Friday, August 24, 2012

The attraction and risks of hot air balloons

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (AP) ? The hot air balloon that crashed in Slovenia was one of the largest of its kind in the world. Tourists who are willing to pay more than $100 each to be crammed aboard the capsules of such balloons often enjoy sightseeing adventures over the Slovenian Alps and its lakes.

But the giant balloons aren't always easy to operate. On Thursday, one was swept up in a storm and crashed in a fireball outside Slovenia's capital, killing four of its 32 riders and injuring the rest.

HOW DO SUCH HOT AIR BALLOONS OPERATE?

The hot air balloon is the oldest successful flight technology that carries passengers, also known as balloon aircraft. A hot air balloon consists of a bag called the envelope that contains heated air. Suspended beneath it is a gondola, or in some high-altitude balloons, a capsule. A source of heat for the air in the balloon in most cases is an open flame blower.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL BALLOON JOURNEY IN SLOVENIA LIKE?

Thursday's flight offered a 100 euro ($125) ride from near the capital, Ljubljana, and over the Alpine scenery toward Bled, the most popular tourist resort in scenic Slovenia. The flight usually lasts about 1 ? hours and the participants riding in the large basket receive a diploma and a glass of champagne.

WHAT OTHER COUNTRIES ARE USING SUCH BALLOONS?

Similar balloons are used for sightseeing in Kenyan and South African safari parks and in Australia.

WHAT DID THURSDAY'S BALLOON LOOK LIKE?

Its brown woven rattan basket is 5.20 meters long (18 feet) and 1.70 meters wide (5 feet, 7 inches), and is usually divided into four compartments. All the passengers must stand during the flight, with their feet spread. Children under 15 are not allowed.

WHAT ARE THE SAFETY RECORDS OF SUCH BALLOONS?

Smaller balloons are much easier to handle and maneuver. Those carrying up to 32 people usually climb vertically up to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) and don't move sideways or glide with the wind. Balloon accidents occur for a variety of reasons, but human error and the decision to fly during weather warnings are frequently cited as a primary cause. There were rare cases where an accident was attributed to failure of the balloon hardware.

WHAT ARE THE SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR BALLOON FLIGHTS?

According to international safety regulations, balloon pilots are certified just like airplane pilots and must have operational certificates. Like planes, balloons must meet safety standards and are inspected on a regular basis. In addition, pilots must inform passengers about safety guidelines during flights prior to liftoff. The basket must be robust enough to ensure adequate protection to all occupants even during rough landings. The burner unit must be designed and installed in such a way to avoid a fire hazard.

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE WORST HOT BALLOON ACCIDENTS?

On Aug. 13, 1989, two hot air balloons collided near Alice Springs, Australia, causing one to crash to the ground, killing 13 people. It is the deadliest hot air ballooning accident in the history of aviation.

On Jan. 7, 2012, a scenic hot air balloon flight from Carterton, New Zealand, collided with a high voltage power line while attempting to land, causing it to catch fire, disintegrate and crash just north of the town, killing all 11 people aboard.

Slovenia has had two major ballooning accidents in recent years. In 2002, one caught fire and nine people were injured. In 2006 four people were hurt when a balloon crashed.

___

AP reporters Jovana Gec, Dusan Stojanovic, Slobodan Lekic and Marko Drobnjakovic contributed.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/attraction-risks-hot-air-balloons-160057764.html

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Apple-Samsung smartphone clash heads to jury

The mammoth Apple-Samsung patent trial went to the jury Tuesday, setting the stage for a verdict that could have huge implications for the hot market in smartphones and tablet computers.

Apple, which accuses the South Korean electronics giant of copying the iPhone and iPad too closely, is seeking damages of up to $2.75 billion and an injunction that could knock some Samsung products off the US market.

Even a delay in sales could endanger Samsung's position in the US market, where it is currently the top seller of smartphones.

Samsung has countered by arguing that its patents on wireless communication were infringed by Apple, and is demanding up to $422 million from the Silicon Valley manufacturer.

In closing arguments, Apple lawyer Harold McElhinny said that the story of Samsung's copying was laid out in the company's own internal documents.

In "three intense months of copying," Samsung had stolen four years of Apple's hard work on the iPhone, McElhinny told jurors.

"At the very top of Samsung's corporate structure, those executives were determined to cash in on the iPhone's success," he said.

"Samsung was able to copy Apple's four-year investment, without taking any of the risks, because they were copying the world's most successful product," the lawyer said.

McElhinny brushed aside Samsung's contention that the Apple designs stemmed from earlier tablet computers which could not be held in one's hand and used as a phone like the iPhone.

Samsung's attorney, Charles Verhoeven, told jurors that the company invented its own products and that Apple's goal is to stifle competition.

"Apple is here asking you to prevent its largest competitor from giving consumers what they want -- smartphones with big screens," he said.

"Why is Apple doing this? Rather than compete in the marketplace, Apple is seeking a competitive edge through the courtroom. It's seeking to block its biggest and most serious competitor from even attending the game."

