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Alta Bates Summit Medical Center fined $71000 for violating safety procedure

Mar 27, 2015 by Karla Fetrow 1 Comment

OAKLAND, California – Alta Bates Summit Medical Center whose investigations of having violated safety procedure has been found to be positive and has sincebeen ordered to pay $71,000. And what was defined as violation of safety procedure?

It was alleged that the hospital did not place 23 suspected tuberculosis patients in working isolated treatment rooms an incident that was said to expose other Alta Bates patients, staff, and visitors to the risk of potential infection.

It is also alleged that the hospital did not provide an adequate number of Powered Air Purifying Respirators which was a violation of the new regulations that were adopted in November in an effort to take care of patients suspected to have Ebola.

The violation which was discovered way back in 2012 came into the limelight as state officials investigated another violation that had taken place in 2009 which was said to be a major one. The 2009 violation had incapacitated an Oakland Police Officer and a respiratory technician from what was referred to as consequent exposure to meningococcal disease.

“It is important that all hospitals take up full responsibility of equipping themselves with functional isolation rooms so as to protect the public from epidemics that are easily spread.” This was said by CNA co-president Zenei Cortez while stressing that there had been an Ebola crisis in the recent months which is increasing by day.

However, Sutter Health has come out clearly to fight back the California Nurses Association accounts of accusations. According to Carolyn Kemp, Sutter Health spokeswoman, “the review data of the hospital indicates that no patients or staff were put at risk.”

As it is now, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center will not only pay the fine but will also be expected to input its efforts in ensuring that precautions are taken and changes to correct the violations are put in place. This includes doing a revision of its disease exposure control plan, obtaining enough respirators and having an airborne infection isolation ward.

New York’s East Village on fire following a restaurant gas explosion

Mar 27, 2015 by Karla Fetrow Leave a Comment

New York – Twenty five people have been confirmed injured and four others critically injured following an explosion caused two 2nd Avenue buildings to collapse as two other buildings caught fire. The explosion is said to have been caused by construction workers from Sushi Restaurant who accidentally hit a gas line.

Apparently, Consolidated Edison inspectors, a gas and electric utility company had visited the building just an hour earlier and just before the intense flames consumed the building. It is from the same building where they had made it clear that the gas-related work being donewas ‘unacceptable because a space for the new meters wasn’t big enough.

The first reports of the disaster that people are possibly trapped on upper floors of the buildings hastened the response of Rescue crews who converged quickly.

Twenty minutes later firefighters were on the ground and on ladders pouring water on the flames that were leaping the three stories from the roof of the buildings.

One 23-year-old Nicholas Figueroa and who had taken a co – worker for lunch at Sushi Park has been reported missing. According to his family who accessed a bank statement, Figueroa has spent $13.04 at the restaurant.

He could not be traced neither from the makeshift Red Cross center that had been set up at the neighborhood nor at the nearby hospital. Among the injured are four firefighters and one EMS worker while two more people are yet to be accounted for.

Troy Hinson who is a resident at East Village and who lives three blocks away from the site of the explosion explained that it took place when he was walking towards the restaurant. “I felt the entire street shudder and one could literally feel the ripple inside you”. Troy stated when being interviewed on the same.

The residents of four damaged or destroyed buildings have since been offered a free three-night stay by a hotel nearby while other local restaurants offered free meals.

New York Mayor Bill De Blasio (D) has since warned of drawing conclusions citing that firefighters are yet to go through the rumbles.

Image Credits: Reuters.

1989 Sitcom ‘Coach’ makes a comeback on NBC

Mar 27, 2015 by Karla Fetrow Leave a Comment

The popular sitcom of the 90s, Coach will be making a comeback in the Television network. Craig T Nelson would remain as the protagonist of the TV series. 13 episodes will be broadcasted this season and Nelson will be playing the role of Hayden Fox. He will also make an appearance in ‘Get Hard’, which was released today in the Southwest Film Festival. The sitcom will be broadcasted on NBC and Barry Kemp will remain as the writer of the TV series.

