State DOH has swine flu info page

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Is there swine flu in Florida?

Yes, there is currently swine flu circulating in Florida. In late June and early July over 90% of the specimens tested for influenza at the Bureau of Laboratories have been positive for H1N1 (Swine) Influenza. At this point in time it can be assumed that a person with influenza-like illness has the H1N1 strain, without conducting laboratory testing.

The Bureau of Epidemiology is continuing public health surveillance with the counties and the number of confirmed cases by county is reported weekly (on Wednesdays) on the Bureau of Epidemiology Website at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/DISEASE_CTRL/epi/swineflu/index.html

Please note that DOH is conducting less laboratory testing to confirm H1N1 (Swine) Influenza A and therefore these numbers represent only those cases tested and reported. There is likely more influenza in the community than is being reported to FL DOH.

Why did Florida’s Surgeon General declare a public health emergency?

The Florida Surgeon General declared a public health emergency on May 1, 2009. The declaration of a public health emergency, which was effective for 60 days, provided the State Surgeon General with the powers necessary to bring antiviral drugs into the state of Florida quickly to distribute as needed to better meet the needs of communities with swine flu activity. We are no longer operating under a public health emergency.


SYMPTOMS/TREATMENT

My child has a fever (or is sick), what do I do?

If your child has become ill with flu-like symptoms, including fever, sore throat or cough, you may want to contact your health care provider, particularly if you are worried about the child’s symptoms. Some have reported nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed. If your child is sick, do not send them to school. Contact your healthcare provider before going to the office or clinic so the child does not needlessly expose others in the waiting room.

If your child is ill and experiences any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care. In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

I’m sick, what do I do?

If you become ill with flu-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact your health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed. If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as and avoid social gatherings much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care. In adults, some emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

How long do I stay home if I’m sick? When can my child go back to school? When should I go back to work?

People with a swine flu virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they have symptoms and for up to seven days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, are potentially contagious for longer periods. Contact your regular physician if you are unsure when to return to work or send your child back school.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms). Contact your doctor to see if you should receive antivirals. If you are prescribed antivirals it is important that you take all the medication as prescribed. Antiviral drugs are recommended for those sick enough to be hospitalized and those at increased risk for complications from influenza.

How serious is swine flu infection?

Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity - from mild to severe.

What is Florida doing to protect me from swine flu?

We have epidemiologists or “disease detectives” at the County Health Departments and in Tallahassee. There is a detailed plan in place to respond to flu outbreaks. Florida has a strong system to identify potential flu cases.
• Our state laboratories have the equipment and trained staff to analyze flu samples.
• We have 100 physicians who report flu activity to us on a weekly basis.
• We also track 114 emergency departments throughout the state to analyze trends in the types of illnesses that they are seeing.
The Department’s mission is to promote, protect and improve the health of Floridians. Department staff have been working around the clock to make sure Florida residents and visitors are protected and cared for during this challenging public health situation.

Why is the State Health Office not recommending that everyone wear a mask?

The current situation does not merit everyone wearing a mask. If you are in an area with confirmed cases,
1. Avoid close contact with people who might be ill, and avoid crowded settings.
2. Continue other general prevention efforts.

People who have symptoms of influenza, and need to be away from home, should wear a surgical mask.

I can’t afford Antivirals. What do I do?

Local health departments have supplies of antivirals. Contact your county health department for more information. Visit www.floridashealth.com to find your local health department.

Do I need a prescription for these medicines?

Yes, you need a prescription. Contact your regular physician on how to get the antivirals. Your local health department will also have antivirals. Visit www.floridashealth.com to find your local health department.

I heard that Florida has grounded airplanes?

Not at this time. If you are scheduled for a flight, please contact your air carrier or your local airport.

I’m allergic to hand gels. What should I do?
Use soap and water.

CONTAGIOUS/CONTAMINATION

Is this swine flu virus contagious?

Swine flu is contagious and is spreading from person to person. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

How can I keep from infecting others if I am sick?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Do not attend social gatherings such sporting events and religious ceremonies. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Don’t cough or sneeze into your hand. Instead, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Consider wearing a surgical mask if you have to be away from home.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include sudden onset, fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

What is H1N1 Swine Flu?