Samsung's products were designed independently, as both designers called to testify had said, noted Verhoeven. The reason many smartphones have begun to look similar is due to consumer habits, he said -- surfing the Internet, and watching video.

"Every single smartphone has a rectangular shape, rounded corners, and 90 percent of the real estate on the front of that phone is the screen," said Verhoeven.

"Is that because people are copying each other? No. It's because the technology advanced, and form is following function."

Apple lawyer Bill Lee countered that the company was not trying to stop competition -- it just wanted to promote originality.

"No one is trying to stop them from selling smartphones," said Lee. "All we're saying is: make your own. Make your own designs, make your own phones, and compete on your own innovations."

The trial is wrapping up after 10 days of testimony over three weeks, in which Apple put its own designers and executives on the stand, along with experts, all of whom accused Samsung of illegally copying Apple designs.

Though Samsung witnesses said they had come up with the designs and icons they used on their own, internal company documents introduced as evidence did show they were aware that they were behind Apple when it came to some user-interface features.

The jury was expected to begin deliberations in the case on Wednesday, and will have to pore over a complicated 20-page form addressing hundreds of separate allegations, that Samsung violated Apple's patents and trademarks.

Last week, Judge Lucy Koh asked for one more settlement conference, with the chief executives of the two companies speaking directly by telephone.

"I see risk for both sides," Koh said at the time. "It's time for peace."

On Monday a Samsung lawyer confirmed that Apple chief Tim Cook and Samsung boss Kwon Oh-Hyun did talk but no settlement was reached.

This is one of several court cases around the world involving the two electronics giants in the hottest part of the tech sector -- tablet computers and smartphones.

While the results so far have been mixed in courts in Europe and Australia, Samsung has a lot at stake in the US case, which could result in large damages or injunctions against its products in the American market.

A survey by research firm IDC showed Samsung shipped 50.2 million smartphones globally in the April-June period, while Apple sold 26 million iPhones. IDC said Samsung held 32.6 percent of the market to 16.9 percent for Apple.

Source: http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Apple-Samsung_smartphone_clash_heads_to_jury_999.html

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Complete Guidelines to Health and Fitness: New Emollient Cream ...

Dexeryl? cream, a new topical emollient and moisturising cream from
Pierre Fabre Dermatologie is launched today. It has been shown to be
effective but, importantly, patients significantly prefer using Dexeryl
(p

The impact of atopic eczema and ichthyosis on quality of life can be considerable; leading to time lost from work or school; impacting social relationships and also increasing anxiety, depression and other psychological problems.2,6 For the majority of people with atopic eczema and ichthyosis, their mainstay treatment will involve regular daily application of emollient.2 An emollient works by moisturising the skin, which is important to maintain the skin's natural barrier; reducing skin perspiration; keeping irritants or disease out and preventing painful cracking.2

"One of the key skin treatments in looking after eczema and ichthyosis is to use emollients as often as possible; they are the foundation on which all additional treatment is based. However, the most important consideration is whether the patient finds the emollient recommended by their physician acceptable to use. The most greasy that is tolerated should be used and this may vary during the day so that a lighter cream may be more appropriate for daytime use and a greasier one at night. Sticky, messy or difficult-to-apply emollients will simply not be used as often as they should be so the patient's skin condition can easily get out of control," comments Dr David Paige, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board to the Ichthyosis Support Group.

"Ichthyosis varies enormously across and within the different types; it is therefore very important for sufferers to have a choice of emollients which are appropriate to the severity of their condition." Ichthyosis Support Group.

Bao-Tam Phan, a pharmacist and UK Marketing & Training Manager at Pierre Fabre Dermatologie, the manufacturers of Dexeryl comments on Dexeryl's formulation: "The combination of glycerol, which improves the stratum corneum elasticity and white, soft paraffin and liquid paraffin in Dexeryl offers a highly acceptable non-sticky and non-greasy formulation, which patients in our trials significantly prefer."

Dexeryl is available in 250g tubes and is fully reimbursed and available on prescription; the NHS price is ?3.16. Product is available through Unichem, Phoenix, Mawdsley Brookes and K Waterhouse wholesalers.

About ichthyosis

Ichthyosis is the term used to describe continual and widespread scaling of the skin. It may be inherited (genetic) or acquired during life. The inherited forms are rare and are generally present from infancy and are usually lifelong conditions. Ichthyosis vulgaris is the commonest form of inherited ichthyosis affecting one in every 250 people. It is usually quite mild and develops in early childhood with fine, light grey scales and roughness on the arms and legs. It may be more widespread and is more obvious in the winter time and in temperate climates. It is sometimes associated with atopic or childhood allergic eczema and may cause an increased wrinkling of the palms and soles. It can be improved with regular application of moisturisers.3

About atopic eczema

Atopic eczema is a dry, itchy inflammation of the skin. The words 'eczema' and 'dermatitis' are interchangeable Atopic eczema can affect any part of the skin, including the face, but the areas most commonly affected are the bends of the elbows, around the knees, and around the wrists and neck. These are known as 'flexural' areas. It affects both sexes equally and usually starts in the first weeks or months of life. It is most common in children, affecting at least 10% of infants, although it can carry on into adult life or come back in the teenage or early adult years. The treatments used most often are moisturisers, and topical steroid creams or ointments.7

About Dexeryl?

