J&J cuts maximum Tylenol dose to prevent overdoses...

http://news.yahoo.com/j-j-cuts-maximum-tylenol-dose-prevent-overdoses-180105333.html

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Johnson & Johnson said Thursday that it's reducing the maximum daily dose of its Extra Strength Tylenol pain reliever to lower risk of accidental overdose from acetaminophen, its active ingredient and the top cause of liver failure.

The company's McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division said the change affects Extra Strength Tylenol sold in the U.S. — one of many products in short supply in stores due to a string of recalls.

Starting sometime this fall, labels on Extra Strength Tylenol packages will now list the maximum daily dose as six pills, or a total of 3,000 milligrams, down from eight pills a day, or 4,000 milligrams. Beginning next year, McNeil will also reduce the maximum daily dose for its Regular Strength Tylenol and other adult pain relievers containing acetaminophen, the most widely used pain killer in the country.

Besides Tylenol, acetaminophen is the active ingredient in the prescription painkillers Percocet and Vicodin and in some nonprescription pain relievers, including NyQuil and some Sudafed products. It's found in thousands of medicines taken for headaches, fever, sore throats and chronic pain.

But people taking multiple medicines at once don't always realize how much acetaminophen they are ingesting, partly because prescription drug labels often list it under the abbreviation "APAP."

Two years ago, a panel of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration called for sweeping restrictions to prevent accidental fatal overdoses of acetaminophen.

Then in January, the FDA said it would cap the amount of acetaminophen in Vicodin, Percocet and other prescription pain killers at 325 milligrams per capsule — just under half the 700 milligram maximum of some products on the market then. The agency also said it was working with pharmacies and other medical groups to develop standard labeling for acetaminophen.

"Acetaminophen is safe when used as directed," Dr. Edwin Kuffner, McNeil's head of over-the-counter medical affairs, said in a statement. "McNeil is revising its labels for products containing acetaminophen in an attempt to decrease the likelihood of accidental overdosing."
Excessive use of acetaminophen can cause liver damage. In the U.S., it's blamed for about 200 fatal overdoses and sends 56,000 people to the emergency room each year.
McNeil spokeswoman Bonnie Jacobs said other makers of pain relievers are likely to make similar changes to their product labels.
Extra Strength Tylenol is manufactured at a J&J factory in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico, where production has been decreased for months because the FDA, concerned about manufacturing and quality problems, is requiring additional reviews and approvals before medicines can be shipped. J&J said shipments of Extra Strength Tylenol should ramp up in the latter part of this year and throughout next year.
Las Piedras is one of three factories implicated in most of the 25 Johnson & Johnson recalls since September 2009, involving tens of millions of bottles of Tylenol and other nonprescription drugs made by McNeil. Several prescription drugs, hip implants and contact lenses made by other J&J subsidiaries also have been recalled.
The recalls, for quality problems ranging from metal shavings and improper levels of active ingredients in some medicines to packaging with a nauseating odor, resulted in a consent decree between McNeil and the FDA this spring.

As a result, Las Piedras and a second factory, in Lancaster, Pa., are under additional scrutiny. The third factory, in Fort Washington, Pa., made children's medicines such as liquid Tylenol. It has been closed since April 2010 and is being gutted and completely rebuilt.

Jacobs said the label changes are not related to the recalls.

6 Signs It's Too Dangerous to Swim!

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100275457&gt1=31036

Lakes, pools, and even the ocean can be dangerous places that land you in the emergency room if you aren’t careful.

It’s really hot. We know. But don’t let your desperation to cool down short-circuit your better judgment. Not all swimming situations are created equal, and some can get you into downright hot water when it comes to your health. Lakes, pools, and even the ocean can be dangerous places that land you in the emergency room if you aren’t careful. So before you pack your beach bag and cooler, review this list of red flags. These six signs are clear warnings that what might look like a day of summer fun could spell big trouble.

 

1) The Attendant Seems Distracted

 

Pools need a lot of attention, and the manager on duty should be vigilant. Monitoring the chemicals is especially crucial to healthy waters. A pool’s chemical levels should be tested at least twice a day. A texting addict or a flirty teenager are just two species of distracted pool attendants who can forget to test and fail to make adjustments to keep swimmers safe. If you’re not sure the pool’s chlorine level is being carefully monitored, it may be a virtual petri dish of bad bugs like norovirus, which can cause innocent swimmers bouts of vomiting and cramps.

 

Please click on link for 2-6.

 

Help us help others!

https://www.facebook.com/MetroMinistries?sk=wall

Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C. has served the victims of personal injury for almost two decades. The firm has now committed to help CC Metro Ministries who are suffering from unusually low donations this summer and need your support. They have had to cut holiday meals, breakfast and several other items as illustrated last week by The Caller Times.

CC Metro Ministries houses up to about 100 people at any given time including infants and children, and the pillows they sleep on are far past their prime.  If you would like to make a difference, please bring a new, packaged pillow and/or monetary donation to our offices at 1201 Third Street, Monday - Friday from 9 – 5, envelopes are available.

Once we have reached our goal of 100 pillows, they, along with the monetary donations, will be delivered to CC Metro Ministries and the pillows will be used that very night. This is an easy and inexpensive way to do something for people in need and rest assured that they receive 100% of the proceeds.  Be the change!

For more information, call 361-882-4357 or email kmeeks@herrmanandherrman.com

See which careers are seeing strong hiring trends.

6 Booming Career Options

http://education.yahoo.net/articles/6_booming_careers.htm?kid=1HMNR

By Tony Moton  
Surprising as it might sound, today's job market is making a strong effort to counter-balance the sluggish economy, industry experts say.

 

"Even in the worst part of the downturn, even in the worst months, there are three-to-five million hires per month in this country,'' says Heidi Shierholz, a labor economist with the Economic Policy Institute.

Some career fields are thriving more than others, according to Los Angeles-based career strategist Cynthia Shapiro, author of the book "What Does Somebody Have to Do to Get a Job Around Here?"
"Health care is the rock star now," Shapiro says. "It's hiring three times as many people as everybody else."
Want to know about another career on the rise? Look no further than the business sector.
Strong hiring trends for business and professional services have been reported in 2011 by the U.S. Department of Labor. In May, there were 44,000 new hires in the business-related job sector.
Keep reading to explore career opportunities in these booming industries.