H1N1 Swine Flu, initially referred to as “swine flu” is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in April 2009 in the United States. Other countries around the world have reported people sick with this new virus as well. This virus is suspected to spread from person-to-person, in the same way regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and also avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus.


How does swine flu spread?

Spread of this swine flu A (H1N1) virus is happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with flu. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What is the incubation period?

According to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the estimated incubation period for H1N1 Swine Flu is currently unknown, but could range anywhere from one to seven days, and more likely is from one to four days.

How long are people infectious to others?

According to the CDC, adult bodies shed, or reproduce, human influenza virus up to one day before symptoms begin and continuing 5-10 day after illness onset. This shedding period can last even longer in young children and those with weakened immune systems.

How long does the illness last?

Uncomplicated human influenza illness typically resolves after three to seven days, although cough and malaise can persist for more than two weeks. Human influenza virus infections can cause primary influenza viral pneumonia; worsen underlying medical conditions, such as pulmonary or cardiac disease; lead to secondary bacterial pneumonia or sinusitis; or cause co-infections with other viral or bacterial pathogens.

Can I get swine flu from eating or preparing pork?

No. Swine flu viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine flu from eating pork or pork products. It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked pork products. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills bacteria and viruses.

Can H1N1 Swine Flu re-infection occur?

The human body produces antibodies that offer a level of protection from being re-infected from viruses; however, studies are ongoing about how this particular virus is transmitted and the likelihood of being re-infected.

Some tips to prevent infection include,

• Those who experience illness should take time to fully recover, Stay home from work or school if illness is suspected to cut down on exposure.
• Frequent hand washing cuts down exposure and re-exposure to contagious diseases.
• Use of germicide gels that kill germs on contact is suggested.
• Using Lysol or other spray disinfectants keeps surfaces clean.

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

People with swine flu should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possibly for up to seven days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces like tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What other examples of swine flu outbreaks are there?

Probably the most well known is an outbreak of swine flu among soldiers in Fort Dix, New Jersey in 1976. The virus caused disease with x-ray evidence of pneumonia in at least four soldiers and one death; all of these patients had previously been healthy. The virus was transmitted to close contacts in a basic training environment, with limited transmission outside the basic training group. The virus is thought to have circulated for a month and disappeared. The source of the virus, the exact time of its introduction into Fort Dix, and factors limiting its spread and duration are unknown. The Fort Dix outbreak may have been caused by introduction of an animal virus into a stressed human population in close contact in crowded facilities during the winter. The swine flu A virus collected from a Fort Dix soldier was named A/New Jersey/76 (Hsw1N1).

What medications are available to treat swine flu infections in humans?

There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of flu: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. While most swine flu viruses have been susceptible to all four drugs, the most recent swine flu viruses isolated from humans are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine flu viruses.

Is the H1N1 swine flu virus the same as human H1N1 viruses?
No. The H1N1 swine flu viruses are antigenically very different from human H1N1 viruses and, therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection from H1N1 swine flu viruses.

How can human infections with swine flu be diagnosed?

To diagnose swine flu, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first four to five days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus). However, some persons, especially children, may spread virus for 10 days or longer. If your doctor feels you need a lab test, this testing can now be done through private clinical laboratories.

What should be done if health care providers run-out of viral test kits?

If viral test kits are unavailable, physicians should begin treatment to patients who present have symptoms of influenza-like illness and who meet the recommended criteria for antiviral treatment. The use of bacterial testing kits is not recommended. The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of flu: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. While most swine flu viruses have been susceptible to all four drugs, the most recent swine flu viruses isolated from humans are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine flu viruses.

My doctor says I have swine flu, but he won’t test me.

Your doctor is the expert on diagnosing illnesses and determining what tests should be ordered for you. The Department of Health cannot and should not tell a doctor how to practice. As a matter of fact, unnecessary tests can cause backlogs and delays in the state laboratory system. You and your doctor are partners in your care. Ask questions, follow your doctor’s instructions, and be sure you keep your doctor informed of any changes in your condition. Currently (mid-July, 2009), almost all influenza in Florida is caused by the novel H1N1 influenza A virus of swine origin.

What information is has been developed for the business community?

The Florida Department of Health offers the following general tips for Florida’s businesses:

• Sick people should stay home unless they need to seek medical care.