Dexeryl combines Glycerol, which improves the stratum corneum elasticity, with white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin, which act as an emollient and helps restore the skin barrier. This combination helps to reduce skin perspiration, enhances moisturising and improves the skin barrier function helping therefore to help to reduce irritating itching and pruritus phenomena. Patient should apply a thin layer of cream to the skin once or twice daily, or more if needed. The safety, efficacy, and acceptability of Dexeryl?, was evaluated compared to gelified glycerol, a reference French National Formulary preparation for the symptomatic treatment of moderate ichthyosis. This randomised single-blind study was conducted on 70 patients with ichthyosis. Evaluation criteria were based on the progression and outcome of symptoms of ichthyosis (presence of scales, rough skin, thickness of the skin). The investigator's and each subject's overall opinions were collected. The statistically significant efficacy of the two products at the end of four weeks was demonstrated (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two products of the following criteria: outcome of rough skin, skin thickness, and the investigator's overall opinion. The subject's opinion demonstrated a statistically significant difference in favor of Dexeryl? (p < 0.001), corresponding to a preference for use (ease of spreading and penetration of product, skin appearance, skin comfort).1

References

1. Single blinded randomised comparative study on Dexeryl efficacy and tolerance in the symptomatic treatment of ichthyosis. C. Blanchet, L. Parmentier, JM Pibourdin, P. Dupu Nouv. Dermatol. 2000 664-668

2. http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/pdf/CG057FullGuideline.pdf

3. http://www.ichthyosis.org.uk/types.aspx

4. Prevalent and rare mutations in the gene encoding filaggrin cause ichthyosis vulgaris and predispose individuals to atopic dermatitis. Sandilands A, O'Regan GM, Liao H, et al. J Invest Dermatol. 2006 Aug;126(8):1770-5

5. http://www.scalyskin.org/column.cfm?ColumnID=11

6. http://www.scalyskin.org/content.cfm?ContentID=282&ColumnID=6

7. http://www.bad.org.uk/public/leaflets/atopiceczema.asp

Pierre Fabre Dermatologie

Pierre Fabre Laboratories is a leading French independent pharmaceutical company re-investing 13% of its turnover in R&D in 5 area of excellence: oncology, central nervous system, cardiovascular, immunology and dermatology. Pierre Fabre is organised in 3 divisions: ethical, OTC and dermatology-based cosmetics and hair care.

Pierre Fabre Dermatologie

Source: http://guidelines-to-health-fitness.blogspot.com/2012/08/new-emollient-cream-dexerylr-preferred.html

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Stand Up To Cancer With Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw And More ...

(Joe Corrigan/Getty Images for Stand Up To Cancer)

(Joe Corrigan/Getty Images for Stand Up To Cancer)

Hollywood is taking a stand against cancer and looking for your help.

On September 7, stars like Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Emma Stone and Gwyneth Paltrow will man the phones for the Stand Up To Cancer telethon, looking to raise money for cancer research.

The hour-long show, which will air live and commercial-free on all major networks, will feature musical performances from Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Alicia Keys and Coldplay, which features Gwyneth?s hubby of eight years, Chris Martin. As the executive producer of the show, we?re guessing it wasn?t too hard for Gwyneth to book the band.

Fans will be able to call into the show and talk to celebrities like The Bourne Legacy?s Jeremy Renner, the future Ms. Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel and Katie Couric?who co-founded SU2C after the death of her husband, Jay, from colon cancer at the age of 42.

They will also be able to donate via text and at standup2cancer.org. One hundred percent of the donations will go directly to cancer research.

The last two telethons, which aired in 2008 and then again in 2010, raised over $180 million dollars for cancer research.

Go here?to find out more information about Stand Up To Cancer and the full list of celebrities scheduled to appear.

Watch the live show on September 7 at 8 pm EST on numerous stations, including CBS.?

?- Shannon Carlin, CBS Local

Source: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/08/22/stand-up-to-cancer-with-taylor-swift-tim-mcgraw-and-more/

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Video: Geena Davis: My ?Coma? character is ?mysterious?

Hansen on new baby girl: I'm keeping her away from Ryan Lochte

??Ryan Lochte and Brendan Hansen stopped by TODAY Thursday to discuss London, their future plans, and "those pictures" from Las Vegas. Brendan, meanwhile, is looking forward to welcoming a brand new baby with his wife. And how is he be preparing for being a dad? "I'm going to keep her as far away as possible from Ryan Lochte," he said.

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29054368/vp/48765035#48765035

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