Booming Career #1 - Medical Records Technician

Medical records for every health care patient are maintained by technicians who track everything from symptoms and exam records to treatments and provider services. Workers in this field regularly communicate with doctors to clarify diagnosis information or assign special coding to procedures for billing purposes.
Why it's booming: The Department of Labor projects the number of medical records technicians hired between 2008 and 2018 will increase by 20 percent, from 172,500 to 207,600. The numbers don't surprise Shapiro.
"Medical billing and coding has grown enormously because of the way our insurance has been structured," Shapiro says. "The current system is so complex, you need a team of people to track one person's billing. It's booming because it's such an enormous system."
Education options: You could prepare to pursue this career by earning an associate's degree in medical records and health information. Coursework will likely include the study of anatomy and physiology, coding systems, and health care reimbursement methods.
Average earnings: The Department of Labor reports the average annual salary for medical records technicians is $35,010. The top 10 percent of wage earners in this field have an average annual salary of $53,430.*

Booming Career #2 - Pharmacy Technician

The responsibilities of a pharmacy technician often involve preparing prescription medications, counting tablets, labeling bottles, and serving customers. A technician might perform administrative duties while working closely with licensed pharmacists in retail stores, hospitals, and other health care facilities.
Why it's booming: "Pharmacy technician will continue to grow as health care grows," Shapiro says of the field. "We have gotten more dependent on pharmaceuticals, so it will continue to be a real growth industry."
Figures from the Department of Labor support Shapiro's sentiments. The number of pharmacy technicians is expected to expand by 25 percent - that's 381,200 to 477,500 positions - through 2018.
Education options: One of the ways you can prepare to pursue this type of path is by getting either a certificate or associate's degree in pharmacy technology. Time to completion will vary by course load, individual student, and program, but range from six months to two years, on average. Coursework generally includes classes in medical terminology, recordkeeping, and pharmacy law and ethics.
Average earnings: Pharmacy technicians have a reported annual salary of $29,330. For wage earners in the top 10 percent, that average figure jumps to $40,710.*

Booming Career #3 - Dental Assistant

Dental assistants prepare instruments and equipment and assist patients during their visits. Dental assistants with good customer-service skills can help ease fears for those who dread the dentist's chair.
Why it's booming: Did you know that dental assisting is among the fastest-growing professions in the country? The Department of Labor expects 36 percent more positions will be available to dental assistants by 2018, when the number of workers in this field should hit 400,900 - up from 295,300 in 2008.
Education options: Your path to pursuing a career in this field could potentially start with an associate's degree, which takes about two years to complete - on average, and depending on your course load and program. Among the courses you might take are biology, chemistry, and health practices.
Average earnings: Dental assistants reportedly have an average annual salary of $34,140, according to the Department of Labor.* The yearly average salary for the top 10 percent of dental assistants is $47,090.* 

Booming Career #4 - Financial Analyst

When businesses and people need to make crucial investment decisions, financial analysts respond with expert advice on stocks, bonds, and other assets. Analysts need to track changing government regulations and economic developments to get the best out of the investments they handle.
Why it's booming:  According to the Department of Labor, the increased complexity and globalization of investing is driving up the need for financial analysts. Their employment numbers are projected to eclipse the 300,000 mark by 2018 - a 20 percent increase from about 250,000 in 2008.
Education options: A master's of business administration (MBA) might be a considered option if you're interested in a career as a financial analyst.
"An MBA is a good idea," Shapiro says. "During a down economy is when you want to get an education, hone your skills, and get a master's degree."
Average earnings: Financial analysts reportedly have an average annual salary of $86,040, according to the Department of Labor. The average goes up to 141,700 for analysts in the top 10 percent of earnings.*

Booming Career #5 - Personal Financial Advisor

Personal financial advisors are entrusted by their clients to provide short- and long-term expertise on financial matters such as investments, taxes, and insurance. Planners also can branch out into specialty areas for those seeking help with retirement or risk management.
Why it's booming: The Department of Labor reports that as the U.S. population grows older, financial planners will find themselves in greater demand. According to their numbers, the field is projected to grow by 30 percent, increasing the number of job openings from 208,400 to 271,200 by 2018.
Education options: A bachelor's degree in business is one option to consider when looking at ways that can help you pursue a potential career in this field.
Shapiro says a versatile business degree, which could qualify workers for a wide range of occupational choices, works particularly well if you're considering a return to school.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, many advisors also earn a master's degree in business administration or finance.
Average earnings: The average yearly salary for workers in this field is $91,220. That figure jumps to nearly $112,000 for the top 10 percent of earners in this profession, according to the Department of Labor.*

Booming Career #6 - Paralegal

Paralegals, also called legal assistants, hold pivotal positions in law offices. Lawyers generally depend on paralegals to help them prepare for cases and trials, although paralegals are not allowed to present cases in court.
Why it's booming: "Paralegals will always be sought after," Shapiro says of the profession. "They do all the heavy lifting in law firms." Job openings in this field are expected to increase by 28 percent, hitting a 337,900 total by 2018, according to the Department of Labor.
Education options: Seeking a certificate in paralegal studies is a possible option for you if you already have some type of bachelor's degree under your belt.
Average earnings: Paralegals reportedly have an average annual salary of $49,640. This figure increases to $74,870 for paralegals in the top 10 percent of wage earners.*
*All average earning potential data comes from the U.S. Department of Labor using May 2010 salary numbers.

Mom convicted in son’s jaywalking death: ‘This will never end for me’

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/mom-convicted-son-jaywalking-death-never-end-151356884.html

A Marietta, Ga., mom who was convicted of jaywalking after her 4-year-old son was run over and killed in a hit-and-run said on the Today Show that the worst part of going to jail would be the separation from her two remaining kids.

Raquel Nelson was convicted of homicide by vehicle and reckless conduct by a jury and faces sentencing tomorrow. She can receive up to a three-year jail sentence, six times the stretch that Jerry Guy--who admitted to drinking before running over Nelson's son, A.J.--served.
"I think to come after me so much harder than they did him is a slap in the face because this will never end for me," she said. "It's three years away from the two that I have left."

Nelson also said that the jury had "never been in my shoes," because each of them answered that they had never taken public transportation before. Nelson, who doesn't have a car, was three-tenths of a mile away from the nearest crosswalk when her bus dropped her off at the stop across the street from her apartment with her three children. She decided to cross with her kids rather than remain outside any later at night, she said. (You can read more about her case here.)
"We are just hoping as a family that [the judge] is compassionate and lets my niece remain with her other children," Nelson's aunt Loretta Williams said. Nearly 75,000 have signed an online petition in support of Nelson.
You can watch the interview below:

Mexico cartel group calling itself Knights Templar issues booklets for proper conduct!

http://www.caller.com/news/2011/jul/20/mexico-cartel-group-calling-itself-knights-templar/