• Keep commonly touched surfaces such as stairway railings, elevator buttons and door handles clean by wiping them down with detergent-based cleaners or EPA registered disinfectants. These products should be used according to directions on the product label. Additional, extensive cleaning by wiping down floors and walls prior to reopening is not necessary as it is unknown whether this would be helpful in decrease the spread of influenza.

• Encourage hand washing and covering your cough or sneezes. Do not cough or sneeze into your hand but in a tissue or your sleeve. Keep soap dispensers stocked and consider having hand sanitizers available in break rooms and near office equipment.

• If your business is equipped to have employees work effectively from home, consider encouraging employees to do so.

• Remove barriers to people staying at home while they are ill, to protect your other employees.

PREVENTION AND PROTECTION

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?

First and most important: avoid people who are ill with influenza-like illness. . Wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick with influenza-like illness. If you do get sick, stay home. If you have been in close contact with someone who has had the flu, return home right away if you begin to feel ill.

What is the best technique for washing my hands?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. It is recommended that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like flu. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• If you get sick with flu, DOH recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.


What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, stay home and limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.


SCHOOL INFORMATION

Will they close my child’s school?

This is unlikely but possible. CDC and the Florida Department of Health are making recommendations to school officials about how to manage influenza-like illness in a school setting without closing schools. You need to call your local school district or the school’s principal. The decision to close schools will be made by your local school district, and will depend on the situation in your local area. Florida Department of Health only provides recommendations and guidance to schools on whether they should close or take certain steps to ensure the safety and welfare of the students and staff, which are based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Local school boards and other local officials make decisions whether to close or open schools.

Who makes the decision about whether schools should close?

Local school districts will make the decision of whether to close schools. They will consult with state and local health and emergency management officials to make that decision.

The Florida Department of Health only provides recommendations and guidance to school districts on whether they should close or take certain steps to ensure the safety and welfare of the students and staff. These recommendations are based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which can be found at (April 28, 2009, http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/mitigation.htm).


Will students have to make up any missed school days?

It is too early to make a decision about missed days. The Commissioner of Education has some flexibility in granting a waiver and will be working closely with school districts to determine the best course of action. Parents should check with their child’s school or school district to see whether missed days must be made up.



What will be done to make my child’s school safe?

School districts will determine what measures to take to ensure a safe school environment. They will consult with state and local public health and emergency management officials to make that decision.

What about private schools?

Parents of children in private schools should check with their school for information on school closures. Private schools do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Education.

Will colleges and universities hold graduation ceremonies?

Contact the college or university for this information. The institution will make the decision about holding the graduation ceremony.


Should I attend social gatherings?

If you are sick, you should limit your contact with other people as much as possible and avoid attending or participating in events or other social gatherings.

In all situations, both children and adults should follow basic health and hygiene practices. These practices include regular hand washing, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throwing the tissue into the trash, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

MISCELLANEOUS

Swine Flu in Pets

Can my pet get swine flu?

There are no known dog/cat to human (or vice-versa) influenza transmissions.

Swine Flu in Pigs

How does swine flu spread among pigs?
Swine flu viruses are thought to spread mostly through close contact among pigs and possibly from contaminated objects moving between infected and uninfected pigs. Herds with continuous swine flu infections and herds that are vaccinated against swine flu may have sporadic disease, or may show only mild or no symptoms of infection.



What are signs of swine flu in pigs?

Signs of swine flu in pigs can include sudden onset of fever, depression, coughing (barking), discharge from the nose or eyes, sneezing, breathing difficulties, eye redness or inflammation, and going off feed.

How common is swine flu among pigs?

H1N1 and H3N2 swine flu viruses are typically found among pig populations in the United States and something that the industry deals with routinely. Outbreaks among pigs normally occur in colder weather months (late fall and winter) and sometimes with the introduction of new pigs into susceptible herds. Studies have shown that the swine flu H1N1 is common throughout pig populations worldwide, with 25 percent of animals showing antibody evidence of infection. In the U.S. studies have shown that 30 percent of the pig population has antibody evidence of having had H1N1 infection. More specifically, 51 percent of pigs in the north-central U.S. have been shown to have antibody evidence of infection with swine H1N1. Human infections with swine flu H1N1 viruses are rare. There is currently no way to differentiate antibody produced in response to flu vaccination in pigs from antibody made in response to pig infections with swine H1N1 flu.
While H1N1 swine viruses have been known to circulate among pig populations since at least 1930, H3N2 flu viruses did not begin circulating among US pigs until 1998. The H3N2 viruses initially were introduced into the pig population from humans. The current swine flu H3N2 viruses are closely related to human H3N2 viruses.

