It is whether names and addresses of the jurors should be withheld from the public during the trial,cheap tiffany earrings, a question that is popping up frequently in courthouses across]]> A contentious legal issue has emerged during the corruption trial of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich that has nothing to do with his guilt or innocence.

It is whether names and addresses of the jurors should be withheld from the public during the trial,cheap tiffany earrings, a question that is popping up frequently in courthouses across the country.

"It’s coming up in the silliest trials," including those that don’t generate much publicity as well as some civil trials, said Lucy Dalglish of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, a Virginia-based non-profit that advocates for media organizations on First Amendment and freedom of information issues.

It is difficult to quantify how often judges have shielded jurors’ names from the public. But legal experts say the pervasiveness of the Internet and bloggers,cheap tiffany bracelets, an increasingly hungry press and the rise of witness and juror intimidation are leading more judges to grant anonymity to jurors during trial, and in some cases, after.

Free speech advocates and members of the media say the trend runs counter to the way trials have been held and in some circumstances,tiffany Pendant, the U.S. Constitution. "There’s a long tradition in our country of trials being open… and the press has a strong First Amendment right to gather news," said Steven Zansberg, a media lawyer in Denver who has represented media organizations in numerous high-profile criminal cases. Judges should withhold juror names during trials "only in extremely limited situations," he said.

In the Blagojevich corruption case,thanksgiving jewelry, Chicago federal judge James Zagel ruled in May that juror names would stay out of the public out of concern that bloggers and others would try to contact jurors during the trial, which started last month. One concern appears to be that media questions could prompt the jurors to do their own outside research on the case, which is prohibited. Earlier this month, an appellate court acknowledged the risk that media questions could prompt the jurors to do their own research on the case, but still ordered the judge to reconsider his ruling after several media outlets complained. Judge Zagel is to hold a status hearing on the matter Monday.

Natalie Spears, the lawyer representing the media outlets, declined to comment. Calls to Mr. Blagojevich’s lawyers weren’t returned.

The U.S. Supreme Court hasn’t given specific guidance on jury anonymity. So the approach has varied widely from state to state, county to county. Many courts require that judges find a particular reason exists to withhold juror names–for instance, that jurors have good cause to fear for their safety.

Since the mid-1990s, trial courts in Los Angeles county have shielded juror names in most criminal cases, a policy initiated by Superior Court Judge Philip Mautino after he found in informal surveys that 98% of them wanted to be anonymous. "Once we made it that you can be anonymous and leave without repercussions, trials went much more smoothly," he says.

Others say that little is lost by shielding identities from the public during trial. Nancy King, a law professor at Vanderbilt University, said that even when names and addresses are withheld, other information, such as occupation, is revealed. "In the vast majority of cases,tiffany cuff Links sale, the public gets everything it needs to evaluate whether the trial is fair."

Yet media lawyers and free-speech activists argue the press can play a vital role in ensuring a jury’s integrity. In 2006, for example, the Chicago Tribune broke news during the criminal trial of Mr. Blagojevich’s predecessor, George Ryan, that two jurors had lied about their criminal records on jury questionnaires. The judge dismissed the jurors but if the facts had been revealed after the trial, the judge might have had to retry the case. "Perfect example," said Ms. Dalglish. "When the public gets information, people uncover things."

Maryland judge Dennis Sweeney supports jury anonymity but said there are advantages to disclosing names. When now former Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon was prosecuted last year on corruption charges, Mr. Sweeney decided to withhold jurors’ names during trial. They would have been "subjected to anyone in the public trying to contact them, by Facebook, MySpace, or emails, to give [the jurors] their opinion about the case," concluded Mr. Sweeney, who is retired but still hears cases on occasion. The trial ended in December, with Ms. Dixon convicted of a misdemeanor for improperly using gift cards from a developer.

After Judge Sweeney released the jurors’ names, a Maryland newspaper discovered five of the Dixon jurors had "friended" each other on Facebook and mentioned the case in Facebook discussions while the verdict was still pending–a violation of the judge’s orders. A possible retrial was avoided because Ms. Dixon agreed to a plea deal in which she received probation and resigned, according to Judge Sweeney and Ms. Dixon’s lawyer.

"One could argue that if the jurors’ names had been out there during the trial and reporters had been checking jurors, [the Facebook incident] would have been discovered earlier," said Mr. Sweeney, who is nonetheless confident that the decision to guard jurors’ privacy was the wiser course.