Associated Press

MORELIA, Mexico — An organized crime group calling itself the Knights Templar is distributing booklets saying it is fighting a war against poverty, tyranny and injustice, publicly appealing to hearts and minds in a part of Mexico where the government claims it has largely taken down the major drug traffickers.
Federal police said they seized copies of the cartel's "code of conduct" booklet during an arrest of cartel members in the western state of Michoacan last week, but refused to release its contents Tuesday, saying they didn't want fan the flames of the quasi-religious movement.
But a copy of the 22-page "The Code of the Knights Templar of Michoacan," illustrated with knights on horseback bearing lances and crosses, was obtained by The Associated Press this week. It says the group "will begin a challenging ideological battle to defend the values of a society based on ethics."
The Knights Templar have been blamed for murders, extortion, drug trafficking and attacks on police. Analysts say the propaganda is part of an effort to transform a drug cartel into a social movement, along the lines of what right-wing paramilitary groups did in Colombia in the 1990s against leftist rebels - a fight in which both sides used the drug trade to finance their causes.
"I think the main intent is to create a social base in Michoacan ... and that way they are different from other criminal organizations," said Jorge Chabat, a veteran analyst of the drug trade in Mexico. "They say they are defending the people against attacks. In the case of Colombia it was the guerrillas; here it is against who knows what."
The Knights Templar was founded in March, according to the booklet, whose illustrations were lifted from an artist, a website of a company that sells swords and another promoting the 2007 Swedish film "Arn: The Knight Templar," according to an AP image search.
Named for a medieval Roman Catholic order of religious warriors who fought Muslim armies for control of Jerusalem, Knights Templar is a splinter group of La Familia, another cult-like cartel whose leader, Nazario Moreno Gonzalez, published a motivational pamphlet called "The Sayings of the Craziest One."
While La Familia claimed strict codes of conduct among its members, including prohibiting using or selling drugs within Mexican territory, it didn't distribute its booklets publicly. The contents of its "bible," reportedly based on the teachings of U.S. evangelist John Eldredge, have never been revealed by authorities. The cartel became one of Mexico's major sources of methamphetamine.
The Mexican government claims to have all but dismantled La Familia since Moreno was killed in a shootout with federal police last December and another founder, Jose de Jesus Mendez Vargas, was arrested last month.
But the mayhem and killing has continued in Michoacan as Knights Templar gunmen battle both the Zetas cartel and remnants of La Familia seeking to control President Felipe Calderon's home state more than 4 1/2 years after Calderon launched his crackdown on organized crime here in 2006.
More than 35,000 people have died in drug violence across Mexico since then, according to government figures, and some groups put the number at more than 40,000.
Calderon has said he took on the cartels to prevent organized crime from spreading to the roots of Mexican society.
Like La Familia, Knights Templar claims to be highly religious, but unlike La Familia, the new cartel has sought to distribute its teachings to the general public with kitschy but florid posters, banners, emblems and even medieval robes.
"God is the truth and there is no truth without God," reads one passage in the booklet.
The person who gave the AP the professionally printed, pocket-size booklet said it was distributed earlier this month by two men in regular clothing aboard a bus traveling in rural Michoacan. He said the men handing out the material then sat down among the other passengers and, without saying a word, got off at the next stop. He asked that his name not be used for fear of retaliation.
The booklet says cartel members "must fight against materialism," and respect women and children. It prohibits them from killing for money and says, "for all members of the order, the use of any drugs or any hallucinogen is strictly prohibited." It mandates drug testing for members.
The Knights Templar have criticized federal police for failing to protect Michoacan against incursions by the ultra-violent Zetas.
The group may have helped organize a demonstration last week in the Michoacan city of Apatzingan, where people chanted "Federal police, get out!" Some young men scrawled slogans like "100 percent Knights Templar" on their T-shirts.
Government security spokesman Alejandro Poire did not respond to a reporter's question about whether the cartel had organized last Wednesday's demonstration, but said it had been known to do so in the past.
"It would not be the first time that various criminal organizations seek to use propaganda or publicity tools, but I stress that there is no criminal propaganda that can weaken the efforts of federal forces," Poire said Tuesday. "The stepped-up federal police presence will remain there."
While authorities at three government law enforcement agencies refused to confirm the authenticity of the AP's copy, the title is the same as three booklets that federal police found in a July 15 raid in Apatzingan that netted a suspect identified as the chief hit man for the cartel.
Along with the booklet, which also preaches loyalty to family and country, police also have confiscated banners with messages from the gang, trucks emblazoned with Templar "shields," and even white robes with red crosses like the ones worn by the original Knights Templar order.
The original knights were outlawed in Europe and executed and their order dismantled beginning in 1307.
Photos from a Mexican army raid the previous day on a Templar training camp in Zacapu, Michoacan, show pages like those in the booklet as well as a medieval-style helmet made of steel grating and the white tunics.
National security expert Javier Oliva at Mexico's National Autonomous University said the propaganda may have some pull in rural areas where the government is weak and lawlessness and violence are rampant.
"They mirror a bit the sociological, anthropological logic of the Mafia," he said. "They seek to take justice into their own hands in a Mexico where no functional justice system exists."
The modern-day Knights Templar Order, a civic group with no ties to the church, issued a statement saying that "we disown completely and totally this disagreeable situation ... we have never had nor will we have contact with any of these people who display banners depicting themselves as Templars, and using this sacred name."
Welsh-born painter Mark Churms, who works from a studio in West Virginia, said he was never contacted by anyone in Mexico seeking to use his painting of a medieval knight, which appears in the booklet.
"When I was painting that image, I wasn't thinking, 'Wow, this would look good on a drug cartel leaflet,'" Churms said. "I hope people don't look at this and believe the hype that they are in any way connected with a monastic order."

The Cancer You Can Beat Today!

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/menshealth/the-cancer-you-can-beat-today

When Eric Adams, a senior editor here at Men’s Health, tells stories about his mother, we all listen. She had, hands down, the coolest job of any Mom I know: She was a U.S. spy.
Bonnie Adams worked for a secret government agency whose nickname—"No Such Agency"—riffed off its true acronym. She started there in the 1980s as an analyst monitoring communications within the Soviet Union, and was eventually promoted to internal affairs, where she became a field agent sniffing out "security risks." She possessed a gun, a badge, and a lot of stories she could never tell her son, no matter how much he begged.
She was tough, but not quite tough enough. The whole time she was stalking those security risks, an internal threat of her own was sneaking up on her: colon cancer. It took her life in 2004; she was only 55 years old.
Here’s the truly tragic part: Researchers are now learning that her death was entirely preventable. And so is nearly every one of the more than 50,000 deaths caused by colon cancer annually in the United States.
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, but it takes 30 years or longer to develop, as polyps grow on your colon wall and slowly morph into tumors. It's only during the last few years of that period that it's lethal and capable of spreading. Cancer had lingered in Bonnie Adams’ system undetected and unanticipated for decades.
"Everyone who dies does so because the tumor wasn't detected in the first 25 years of its existence," explains Bert Vogelstein, M.D., a cancer researcher at Johns Hopkins University and one of the leading authorities in the genetic foundations of colorectal cancer. "There's a huge window of opportunity to beat this disease."
In other words, had Bonnie Adams scheduled a colonoscopy at any point during that time, she might be alive to enjoy her four grandchildren today.
WHAT'S YOUR RISK? Take these quick quizzes to find out if heart disease, stroke, and the other biggest man killers are stalking you!
Because family history increases a person’s risk of developing the cancer, Eric Adams had his first colonoscopy two years after his mother passed away. So far, he’s had 14 polyps snipped from his colon wall. Those polyps could have—and with his family history, probably would have—turned into a deadly cancer. Because of Eric’s vigilance, he’s beating his death sentence.
But even if you have no family history, you can’t let your guard down. "More than 75 percent of the 100,000 new diagnoses each year have no family history at all," says Dr. Vogelstein.
If thousands of fatalities could be avoided through early detection, why aren't more cases caught? Because people are still squeamish about the exam. Fewer than half of those at the highest risk (due to family history or factors like age, obesity, or inactivity) opt for screening, a 2011 University of Utah study found. Experts say that at this point the disease is more a public-health concern than a medical one.
Even though your colon-cancer risk rises as you grow older (most men aren't advised to have colonoscopies until age 50), you'll benefit most from preventive strategies that you deploy as a young man. "I can't impress enough how much risk reduction can occur by taking control of your life," says Ray DuBois Jr., M.D., Ph.D., a professor of cancer biology and cancer medicine at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
And it’s really not that difficult. Here are three simple ways to reduce your risk of colon cancer every day.
DID YOU KNOW? 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetimes. Learn how to prevent it, spot it, and treat it by checking out The Men's Health Skin Cancer Center.
1. Step away from your desk. In a 2011 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology, people who spent a decade or more doing sedentary work were almost twice as likely to develop distal colon cancer, which affects the lower colon, than those with physically active jobs. This was true even when the researchers factored out recreational physical activities that participants enjoyed.
That's not all. A new meta-analysis from Washington University in St. Louis says that inactivity may encourage tumor growth, possibly due to inflammation. "Activity prevents polyp formation," says lead researcher Kathleen Wolin, Sc.D. "And the evidence is stronger for large and/or advanced polyps, which are more likely to become cancerous."
The easiest solution is to make sure you're frequently up and about—use a standing desk or take brisk, regular walks around the office. This can help return blood-sugar levels and inflammatory biomarkers to healthier levels.
2. Pop an aspirin a day. A recent study in The Lancet noted that people who took a daily aspirin for at least five years had a 38 percent lower risk of developing colorectal cancer. The painkillers reduce cancer-friendly inflammation throughout your body by inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which are involved in the production of hormonelike substances called prostaglandins.
Bonus: Others studies have found that a daily baby aspirin can reduce your risk of heart disease.
Just consult your doctor before popping any pills. There are potential downsides to regular aspirin use, such as ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.
3. Drink more milk. Vitamin D and calcium offer a two-pronged attack against colon polyps. "Strong though not definitive evidence suggests that adequate amounts of vitamin D can reduce your risk," says researcher Walter Willett, M.D., M.P.H., of the Harvard school of public health. "Most Americans do not get adequate vitamin D." Shoot for the recommended 600 IU a day. An 8-ounce cup of milk has more than 100 IU.
Calcium may also reduce the occurrence of precancerous polyps, according to a new study review from the University of California at San Diego. Aim for the recommended daily allowance of 1,000 milligrams from milk or other dairy sources. That glass of milk contains about 300 milligrams.
Milk! It does a colon good. Bottoms up, men!
IMPROVE YOUR LIFE—RIGHT NOW!