See archived 'Local News' stories »

Toxic loans threaten 150 banks

Since the beginning of 2009, 72 banks have failed; based on an analysis done by Bloomberg, 150 more are at risk. The culprit is all-too-familiar: according to the Bloomberg study, these endangered banks are in trouble because five percent or more of the loans they hold are nonperforming. That means the bank is no longer collecting interest on a loan or that the loan will not be paid in full. Yet, even with these statistics, many banks are resisting the FDIC Legacy Loan Program. Meanwhile, instead of trying to help banks in trouble, the FDIC is using the program to deal with the toxic assets of failed banks.

Based on Bloomberg's analysis, the 150 banks with nonperforming loans above five percent had combined assets of $193 billion, which is almost 15 times the size of the FDIC's deposit insurance fund at the end of the first quarter. The list of problem banks -- a confidential list developed by U.S. bank regulators -- had 305 members in the first quarter. Institutions on the problem list are not revealed for fear that doing so would cause a run on the bank and make the situation even worse.

Bloomberg did, however, name the three lenders with nonaccruing ratios of at least 6.5 percent that are still open: Chicago-based Corus Bankshares (CORS), Austin-based Guaranty Financial Group (GFG) and Colonial BancGroup (CSB) in Montgomery Alabama. In the past month, all three have said that they expect to be shut down.

Last week, the FDIC shut down three banks with nonaccruing ratios of 6.2 percent: The First State Bank of Sarasota (Florida), Community National Bank of Sarasota County (Florida), and Oregon's Community First Bank of Prineville.

This isn't to say that all nonaccruing asset-heavy banks are dead. The biggest institutions with nonpeforming assets of at least 5 percent include Wisconsin's Marshall & Ilsley (MI) and Georgia's Synovus Financial Corp. (SNV). Michigan's Flagstar Bancorp (FBC) is the largest bank in all 50 states that continues to operate with 10 percent nonperforming loans.

Last Friday's three bank closures were expected the cost the FDIC fund $185 million, which brings the total 2009 cost for failed banks to $16.58 billion. That compares to a total cost to the fund of $17.6 billion for all of 2008. Last year, the total number of bank failures was 25, so we're just a bit more than halfway through the year and already almost three times the number banks have failed. Interestingly, stress tests were only done on 19 of the largest banks.

This report gives credence to the Congressional Oversight Report issued earlier this week, which indicated that many banks are still at risk if their toxic assets are not taken off the books. Large commercial loans are the primary threat to smaller banks. As owners of shopping malls, hotels and offices default on loans more rapidly, the smaller banks that hold many of these loans will suffer. Experts think that the bottom for the commercial real estate market is still three years off. Meanwhile, delinquency rates on loans doubled in the past year to 7 percent. The Federal Reserve expects more companies to downsize and more retailers to close their doors, leaving office and retail space vacant.

The Congressional report said that small banks "will need to raise significantly more capital, as the estimated losses will outstrip the projected revenue and reserves [...] Failure to start the Legacy Loan Program raises concerns about Treasury's strategy.

About 2.6 percent of the $7.74 trillion in bank loans outstanding in the U.S. were nonaccruing, according to data from the FDIC. That's the highest rate in 17 years. The normal average for nonaccruing loans is 1.54 percent, and the last time that the rate approached this level was during the savings and loan crisis, when 3.27 percent of loans were nonaccruing.

Clearly, the FDIC needs to find a way to get the toxic loans off the books of small banks before they fall over the cliff and their nonperforming loans equal 5 percent or more of their holdings. Former regulators agree that's the tipping point that threatens a bank's survival. While many analysts wonder why they are waiting until banks fail, a better question might be why bank managers are waiting until the FDIC closes them, rather than volunteering to work with the Legacy Loan Program before it's too late.

Lita Epstein has written more than 25 books including Reading Financial Reports for Dummies.