It will be 18 years and 9 seasons since its comeback. However, there shall be slight change in the story. Hayden Fox will no longer be the Head Coach. Instead, he will be called upon by his son, who is now the new head coach of an Ivy League’s football team in Pennsylvania, as an assistant coach. The school is coming up with a new football team for the league. Craig Nelson also won an Emmy award in 1992 for the television series.

The details on the other castings of the TV series were not mentioned in the release. Also, no fixed date was provided for the first episode of season 10. The release of the 1990s sitcom proves how hard TV broadcasting channels have found to create original yet funny sitcoms.

The TV series, which broadcasted its pilot episode in the 1989, is originally focused on the relationship between Fox and his daughter. He would adopt a son along with his wife. The son would eventually follow the footsteps of his father. Nelson and Kemp shall be the executive producers of the comedy. It will be a multi-camera TV series like the original broadcast.

However, Coach is the second popular TV sitcom to get a sequel series, which also managed to get original creators and stars. Earlier in 2014, Disney channel had successfully launched “Boy Meets World” offshoot “Girl Meets World”. It was also renewed for a second season.

Investigators carry out background search on Germanwings Co-Pilot Andreas Lubitz

Mar 27, 2015 by Karla Fetrow Leave a Comment

Germany – French prosecutors are claiming that Andreas Lubitzwho friends say was “rather quiet,” “polite” and “fun, could have intentionally crashed the Germanwings Flight 9525 which killed him and 149 other individuals onboard.

However, more focus is also being put into the co-pilot background which led to the raiding of his apartment along with his parents’ home in Montabaur, Germany earlier in the week. The raid was expected to shed some light as to why or what would have driven the 27Year old into committing mass murder.

A spokesman has indicated that they are hopeful that papers collected form his house alongside other items would shed some light into the whole matter.

Germany’s Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere has since clarified that as per the current state of affairs, there is no single evidence that would link the co–pilot to any form of terrorism acts.

The only thing that has been mentioned Lufthansa’s chief executive, CarstenSpohr where Andreas undertook his studies is that he had interrupted his training in 2009 but Carsten did not explain the reasons though he confirmed that he has passed well in all his medical exams.

However, according to the German newspaper Bild, the co–pilot had spent a year-and-a-half receiving psychiatric treatment and on several occasions, he had to repeat his flying classes because of depression. Bild further reported that he was diagnosed with a “severe depressive episode” in 2009. Lufthansa is yet to respond to Bild’s allegations.

French prosecutor Brice Robin, who narrated the chilling accounts of the flight’s final 10 minutes which killed the six crew members, said that it could only have been deliberate. “The victims may only have realized at the last minute.” Robin said which led to screams before the impact.

Word has it that Andreas may have taken advantage of being alone in the cockpit hence initiating the dive that ended in a crash. This has since led to an introduction of a rule that will ensure the presence of two people at the cockpit at any one time.

Adanna Duru eliminated from American Idol 2015

Mar 26, 2015 by Karla Fetrow Leave a Comment

In recent developments, UC Riverside student Adanna Duru was eliminated from this year’s American Idol. Making it to the top 11, she was eliminated along with Maddie Walker on Wednesday. The judges of the hit television series chose to use their power to save Qaasim Middleton this week. David Hasselhoff was the special guest last night.

In a TV interview, the 18 year old from Diamond Bar told that she intended to keep pursuing her musical career. Judges Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban advised her to concentrate more on the lower parts. Jennifer Lopez also advised her to connect more with the emotions of the song.

It was an 80s theme broadcast. Hasselhoff had even performed a medley dedicating it to the 80s. He also had delivered the results. He started the show with the song “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” from Queen. He would then sing “Walking on Sunshine”, sung originally by Katrina and the Waves. Other songs included ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’, Do You Really Wanna Hurt Me and Let’s Dance. They were originally sung by Rick Astley, Culture Club and David Bowie respectively.

He ended his two-minute-long performance with “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll”, originally belonging to Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. In an interview, Hasselhoff mentioned that it was hard for him to choose only 6 songs. He wanted to add a little humor and entertain people.

Daniel Seavey had been the first contestant and took up the song: You Make My Dreams by Hall & Oates. Judges thought the song had suited his voice. Joey Cook sang “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper. Quentin Alexander sang “In The Air Tonight”, belonging to Phil Collins originally.