Norway ripped by Oslo bomb, youth camp shootings...

http://news.yahoo.com/norway-ripped-oslo-bomb-youth-camp-shootings-185204240.html

OSLO, Norway (AP) — Norway's peace was shattered twice Friday when a bomb ripped open buildings in the heart of its government and a man dressed as a police officer gunned down youths at a summer camp. Police linked one Norwegian to both attacks, which killed a total of at least 16 people in nation's worst violence since World War II.

Police said they did not know the motive or whether the attacks were the work of one person or a terrorist group, but Justice Minister Knut Storberget said the man who opened fire at the youth camp is Norwegian.

In Oslo, the capital and the city where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded, the bombing left a square covered in twisted metal, shattered glass, documents expelled from surrounding buildings and a dust-fogged scene that reminded one visitor from New York of Sept. 11.

Ian Dutton, who was in a nearby hotel, people "just covered in rubble" were walking through "a fog of debris."

"It wasn't any sort of a panic," he said, "It was really just people in disbelief and shock."

Later at Utoya island, some 60 miles (100 kilometers) northwest, hundreds of youths at a camp where the prime minister had been scheduled to speak Saturday ran in terror and even tried swimming to safety as the gunman fired. Emilie Bersaas, identified by Sky News television as one of the youths on the island, said she ran inside a school building and hid under a bed.

"At one point the shooting was very, very close (to) the building, I think actually it actually hit the building one time, and the people in the next room screamed very loud," she said.

"I laid under the bed for two hours and then the police smashed a window and came in," Bersaas said. "It seems kind of unreal, especially in Norway. This is not something that could happen here."

Police said seven people died in the Oslo blast, and another 9 or 10 people were killed at the camp, which was organized by the youth wing of the ruling Labor Party. Acting national Police Chief Sveinung Sponheim said a man was arrested in the shooting, and the suspect had been observed in Oslo before the explosion there. Police did not immediately say how much time elapsed between the bombing and the camp attack.

Sponheim said the camp shooter "wore a sweater with a police sign on it. I can confirm that he wasn't a police employee and never has been."

Aerial images broadcast by Norway's TV2 showed members of a SWAT team dressed in black arriving at the island in boats and running up the dock. Behind them, people stripped down to their underwear swam away from the island toward shore, some using flotation devices.

Sponheim said police were still trying to get an overview of the camp shooting and could not say whether there was more than one shooter. He said several people were injured but he could not comment on their conditions.

In Oslo, most of the windows in the 20-floor high-rise where Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and his administration work were shattered. Other buildings damaged house government offices and the headquarters of some of Norway's leading newspapers. and that rescuers were to search damaged buildings through the night for more victims.

