Greece approve austerity as protesters, police clash
Greek lawmakers approved a new round of drastic austerity measures late Sunday after a long day of street battles between police and protesters left Athens buildings ablaze and the streets in chaos.
The deputies defied the 100,000-strong turnout in Athens and Thessaloniki and approved another round of stringent budget measures requested by Greece s international creditors in return for a multi-billion rescue fund.
Greek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos denounced the violence in the debate leading up to the vote, saying the street battles around the parliament building had no place in a democracy.
Deputies “will assume their responsibility” and make the most important choice of “advancing with Europe and the single currency”, Papademos said shortly before the vote took place.
The fire brigade said 10 buildings were set ablaze in central Athens, most of them by petrol bombs hurled by masked protesters who have been a common presence at anti-austerity marches since the crisis began in 2010.
The health ministry said 54 people were injured in the day s events.
Fire engines were initially unable to intervene because of the size of the protest and the chaos that filled the streets around the parliament building, where lawmakers debated the austerity plan ahead of a late-night vote.
When protesters wearing gas masks tried to break through the riot police cordon around parliament, the standoff broke out into running battles, with tear gas canisters and rocks flying in opposite directions.
An estimated 80,000 protesters gathered in Athens, police said, matching the biggest turnouts achieved against earlier austerity packages last year, while around 20,000 also demonstrated in the second city of Thessaloniki.
Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos told parliament it had to back the government-approved plan to unlock a 130 billion euro ($171 billion) rescue fund from the EU and the IMF, or Greece would be forced to default.
“The situation is very clear. Tonight at midnight before the markets open the Greek parliament must send the message that our nation can and will (support the debt deal),” Venizelos said.
The pressure on Greece is huge as leaders in the eurozone core countries express their exasperation with Athens and increasingly minimise the wider dangers of the country stumbling out of the single currency.
Lifestyle changes can help prevent cancers: WHO
Among key risk factors for cancer are tobacco and alcohol consumption, a diet low in fruit and vegetable intake and lack of physical activity.
“Tobacco use is the most important risk factor for cancer causing 22 percent of global cancer deaths and 71 percent of global lung cancer deaths,” the UN health agency said.
Halting tobacco use, for instance, could therefore help cut cancer mortality rates.
According to latest available figures dating to 2008, cancer caused 7.6 million deaths worldwide during the year, making up about 13 percent of global mortality.
Lung, stomach, liver, colon and breast cancers caused the most fatalities.
About 70 percent of all cancer deaths in 2008 occurred in low- and middle-income countries.
The WHO projected that deaths from cancer will continue rising, and will hit an estimated 13.1 million in 2030.
Mary J Blige, Belvedere Vodka and RED try to Help Save Lives
TrendPK.com: Award-winning, multi-platinum singer Mary J Blige will be performing at a private pre-Grammy event on February, 9th 2012 to celebrate the partnership of Belvedere http://www.facebook.com/belvederevodka , the world’s first super premium vodka and (RED)(TM). http://www.facebook.com/joinred
The exclusive performance will be followed by a private party at Bardot, Los Angeles to help raise awareness around HIV/AIDS and emphasize the need for consumers to unite in support of programs that help eliminate HIV and AIDS in Africa.
In winter 2011, BELVEDERE (PRODUCT)RED(TM) Special Edition bottle http://www.facebook.com/belvederevodka launched to raise proceeds for the Global Fund(TM) to fight HIV/AIDS. The (RED) http://www.joinred.com inspired packaging will contain the same unadulterated and naturally smooth(R) Belvedere vodka enthusiasts have always enjoyed. 50% of Belvedere’s profits from the global sale of (BELVEDERE)RED http://www.facebook.com/belvederevodka will contribute to the Global Fund.
Mary J Blige said: “I’m delighted to be supporting (Belvedere) RED in their fight against HIV & AIDS in Africa. It is one of the most devastating issues faced by millions in Africa and if we can raise awareness with this event and encourage people to buy (PRODUCT) RED, we’ll be one step closer to an HIV / AIDS free generation in 2015.”
Fans can watch the party build up and Mary J Blige’s performance live via Facebook at approximately 10.45pm (PST). The event will be streamed to http://www.facebook.com/belvederevodka. Media can download images and B-Roll footage from the event at 6am Friday 10th February 2012, please visit http://www.epklink.com/BelvedereRedWithMaryJBlige
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Jhang: Village school gets building after TrendPK report
February 7, 2012 by Trend PK
Filed under World News
TrendPK.com
JHANG: The Jhang Health Department has provided a building to Government MC Primary School at Rasoolabad Village, TrendPK reported on Tuesday.
On February 3, TrendPK had aired a report about the poor condition of the primary school. In the report, the students were seen studying near a rail track in severe cold condition.
There was no building for this school, having enrollment of 60 students.
However, taking notice of the report, the Health Department arranged a building for the school, leaving teachers and students jubilated.
Hashmi for talks with MQM leadership
Leader Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf Makhdoom Javed Hashmi has desired to have a discourse with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).