Tween Parenting Info 101: 5 Places to Find Deals on Back to School Supplies

School Supplies AP Photo

School starts in less than two weeks and it’s time to get School Supplies. Here’s a list of five places to get great deals on school supplies and one “Help the Dallas Community” school supplies bonus! Remember to take advantage of the Tax Free weekend August 21-23, 2009. This year, school supplies priced less than $100 will be exempt from state and local sales tax for the tax-free weekend. Pens, crayons, calculators, notebooks, rulers, scissors and lunch boxes are a few of the items on the list.

• Staples-- This week’s ad has great deals on Composition notebooks, backpacks and buy one get one free deals. Here is a listing of stores in the DFW area.

• Walgreens---Map pencils, pencils, glue, crayons all for 19 cents. Paper Mate pens or mechanical pencils, 2 for a dollar.

• Big Lots---Backpacks starting at $8.00 each. Organizers, art supplies, guitars and more.

• Office Depot--Spend $10.00, get a ruler, a 12 pack of erasers and an 8 pack of Scholastic Crayons FREE. Book Covers, glue sticks and notebooks for .25 cents. Prices good from August 16-22, 2009.

• Super Target Stores---Get a 4GB Zip Drive, TI Scientific Calculator or Arctic Zone lunch kit with thermos for $9.00; Rose-Art Map Pencils .88 cents a package.

• BONUS!!!! Texas Rangers Back to School Rally “Operation Backpack” August 23, 2009 from 11am -2pm at the Texas Rangers Youth Ballpark. Fill a backpack with school supplies and receive free admission to the event. Entertainment will include: Live entertainment and motorcycle training, raffle items and a bike show. Help those less fortunate who cannot learn without school supplies. Teach your tween civic responsibility while having fun! More information here.

For more info: List of approved Texas tax free weekend school supplies.

More About: Back to School

Big Problem

Technology is an attractive nuisance. On one hand, who isn't glad for the convenience of cell phones and the Internet? But it's a short step to obsession and abuse.

Professional and college football teams are grappling with a wave of technical advancement as the season approaches. On one hand, instant messaging is a quick way to get the word out. When you're trying to draw fans, you can never get too much attention.

Or maybe you can.

BYU drew up a list of nine commandments to the media last week. Among its demands: "Do not issue any reports through instantaneous means while practice is in session."

The memo continued, "In an effort to avoid speculation and incorrect information, do not report on injuries or players absent from practice, including via text messaging or other instantaneous means, until Coach Mendenhall or the Athletic Communications office provides the information."

All under the implied threat of denying a reporter's media credential.

Meanwhile, the University of Utah took an equally dim view of instantaneous reporting. This week its sports information office issued this terse statement: "Effective immediately, instantaneous reports of ANY kind will not be permitted from Utah's football practices."

It went on to ban recording devices, including cell phones.

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So here they sit, torn between the desire for publicity, yet wary of certain methods and means. They want the word out, but on their own schedule and in their own words.

In fact, they probably want what they can't have — an orderly flow of information.

That's not to say the teams don't have a point. Text messages, cell videos, tweets, etc. from practice aren't always fair or accurate. Sometimes it's just unverified gossip.

Remember in high school when (Ohmygoshcanyoubelieveit?) Megan and Eric broke up? The news spread like wildfire. That was nothing compared to this.

Nowadays, thanks largely to Twitter — a social networking service that allows you to update important news like the what shoes you just bought — the problem is worsening. A team might rein in the media, but are pro athletes really going to keep their mouths shut when a teammate is traded? Or when someone's really ticked at the coach?

John Amaechi wrote in his book that he virtually dared reporters to "out" him when he was playing for the Jazz. These days, he could do it himself.

Miami Dolphins coach Tony Sparano has outlawed tweeting by players. When Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson sprained his knee in practice, teammate Bernard Berrian announced on Twitter that he was out for the season. Turned out Jackson was only out for a few practices.

You can see why athletes embrace services like Twitter, MySpace and Facebook. It's fun, fast and a way to announce what they want, when they want, with their own spin. Many have their own Web sites, too.

"If something is going to be said, hey, it's coming from me, it's coming from my phone," Shaquille O'Neal has said.