Oslo University Hospital said 12 people were admitted for treatment following the Utoya shooting, and 11 people were taken there from the explosion in Oslo. The hospital asked people to donate blood.
Stoltenberg, who was home when the blast occurred and was not harmed, decried he called "a cowardly attack on young innocent civilians."
"I have message to those who attacked us," he said. "It's a message from all of Norway: You will not destroy our democracy and our commitment to a better world."
Sponheim would not give any details about the identity or nationality of the suspect, who was being interrogated by police.
Stoltenberg said "we don't want to speculate" on whether a terror group is responsible, and said some groups may take responsibility "to appear to be more important than they are."
The attacks formed the deadliest day of terror in Western Europe since the 2005 London bombings, which killed 52 people.
Police said the Oslo explosion was caused by "one or more" bombs, but declined to speculate on who was behind the attack. They later sealed off the nearby offices of broadcaster TV 2 after discovering a suspicious package.
Public broadcaster NRK showed video of a blackened car lying on its side amid the debris. An AP reporter who was in the office of Norwegian news agency NTB said the building shook from the blast and all employees were evacuated. Down in the street, he saw one person with a bleeding leg being led away from the area.
The explosion occurred at 3:30 p.m. (1330 GMT), as Ole Tommy Pedersen stood at a bus stop 100 meters (yards) away.
"I saw three or four injured people being carried out of the building a few minutes later," Pedersen told AP.
Police blocked off roads leading to the lake around Utoya. An AP reporter was turned away by police about 5-6 kilometers from the lake, as eight ambulances with sirens blaring entered the area.
One of the youths at the camp, Niclas Tokerud, stayed in touch with his sister through the attack through text messages.
"He sent me a text saying 'there's been gunshots. I am scared (expletive). But I am hiding and safe. I love you,'" said Nadia Tokerud, a 25-year-old graphic designer in Hokksund, Norway.
As he boarded a boat from the island after the danger had passed he sent one more text: "I'm safe."
The United States, European Union, NATO and the U.K., all quickly condemned the bombing, which Britain's Foreign Secretary William Hague called "horrific" and NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen deemed a "heinous act."
"It's a reminder that the entire international community has a stake in preventing this kind of terror from occurring," President Barack Obama said.
Obama extended his condolences to Norway's people and offered U.S. assistance with the investigation. He said he remembered how warmly Norwegians treated him in Oslo when he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009.
Nobel Peace Prize Chairman Thorbjorn Jagland said it appeared the camp attack "was intended to hurt young citizens who actively engage in our democratic and political society. But we must not be intimidated. We need to work for freedom and democracy every day."
Although police would not speculate on who was responsible for Friday's attack or whether international groups were involved, Norway has been grappling with a homegrown terror plot linked to al-Qaida. Two suspects are in jail awaiting charges.
Last week, a Norwegian prosecutor filed terror charges against an Iraqi-born cleric for threatening Norwegian politicians with death if he is deported from the Scandinavian country. The indictment centered on statements that Mullah Krekar — the founder of the Kurdish Islamist group Ansar al-Islam — made to various news media, including American network NBC.
Terrorism has also been a concern in neighboring Denmark since an uproar over cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad six years ago. Danish authorities say they have foiled several terror plots linked to the 2005 newspaper cartoons that triggered protests in Muslim countries. Last month, a Danish appeals court on Wednesday sentenced a Somali man to 10 years in prison for breaking into the home of the cartoonist.
Al-Qaida has promised attacks on Norway for years. The terror network's leader Ayman al-Zawahiri threatened the country in 2004 over its involvement in the U.S.-led military operation in Afghanistan and strategist Abu Yahya al-Libi made similar threats in 2006, the same year the Norwegian Embassy was attacked in Syria.
Jihadist groups have also made recent threats to Norway over plans to expel Mullah Krekar, the founder of the Kurdish Islamist group Ansar al-Islam. Norway's support of NATO's mission in Libya also earned it enemies, Bob Ayers, a former U.S. intelligence officer, told the AP.
"Norwegians are in Afghanistan. They're in Tripoli. They reprinted the cartoons," Ayers said.
Many intelligence analysts said they had never heard of Helpers of Global Jihad, which took initial credit. Ansar al-Islam also took credit on some jihadist web sites.
Ayers said it appeared more than one person was involved.
Asked at a press conference in Tripoli about Libya's reaction to the events in Oslo, government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim said, "We never support any acts of terrorism whatsoever."
But he suggested NATO's policies could have prompted the attack, saying, "NATO is planting terrorism in the hearts of many. This is unfortunate and sad."
Authorities in Norway and other Scandinavian countries have focused on anti-terrorism tactics that frustrate countries like the U.S. that are more aggressive about making arrests. Scandinavian authorities fight terrorism by disrupting plots, sometimes telling suspects they know what they're up to, and warning them of the consequences.
Terror convictions are also difficult to get because of skepticism in Scandinavian courts toward cases built on intent — as most terrorism trials are — and a demand for more evidence than in the U.S. and many other places.
Europe has been the target of numerous terror plots by Islamist militants. The deadliest was the 2004 Madrid train bombings, when shrapnel-filled bombs exploded, killing 191 people and wounding about 1,800. A year later, suicide bombers killed 52 rush-hour commuters in London aboard three subway trains and a bus. And in 2006, U.S. and British intelligence officials thwarted one of the largest plots yet — a plan to explode nearly a dozen trans-Atlantic airliners.
In October, the U.S. State Department advised American citizens living or traveling in Europe to take more precautions following reports that terrorists may be plotting attacks on a European city. Some countries went on heightened alert after the May 2 killing of Osama bin Laden.
Intelligence analysts said they doubted the attack was linked to bin Laden's death.
"Al-Qaida would have targeted something closer to U.S. interests if it was related to bin Laden," Ayers said.
___

Associated Press reporters Louise Nordstrom in Stockholm, Matthew Lee and Rita Foley in Washington, Paisley Dodds in London, Bjoern H. Amland in Hoenefoss, Norway, and Paul Schemm in Tripoli, Libya, contributed to this report.

Homelite, Powercare, EZ Clean Surface Cleaner Attachments for Pressure Washers, RECALLED!

 

http://wemakeitsafer.com/Homelite-Powercare-EZ-Clean-Surface-Cleaner-Attachments-for-Pressure-Washers-Recall-390259-955199

What is the problem?

The surface cleaner attachment's nozzle and spray bar can break and detach, striking and/or breaking the unit's plastic housing. The broken nozzle, spray bar and/or plastic housing can strike consumers, posing a laceration hazard.

Instance(s) of injuries, property damage have been reported.

How can I tell if I own this product?

This recall involves drum-shaped surface cleaner attachments for pressure washers. The pressure washer attachments were sold in orange or red colors and have hexagonal brass-colored nozzles inside a 15-inch plastic drum holding the spray bar. They were sold with Homelite pressure washer models HL80833 and HL80835. They were sold separately as Powercare model AP31022A and EZ Clean model AEZ231022.

These items were also recalled in Canada. Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1373

Information on where these items sold new⁺: Home Depot stores nationwide from February 2010 through June 2011 for about $70 when sold as an attachment and about $450 when sold with a pressure washer.

The CPSC provides the following remedy information:

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled surface cleaner attachments, and contact Homelite to receive a free replacement surface cleaner attachment.

For additional information, contact Homelite toll-free at (800)867-9624 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET or visit the firm's website at www.homelite.com

Great white shark jumps from sea into research boat!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jul/19/great-white-shark-jumps-boat

 

Scientists off South Africa's Cape use crane and ropes to get disoriented half-ton shark back into sea!

• Xan Rice, in Nairobi
• guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 19 July 2011 17.28 BST

A great white shark off Seal Island, South Africa. The animal on the Cheetah would have leapt three metres out of the water, scientists said. Photograph: Chris Brunskill Ltd/Rex Features

Marine researchers in South Africa had a narrow escape after a three-metre-long great white shark breached the surface of the sea and leapt into their boat, becoming trapped on deck for more than an hour.

The incident occurred while the research team was conducting a shark population study off Seal Island, near Mossel Bay, on South Africa's Cape coast.

Using sardines as bait to attract the predators, the seven-strong crew was able to observe four great whites. The animals are renowned locally for bursting through the surface as they prey on seals.

Dorien Schröder, team leader at Oceans Research, based at Mossel Bay, said that last Monday morning, after more than an hour of shark activity around the vessel, the Cheetah, the waters at the stern had been quiet for five minutes. "Next thing I know I hear a splash, and see a white shark breach out of the water from [the] side of the boat hovering, literally, over the crew member who was chumming [throwing food bait] on the port side," she said.
Schröder recounted how she pulled her colleague to safety before the shark, weighing about 500kg (half a ton) landed on top of the bait and fuel containers. At first half of its body was outside the boat but in a panic the shark thrashed its way further on to the vessel, cutting the fuel lines and damaging equipment before becoming trapped between the containers and the stern. The crew found safety at the bow of the boat.
As Schröder poured water over the shark's gills to keep it alive, another boat was sent out to the Cheetah. A rope from the second vessel was secured around the shark's tail, but repeated efforts to tow the fish into the water failed.
The rescue ship then towed Cheetah to the port with the shark still on deck. A hosepipe was placed in the fish's mouth to ventilate its gills, before it was lifted off the boat with a crane, then lowered back into the water.
Though the shark swam away it was unable to navigate its way out of the harbour and soon beached. With Oceans Research's co-director, Enrico Gennari, an expert on great white sharks, the team tried unsuccessfully to "walk" the shark back to sea. Finally they tied ropes to the shark's tail fin and behind its pectoral fin, and attached these ties to the rescue vessel, which towed the shark out through the harbour estuary. The ropes were then removed and the animal swam away.
Gennari said it was the first time he had heard of a great white shark jumping onto a research vessel. He estimated the predator would have had to have leapt about three metres out of the water to be able to land on the boat. A smaller vessel would have capsized, he said.
As for the cause of the shark's behaviour, Gennari said it was almost certainly an accident rather than an attack on the boat. In the low-visibility water the fish could have mistaken the vessel's shadow for prey, or been disturbed by another shark close by, he said.
"It's all speculation," he said. "But sometimes a shark breaches the surface when it feels another shark underneath it. They [move] like a flying fish and end up several metres away."

