New Agreement Signed with UNESCO on Astronomy & World Heritage

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The International Astronomical Union (IAU) and UNESCO have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding at UNESCO's Headquarters. The agreement has been concluded in the framework of the thematic initiative Astronomy and World Heritage, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary. The purpose of the initiative is to reinforce the links between science and culture by highlighting the importance of heritage linked to astronomy.

The participants at the signing ceremony included Professor Thierry Montmerle, General Secretary of the International Astronomical Union (IAU); Mr. Kishore Rao, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Center; Professor Clive Ruggles, IAU Special Advisor, UNESCO Liaison, Ms. Anna Sidorenko, Coordinator, thematic initiative Astronomy and World Heritage, World Heritage Center.

Professor Thierry Montmerle expressed the IAU's commitment to ensuring the implementation of the initiative and said: "I would like to convey our gratitude to the UNESCO World Heritage Center for its efforts in promoting astronomical heritage. Thanks to this initiative and our collaboration astronomy exists now in the third dimension -- the history of astronomy is documented both through time and across continents."

Mr. Kishore Rao expressed appreciation for the fruitful collaboration, and congratulated the IAU on having made all the necessary efforts to enhance collaboration between the scientific and cultural communities, in support of the World Heritage Convention; and provide an opportunity to raise public awareness about this particular type of heritage.

The three-year agreement commits UNESCO and the IAU to promote astronomical sites and provide states party to the World Heritage Convention with expertise, as they prepare nominations for locations to be included in the World Heritage List of exceptional sites that bear witness to major breakthroughs in the development of scientific knowledge. This is a step towards the recognition of the importance of the worldwide astronomical heritage, and its role in enriching lives throughout history and promoting international exchange.

UNESCO and the IAU signed a first memorandum within the framework of the thematic initiative on Astronomy and World Heritage in 2008. It was renewed in 2010 and implemented through close cooperation between UNESCO's World Heritage Center and the IAU, sparking off a series of activities entitled "Astronomy and World Heritage; across time and continents." It also led to the publication of a thematic work on astronomical heritage, compiled in cooperation with the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), to the creation of a web portal (http://www2.astronomicalheritage.net) on the history of astronomical heritage and to the organization of numerous seminars and conferences on the subject.

Contacts: Lars Lindberg Christensen IAU Press Officer Garching bei Muenchen, Germany +49 89 320 06 761, cell: +49 173 38 72 621 lars@eso.org

Thierry Montmerle IAU General Secretary Paris, France +33 1 43 25 83 58 montmerle@iap.fr

Thematic Initiative Astronomy and World Heritage: http://whc.unesco.org/en/astronomy/

The IAU is an international astronomical organization of more than 10,000 professional astronomers from more than 90 countries. Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognized authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and surface features on them.

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The U.S. Aerospace And Defense Sector Composite Spread Stays Steady Amid Sequester-Related Furloughs – Video

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The U.S. Aerospace And Defense Sector Composite Spread Stays Steady Amid Sequester-Related Furloughs
U.S. aerospace and defense sector spreads remained steady despite the furloughs brought on by the sequester cuts. In this CreditMatters TV segment, Associate...

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The U.S. Aerospace And Defense Sector Composite Spread Stays Steady Amid Sequester-Related Furloughs - Video

Rolls-Royce aerospace boss leaves after only four months

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Topics: aircraft, bribary, investigation, mark king, rolls-royce, serious fraud office

ROLLS-ROYCE has been rocked by the resignation of its aerospace boss today, in the midst of an investigation into bribery allegations in Indonesia and China.

The departure of Mark King, who was only made president of the engine maker's aerospace division in January, comes as former McKinsey man Ian Davis became chairman of Rolls-Royce today at its annual general meeting.

A leading aerospace analyst said that King had been considered the "rising star" of Rolls-Royce's leadership team and did not accept the company's official, but non-specific, claim that he had left for "personal reasons".

The Serious Fraud Office has an ongoing probe into allegations that Rolls-Royce representatives paid bribes so as to win lucrative aerospace engine contracts in Asia.

King, who joined the company in 1986, was president of the civil aerospace division until taking on the entirety of the aerospace business at the start of the year.

The analyst added that the move might also help to "consolidate the position" of Rolls-Royce chief executive John Rishton, who succeeded long-term boss Sir John Rose in 2011. He also pointed out that Rolls-Royce has lost several decades-worth of experience recently, as the finance director of nine years, Andrew Shilston, also left at the end of 2011.

