Key senators reach deal on background checks for gun buyers

By Richard Cowan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Prospects for a gun control bill's passage in the Senate in coming weeks got a boost on Wednesday with a bipartisan agreement on background checks for gun buyers.

Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Republican Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania brokered the deal and were scheduled to announce it during a news conference at 11 a.m. EDT (1500 GMT) Wednesday.

According to a Senate Democratic aide, the measure would expand criminal background checks for prospective gun buyers to include sales made at gun shows and online.

Sales among friends or family members would be exempt from the requirement, which is designed to close many loopholes. Analysts have said as many as 40 percent of gun buyers have been able to avoid background checks under the current system.

The proposal for expanded background checks - which includes a requirement for sellers to keep records of sales - appears to be Obama's best hope for meaningful gun control legislation in the wake of the December massacre of 20 children and six adults at a school in Newtown, Connecticut.

Several family members of victims from the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown are in Washington this week to help Obama's team pressure lawmakers for action.

More controversial parts of the president's plan - such as a ban on rapid-firing "assault" weapons like the one used in Connecticut and limits on the capacity of ammunition magazines - appear to have a slim chance of clearing the U.S. Senate, which is led by Obama's Democrats. Such measures face an even tougher road in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

Manchin's participation in the deal on background checks is widely seen as boosting the prospects for the legislation's passage. The freshman senator represents a state where gun ownership has long been passionately protected and where attempts to regulate guns have been strongly opposed.

On Thursday, the Senate is scheduled to hold its first test vote on a gun control bill.

More than a dozen conservative Republican senators have threatened a filibuster aimed at delaying consideration of any gun restrictions. But other Republicans - many acknowledging public opinion polls that have shown that more than 80 percent of Americans favor expanded background checks - have said Obama's proposals should get a floor vote in the Senate. Senate Leader Harry Reid, the Nevada Democrat who schedules votes in the chamber, has echoed that position.

The measure likely to pass the Senate, expected to include expanded background checks, more funding for school security and tighter restrictions on gun trafficking, falls far short of what Obama had pressed for. But it is more extensive than what the influential National Rifle Association, the nation's largest gun rights group, has warned that it would accept.

Whatever gun control measures clear the Senate, they are likely to face a more challenging path in the House, where many Republicans have vowed to oppose any gun restrictions.

(Editing by David Lindsey and Lisa Von Ahn)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/senate-cast-first-gun-control-votes-thursday-025348479.html

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Nintendo lands 'remotely controlled mobile device control' patent

You know those goofy tennis racket peripherals that allow for Wiimote insertion? Or, perhaps more sensibly, those Guitar Hero axes that wouldn't function without a Wiimote planted at the heart? Looks as if Nintendo's going to do us all one better. Based on a rambling new patent granted to the Big N this week, the company now holds the power to concoct a "remotely controlled mobile device control system." Distilled down, the verbiage describes a Wiimote-type controller being embedded within a "remote controlled toy," which would then be (unsurprisingly) used in conjunction with a game console. Essentially, this opens the door for Honda to develop a new variant of ASIMO that takes commands via an embedded Wii controller... or, for a Wii-infused robot to turn on its owner and commit unspeakable crimes against humanity. But hey, it'll probably be pretty cute.

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals, Nintendo

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Source: USPTO

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Hotels In Isle Of Wight

Isle of Wight is a beautiful place to go on a vacation. Before visiting the island, make sure to book your accommodation well on time. You will find many hotels at this place, which work to lift up your holidays with their hospitality.

Among all the hospitality establishments within England, hotels in the Isle of Wight are the best and most recognized. Actually they are within the Isle of Wight which is one of the largest islands within England. The demand for hospitality facilities is created by the 140,000 population that's hosted by the 147 miles square land. England has been a source of tourists for many international tourists destination over many years. The influx of tourists within this incredible island adds up to the tune of not less than 2.5 million and competes with other destinations within UK.

