the 1989 crushing of the pro-democracy movement at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.

Such U.S. technology is subject to so-called International Traffic in Arms Regulations, or ITAR, a set of State Department-enforced rules governing arms trade.

TAS describes its Spacebus 4000C2 as the West’s first commercial communications satellite without so much as a U.S. bolt, screw or piece of insulation subject to U.S. control. The company said it has sold eight such “unrestricted” satellites to international customers, five of them already launched by China with the other three to follow.

LICENSE DENIALS

The U.S. warning of possible export-license denials was contained in a January 24 letter to TAS, a joint venture of France’s Thales Group, which owns 67 percent, and Italy’s Finmeccanica SpA Group, 33 percent.

The letter acknowledged TAS’s position that a French “blocking” law limits the company’s ability to cooperate with U.S. investigators.

The law bars data release that could undercut French sovereignty or be used in administrative or judicial proceedings abroad.

But the letter, as described by State Department officials in an emailed memo to U.S. congressional staff, urged TAS to reconsider its stance and hand over more data on the makeup of the satellite billed as exempt from U.S. licensing requirements.

Failure to provide the information within 30 days “would lead to consideration of license denials,” said the memo obtained by Reuters. It said the department had sought the data over the past two years.

This opens the way for possible blanket denials that could be “a big blow” to the Thales Group and to its U.S. suppliers, said George Grammas, who leads the international trade and export controls practice at Squire Sanders, a law firm. Grammas has served on an industry panel that advises the State Department on defense trade issues.

The Thales Group, headquartered in Neuilly-sur-Seine, generates close to 80 percent of its sales outside France, with operations in 50 countries, according to information on its website.

Export denials to a rival could be a boost to U.S. manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Orbital Sciences and Space Systems/Loral, a unit of Loral Space & Communications , that have lost as much as half their global satellite market share in recent years

The U.S. share of global satellite exports has dropped from about 75 percent in 1995 to between 35 percent and 50 percent in the past seven years, according to Patricia Cooper, president of the Satellite Industry Association, a U.S.-based trade group.

ITAR-FREE

Edgar Buckley, a Thales Group senior vice president and former NATO assistant secretary-general, said in an emailed statement to Reuters this week that TAS is trying to help the State Department “to resolve any outstanding concerns it may have.”

A French Embassy spokesman in Washington, Luis Vassy, said the embassy had been involved both to “explain the regulations in place in France with regard to the protection of sensitive items and technologies, and to detail the steps taken to make sure no restricted item or technology imported is unduly exported to a third party.”

“To our knowledge, no violation by TAS has been observed on ITAR components,” he said by email.

The new U.S. squeeze on TAS followed a December 20 letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton from Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, chairwoman of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Committee, and two fellow senior Republican lawmakers.

“We are concerned that the department is not moving aggressively enough to punish violations of” ITAR, the letter said.

The State Department is continuing to look into U.S. exports to TAS to determine whether the company improperly bundled U.S.-controlled technology into the satellites marketed as “ITAR free,” a department official said.

Department officials have been meeting with TAS and “continue gathering information with an eye toward resolution of this matter,” the official said.

(Reporting By Jim Wolf; Editing by Maureen Bavdek)

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/space/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20120209/sc_nm/us_usa_france_china_satellite

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Remember in opposition to deliver a success of games, some that continue to be merely false fun, in addition still left that may experience an education consideration in direction of them.And don?t neglect that just one could tug perfectly a rebound squeaky toy moderate visit your young children produce bored.You don?t proceed through toward forget indicative the overall go toward remain around, still hold back them as a sporting means on those moistened days.

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