The news was released as part of Rolls-Royce's statement on trading for the first three months of the year. The company said that it expected "modest growth" in its key revenue and profit numbers over the course of the whole year.

Rolls-Royce handed over the findings of its own inquiry into the scandal in Asia to the SFO earlier this year. There have been reports that the SFO is considering settling with Rolls-Royce through a civil recovery order, under which no criminal charges would be made.

As a non-executive director at BP, Davis helped the oil giant restore its finances and reputation in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

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Rolls-Royce aerospace boss leaves after only four months

Rolls-Royce aerospace head quits as bribery fears mount

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Britain's biggest manufacturer is at the centre of a potentially explosive corruption scandal.

Last September, Mark King, the head of civil aerospace at Rolls-Royce , was hosting some very special guests at the jet engine maker's new state-of-the-art facility in Singapore.

King was showing the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (SES: E1:J91U.SI - news) around the giant Seletar campus, which makes Trent (BSE: TRENT.BO - news) engines for the Airbus A380 and the new Boeing (NYSE: BA - news) 787 Dreamliner.

The Duchess was invited to fit the last blade to a Trent 900 engine and turned to King and the Duke with a smile and "fist pump" when she succeeded.

"Here is cutting-edge aerospace technology developed by one of the United Kingdom's great global companies," the Duke said in a speech to the company.

King replied: "We are proud and delighted to welcome their Royal Highnesses to Rolls-Royce as we celebrate two important milestones today: the completion of our first batch of wide-chord fan blades and the completion of the first Trent aero engine assembled and tested in Singapore."

The visit obviously went well for Rolls, because four months later King, who had been running the civil aerospace business since August 2007, was promoted to the expanded role of president of aerospace.

This job combined Rolls' civil aerospace and defence aerospace businesses, meaning that King was responsible for three-quarters of the revenues and profits of Rolls, one of Britain's biggest companies. However, on Thursday, Rolls-Royce shocked the City when as part of its trading update it dedicated one terse line to the fact that King will leave the company.

Rolls said that King, who has worked for the business since 1986, had "decided to resign from the company at the end of June", but gave no reason for his departure.

Given his importance at Rolls and the fact he was promoted only four months ago, analysts were unsettled.

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HSA concerned about Burnaby lab closure

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5/3/2013

The President of the Health Sciences Association says he's alarmed by a plan to shut down the microbiology lab at Burnaby General Hospital and have the service centralized elsewhere, possibly in Surrey.

"Are we restructuring health care via calculator, via accounting principals, or are we doing it because it's the best practises for clincal service?"

Reid Johnson says given Burnaby General's history of deadly C-difficle outbreaks, this won't add up to the best care for patients.

"What we have seen in other hospitals where the microbiology lab's ability to test for these things has been taken out of the hospital...there is a time delay, so you don't know how to treat people."

He says Burnaby General Hospital has had 84 or more C-difficile deaths over the last couple of years.

Lower Mainland Labs says they are not shutting down the lab, despite claims from the union.

Executive Director of Pathology Edward Ratnarah says staff are not going to be affected when a portion of the lab is moved to Royal Columbian Hospital.

"We are not shutting down the whole microbiology lab we are only shutting down a portion of it and we are moving just the analytical portion of the testing to Royal Columbian. The consultative services, all the medical staff, they are all remaining, and the staff services that is also remaining at Burnaby hospital."

Ratnarah says consolidation will address problems with an aging work force which is leading to challenges in retaining staff.

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Longevity Global Inc. Now Offers FORCECUT 42i Plasma Cutters at Reasonable Prices

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HAYWARD, Calif., May 3, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - Longevity Global Inc., renowned industrial equipment provider, is offering FORCECUT 42i plasma cutter at affordable price. The plasma cutter, made with industrial use in mind, delivers unmatched performance to the user. The item code of this generator is 880079.

A representative from the company said, "The FORCECUT 42i by LONGEVITY was made with the industrial user in mind. This 20-40 amp unit is packed to the brim with features. It comes equipped with IGBT technology which makes this unit lighter and more durable than comparable units. By using air pressure to move the electrode against the nozzle, the ForceCut(R) 42i creates the arc without any need for high frequency. This allows for easier CNC table integration without the worry of interference.

The ForceCut 42i uses digital meters to allow customers to adjust the unit to any amperage quickly, accurately, and easily. With the ForceCut(R) 42i plasma cutter, the Pilot Arc system automatically senses loss of voltage, auto-ignites the Pilot Arc allowing for the torch head to maintain an arc when cutting.

