France Tries New Artificial Heart Technology

French scientists, in the race to build a better artificial heart, have turned to technology from satellites and airplanes to create a heart that they say responds better to the human body. The new device which was shown at a news conference in Paris, has so far only been tested in animals. Its makers hope it might one day help people survive without needing a human heart transplant.

American companies have already produced artificial hearts and scientists in Japan and South Korea are also working on versions. Above is a picture of an american artificial heart. The photo was courtesy of Abiomed. I believe England also is working on one.

However, the French artificial heart is the first to be able to determine its patients' needs and respond accordingly. And its maker is a subsidiary of the parent company of Airbus, the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co. "It's the same principle in the airplane as in the body," said Patrick Coulombier, chief operating officer of Carmat, the manufacturer.

Philippine Ferry Overturns and 40 Die

There was a sudden monsoon squall that overturned a crowded inter-island ferry in the Philippines. At least 40 people drowned and the coast guard said today that the captain and owner may face charges for sailing without a permit. There were seventy-six people were who rescued and taken to two hospitals after the Don Dexter Cathlyn was battered by winds and waves shortly after leaving port in central Masbate island for nearby Sorsogon province on Tuesday. This was according to the regional army commander, Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Sodusta. I wonder how many died outright of fright before drowning. I think I would have. What a disaster. Without a permit, they shouldn't have been sailing at all. That is catamount to murder.

Obama, U.S. Senator from Illinois - President Elect

We have a new President Elect this morning. That is Barack Obama. He was U. S. Senator from Illinois and has made the big step to President. Beginning in 2009, he will take over and we will see what changes he will make. He has talked about the fighting overseas, the health coverage for all Americans and many other large plans for Americans.

One man can't do it all, but he has a Democratic Congress behind him now and we will see what happens. It is always different when the President changes. How will it affect Wall Street? Everyone has so many questions and they all hope for the very best for all. The Bible says pray for those in charge of you, your leaders - so that is what we must do and pray for our country and our servicemen too.

Arkansas College Shooting

Four men were charged last week with capital murder and other felonies for the fatal shootings of two students and wounding of a third near a University of Central Arkansas dormitory. The officials said the victims may not have been the assailants' targets. Isn't that something?

The two murder charges against each defendant carry either the death penalty or a life sentence if convicted. The prosecutor declined to say if he would ask a jury for the death penalty. Two of the men were only 19 and the other two were 20 years of age and they also face charges of attempted capital murder, eight counts of terroristic threatening and gun violations. I am in favor of the death penalty and so is God.

Dietsupplements

I just found out that 97% of all dietsupplements don't work. I think I have bought about 50% of them already. They say that only 3% do work and this website has gone to all the work for you. They have checked out a great many diet pills and supplements and can tell you which ones really work. They can tell you the top three and what their store shelf price would be. Then you can order them online from them for a terrific savings. You can also see the rankings both by users and by their staff. Check them out if you are serious about losing weight and want something that is going to work.

Automakers are Seeking Expanded Federal Aid

U. S. automakers are seeking federal help beyond the money that Congress has made available for them They want this as part of a financial industry bailout and a measure to retool their assembly plants for more fuel-efficient cars. Where is this going to end? It has a tumble down effect. They bail out the top money lenders and then everyone else down the line wants to be bailed out too.

Dana Perino, White House spokeswoman, said the auto industry has talked to the Bush administration about funding on a much broader scale than the two programs approved by Congress earlier this fall. GM wants about $5 billion to $10 billion in aid from the government. Where is all this money coming from? The requests have come as GM and Chrysler LLC are discussing a potential merger.

You can't just keep throwing billions of dollars after billions of dollars, or can you? Where is all this big money coming from? It seems to me if we have that much surplus, then someone is already being overtaxed. But, get ready taxpayers. I'm betting all our taxes are going up. Something has to give somewhere.

What is Your Caffeine Limit?

They have found that some people are very sensitive to small amounts of caffeine. There is even a small amount in decaf coffee, though most people are not aware of it. There is no equation to figure out how much you can stand. It can't be measured by weight, body mass, or gender or age. You just don't know.

I know my husband can stand very little, even if he drinks it in the early morning, it can keep him up very late at night. Some people really get the jitters from it. A professor who studied it said it increases urine output, opens lung passages and acts as a stimulant in the brain. This gives us that feeling of wakefulness or when we have to much we get shakey. Children and teens should try not to take in too much caffeine as it is so much better for their bodies to drink nutritious drinks such as milk and fruit drinks.