This island rides on a short history. It was nicknamed by Vectics by Romans which was added to the proclaimed possession of Hampshire. Over the years, the island has grown in leaps and bounds and has long been divided into Medina and South Wight. Thanks to the Romans, the island was able to curve its niche into the limelight it is receiving from the world tourists (of which many are domestic) every week, day, round the mouth and all year long. Tourists' arrivals throng around the towns of Ryde and Newport on their way to the hotels found around this area.

It elicits love among local and international tourists because of the facilities such as chalk cliffs, down lands and the eye candy sandy beaches. The natural beauty within Heritage coastline adds to the tourists list of needs they look forward to when they place their reservations with the hotels in the Isle of Wight. The island attracts both public and private tourists to enjoy the 500 miles long coastal footpaths. It is because of the sun tropical climate that tourists get a chance to bathe in the sun especially within the famous towns of Sundown, Shanklin and Ventnor. The island has been able to withstand the test of time with regards to endangered flora and fauna; it boasts of well maintained birds, animals, flowers and sea life. This is the home for red squirrels which are almost getting extinct.

There are so many luxury hotels within Isle of Wight. They offer the accommodation packages for all the tourists. Not only are there luxury hotels within this famous destination, but also there is family owned bed and breakfast establishments for the holiday makers who cannot afford the accommodation charges within the luxury hotels. The fun doesn't stop at the sandy beaches and sunshine at Sundown. Tourists are spoilt for choice for all the pubs and restaurants within the island which have brewed beers and all the grape wines they crave for.

Alongside the gifts of nature, there are also events that go down the Isle of Wight. These events include Cowes Week for exclusive sailing and sea fairing. It is a lucrative event that attracts tourists from all over the world especially who love sailing based. It is therefore not an affair for the people of England. All the fanatics behind Cold Play, The Rolling Stones and David Bowie don't miss on the annual rock event dubbed The Isle of Wight Festival. That's all about the island. Choose your accommodation among all the hotels on Isle of Wight on time, to avoid any inconvenience later.

About the Author:
The author of this article is associated with Mayfair Hotel, providing comfortable accommodation to the people. For further details, log on to mayfair-isleofwight.co.uk.

Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Hotels-In-Isle-Of-Wight/4531122

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CA-BUSINESS Summary

TSX posts year's biggest jump on upbeat China data

TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada's main stock index recorded its biggest one-day percentage jump in more than four months on Tuesday as positive economic data from China fueled hopes for a global economic recovery and drove gains in the material and energy sectors. The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index <.gsptse> unofficially closed up 139.49 points, or 1.13 percent, at 12,484.05. Nine of the 10 main sectors on the index were higher.

Agrium sweeps proxy vote, Jana cries foul

CALGARY, Alberta (Reuters) - Canadian fertilizer company Agrium Inc said on Tuesday its entire slate of directors had been elected to its board, defeating a rival slate nominated by dissident U.S. shareholder Jana Partners. Jana, the hedge fund that is Agrium's biggest single shareholder, said the vote was tainted and should be investigated. Agrium said the result was "fair and square".

FBI probes trading as KPMG quits as Herbalife, Skechers auditor

(Reuters) - In a blow to one of the world's largest accounting firms, KPMG said it resigned as auditor of two U.S. companies amid an FBI investigation into insider trading allegations involving a former senior partner. The companies - nutritional products group Herbalife Ltd and footwear maker Skechers USA Inc - said separately on Tuesday that KPMG had quit as their auditor in connection with alleged leaks of nonpublic information.

Porter Airlines expansion plan could hit hurdles

TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadian regional carrier Porter Airlines is expected to announce an order for 12 of Bombardier Inc's new CSeries jets on Wednesday, a likely challenge to restrictions at its Toronto Island airport base. The privately held airline, which says it will announce "expansion plans" at a morning press conference, could create a third cross-country carrier with the deal, ratcheting up competition for Canada's No. 1 and 2 airlines, Air Canada and WestJet Airlines Ltd .