The song “I wanted to Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston was sung by Tyanna Jones. Judges commended her on the amazing performance. Rayvon Owen, Maddie Walker and Adanna Duru were the bottom three contestants this week.

Hysterical reactions over Zayn Malik exiting from One Direction boyband

Mar 26, 2015 by Karla Fetrow Leave a Comment

Washington – The news that Zayn Malik who is one of singers of One Direction was leaving the group were received in hysterical reactions with many fans across the globe registering devastation about the move. However, the move did not only have effects on Malik’s fans but Harry Styles who is one of the band members also broke down in tears when he took to the stage together with the remaining three band members.

A statement from One Direction read in part and stated that “though we totally respect his decision, we are saddened by the same. The past five years that he has been part of us were amazing since we have endured through so much together as friends. However, the four of us shall continue with the band but we wish and send him all our love in his next move”.

There is a hint according toX Factor judge Louis Walsh that Zayn’s decision to walk away from pop stardom may have been contributed by his fractious relationship with fiancée Perrie Edwards.

“Previously and as the band members get girlfriends, I have found that they will whisper things into their ears while enticing them to be solo stars”. Louis stated while speaking to an Irish Radio Station.

Zayn in his 62years has previously managed Boyzone and Westlife. “With the first five years having been great, people always want to go solo” This he stated while confirming that he had left the band to look out for a 22year old feeling that would give him both private time to relax while being away from the spot light.

To counter his reasons for exit, former pop singer Sinitta has come out clearly to state that Zayn was an introvert, a personality that was not suitable to be stardom. However he had an incredible voice, really sweet but was very shy.

The remaining members of the band are Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne and Niall Horan who vowed to continue despite Zayn’s absence.

Jeremy Clarkson faces a sack from BBC and a possible police probe for “unprovoked” attack

Mar 26, 2015 by Karla Fetrow Leave a Comment

United Kingdom–Reports indicate that Jeremy Clarkson’s contract with BBC will not be renewed at the end of the month since he has been sacked following what was termed as ‘unprovoked’ attack on his producer Oisin Tymon. The sack decision of the largely famous presenter on the BBC’s “Top Gear” was concluded after BBC concluded its investigations into the unprovoked verbal and physical attack.

However, even after the sack, he is not likely to be off the hook since the police have not finished assessing the allegations to the incident which are contained in the Corporations official report.

BBC indicates that Mr Tymon was subjected to a 30 second physical attack which took place at the Simonstone Hotel in Hawes and only ended at the intervention of a witness. The report further claimed that Mr. Tymon who was left with a split lip after the attack sort treatment at a local hospital where he drove himself to.

However, Clarkson reported himself to BBC management even before Tymon made a formal complain to the police who have since confirmed that they are investigating the matter. “We are liaising with BBC management about the alleged incident where Jeremy Clarkson is involved”. A police spokesman from North Yorkshire said.

“We are however waiting for a detailed report findings from BBC’s internal investigations into the matter for appropriate assessment and action taking on Jeremy hence it would not be good enough for us to comment at this point.” The police spokesman added.

It is still not very clear what will happen to Top Gear after James and Richard Hammond indicated that they were likely to walk out of the show out of solidarity with Clarkson.

“Clarkson’s sacking is a tragedy and three of us are package. As much as BBC’s decision is within the law, the whole incidence has been blown out of proportion”. This was said by May.

BBC’s creative director Alan Yentob however has stated that he would not rule out Clarkson’s return to the BBC in future.

NFL Player Devon confirms his daughter’s cancer is in remission on Instagram

Mar 26, 2015 by Karla Fetrow Leave a Comment

Washington – NFL player Devon Still is now in full acceptance that his daughter’s cancer is in remission. This is following the news that Still shared on instagram while acknowledging and thanking everyone for their overwhelming support in dealing with his daughter’s diagnosis.

“Leah was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma on June 2 2014 and this is most devastating day of my life”. Part of an emotional caption from the Instagram read. “It was not easy for her but with everyday treatment Leah fought courageously and kicked the cancers butt”.

