GPS shoes help wandering Alzheimer’s patients!

The first batch of 3,000 pairs of shoes have been shipped two years after announcing development.

The first shoes with built-in GPS devices — to help track down dementia-suffering seniors who wander off and get lost — are set to hit the US market this month, the manufacturer says. 

GTX Corp said the first batch of 3,000 pairs of shoes has been shipped to the footwear firm Aetrex Worldwide, two years after plans were announced to develop the product. The shoes will sell at around $300 a pair and buyers will be able to set up a monitoring service to locate “wandering” seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. 

Andrew Carle, a professor at George Mason University’s College of Health and Human Services who was an adviser on the project, said the shoes are likely to save lives and avoid embarrassing and costly incidents with the elderly.
“It’s especially important for people in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s who are at the highest risk,” Carle said. “They might be living in their home but they’re confused. They go for a walk and they can get lost for days.”

Carle said studies indicate more than five million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s, a number expected to quadruple in the coming years. He said 60 per cent of sufferers will wander and become lost and up to half of those lost who are not found within 24 hours may die, from dehydration, exposure or injury.
Other devices such as bracelets or pendants can provide similar protection but seniors often reject these.
“The primary reason is that paranoia is a manifestation of the disease,” Carle said. “If you put something on someone with Alzeheimer’s that they don’t recognise, they remove it. If it’s a wristwatch and it’s not their wristwatch, they will take it off. So you have to hide it.”

The GPS system, which is implanted in the heel of what appears to be a normal walking shoe, allows family members or carers to monitor the wearer and to set up a “geofence” that would trigger an alert if the person strays beyond a certain area. The shoes are being developed by GTX Corp., which makes miniaturised Global Positioning Satellite tracking and location - transmitting technology, and Aetrex. They received certification from the Federal Communications Commission this year for the system. The makers say the market for such shoes is growing, given the soaring costs of Alzheimer’s. 

“This is a significant milestone for both companies and while the $604 billion worldwide cost of dementia has become and will continue to be a significant fiscal challenge, the under $300 GPS enabled shoes will ease the enormous physical and emotional burden borne by Alzheimer’s victims, caregivers and their geographically distant family members,” said Patrick Bertagna, chief executive of GTX Corp. 

Professor Carle said the original idea was to develop the shoes for children and long - distance runners but the makers changed the plan when he offered his advice, noting that the devices can also help ease a lot of anxiety about seniors who want to remain active.

Sagittarius Horoscope Outlook For 2012.

Characteristics of Sagittarius:

This sign is ruled by Jupiter which is the most pious planet. These people sometimes look conventional and sometimes formal.

You are philosophical and have inclination for occult sciences. Along with this, you are humane and somewhat impulsive. You are enterprising.

Physically, you are inclined to corpulence. Most of you possess almond eyes and brown hair. You look good in appearance with a happy smile and an evenly set teeth.

Generally, natives born in Sagittarius have phlegmatic temperament. They are conventional and support conservative views. They are sympathetic and loving. Sagittarians are restless and over anxious at times. They dislike hypocrisy and external show. They are God fearing and honest.

2012 Sagittarius Horoscope - Money and Finance

Sagittarius Money Horoscope - January 2012 to March 2012

This is the best period of the year in terms of money and finance. The lord of house of money is placed in the house of gain and parivartan yoga between house of wealth and gain indicates money through profits and by favours from others. So, a fortunately earned money will give you happiness and satisfaction. The wealth is indicated in large measure. You will get through favours from others.

Sagittarius Money Horoscope - April 2012 to June 2012

This period continues to be favourable in terms of money and wealth. Financial success is likely to follow in business, legal and political occupations. You will indulge in luxury and extravagant style of living. Large schemes of speculative nature can be harmful. So, be careful while making investments.

Sagittarius Money Horoscope - July 2012 to September 2012

You will earn wealth and money by your own labour during this period. You will earn through various avocations at the same time. For example, you will earn through agriculture pursuit or through fixed property while being a philosophical lecturer. The level of earning depends on the position of the 2nd lord in the birth chart. Overall, it is a good and fortunate period.