The plasma cutters available at this store are not only portable but also easy to apply and use. Apart from plasma cutters, this store also offers a wide range of plasma cutter for sale and welders that include MIG Wire Welders, TIG Welders, Stick Welders, Submerged ARC Welders, etc. amongst others. The other products that the store deals in are Tables, Wire Feeders, Guns & Torches, Consumables, etc. are some to name.

About the Company

Longevity Global Inc. is recognized worldwide for providing reliable, cutting, and power generating equipment. Since their start in 2001, they have earned great reputation through innovation, customer satisfaction, and industry leading production. Longevity welding, cutting, and power generating products are sold all over the world.

For further information on their offerings please visit http://www.longevity-inc.com

Contact Address: Longevity Global Inc. 23591 Foley Street Hayward, CA 94545 1.877.566.4462

This article was originally distributed on PRWeb. For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/longevity-inc-com/plasma-cutters-sale/prweb10699623.htm

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Scientists Discover a Brain Region That Controls Aging

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Turns out that the elusive Fountain of Youth may exist after all in our heads.

Scientists at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine say theyve discovered a brain region that may control aging throughout the entire body. By manipulating that region, they were able to extend the lives of mice by 20 percent. The finding, detailed in a paper published in Nature on May 1, may lead to new ways of warding off age-related diseases and increasing life spans.

The hypothalamus, an almond-size area of the brain, controls growth, reproduction, and metabolism but also initiates aging, according to the study. Dongsheng Cai, a physiologist at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, together with colleagues, realized this by tracking NF-B, a molecule that controls DNA transcription and is involved in inflammation and the bodily response to stress. They found that in mice, NF-B becomes more active in the hypothalamus with age.

Mice that were injected with a substance that inhibits NF-Bs activity lived longerup to 20 percent longerwhile those injected with a substance that stimulated the molecule died earlier.

Whats more, the inhibitor seems to block the lamentable physical decline that occurs with age. Six months after the initial experiment, mice that had been injected with inhibitors performed better than controls on cognition and movement tests. They also showed less age-related decline in muscle strength, skin thickness, bone mass, and tail-tendon integrity, according to an article in Nature.

Blocking NF-B had similar effects on male and female mice and produced anti-aging effects even in middle-aged mice.

David Sinclair, a molecular biologist at Harvard Medical School in Boston, called the study, a major breakthrough in aging research. He says it will likely benefit research into age-related diseases such as Alzheimers and arthritis.

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Life Well Lived

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In response to the growing medical tourism in Southeast Asia, Sofitel Philippine Plaza took the concept of the traditional spa to a whole new level by completely changing the game, with its recently opened health and aesthetic institute, the first inside a luxury hotel in the Philippines. "Vietura is actually a dream come true," said Dr. Mary Jane Torres, Vietura's chief practitioner and aesthetic medicine expert, during the media launch at Sofitel Philippine Plaza. "The name comes from the French word vie which means life, and natura for natural, because being healthy and beautiful should be something that's natural in life."

The facility brings a holistic approach to beauty and wellness by offering 100% non-invasive treatment programs that are tailor-made for each client. Available services range from weight management tools, to anti-aging procedures, cosmetic dentistry, facial contouring, and body sculpting. Treatments for conditions that affect one's complexion or digestion are also offered. The main philosophy of Vietura can be found in three spheres-aesthetic medicine, integrative medicine, and lifestyle coaching. Dr. Mary Jane has been doing non-invasive, non-surgical procedures for almost a decade, using state-of-the-art aesthetic technology and equipment. To complement these treatments, the center offers integrative medicine such as chelation, colonics, detoxification, hyper baric oxygen therapy, and hormonal treatments, which aren't traditional practices of medicine. "The difference between other clinics or hospitals that offer the same treatments, is that we integrate the practice of integrative medicine into our own aesthetics programs, such as colonics for our weight management and anti-aging programs. The results are better and more sustaining than surgical procedures."

Dr. Mary Jane also added lifestyle coaching, which provides guidance towards the building of one's self-esteem and self-empowerment, as well as setting and achieving one's personal goals, as an important aspect to truly having a healthy and well-balanced life for the long-term. An in-house lifestyle coach is available to help patients with their emotional issues and create a positive change for themselves, from the inside-out.

Aside from Dr. Mary Jane, Vietura's team of experts is also composed of renowned cosmetic dentist, Dr. Cecilia Infantado, life coach Lisa Tilstra, and nutritionist Agnes Tumaneng. The internationally-trained team also includes 12 registered nurses.