However, 296 days later and on the 25^th March 2015, Leah’s family was celebrating the news from her oncologist that the cancer was officially in remission. Doctors stated that no tests could reveal any active trace of cancer in Leah’s body. “This was definitely positive news to me and the funny thing is that I cannot explain the feeling. All I can do is smile and hug her,” Still exclaimed.

Still was however quick to explain that despite the good news, the family was still cautious about the days ahead since Leah is not yet done, with treatments. Her immune system is still being observed so as to build back any damage from the chemo and to make sure that the cancer cells do not find their way back.

“Leah has been so brave and inspirational regardless of having been given a 50 percent chance of survival hence I am hoping that she remains healthy and happy.” Still who has signed a one – year deal with Cincinnati said as he posted an Instagram photo of a jovial Leah giving a fist bump.

He had been using the social media to give regular updates on how daughter his daughter was progressing with the cancer battle. He was lost for words with his long list of thank you to friends, fans, doctors and medical professionals, donors to cancer charities, the Bengals and to all those who sent gifts, words of encouragement and more prayers for Leah

Researchers discover a frog that changes skin textures in Ecuador’s Andean cloud forest

Mar 26, 2015 by Karla Fetrow Leave a Comment

Katherine and Tim Krynak are the researchers behind the discovery of frog living in Ecuador’s western Andean cloud forest and one which is said to change the texture of its skin to conform to the texture it’s sitting on.

According to the researchers, this is a new species of its kind and the first vertebrate to be discovered with such trait since this ability is more common in the mutable species of rain frog and generally in invertebrates like octopus.

The two researchers from Reserva Las Gralariasused a cup to capture their specimen and it took to the house. Come morning, they thought they had captured the wrong frog but putting it back to the cup which some moss it had it spines back.

The frog sprouts tiny spikes when around moss but the same spikes disappear when the frog is away from the moss which makes the frog’s skin turn smooth.

After analyzing the frog to understand its texture-changing ability, the researchers established that the frog which has been named Pristimantis mutabilis close to three minutes to change its skin textures. However, a relative of P. mutabilis called Prismantis sobetes was also tested and found to have the same feature.

The frog is able to blend into mossy habitats through the help of its spines and coloration. This makes it hard for the predators to identify them. However, how the change of texture helps to elude predators according to the researchers still needs to be tested.

Katherine who is a PhD student at Case Western Reserve University stated that the discovery of the new species is incredible since one would not think of anything of that kind. As such, she stressed that we should not close doors to new discoveries.

Based on the fact that two species of frogs can ominously change their appearance would have a broader implication on the identification of species. However, the researchers have stressed on the need for longer observations and photographsto ensure that one shape-changing speciesis not identifies as two species.

Scientists indicate a possibility of life habitability in Mars after the discovery of Nitrogen

Mar 25, 2015 by Karla Fetrow Leave a Comment

Greenbelt – Scientists are at the verge of concluding that Mars can host life as a result of the presence of Nitrogen in it which was detected for the first time by NASA’s Curiosity rover on Mars in the form of nitric oxide. This adds to more shock of what the scientists are already experiencing as a result of its one-by-one revolution.

There is a lot of speculation from the researchers that this nitric acid is the product used to decompose nitrates in the planet a theory that was reached after the heating of the collected samples. According to one of the scientists “the samples which were collected from three sites had more nitrogen than what could be accounted from the known terrestrial sources.”

The scientist went further to explain the significance of their findings by stating that for synthesis of crucial biomolecules, terrestrial life requires a fixed form of nitrogen. Hence the discovery of this indigenous fixed nitrogen and its sediments may have a consequence on the previous habitability potential of Mars.

However while it’s well known that Nitrogen is essential element to any form of life,NASA was quick to clarify that no evidence has been gathered as yet that would give dictate the creation of life by the fixed nitrogen molecules.

Nitrogen carries the genetic information for life for the known fact that it is building block of DNA and RNA. This is besides its other role of bonding the proteins that make up certain body arts like hair and nails.

The NASA team has this thinking that the nitrates are of ancient times and must have come from a non – biological process the likes of meteorite impacts.

The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite that was used for this discovery was built with substantial elements that were provided by industry, university, both national and international NASA partners. French Space Agency (CNES) came in with the funding of the project.