Scotiabank CEO sees Canadian housing slowdown, not crash

TORONTO (Reuters) - Bank of Nova Scotia Chief Executive Rick Waugh said on Tuesday that mortgage delinquencies have risen at Canada's third-biggest bank, but that he does not foresee a U.S.-style housing crash. "We still anticipate what I would call in terms of housing, a soft landing, and all the metrics which we watch daily confirm that," Waugh told the bank's annual general meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Wal-Mart funds supplier training after Bangladesh fire

(Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc , the world's largest retailer, is making its biggest push yet to try to improve conditions at factories that produce its clothing after a fire at a Bangladesh factory last year killed 112 people. The company also said Tuesday it would donate $1.6 million to help start a new Bangladesh training academy, and outlined its efforts to regain control over the complex and far-flung web of factories that make its products.

Mexican manufacturing: from sweatshops to high-tech motors

SILAO, Mexico (Reuters) - Made in Mexico is increasingly more likely to mean cars than clothes as the country's manufacturing sector moves away from the low-skill, high-volume production lines of the past toward more sophisticated products. Times are tough for the assembly-for-export plants known as maquiladoras clustered along the U.S. border, a region that has lost economic muscle in the face of competition from China, successive U.S. recessions and drug war violence.

Canada housing data suggests soft landing so far

TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadian housing starts edged higher in March and building permits were weaker than expected in February, reports released on Tuesday showed, offering some reassurance that Canada's housing sector is simply cooling, not crashing. While housing starts rose for a second straight month, all the strength was in the rural market - urban starts dropped sharply - and a longer-term trend showed construction is continuing to moderate, according to a report from government agency Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.

United Airlines plans earlier flights with Boeing 787

(Reuters) - United Airlines said on Tuesday that it planned to begin flying Boeing's 787 Dreamliner five days sooner than previously expected, a sign of confidence in the jet's return to service after regulators grounded it in January over safety concerns. United, a unit of United Continental Holdings Inc , said it planned to use Boeing's newest jet on its Denver-Houston route starting May 31 and on the Denver-Tokyo's Narita route beginning on June 10.

Ackman may be eyeing exit as JC Penney bet in tatters

BOSTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - William Ackman's multiyear bet that he could overhaul ailing retailer JC Penney looks like it may end up being one of his $12 billion hedge fund's worst investment blunders. On Monday, JC Penney's board dismissed Ron Johnson, a former Apple executive handpicked by Ackman to remake the retailer, and brought back Mike Ullman, whom Ackman has previously criticized.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/ca-business-summary-001749505--finance.html

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T-Mobile announces budget-friendly Nokia Lumia 521, available in May

BRUSSELS, April 8 (Reuters) - A French teenager who had hidden inside a garbage container was crushed to death inside a trash truck in Luxembourg on Saturday, police said. Garbage men only discovered the 17-year-old when he shouted out as they emptied the container into the back of the truck early on Saturday morning, but by then he was already in the grasp of the crushing mechanism. "He cried out, but it was already too late," a spokeswoman for Luxembourg police said on Monday. The young man, whose name was not released, died on the scene, in the city of Luxembourg. ...

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/t-mobile-announces-budget-friendly-nokia-lumia-521-023027464.html

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Hospital group says 'alarm fatigue' can be deadly

CHICAGO (AP) ? Constantly beeping alarms in hospitals are being linked to patient deaths and other dangers in a new alert from the Joint Commission.

The alarms can lead to "noise fatigue," and doctors and nurses sometimes inadvertently ignore the sounds when there's a real patient emergency, possibly resulting in treatment delays that endanger patients.

That's according to the alert issued Monday by the Joint Commission hospital accrediting group.

The group says a government database lists more than 500 deaths potentially linked with hospital alarms in recent years.