At the same time, athletes aren't always better-informed on injuries or trades than the media. At least the mainstream media is trained to tell the truth and tell it objectively. There's nothing objective — or necessarily truthful — about an athlete talking about himself or herself.

If news gathering is left to athletes, there's little likelihood of any real news. It's doubtful Louisville coach Rick Pitino would announce his sex scandal on Facebook or Twitter. Would Terrell Owens admit that his new reality show bombed in the early ratings? Would Carlos Boozer admit he didn't want to play in Utah?

Those stories will likely remain the domain of professional reporters.

If you've read athletes' blogs or tweets, most are boring and self-serving. Celebrity dispatches are usually along the lines of "Girl and me just got back from Grand Cayman today, such an amazing place had grrrt time. u should see it."

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Beyond that, they're just a keystroke away from saying something they regret — but can't claim they were misquoted.

So the beast has been unleashed. Teams may yank the credentials of a journalist, but what if a player spills the news? Or his girlfriend or brother?

There's a 1960s song that says the night has a thousand eyes; now it has millions. Similarly, in a song called "Her Town, Too," James Taylor croons:

She's got her name on the grapevine

Running up and down

The telephone line.

Talking 'bout,

Someone said, someone said,

Something 'bout, something else,

Someone might have said about her.

J.T. didn't know the half of it.

Losing Money Agains

Q-Cells Cuts 500 Workers, Posts €696.9 million in Loss

One of the world’s largest solar cell makers is shutting down production lines and taking other cost-cutting measures to stay afloat. Good news: The recession might be over.

Q-Cells, which has struggled to deal with a market slump, said Thursday it is cutting 500 jobs and implementing other measures to reduce production costs by 25 percent.

The Germany company, one of the world's largest solar cell makers, said it needs to take steps to shore up capital and narrow its focus on its core businesses after delivering a lackluster financial performance for the first six months of this year.

The job cuts would reduce the company's workforce by roughly a fifth.

Q-Cells saw its six-month revenue fall 36.8 percent to €366.2 million ($522.8 million) from €579.5 million ($827.3 million) in the year-ago period. It recorded an operating loss of €47.6 million ($67.9 million), compared with an operating income of €119.1 million in the first six months of 2008.

The company said it posted a net loss of €696.9 million ($994.8 million) when it included the €600.9 million ($857.8 million) write-down from the sale of its shares in Renewable Energy Corp. (REC).

Q-Cells is shutting down older production lines at its factory in Thalheim because it no longer has the scale or technical ability to make cells at least as cheaply as its competitors, the company said.

The company had implemented cost-cutting measures before it announced the job cuts and financial results on Thursday. Back in April, the firm said most of its staff would work shorter hours.

Q-Cells hasn't been immune to the same market forces that have pummeled other players in the solar market.

The solar industry moved from a boom in 2008, when companies worked quickly to boost production, to a bust in 2009. The credit crunch has made it difficult for developers to line up money to build solar power plants. The global market is so saturated with unused solar panels that one research firm recently predicted that the glut would last until 2012.

The prices of silicon, the raw material used to make most of the solar panels on the market today, have fallen sharply (see Contract Silicon Price Falls 50%, Close to Spot Price).

Solar cell pricing fell about 20 percent from the first quarter to the second quarter this year, Q-Cells said. The company said the contracts it has signed with its wafer suppliers have become too expensive.

Production volume remained flat at 272.2 megawatts for the first six months, Q-Cells said.

Three Chinese solar companies posted mostly depressing financial results on Wednesday. In particular, LDK Solar, a silicon wafer maker and a Q-Cell supplier, widened its second-quarter loss and posted a negative 90 percent gross margin.

Some solar companies are doing a better job of surviving the tough times. First Solar has continued to post revenue and profit gains while SunPower moved to a profitable second quarter after posting a loss-ridden first quarter.

The solar industry is hoping that the market will improve noticeably in the second half of this year.

The Federal Reserve in the United States suggested this week the economic downturn has hit the bottom, and it should be on its way to recovery. Economic data from Germany and France also indicated that the recession might be over for those countries.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 2.0 GT

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 2.0 GT

PEMINAT jentera Mitsubishi kini boleh tersenyum apabila Mitsubishi Motors (M) Sdn Bhd melancarkan model sedan terlaris, Lancer 2.0 GT yang dipertingkatkan dan kenderaan pelbagai guna (MPV) Grandis 2.4L, baru-baru ini.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Keizo Ono berkata dua model berkenaan dilancarkan dengan wajah baru lebih segar bagi memenuhi kehendak pelanggan yang mahukan jentera lebih sporty dan terkini.

