| Helping women start tech firms
Kris Appel stood before investors this week and delivered a seven-minute pitch on the market viability of an exercise device that helps stroke survivors regain their arm movement.
The presentation at a biosciences conference in Baltimore was Appel's latest effort to raise money for her startup company, which grew out of a program that trains and helps women start technology-based businesses.
Called ACTiVATE, the backbone of the program gives women access to technology and research created by the region's laboratories and universities with a goal of commercializing such homegrown innovations. Since its start in 2005, the program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County has produced 12 startups, including Appel's.
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Save your life, have a health check
READING about preventing catastrophic illness is as unpleasant as reading the fine print on a will, power of attorney or a life insurance policy. Facing our mortality and learning about preventing heart, lung or kidney failure, strokes, amputations, dementia and hip replacements, is not easy, but we should do it as a necessary part of protecting those we love. As medical technologies keep our ageing population alive longer, the over-50s age group will become a heavy burden on the young. The escalating costs of healthcare and private health insurance; the increasing strain on accident and emergency departments, hospitals and nursing homes and the worsening medical and nursing shortage have been identified by the new federal Labor Government as a first-order economic challenge.
New sex-offender laws, meant to protect, may instead ruin lives and increase risks
Everything began with babysitting. Michael's mother often made him watch her boyfriend's 7-year-old son, Aaron. One afternoon, while his mother was working, 15-year-old Michael performed oral sex on Aaron, and on at least three occasions persuaded the child to fondle him in return. What happened during those afternoons remained secret until Aaron tried to touch a cousin, who told his parents. Together, the boys' families dug out the truth about Michael. What he did may have been an echo of what was done to him. Michael said he spent the first half of his life being sexually abused by a grandfather who held his grandson on his naked lap. “Growing up, I had been through some sexual situations with older people, so I think it was acting out of curiosity.
GOP VIPs ponder David Iglesias fallout
Damron from the ticket last year in favor of John Dendahl. Dendahl wound up receiving little support from the state party and stumbled to a historic defeat, then left the state with a less-than-generous benediction. "The Republican Party is mortally wounded," Cargo, who sits on the party's central committee, said. "But once Bill (Richardson) leaves and these indictments come down, there may not be much left of the Democratic Party either." For now, at least, Democrats seemed happy to watch the unfolding battle in their opponent's camp. Matt Farrauto, the executive director of the New Mexico Democratic Party, said he had little to add to what had already been reported, but did his best. Brutally parodying an episode last year in which Domenici was seen at his Capital Hill office wearing what were described as pajamas - Domenici said they were actually hunting pants - Farrauto said it was increasingly clear the venerable senator was vulnerable.
Holiday stress can lead to depression
While most people are singing carols and wrapping gifts during the holidays, those who struggle with mental illness often feel increased pain and isolation. Terese Gessler knows, because she's been there. "The bigness of it, how it comes across as being a very extreme holiday," said Gessler, 38, who was diagnosed with major depression and anxiety at age 14. "The stresses that go with it shopping, parties, family gatherings." Although statistics show that suicides in Sheboygan County aren't higher than at other times of the year, mental health professionals and law enforcement officers in Sheboygan see the result of the increased stress and pressure Christmas can bring. "This can be a very lonely, depressing time for people," said Beverly Randall of Mental Health America in Sheboygan County.
Greene County arrest report
Adams. Bobby Earl Jones, 31, 1967 Griffin Road, Snow Hill, Jan. 12, misdemeanor simple assault on a female. Bond: None set. Arresting officer: B. Voeller. Richard Lee Cook, 30, 2403 Gurganus Road, Snow Hill, Jan. 12, misdemeanor larceny. Bond: $1,000. Arresting officer: P. Heck. Jose Valle Bernal, 35, 176 Margret Drive, Snow Hill, Jan. 12, misdemeanor communicating threats. Bond: None set. Arresting officer: B. Conwell. Eddie Earl Hall Jr., 43, 4667 U.S. 123, Maury, Jan. 12, misdemeanor unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Bond: $1,500. Arresting officer: B. Hatch. Buddy James Tripp, 27, Rt. 4, Box 74A Green Acres, Snow Hill, Jan. 13, misdemeanor larceny, misdemeanor drug violations - equipment/paraphernalia. Bond: None set. Arresting officer: J. Morris. Quentin Earl Johnson, 18, 3436 Beamon Old Creek Road, Snow Hill, Jan.
Tattle | Was tour the cure? Police eye a new album
Tom Sizemore says he's done with drugs. "I'm not trading my whole life for some powder," the 45-year-old actor told The Bakersfield Californian in a jailhouse interview. He's serving time for violating probation and will be released next month. "God's trying to tell me he doesn't want me using drugs because every time I use them I get caught," Sizemore said. Sometimes God works in mysterious ways. Then there are those other times. Halle's hyperbolic The pregnancy hormones are flowing for pregnant Halle Berry, whose comments to "Extra's" AJ Calloway at the New York premiere of her film, "Things We Lost in the Fire" were so ripe with emotion they required multiple exclamation points in translation. "It's an exciting time in my life!!" she declared. And, regarding her model boyfriend and baby daddy Gabriel Aubry: "He's an excellent cook.
The 14 Juiciest Celeb Meltdowns
Pre-Meltdown: The wickedly talented son of underground filmmaker Robert Downey. Nominated for an Oscar in 1993 for Chaplin. Low Points: First sent to prison in 1997 on drug-related charges. Would visit the clink twice more in the next few years. Is alleged to have stumbled into a stranger's house one evening while intoxicated, falling asleep on their child's bed.Why it was fascinating: In spite of the trips to jail and rehab, Robert still managed to turn in sober-appearing performances on Ally McBeal during this period.Current Status: Now married and working steadily, RDJ's demons seem to be gone (or at least in hiding)Click HERE to return to the full list. .
A Look Back: The 2007 Reality TV Year In Review
Barba survives Idol's first sixth-season semifinals round, makes the Top 20. Former The Surreal Life housemate Jordan Knight welcomes a second son. More racy photos of Barba surface, Fox remains mum about them. Jennifer Hudson wins the best supporting actress Oscar. Reports that NBC is giving Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham her own reality show emerge. Barba's best friend claims the more explicit photos aren't of her. American Idol's producers announce Barba won't be disqualified over the photos. Ryan Seacrest, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson all voice support for Barba. Former Dancing star Sara Evans claims her husband is stalling their divorce. Paris Hilton learns her traffic stop could result in jail time. Vincent "Big Pussy" Pastore lives up to his The Sopranos character's nickname and quits Dancing with the Stars 4 before the competition even begins.
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