The interiors of the 400-sqm facility was designed by Manila-based interior design firm Gruppo Espazio, who have literally brought nature into the waiting rooms and treatment rooms through living, vertical gardens spread out on the walls. The Asian contemporary style made use of neutral colors, cool lighting, and comfortable seats and beds, while the relaxing ambient sounds calms the body and the mind, making it ideal for healing. -MAM Vietura Aesthetic Lifestyle is located at Sofitel Philippine Plaza, tel (2) 551-555 loc. 1935, (+63917) 309-2111, vietura.com, facebook.com/Vietura

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Life Well Lived

"Privileged World Travel Club, Inc." Announces the Planning to Implement Specially Designed Travel Packages to Receive …

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Tiburon - California (PRWEB) May 03, 2013

Privileged World Travel Club, Inc. (PVCL- OTC BB), announced today that pursuant to a Travel Agreement, signed by Privileged World Travel Club, Inc. and a local Chinese prominent travel Company agreed to build and develop a travel-related website (the Privileged Website), using proprietary reservation software, that will permit the preparation of consolidated itineraries for travel within China, through a link to an external Chinese GDS. Additionally a second website will provide facilities for Chinese Tourists to travel internationally within the United States, including travel relating to the following cities: San Francisco, California; Los Angeles, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; Chicago, Illinois; Miami, Florida; Boston, Massachusetts; New York, New York; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Orlando, Florida. Furthermore, through the Privileged Website, the Company agreed to provide consolidated itineraries for both the Chinese domestic travel and international travel to and among the Travel Cities by Chinese Citizens traveling to any one or more of the Travel Cities. Finally, the Company agreed to arrange package tours to the Travel Cities, and will provide tour guide and assistance for such tours.

In exchange for these services the Travel Agreement provides that Privileged will be the exclusive provider of travel to the Chinese Tourists in conjunction with the facilities to visit cities in the US. It is also agreed that Privileged will be paid a fee for all booked travel including tour packages designed to specifically visit the 9 US cities mentioned above.

The term of this operation will be extended to December 2015, and may be renewed for additional one-year terms. It is estimated that this program will allow Privileged to enjoy an annual gross return of $40 Million. Based on 630 Chinese tourists visiting the US weekly.

Privileged Management is in the process of planning the development of the websites that will provide all the facilities needed for the Chinese tourists to begin booking their desired tour packages.

ABOUT PRIVILEGED. http://www.privilegedwtc.com

The business of Privileged is to provide exclusive travel services to persons (Members) who elect to join the prestigious Privileged World Travel Club (the Privileged Travel Club) and international travelers bound for the United States. Immediately after joining, Members of the Privileged Travel Club can begin enjoying the services their membership offers.

The Company provides luxury services with a high standard of value. Company management feels that the prices offered by the club are reasonable and very attainable by all Members to travel any time they wish. The Company is specially focused to offer its Members luxury membership travel products and services at specially discounted prices. The Company's concept is to offer services to a larger audience and thereby increase the reach to more markets.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes forward-looking statements. While these statements are made to convey to the public the company's progress, business opportunities and growth prospects, readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements represent management's opinion. The company's operations and business prospects are always subject to risk and uncertainties. Triton disclaims any obligation or intention to update any forward-looking statement.

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"Privileged World Travel Club, Inc." Announces the Planning to Implement Specially Designed Travel Packages to Receive ...

Transhuman Kickstarter Breaks Fourth Stretch Goal | Cardboard …

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Wow. Just wow. I wont lie about this. I am completely floored that this kickstarter has raised so much. Its original goal was 14,000$. It reached that goal in 12 hours and have been blowing through its stretch goals. It has currently broke its fourth stretch goal at 40,000$.

Posthuman Studios have rightly earned all the cash fans are throwing at them. Not only do they release quality books, but they honestly care about their game. Every single question thats been asked in the comment section of the kickstarter was answered within an hour, sometimes even MINUTES of the question being asked.

Eclipse Phase is truly a unique world for a science fiction setting. Or I guess the better term would be worlds since every one of the planets in our solar system becomes populated by mankind. There are the Quartz morphs on Venuss surface mining and terraforming. People with wings flying on earths moon. Hyper intelligent dolphins and whales in the oceans of Europa studying alien coral reefs. Even the sun has been populated at this point, granted it is still a brutal environment.

Even if you are only now hearing about Posthuman studios and Eclipse Phase, go check them out. Pledge 1$ and then go check out the EP rulebooks that the studio have released FOR FREE online. I am confident that after seeing the world they have made you will up that pledge. If I am wrong and you arent interested then simply cancel the pledge.

Transhuman Kickstarter

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