Mom, dad, and baby share July 19 birthday!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43839592/ns/today-good_news/t/threepeat-mom-dad-baby-share-july-birthday/?GT1=43001

Lee S. Weissman/North Shore LIJ Studios

Parents Jacquie and Paul Parker and their newborn son, Mason, all share the same birthday: July 19. Mason was born at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, N.Y.

TODAY staff and wire TODAY staff and wire

updated 7/21/2011 1:45:08 PM ET 2011-07-21T17:45:08

Call it a case of history three-peating itself: Newborn Mason Parker arrived in the waning minutes of Tuesday, July 19 — just in time to share his birthday with both his mom and dad.

Mason hadn’t been due to arrive until Wednesday, so parents Jacquie and Paul Parker of Massapequa, N.Y., had been planning to go out and celebrate their mutual birthday with a relaxed dinner.

But Mason had other ideas. He arrived at Long Island Jewish Medical Center Tuesday night, literally in the eleventh hour — 11:30 p.m. — weighing 8 pounds, 4 ounces.

During mom Jacquie’s 24-plus hours of uninduced labor, the couple “received hundreds of messages cheering us on, saying ‘You're running out of time, we don't know if you're going to get the trifecta before the end of the day,’ ” Paul Parker, 32 (as of Tuesday, that is), said at the hospital on Wednesday.

“As we got closer to midnight, we kind of gave up hope,” he told local radio station 1010 WINS. But with half an hour to go, he added, “he came through and we did it.”

“I never thought it would actually happen,” mom Jacquie, 29 (since Tuesday, of course), told the New York Daily News. “I feel wonderful.”

Proud papa Paul, a package designer, called his son’s early arrival the “best birthday ever.”

And next year, Jacquie added, there will be a “big, big party.”

The DUI Capitol of the USA

So what does this information tell us, exactly? First of all, supporting special law enforcement programs designed to catch drunk drivers is obviously worthwhile. Imagine how many car-wielding partiers aren’t getting caught in communities where the cops don’t have enough funding to actively look for them? Secondly, supporting public transportation is a good thing, not only for environmental and convenience reasons, but also to keep the intoxicated out of their cars where they are less likely to hurt people. Finally, watch yourself around colleges and universities. The numbers support a strong link between youth and intoxicated driving, so educating that particular demographic may be a way to improve road safety for all of us.

Can we all agree it is the lowest scum of human society who gets behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated, whether leaving a five-star restaurant serving fine wine, or a beer pong party at the local frat house?
Drunk drivers are the ultimate narcissists, responsible for horribly maiming and killing innocents, not to mention ruining their own lives, those of their victims, and the families of both. So how do we protect ourselves from them?
One way is to stay out of the cities where we’re most likely to encounter them. Insurance.com came up with a list that ranks large cities by DUI busts, based on analysis of insurance applications for 320,000 people in the U.S. Here are a few areas of the country where you may want to be especially alert for slow-moving weavers:
California is for Drunkards

Beautiful, sunny San Diego has the most DUI drivers per capita than any other city in the U.S., followed closely by San Jose. In fact, California takes four of the top 10 spots, with Los Angeles and San Francisco coming in at numbers seven and eight, respectively. What the heck, California? We all know they grow some great wine grapes there, but four out of the top ten for the whole country? Apparently these days “California dreaming” includes careening up and down the golden coast, liquored up like a 50s housewife.
Actually, it’s not quite as bad as it sounds. According to the analysis, the reason San Diego and San Jose in particular have such a stunningly high number of DUI busts is because they also have an exceptionally strong drunk driving task force, and the police there actively hunt down violators. In San Diego, a team of six officers, specially trained to spot the subtle signs of drunk driving, spend 40 hours a week making DUI arrests, through both checkpoints and “saturation patrols.” Hopefully, this means most intoxicated drivers there are being caught.
Those Darned Kids!

Another reason California ranks so high is because of the large number of colleges located there. This is especially true of the second drunkest city, San Jose, which is home to dozens of colleges and technical schools, and has nightlife that attracts kids from farther south. The fact is, people under the age of 25 are not overwhelmingly known for maturity, impulse-control, or thoughtful choice making. College students are the highest age group for drunk driving, and that fact, combined with San Jose’s aggressive policing of the problem, is mostly what makes the numbers there so high.
Other Cities to Avoid
Charlotte, North Carolina, ranked third on the list of drunk driving cities, followed by Phoenix, Columbus, Ohio, and Indianapolis. Texas had five spots in the top 20, with Austin at 9, and San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, and Ft. Worth holding spots 11 through 14. We blame all that line dancing and bourbon for Texas. Jacksonville, Florida came in tenth. None of these seem entirely surprising, given the college factor.
Transportation Challenges

Besides being areas with a lot of crazy kids and a lot of cops determined to bust them, another factor in why certain cities have higher-than-average DUI rates is public transportation. When you can party all night with subways, busses, and cabs within reach of everything you need, it’s easy to avoid driving. But, most of the places in the top ten have vast stretches of space and relatively little in the way of public transportation, especially at night when people are more likely to be drinking heavily. Particularly among students, who tend to think nothing bad will ever happen to them, nobody wants to be the designated driver.
Staying Safe
http://nakedlaw.avvo.com/2011/04/the-dui-capitol-of-the-usa/

Circo Children's Task / Desk Lamps, RECALLED!

http://wemakeitsafer.com/Circo-Childrens-Task-Desk-Lamps-Recall-055786-514538#RecalledProductInformation

What is the problem?

Lamps may overheat, causing the adhesive inside the lamp socket to melt and migrate into the bulb area of the socket. The cooled glue can adhere to the light bulb base and make the bulb difficult to remove which can result in a broken light bulb, posing a risk of laceration to consumers. Melted flammable glue that migrates onto the electrical components of the lamp poses a risk of fire.

How can I tell if I own this product?

Four styles of the children's task lamp are included in this recall with the names Striped, Sports, Dot or Flower Dot and have a label with the UPC number on the bottom. The lamps in this recall include:

Style Name	Style Description	UPC Number
Striped	Navy-colored head, with sky blue and white stripes and blue lamp base	490970221923
Sports	White head, with baseball stitch pattern and blue lamp base	490970222685
Dot	White head, with lines of multicolored dots and lavender lamp base	490970224047
Flower Dot	Pink head, with pattern of white flowers and leaves and pink lamp base	490970221947

These items were sold new⁺ at Target stores nationwide and Target.com from January 2011 to April 2011 for about $13.