Sagittarius Money Horoscope - October 2012 to December 2012

Saturn exalted in the house of gain will make you earn riches during this period. Those who are in business will make huge profits. Partnership business will also flourish very well and will give maximum gains. But, you will lose all your money through deception due to ill effect of Mars. Overall, a very fortunate period.

Remedies: You have a consistent growth in your savings and property. If you try for exponential growth by taking speculative measures you might face losses. Apply, the Saturn remedies if you are finding difficulties.

2012 Sagittarius Horoscope - Career and Profession

Sagittarius Career Horoscope - January 2012 to March 2012

Perseverance is the key to be successful during this period. Those who are self employed will pursue the profession successfully. The lord of house of career is placed in its own house. Hence, you will be successful and popular in this period. Also, you can be a pioneer in your field of work. You can setup a founder institution or get yourself in your social project.

Sagittarius Career Horoscope - April 2012 to June 2012

This period also continues to be lucky to a great extent. The lord of your career is well placed in the Kendra producing beneficial results. You will be very lucky and you will get the chance to learn various subjects. You will respected at your work place. You may be engaged in agriculture pursuit or immovable properties. You have a strong tenth lord in your birth chart during this period. That is why, you can become the head of the political party or a government. You can lose lands and live a life as servitude if the tenth lord is weak.

Sagittarius Career Horoscope - July 2012 to September 2012

This quarter is mainly for those who are students and undergoing higher education or professional trainees. A perfect time to qualify for your exams and come out as a winner. Those who are in brokerage business or any other business of speculation will also be successful to a great extent. Even social workers will find their way in the career and profession.Overall, a good going continues for Sagittarius

Sagittarius Career Horoscope - October 2012 to December 2012

Sagittarian people have one of the best year of their life in context with career and profession. Everything is going as per them. Saturn is placed beautifully in the house of gains. Jupiter placed in the sixth house has aspect on the house of profession and money. Even Rahu, Ketu are placed well in sixth and twelfth house respectively. The Sun is placed in the house of profession strengthening the career with fame and recognition during this period. Mercury is in the house of gains engaging you in all meritorious deeds. Make the best use of this year to succeed in your respective field.

Just guide yourself to the best and don’t look back since stars are in your favour. To motivate yourself just strengthen your Jupiter with suitable remedies to keep your health fit and fine for ultimate success.

2012 Sagittarius Horoscope - Health and Fitness

Sagittarius Health and Fitness Horoscope - January 2012 to March 2012

Sagittarius governs the thighs, hips and arterial system. The ill effect on these parts of the body signify that the sign is afflicted. Sagittarius also controls the vitality of the person. The arterial system of the body can be effected during this period. So, if you or your father is having heart related trouble, just be little more cautious during this quarter and take proper medication.

Sagittarius Health and Fitness Horoscope - April 2012 to June 2012

You all should continue taking precautions. As your sixth house is getting stronger with Ketu placed there, you could possibly get into some serious disease or infection. It could be related to your private parts also. As, the weather is hot and humid you are prone to infection.

Sagittarius Health and Fitness Horoscope - July 2012 to September 2012

You have three planets placed in the sixth house keeping you dull and inactive during this period. Don’t try any black magic to get rid of inactivity. Too much of indulgence can be harmful for your body and mind. You need to give 10 minutes to breathing exercises or Yoga to keep you mind away from vulgar thoughts.

Sagittarius Health and Fitness Horoscope - October 2012 to December 2012

Jupiter which is your zodiac ruler is placed in the sixth house. So, you will not be completely fit in this quarter. Something or the other will keep your health in trouble. You will complain for fever at one point of time while you might suffer from coryza in the other moment. Have patience and don’t do excess intake of medicines. Let the time pass and things will improve on their own.

2012 Sagittarius Horoscope - Love and Relationship

Sagittarius Love Horoscope - January 2012 to March 2012

You are perfect love mate but you can have more than one love mate. You are sweet and jolly natured. This quality of yours attract the opposite sex. You are very much attached with your mother and father and the best thing in you is that you are responsible and caring. The commitment made once is for the whole lifetime. You get happiness in giving happiness to others. During this period you will have good time with your love mate.