Talking to media at his residence on Monday Hashmi expressed that MQM, as political power cannot be neglected.
“Nawaz Sharif’s philosophy is akin to dictators. Accepting responsibility of the deaths due to the spurious medicines, Chief Minister Punjab must resign from Health Ministry’s chairmanship,” he said.
He said Pakistan nation is unable to digest the notion of accepting India as Most Favored Nation.
Diet Coke® and Minka Kelly Celebrate The Heart Truth® With Lucky Fans
TrendPK.com: “Showing a little heart” never goes out of style. That’s why actress Minka Kelly and iconic fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg are teaming up with Diet Coke and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) The Heart Truth ® campaign. The goal: to raise awareness of women’s heart health educational programs. Five lucky Diet Coke fans will join these women for the star-studded Red Dress Collection Fashion Show on February 8, which kicks-off New York Fashion Week.
This year marks the fifth year Diet Coke will play an active role in The Heart Truth ® campaign. Diet Coke is taking its efforts online, on packaging and on the runway to call attention to women’s heart health educational programs. Minka Kelly will join Diet Coke and walk the Red Dress runway in a custom Diane von Furstenberg dress.
Diet Coke fans walked their own virtual runway by using their social networks to “show their hearts” for the cause and entering to win a chance to attend the annual Red Dress Collection Fashion Show. Using the hashtag “#ShowYourHeart,” people shared photos of themselves wearing red via Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram. The entries were judged, and the five best photos were selected. Minka Kelly then judged the five winning photos to choose one grand prize winner, who received a shopping spree with a style expert. All five winners will be attending this week’s event.
“I loved the creativity the winners showed in their photos, and now I can’t wait to show off Ms. von Furstenberg’s creation and raise awareness at the Red Dress Collection Fashion Show,” said Minka Kelly. “Heart health is important for women of every age, and it’s up to each of us to help spread the word to the women we love.”
In addition to the dress Minka Kelly will be wearing in the Fashion Show, Diane von Furstenberg created a limited-edition collection of Diet Coke aluminum bottles featuring her iconic prints. The bottles will be sold in select Diane von Furstenberg stores in New York and on DVF.com during the month of February. Proceeds from the bottle sales will benefit the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), in support of The Heart Truth ® and women’s heart health research and educational programs.
The Heart Truth ® supporters can also help raise funds for the cause by “donating a tweet.” For each person who re-tweets Diet Coke’s The Heart Truth ® post on February 8, Diet Coke will donate $1 to the FNIH, up to $100,000.
Throughout the month of February, Diet Coke drinkers also will be treated to special packaging featuring the now familiar stick figure painting a large, red heart. Additionally, more than six billion packages of Diet Coke will feature The Heart Truth ® logo throughout the year.
“For five years, Diet Coke has been a passionate supporter of The Heart Truth ® and its efforts to raise awareness about the importance of heart health,” said William White, Brand Director, Diet Coke North America. “While we’ve shared this vital message with millions of people through our partnership with the NHLBI, we’ll reach even more this year with creative online programs, in-store activations and eye-catching packaging.”
Through successful heart health educational programs and with the support of scores of people dedicated to the cause, including Diet Coke fans, awareness of heart disease among women has nearly doubled in the last 12 years. More than half (54%) of women recognize that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, up from 30 percent in 1997.*
Promotions and Advertising
Diet Coke is activating national heart health programs with key retail and restaurant customers across the nation, including SUBWAY ® Restaurants. Together with Diet Coke, SUBWAY® will donate $50,000 toward heart health education and research programs. SUBWAY® fans can also help trigger an additional $50,000 for the cause. For every fan who uploads their own photo using the hashtag “#SUBWAYHeartTruth” from now until February 29, a $1 donation will be made to the FNIH, up to $50,000. The SUBWAY® restaurant chain, is ranked “number one” by consumers in the Zagat® Fast Food Survey in the “Healthy Options” category and their FRESH FIT® menu options include sandwiches and salads containing 6 grams of fat or less and “better for you” sides and drinks, such as yogurt, apple slices, low-fat milk, bottled water and sparkling beverages.
The Heart Truth ® is also supported by advertising and digital initiatives. Diet Coke’s support of The Heart Truth ® is another expression of Coca-Cola’s Live Positively commitment to encourage active, healthy lifestyles in the lives of people and communities.
The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world’s most valuable brand, our Company’s portfolio features 15 billion dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of 1.7 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world’s top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system employees. For more information, please visit www.thecoca-colacompany.com or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo.
The Heart Truth® Campaign
The Heart Truth ® is a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease and is sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Through the campaign, the NHLBI leads the nation in a landmark heart health awareness movement that is being embraced by millions who share the common goal of better heart health for all women.
The centerpiece of The Heart Truth ® is the Red Dress, which was introduced as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002 by the NHLBI. The Red Dress ® reminds women of the need to protect their heart health, and inspires them to take action.
To learn more, visit www.hearttruth.gov.