The CPSC provides the following remedy information:

Consumers should immediately stop using the lamps and return them to any Target store to receive a full refund.

For additional information, contact Target Guest Relations at (800)440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.target.com

10 commandments for cubicle dwellers...

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2665-Workplace-Issues-10-commandments-for-cubicle-dwellers/?SiteId=cbmsnhp42665&sc_extcmp=JS_2665_home1&GT1=23000

Still gunning for that corner office? First you've got to learn how to work in your company's cubicle farm. Not sure how to navigate the unspoken rules to be the perfect cubicle dweller? Here, experts weigh in on the 10 commandments:
Focus and refocus
Because of the possibility for constant interruptions, it's important to set priorities. "If you don't know your complete inventory of work and you can't instantly refocus on the next priority -- or your manager's emergency du jour -- you won't work well in a cubicle because there are too many interruptions," says Scot Herrick, founder of Cuberules.com.
Make it comfortable
Whether you want to be seated with your back to the hallway or watching those who pass by your cube, arrange your space the way you want it, Herrick suggests. Add photos or decorations to create a more personalized and comfortable environment. "You spend all this time there [so] make your space your space," he says.
 Stay off speaker phone
It's easy to simply start dialing on your desk phone and never pick up the receiver, but it's important to know that those around you don't want to hear your whole conversation. Pick up the phone or use a headset. "For some reason, it is easier to tune out a person on the phone with a one-sided conversation than hearing both sides," Herrick says.
Go elsewhere for meetings
"Don't hold a never-ending parade of meetings at your desk," Herrick says. Instead, be more considerate to those around you and find a conference room or grab a coffee for longer talks. While holding shorter conversations at your cubicle is not taboo, using your space as a boardroom can be very distracting to your neighbors.
Be careful of what you say
Even when you don't see the people around you -- all of your conversations are still being heard. Be especially careful when speaking negatively about work related matters. And avoid any foul language, says Jacqueline Peros, founder of JMP Image and Style Group.
Avoid informal gatherings
While it's okay to stop by for some quick catching up, it can be easy to get caught up on the details of a co-worker's personal dilemma, Persos says. If a conversation is lingering on for too long, suggest a time to grab lunch or coffee in the break room to catch up with your co-worker when you're away from your cubicle.
Be mindful of volume
Don't disturb others with your ringing devices. Set your desk phone to low volume and your cell phone to vibrate. If you're watching a video on your computer be sure to use headphones. With so many electronic devices it's important to keep the volume at a level that won't disturb your neighbors.
Use your indoor voice
Most cubicle dwellers have trouble keeping their voices down, especially when they talk on the phone. Staying aware of your own volume can help. "Some individuals are not aware of how loud their voice projects," Peros says. "If you think it might be too loud, ask your cube neighbors to weigh in and let you know."
Befriend your neighbors

There's no way to be completely isolated from your neighbors, so it's important that you build a comfortable communication style. "Keeping an open and honest dialogue with your cube neighbors is a great way to build a mutually collaborative and productive work environment for everyone," Peros says.

Use your manners
No matter what you do in a cubicle, your actions are always on display. Each time you come to work, make sure you're at your most professional. "Manners are extremely important when working in a cube environment because everyone is sharing a common public space," Peros says.

Things we buy that used to be free...

http://money.msn.com/how-to-budget/things-we-buy-that-used-to-be-free-weston.aspx?cp-documentid=6834853&GT1=33006

An 'unbundling' of services we could once take for granted (like access to our money or a gas-station fill-up) and newer markets for products like water and TV are costing customers.

Water, Directory Assistance, TV, Gas Station Services, Schools & Parks…all used to be FREE!

2001 Nissan xterra : 4 serious recalls since 2002 & no dealer or company notification!

 

http://nissan-usa.pissedconsumer.com/2001-nissan-xterra-3a-4-serious-recalls-since-2002-no-dealer-or-company-notification-20110504235724.html#.Tia8lTV4bCQ.facebook

NISSAN USA Review by John raczka

Do you own a Nissan? Check this out!

Boy involved in Lamar Odom’s car accident dies...

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Child-involved-in-Lamar-Odom-8217-s-car-acciden?urn=nba-wp6558

Tue Jul 19 10:05am EDT

By Kelly Dwyer

By now you've no doubt heard of the SUV crash from last Thursday that saw a car service hired by Los Angeles Laker Lamar Odom(notes) crash into a motorcyclist in downtown New York City. Odom wasn't driving, but it was his hired truck that crashed into a motorcyclist, which then crashed into a 15-year old boy.

It turns out that the boy, a pedestrian, has died from the injuries sustained in the crash. TMZ reported that the child passed away on Friday, and that his funeral was held on Monday. Odom, who was in N.Y. for the funeral of his cousin, is "devastated" by the news, according to TMZ. Early on Tuesday morning, he tweeted this:

This is the latest in a long line of unfair tragedies to befall Odom. Earlier this year, he admitted that his estranged father was a heroin addict. His mother passed away from colon cancer when Odom was still in grade school, and in 2006 his youngest son Jayden died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome while sleeping in his crib.
To return to his hometown for yet another funeral and unwillingly get mixed up in something like this is just astonishingly sad.
From here, there's not much to say beyond pointing out that our thoughts are with all involved in this terrible accident.

10 useless résumé words – and 10 eye-catching ones!

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2648-Cover-Letters-Resumes-10-useless-résumé-words-and-10-eye-catching-ones/?SiteId=cbmsnhp42648&sc_extcmp=JS_2648_home1&gt1=23000

By Beth Braccio Hering, Special to CareerBuilder

"Generic hyperbole belongs on cereal boxes, not on résumés," says Duncan Mathison, a career consultant and co-author of "Unlock the Hidden Job Market: 6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times Are Tough." "If it does not pass the 'So what, anybody can make that claim' test, leave it off."

Instead of being another candidate professing to be a "hard worker," revitalize your application with a little seek-and-replace exercise. Scan your résumé for empty, overused words such as the following:
1.  Outstanding
2.  Effective
3.  Strong
4.  Exceptional
5.  Good
6.  Excellent
7.  Driven
8.  Motivated
9.  Seasoned
10. Energetic

"Watch out for words that are unsupported claims of greatness," Mathison says. Adds David Couper, a career coach and author of "Outsiders on the Inside: How to Create a Winning Career ... Even When You Don't Fit In," "If you call yourself an 'excellent manager,' how do we know?"

The nouns following those subjective adjectives can be equally meaningless. Anyone who has ever had a co-worker can claim to be a "team player."

A better route to take is describing accomplishments and letting the hirer make his own judgment. Give specific, and preferably quantifiable, accounts of what you've done that makes you an "outstanding salesperson." Likewise, peruse your performance reviews for quotable material from supervisors that demonstrates why they consider you a "strong leader." Listing awards or other forms of recognition also can be used as support.