Sagittarius Love Horoscope - April 2012 to June 2012

You will develop a difference of opinion with your love mate. It could be possible that you get separated from your love mate because someone else played a game with you in jealousy. Be careful, keep your eyes open and look all around. Normally, you get involved in your love and relationship and just go deep into it. Always collect little information about the one to whom you are building relationship.

Sagittarius Love Horoscope - July 2012 to September 2012

This is the time to face the consequences of your casual approach towards your love mate. You are caught for sailing on two boats. You took the things very lightly in the past and now you have to pay for your mistakes. Anyways, you are tactful and capable to handle these situations. Don’t make an aggressive approach, this friendship may turn into enmity. The best solution is to keep quite and let the things happen. By the end of the quarter or may be by next quarter things will settle down. Sometimes defense is the best offense.

Sagittarius Love Horoscope - October 2012 to December 2012

When it is bad time all the decisions go wrong. Now, the ball is in your court. Settle the things. Some of you may get into relationship with your love mate. Don’t worry now you have a favourable time. Go ahead and propose if you are in love. If you are already married your spouse will be helping and supporting.

2012 Sagittarius Horoscope - Family Life

Sagittarius Family Horoscope - January 2012 to March 2012

This period is favourable to you and your family. You will be greatly influenced by your father. You will be a good helping hand to your mother also. Your younger brother and sister will follow your foot steps.They love you and respect you. A good time to be with your wife and children. You can plan for a small picnic with your family.

Sagittarius Family Horoscope - April 2012 to June 2012

Your good time with your family continues in this quarter also. Your mother is very much attached to you. Don’t ever break her heart. Be affectionate and share your feelings and sorrows with her. Your cousins and friends will be very supportive in this period. They can give their helping hand in your profession or business. You are very intelligent and tactful to maintain the balance in your family and this quality of yours will keep you in limelight during this time.

Sagittarius Family Horoscope - July 2012 to September 2012

This period may not be very fortunate for you in context with your relationship with your spouse. She might be irritated with you for nothing. Don’t get excited and handle the situation calmly and quietly. As you know, when the time is bad you can’t turn the table upside down. Take the help of your children. They can help you in resolving your family issues.

Sagittarius Family Horoscope - October 2012 to December 2012

Your mother’s health will be priority for you in this quarter. Take good care of her health. Your father is supportive during this period. Your spouse will support you in your work. You will have a good time. Your child can go abroad for higher education. A family function due from the long time will take place in this quarter. Enjoy every moment as planetary position is favourable.

You can download the Sagittarius 2012 Horoscope in E-book format. Click on the link below to download it.

Download Sagittarius 2012 Horoscope Ebook

How A Bill Becomes Law In California.

Overview of Legislative Process in The State of California.

The process of government by which bills are considered and laws enacted by the California State Legislature is commonly referred to as the legislative process.

The California State Legislature is made up of two houses: the Senate and the Assembly. There are 40 Senators and 80 Assembly Members representing the people of the State of California.

The Legislature maintains a legislative calendar governing the introduction and processing of the legislative measures during its two-year regular session..
Idea

All legislation begins as an idea or concept. Ideas and concepts can come from a variety of sources. The process begins when a Senator or Assembly Member decides to author a bill.
The Author

A legislator sends the idea for the bill to the Office of the Legislative Counsel, where it is drafted into bill form. The draft of the bill is returned to the legislator for introduction. If the author is a Senator, the bill is introduced in the Senate. If the author is an Assembly Member, the bill is introduced in the Assembly.
First Reading/Introduction

A bill is introduced or read the first time when the bill number, the name of the author, and the descriptive title of the bill are read on the floor of the house. The bill is then sent to the Office of State Publishing. No bill except the Budget Bill may be acted upon until 30 days have passed from the date of its introduction.
Committee Hearings

After introduction, a bill goes to the rules committee of the house, where it is a assigned to the appropriate policy committee for its first hearing. Bills are assigned to policy committees according to subject area. For example, a Senate bill dealing with health care facilities would first be assigned to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee for policy review. Bills that require the expenditure of funds must also be heard in the fiscal committees, Senate Appropriations and Assembly Appropriations. Each committee is made up of a specified number of Senators or Assembly Members.