“Sejak model Lancer GT dilancarkan kira-kira dua tahun lalu, kami menerima pelbagai maklum balas beberapa perubahan ciri luaran dan dalaman kenderaan sedan terbaik ini.

“Malah, Grandis yang memenangi anugerah ‘Family Car of the Year’ anjuran New Straits Times/ Maybank tahun lalu turut menerima sentuhan baru,” katanya.

Hadir sama Ketua Pegawai Operasi Mitsubishi Motors (M) Sdn Bhd, Omar Harun.

Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0 GT mengalami beberapa sentuhan baru terutama muncung ‘jet-fighther’ hadapan berwarna hitam seperti model Lancer Evolution.

Jentera sedan itu dijana enjin blok aloi 2.0L 16 injap DOHC dan dipadankan dengan teknologi terkini MIVEC menawarkan 155 kuasa kuda (hp) dan 199 Nm tork.

Ia turut dilengkapi transmisi automatik Mitsubishi INVECS III CVT lebih senyap, lancar dan berkuasa.

Ruang dalaman turut diberi perubahan dengan pemain cakera padat format MP3 enam pembesar suara selain kerusi balutan kulit hitam bersama jalur benang merah.

Padanan bodykit terkini menghiasi luaran MPV Grandis yang dibekalkan bersama rim bersaiz 17 inci, menjadikannya lebih sporty.

MPV terbabit dijana enjin 2.4L MIVEC 16 injap DOHC bersama transmisi automatik Mitsubishi INVECS II.

Lancer GT dijual pada harga RM120,598.10 (tanpa insurans) dengan tiga warna pilihan iaitu putih, hitam dan merah manakala Grandis ditawarkan pada harga RM160,557.80 (tanpa insurans) dengan empat warna pilihan iaitu White Pearl, Black Mica, Cool Silver dan Gray Mica.

Ono berkata, sebagai memenuhi kehendak pasaran, pihaknya turut membuka tiga lagi cawangan Pusat 3S di Kedah, Miri dan Kuching, Sarawak.

PERFORMANCE

The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR (also know as MR Evolution or MR EVO). The MR EVO is one of the finest all-around street performance cars available. This is attributed to its affordable price, (you can get a used 2006 MR EVO for about $20K-28K) its AWD system and its 2.0 liter, 286 horsepower, 289 ft-lbs torque, 4-cylinder engine.

Modifying the MR EVO presents many options as there are a plethora of race companies with parts available. There are certain points on the MR EVO that should be addressed first. MR Evolutions come with many factory placed restrictions. These OEM restrictions were put in place to make the car safer and more reliable for everyday driving. Unfortunately, these restrictions keep your MR EVO from making the most power it can. Below I have the top 5 tuning tips to unleash the true power of your MR EVO!

#1 High-Flowing Air Intake Filter

The MR EVO has the largest stock turbo in any of the Lancer Evolution line-up vehicles. The stock air box is extremely restrictive and a simple air intake replacement will free-up lots of power. The turbo itself will spool up a lot faster, decreasing turbo lag. Gains of anywhere from 8-15hp should be expected. Performance intakes for the MR EVO are very simple to install as well.

#2 High-Flowing 3 Inch Downpipe

The downpipe is one the most crucial parts of any turbocharged car. Upgrading your downpipe will increase loads of horsepower and torque throughout the RPM range. Your turbo will have enhanced spooling characteristics as well. What does this mean? It means that not only will your turbo spool up faster, but your overall boost curve will change as well. When it comes to the MR EVO, the most important place on the exhaust is immediately after the turbo.

#3 High-Flowing 3 Inch Exhaust System

The OEM exhaust on the Lancer Evolution MR is very restrictive. Upgrading the exhaust to a full 3 inch unit does nothing but good in terms of power. Not to mention that sweet exhaust tone that the MR Evolution can make. You will notice an immediate increase in top end power along with a beautiful exhaust tone in the upper RPM. With a variety of styles and finishes available, you can add a little personality to your MR EVO.