Some words should be avoided because they convey traits that employers consider standard for anybody who wants to be hired. "You're motivated? Hope so. A good worker? So happy to hear that; I didn't want to hire a bad worker," Couper says. Don't take up precious résumé space with unnecessary items.
Also on the "don't" side: words that seek to overcome what you might think are your shortcomings. "Using 'seasoned' for 'over 50' or 'energetic' for 'inexperienced' looks like spin and smells like spin," Mathison says. Keep the focus on what makes you right for the job.
On the  flip side, certain words can make hiring managers do a  double take. Light up their eyes with these 10 words and phrases:
1.  Created
2.  Increased
3.  Reduced
4.  Improved
5.  Developed
6.  Researched
7.  Accomplished
8.  Won
9.   on time
10.  Under budget

"We suggest that résumé writers include action words to describe their jobs," says Susan Ach, a career counselor at Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. Verbs project the image of someone who has the background and initiative to get things done. Employers can clearly comprehend what you've accomplished and can use that as a basis for envisioning future success with their company. Think about it: If you were hiring, would you rather take on someone who calls himself a "productive manager" or somebody who states that at his last job he "increased company profit by 3 percent," "reduced employee turnover in his department to the best level in five years" and "improved brand awareness by implementing a new social media strategy"?

Lastly, it can be beneficial to use verbs and nouns that are common to your specific industry. This shows your familiarity with the language of your field and optimizes the chances of getting past an automatic scan for keywords. But remember, too, that all companies tend to speak a universal language: money.
"Terms such as 'on time' and 'under budget' are often good. Hiring managers want to know you can get things done with minimum fuss," Mathison says. Tell them what makes you the most profitable choice for the job and employers will tell you the best word of all: "hired."
Beth Braccio Hering researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder. Follow @Careerbuilder on Twitter.

Meet grandma who was stuck in swamp mud for 4 days!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43792418

By Scott Stump

TODAY.com contributor TODAY.com contributor

updated 7/18/2011 9:01:14 AM ET 2011-07-18T13:01:14

After four endless days and nights submerged up to her neck in a dense thicket of mud, branches and insects in a Florida swamp, Kathleen Shino had one thought running through her mind.

“That nobody was going to find me; that that was going to be it,’’ Shino told TODAY’s Lester Holt Monday. “There were times that I [thought], ‘Maybe I’m already dead, and I don’t know it yet.’ ’’

When the ordeal finally ended with the exhausted body of the 62-year-old grandmother being pulled from the thicket after rescuers had to chain-saw the vines and branches, she even was able to find some humor in the situation.

“The one thing I did think of every once in a while to give myself a little bit of a laugh sometimes during the day is that people pay a lot of money to go sit in mud spas,’’ she told NBC News. “Then I’m thinking, ‘They’re wasting their money. It’s not what it’s cracked up to be.’ ’’

‘I didn’t know where I was’ On Friday, June 17, Shino, a mother of four and grandmother of eight, left her home in Holiday, Fla., around 9 p.m. to take a stroll. For unclear medical reasons — Shino suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, but has no history of dementia —  she blacked out and soon became submerged in a dense mangrove area only 800 steps from her home.

Ants began to crawl over her face, fish nipped at her body, and shadowy figures lurked in the water. “I knew I was in water,’’ she said. “I didn’t know exactly where I was.’’

After she survived more than 90 hours in sweltering temperatures with no water or food, Shino’s faint plea for help was heard by a pair of neighbors on Monday afternoon. Alexandra Echazabal, 30, and her mother, Alexia Cuartas, were tending their garden in the backyard a few blocks from where Shino was trapped. At first the two thought the moaning might be an animal, before the faint voice stated that she was stuck in the water.

Video: Missing grandma found neck-deep in mud (on this page)

Shino’s children had called neighbors to inform them of their search for her, and Cuartas soon asked if the voice coming from the swamp was Shino’s. By that time Cuartas had called the police, fearing what might be lurking in the water. “I know for a fact there is an alligator there,’’ Cuartas said in her call to 911.

Pasco County Deputy Keith Krapfl was the first responder to find Shino, whose face was the only thing that could be seen above the water. Paramedics needed chain saws to cut away all of the branches and roots to finally extricate Shino after her harrowing ordeal. The muck and branches were so dense that the emergency crew also had to help Krapfl out of the swamp after he helped rescue Shino.

‘She wouldn’t have made it through the night’ Mercifully, Shino did not hear about the alligator that lived in the swamp until several days after leaving the hospital. At first, Krapfl told local reporters that he had feared he would find an alligator feasting on an animal or person rather than what he stumbled upon.

“When you see a human face in the water coming out, it kind of blows your mind,’’ Krapfl told NBC News. “She wouldn’t have made it through the night, I don’t think.’’

Despite struggling to stay awake nearly all night during her four-day ordeal, Shino had enough energy to mark the passage of time. She could reach two nearby branches, and would put a leaf on one every morning to mark a new morning, and stick a leaf on the other one to mark another night.

“In case I forgot, I would know how long I was there,’’ she told Holt.

Her daughter, Kristi Fusco, had filed a missing person’s report on Sunday after being unable to reach Shino on Saturday. A trip to Shino’s house had revealed her wallet, cell phone and car untouched. The crutches she used for her arthritis on bad days and a pillowcase she was sewing for her grandson lay untouched.

While her family frantically scoured the neighborhood and called neighbors in a search for Shino, detectives also were searching for her and calling her name, but she was too weak to respond. Meanwhile, the sun kept falling and rising.

“I never realized how long 24 hours really is,’’ Shino told NBC News.

The cause of her plight still remains unknown, and she had not even seen the site of her ordeal until watching the NBC News segment on it that aired before her in-studio appearance alongside her daughter.

“I’m getting stronger, and just trying to cope with everything and take it all in,’’ Shino said. “Some of it, I still try to not to think about now.’’

Doctors have speculated it could have been a wild change in her sugar levels because of her diabetes that may have caused an episode.

“I have some medical problems, and they’re just not sure if it was any of that or something that just happened,’’ Shino said.

Shino and her daughter also appeared on TODAY to promote Project Lifesaver, which helps provide rapid response to save lives and reduce potential for serious injury for adults and children who wander due to Alzheimer’s, autism, Down syndrome, dementia and other related cognitive conditions, according to its website. One of the products Project Lifesaver provides is a waterproof tracking bracelet with GPS for quick and easy location of anyone in trouble or missing.

Paralyzed at her bachelorette party, bride to marry Friday

Gerry Broome  /  AP

Rachelle Friedman looks in the mirror during the fitting for her wedding dress in Raleigh, N.C.

By Martha Waggoner

The Associated Press

updated 7/18/2011 9:22:44 AM ET 2011-07-18T13:22:44

RALEIGH, N.C. — A year after she was paralyzed in poolside horseplay at her bachelorette party, Rachelle Friedman knows one thing she would change about her life before the injury.

"I wish we had danced together more because I love dancing so much, and we didn't do it enough," she says of her soon-to-be husband. "Looking back, I would have done it every night."

Friedman will finally make it down the aisle on Friday, marrying the man who has waited with her to exchange vows since the accident. She is wearing the same gown she chose for the first ceremony but with her father pushing her wheelchair down the aisle instead of walking her down it, arm in arm.

Also joining her will be the bridesmaid who shoved her into the shallow end of a pool on May 23, 2010 — causing a freak accident that changed their lives. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43793271/ns/today-weddings/?gt1=43001