During the committee hearing the author presents the bill to the committee, and testimony may be heard in support or opposition to the bill. The committee then votes on whether to pass the bill out of committee, or that it be passed as amended. Bills may be amended several times. It takes a majority vote of the committee membership for a bill to be passed and sent to the next committee or to the floor.

Each house maintains a schedule of legislative committee hearings. Prior to a bill's hearing, a bill analysis is prepared that explains the intended effect of the bill on current law, together with background information. Typically the analysis also lists organizations that support or oppose the bill.
Second and Third Reading

Bills passed by committees are read a second time on the floor in the house of origin and then assigned to third reading. Bill analyses are also prepared prior to third reading. When a bill is read the third time it is explained by the author, discussed by the Members, and voted on by a roll call vote. Bills that require an appropriation, or that take effect immediately, ordinarily require 27 votes in the Senate and 54 votes in the Assembly to be passed. Other bills generally require 21 votes in the Senate and 41 votes in the Assembly. If a bill is defeated, the Member may seek reconsideration and another vote.
Repeat Process in Other House

Once the bill has been approved by the house of origin it proceeds to the other house where the procedure described above is repeated.
Resolution of Differences

If a bill is amended in the second house, it must go back to the house of origin for concurrence, meaning agreement on those amendments. If the house of origin does not concur in those amendments, the bill is referred to a two-house conference committee to resolve the differences. Three members of the committee are from the Senate and three are from the Assembly. If a compromise is reached, the bill is returned to both houses for a vote.
Governor

If both houses approve a bill, it goes to the Governor. The Governor has three choices: sign the bill into law, allow it to become law without his or her signature, or veto it. A governor's veto can be overridden by a two-thirds vote in both houses. Most enacted bills go into effect on the first day of January of the next year. Urgency bills, and certain other measures, take effect immediately after they are enacted into law.

California Law Each bill that is passed by the Legislature and approved by the Governor is assigned a chapter number by the Secretary of State. These chaptered bills are statutes, and ordinarily become part of the California Codes. The California Codes are a comprehensive collection of laws grouped by subject matter.

The California Constitution sets forth the fundamental laws by which the State of California is governed. All amendments to the California Constitution come about as a result of constitutional amendments approved by the voters at a statewide election.

From http://www.leginfo.ca.gov

Purple Heart Pawned To Pay For Christmas.

Despite service to our country, veterans struggle the most.

Many people head to the pawn shop during the holiday season, selling their valuables for cash to afford gifts for loved ones. But one man in Holland, Mich., loaned something priceless -- his Purple Heart.

In November, a serviceman on leave went to a pawn shop and sold one of his two Purple Hearts. He earned them after he was wounded while serving in Afghanistan, the Holland Sentinel reported.

"He was falling on hard times," VandenBosch told the Sentinel. "He said the same thing everybody else who comes in here says. He was short on funds."

Michele Belczak, an employee at Max Your Gold in Southfield, Mich., has seen customers selling valuables as they struggle to afford their holiday spending, projected to reach $646 for an average American family this year.

"It's going to hurt less to buy their kids Christmas presents, or Christmas is simply going to be better because they're going to have this extra money they didn't expect to have," she said.

Despite their service to the country, veterans struggle more than most. The veteran unemployment rate in Michigan is almost 30 percent, triple the state's overall unemployment rate and higher than that of any other state.

The Purple Heart award was established in 1932 and is awarded by the president to anyone wounded or killed while serving in the armed forces. It revived the Badge of Military Merit, created by President George Washington in 1782.

The serviceman who gave up his medal of merit remains anonymous. He declined an interview with the Sentinel.

VanderBosch, the pawn shop owner, said he would not sell the valuable military award, keeping it in case the serviceman returned to get his Purple Heart out of hock.

If you would like to volunteer or make a donation to support veterans this holiday season, consider the Charity Navigator's list of organizations that best assist our troops and veterans.

TheHuffingtonPost.com