Photos by PRPhotos
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Thousands of sky lanterns released into evening sky
Taiwan celebrates the year of the dragon by releasing thousands of floating sky lanterns that decorated the evening sky, ahead of the annual lantern festival.
The festival, which is scheduled on February 6 this year, is celebrated on the first full moon night or fifteen days after the Chinese new year, which also marks the end of new year celebrations.
On a 20 feet (6 meter) tall giant lantern, the recently re-elected president Ma Ying-jeou wrote “Dragon in the sky offers protection to Taiwan.”
The dragon is the symbol of emperor and excellence in traditional Taiwanese belief, and the year of the dragon is considered especially auspicious for the Taiwanese people.
Participants of the event brought their prayers for the upcoming year to Pingxi Township in New Taipei City, where the event is held annually.
“I wish I and the people I love, my family and friends, stay in peace and good health. And I wish for a salary increase, and to win the lottery,” said 33-year-old Lee Wen-chiao.
The magnificent view fascinated first timer Chen Guo-bao.
“This is my first time here to release a sky lantern, I am very happy. It is a good feeling to see so many lanterns released into the sky,” said 32-year-old Chen.
According to history of Pingxi Township, the lanterns were first used as a tool to help protect the safety of townspeople, but gradually evolved to become a way to send prayers to heaven.
The lanterns, also called “Kongming Lanterns”, was believed to be an invention by Zhuge Kongming, the military mastermind in the Three Kingdoms era (220-280 A.D.), as a communication tool for the army.
Others believe the name “Kongming Lanterns” comes from the shape which looks like the hat worn by Zhuge Kongming in his portraits.
The wide-topped hot air balloons made of cotton paper and bamboo, which allows hot air to fill up, and the bamboo ring at the bottom holds 12 sheets of paper money at the center as the wick.
Once the paper money starts burning, the lantern is held on the ground for a minute then released up the sky.
PIC drug reaction takes two more lives, toll reaches 131
The death toll could not be controlled despite the guideline issued by the health department regarding use of medicines.
Two more patients including 55-year-old Shahida and Ghulam Ali died today in Services Hospital Lahore.due to spurious medicines. Shahida Bibi was resident of Rang Mahal area while Ghulam Ali belonged to Kasur.
The number of deaths due to spurious medicines has reached 131 in the Punjab province.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has appointed Dr Javed as Medical Superintendent (MS) of Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC).
Elizabeth Banks opens up about having a surrogate carry child
TrendPK.com: Elizabeth Banks welcomed a child into her life last year after having a surrogate carry the baby, a complicated matter that she is opening up about.
Banks recently revealed to ‘Women’s Health’ that there is one thought that kept her going during the time where she was not the one who was pregnant, states People. “Once my focus became the baby and not the pregnancy, it was a very easy decision,” Banks admitted.
Banks and her husband, Max Handelman, were unsuccessful in getting pregnant which is why she chose another path that brought them their new son.
Do you like her opening up about this process?
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Image by PR Photos
Malaria toll far higher than thought: study
Malaria kills more than 1.2 million people a year, nearly 50 percent more than previously thought, and inflicts a high toll among adults and older children and not just toddlers, a new investigation says.
But there is also good news: deaths from the mosquito-borne disease have in fact been falling sharply thanks to access to better drugs and insecticide-treated nets.
Published in The Lancet on Friday, the study by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, Seattle, says malaria killed at least 1.2 million people worldwide in 2010.
The estimate will be a likely shock for health policymakers. Only last September the UN-backed Roll Back Malaria (RBM) calculated mortality in 2009 at 781,000.
The higher figure, say the US researchers, derives from wider and more reliable data, including use of a technique called “verbal autopsy”.
Under this, investigators interview relatives of someone who has recently died in order to help pinpoint the cause of death. In many poor countries which lack medical infrastructure, mortality is often poorly probed or misidentified.
The new study skewers the belief that the overwhelming majority of malaria deaths occur among the under-fives.
In 2010, more than 78,000 children aged five to 14, and more than 445,000 aged 15 or older, died of malaria, together accounting for 42 percent of the total.
From 1985, says the paper, malaria deaths grew every year, peaking at 1.8 million in 2004.
But from 2004, the toll fell every year. Between 2007 and 2010, the decline has been particularly acute — more than seven percent every year — and the big beneficiary has been Africa.
Among the stars are Tanzania and Zambia, which saw deaths fall by more than 30 percent between 2004 and 2010.
The source of the decline lies in the increased use of artemisinin drugs, replacing medications to which the malaria parasite has become resistant, and the widening distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets, says the probe.
The major players in this campaign are the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, RBM and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis. Funding rose from less than 250 million dollars annually in 2001 to more than two billion in 2009.
The study warns of the dangers if the momentum is lost, especially in the shortfall of support for the Global Fund.
In last September s estimate, RBM said mortality from malaria fell from 984,000 in 2000 to 781,000 in 2009, a decline of 38 percent if the world s population growth over this period is factored in.
The new study was funded by the Gates Foundation; however, the IHME is an independent research institution and The Lancet is a peer-reviewed journal.