The commission says hospital leaders need to address the problem and train staffers in safe alarm management.

The Joint Commission accredits more than 10,000 U.S. hospital and health care organizations. Hospitals covet accreditation and following commission advice is key to maintaining it.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/hospital-group-says-alarm-fatigue-deadly-165344249.html

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Navy to unveil new laser weapon

No longer the fantasy weapon of tomorrow, the U.S. Navy is set to field a powerful laser that can protect its ships by blasting targets with high-intensity light beams.

Early next year the Navy will place a laser weapon aboard a ship in the Persian Gulf where it could be used to fend off approaching unmanned aerial vehicles or speedboats.

The Navy calls its futuristic weapon LAWS, which stands for the Laser Weapon System. What looks like a small telescope is actually a weapon that can track a moving target and fire a steady laser beam strong enough to burn a hole through steel.

A Navy video of testing conducted last summer off the coast of California shows how a laser beam fired from a Navy destroyer was able to set aflame an approaching UAV or drone, sending it crashing into the ocean.

"There was not a single miss" during the testing, said Rear Admiral Matthew Klunder, chief of Naval Research. The laser was three for three in bringing down an approaching unmanned aerial vehicle and 12 for 12 when previous tests are factored in.

But don't expect in that video to see the firing of colored laser bursts that Hollywood has used for its futuristic laser guns. The Navy's laser ray is not visible to the naked eye because it is in the infrared spectrum.

Many of the details about how the laser works remain secret, such as how far its beam can travel, how powerful it is or how much power is used to generate it.

But Navy officials have provided a few unclassified details. For example, the laser is designed to be a "plug and play" system that integrates into a ship's existing targeting technologies and power grids. Those factors make it a surprisingly cheap weapon.

Klunder says each pulse of energy from the laser "costs under a dollar" and it can be used against weapons systems that are significantly more expensive. The Navy says it has spent about $40 million over the past six years in developing the weapon.

Rear Admiral Thomas Eccles, Navy Sea Systems Command, says the beam can be turned on instantly and that ultimately "the generation of power is essentially your magazine. It's the clip we have" instead of bullets. "We deliver precision with essentially an endless supply of rounds."

Some new technological fixes, what Klunder calls "a secret sauce," have been developed to improve the degrading of lasers over distance as well as maintaining a lock on a target from a moving ship.

The strength of the beam is flexible enough that at a lower intensity level it can be used to warn approaching ships and UAV's not to get too close to a Navy ship. Instead of using machine guns to fire non-lethal warning shots as Navy ships do now, the laser can be aimed to "dazzle" the viewing sensors aboard the craft. That light effect warns the pilot of a small water craft or at the controls of a UAV that they are being targeted by a laser and to turn away. If they don't, the laser's power can be boosted to destroy the approaching craft.

Based on earlier testing the Navy is confident the laser is ready for real-world testing aboard the USS Ponce in the Persian Gulf. The ship was selected because of its mission to be an enduring presence in the Gulf to counter Iranian maritime threats in the region. Coincidentally Iran uses small fast boats to harass American warships in the waters of the Persian Gulf.

How might Iran feel about the new weapon? "Frankly I hope it sends a message to some of our potentially threatening adversaries out there to know that we mean business," said Klunder. "This is a system where if you try to harm our vessels that I hope you will take a very, very serious moment of pause to think about that before you do it because this system will destroy your vessel or will destroy your UAV."

The Navy wants the ship's crew to use the same techniques and methods they use with their other defensive weapons systems.

While for now the laser will be used primarily against slow-moving UAV's and fast boats cruising at speeds of 50 knots, the Navy sees the system's capabilities expanding over time to target faster weapons.

"There's absolutely every intention that with the development of this system and follow-on upgraded systems we will eventually be able to take higher speeds in-bound," said Klunder.

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Source: http://news.yahoo.com/navys-laser-weapon-blasts-bad-215808231.html

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