#4 High-Performance Clutch

The Mitsubishi Lancer MR clutch is not bad, it just gets bad when you start adding more power to the car. The clutch is must for any MR EVO with performance parts. In my experience with tuning MR Evolutions I found that when the car starts producing about 300hp to the wheels the clutch must be upgraded. When upgrading the clutch you should always replace the flywheel with a lightweight performance version as well. Not only will your clutch hold the power your engine makes, but your overall horsepower will go up as well!

#5 Digital Boost Controller

Boost is one of the most important aspects of the MR EVO. Raising the boost level of the Lancer Evolution is one of the most effective ways to increase horsepower and torque. I have seen a 1 lbs increase in boost result in increases of up to 10 hp! Imagine when you increase the boost by 2, 3, 4, or 5 lbs? Not only that, but a digital boost controller will increase the spool response of your turbo as well. Controlling boost is also crucial if you plan to do more modifications in the future.

There are many options for tuning the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO MR. But these top 5 tips will start you in the right direction to be on the winning team.

Kai Graves is a race mechanic/driver/tuner with 15 years experience in performance automotive. He also owns and operates Leafracing Auto Performance & Service located in Honolulu, HI. Specializing in AWD Turbo modifications and tuning as well as general repairs & maintenance.

Did you find those Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution tuning tips helpful? You can learn a lot more about how to make an EVO fast here: http://www.lancersource.com

Burger Panggang Enak

JIKA memilih makanan ketika berkunjung ke restoran atau hotel hendaklah mencari menu yang sihat. Elak memilih makanan berminyak atau serbuk perasa (MSG) berlebihan.

Eksekutif Sous Chef Hotel Vistana Kuala Lumpur, Chef Tan Kwang Aik, berkata pilih makanan yang bersayur selain hidangan yang dikukus, rebus, panggang atau dibakar.

“Bagi mengelak kolesterol, elak mengambil daging, otak, hati, ketam, udang atau sotong.

“Makan banyak buah-buahan sebagai pencuci mulut,” katanya yang turut berkongsi membuat burger berinti daging (patty) untuk dikongsi bersama pembaca kali ini.

Sebarang pertanyaan, kunjungi Hotel Vistana Kuala Lumpur di No 9, Jalan Lumut Off Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur atau hubungi 03-40428000, faksimili 03-40411400 atau e-mel: viskl@po.jaring.my atau layari http://www.vistanahotels.com/vkl

Resipi patty burger (khusus untuk 10 hidangan)

Bahan-bahannya:

Daging lembu (dicincang) 2.0 kilogram Lemak (dicincang) 400 gram Serbuk cajun 20 gram Serbuk cayenne 20 gram Serbuk paprika 10 gram Serbuk jintan 20 gram Bawang besar (dicincang) 200 gram Bawang putih (dicincang) 40 gram Sos teriyaki 120 gram Tepung gandum 50 gram Serbuk stok ayam 20 gram Garam 12 gram Kuning telur 2 biji Cara-caranya: Campurkan semua bahan di atas ke dalam satu bekas besar dan gaul sehingga sebati. Kemudian ambil pes yang diadun tadi dan bentukkannya seperti patty burger. Anggaran berat setiap patty adalah sebanyak 180gm. Simpan semalaman atau sekurang kurangnya 2 jam di dalam peti sejuk. Patty burger yang siap, boleh dipanggang sehingga masak. Bahan hiasan: Roti bun (roti bulat khusus untuk burger) berbijan 1 biji Keju cheddar 1 keping Lada Benggala (dihiris) 30 gram Bawang besar (dihiris) 30 gram Garam 5 gram Serbuk cajun 5 gram Mentega 15 gram Kentang goreng 300 gm Minyak (untuk menggoreng) Cara-caranya: Potong bun kepada dua dan sapukan mentega. Panaskan roti tadi diatas kuali leper. Alih setelah panas. Masukkan lebihan mentega tadi ke dalam kuali dan goreng hirisan lada Benggala dan bawang tadi bersama sedikit garam dan serbuk cajun. Goreng sehingga kekuningan. Goreng kentang tadi sehingga masak. Susun roti bijan, patty burger, keju dan juga hirisan lada dan bawang besar ke dalam pinggan bersama kentang goreng dan sedia untuk dihidang.