"Not everyone appreciates the veil of insulation that jurors are supposed to have," he said, adding that Mr. Blagojevich’s trial raises similar concerns about possible jury tampering should the jurors’ names become public. "There may not be a sentient person in the country who doesn’t have some views about Mr. Blagojevich."

Write to Ashby Jones at ashby.jones@wsj.com and Nathan Koppel at nathan.koppel@wsj.com

Corrections & Amplifications The name of the federal judge presiding over the Rod Blagojevich corruption case is James Zagel. A previous version of this article incorrectly referred to him as "James Zager." In addition, the name of the former Baltimore mayor is Sheila Dixon. A previous version of this article incorrectly referred to her as Shelia Dixon

Iconic supermodel, entrepreneur and philanthropist Christie Brinkley, will receive the 2nd Annual HBA "Positively Beautiful" Award from HBA Global Expo (http://www.hbaexpo.com) for her active support of Smile Train and its mission. Smile Train (http://www.smiletrain.org) provides free cleft surgery for millions of poor children in developing countries and free cleft-related tr]]> Beauty & Well-Being Event Recognizes Supermodel’s Work with Smile Train

Iconic supermodel, entrepreneur and philanthropist Christie Brinkley, will receive the 2nd Annual HBA "Positively Beautiful" Award from HBA Global Expo (http://www.hbaexpo.com) for her active support of Smile Train and its mission. Smile Train (http://www.smiletrain.org) provides free cleft surgery for millions of poor children in developing countries and free cleft-related training for doctors and medical professionals.

The Positively Beautiful Award was established by HBA Global to annually recognize a celebrity who uses their name and talents to further a cause that champions inner beauty and self-esteem building. The Award Presentation will be part of the events Keynote and Kick-off Presentation on Tuesday,rings, September 28th starting at 9:00 a.m. in the Special Events Hall. HBA Global Expo & Conference (www.hbaexpo.com) is the largest product development event for the cosmetic, fragrance, skin care, personal care, and well-being industries.

"Christie Brinkley has one of the most recognizable smiles in the world, and she knows the importance a new smile will make in these children lives who are born with clefts lip and palate. Her awareness building for Smile Train is helping millions of deserving children find their ‘inner beauty’ and giving them a second chance at life,shop for tiffany," said Jill Birkett, brand director, Beauty & Wellness, of HBA Global Expo. "We are extremely proud to present Ms. Brinkley with this year’s ‘Positively Beautiful’ award and recognize the beauty of her commitment to the empowerment of disadvantaged children."

Combining her modeling experience with her artistic talents and diverse interests including jewelry design, photography, writing, acting, and environmental activism, Christie’s legendary career over the years has been fascinating and dynamic. One of the world’s most successful and recognizable models,tiffany cuff Links sale, Christie has appeared on over 500 magazine covers worldwide and was the first model to appear on the Sports Illustrated iconic swimsuit issue for three consecutive years. She has held contracts or appeared in ads for many HBA attendees including Chanel No 19, Max Factor, Noxzema, Revlon, Borghese Cosmetics and Nu Skin. Her major contract with CoverGirl is the longest running cosmetics contract of any model in history. Most recently, Christie introduced a line of organic fabrics and appeared on QVC introducing The Christie Brinkley Jewelry Collection for Ross Simons and continues to be a spokesperson for Total Gym.

Ms. Brinkley is involved in many other worldwide and local New York charitable endeavors and is on the board of directors for STAR (Standing for Truth about Radiation) and helped make nuclear security a top national priority program. The most important role in her career, as a mother of three, has also been inspiring and garnered her numerous "Mother of the Year" honors.

Prior to the Positively Beautiful Award presentation to Ms. Brinkley, Pamela Baxter,tiffany Pendants clearance, President and CEO, of LVMH Perfumes & Cosmetics North America will deliver a keynote address (http://www.hbaexpo.com/educate_keynote) to kick-off HBA Global Expo & Conference and is open to all attendees of the event. To register for HBA Global Expo or for more information go to http://www.hbaexpo.com.

About HBA Global Expo & Conference

HBA Global Expo & Conference (http://www.hbaexpo.com) is the leading product development for the entire beauty community including skin care, cosmetics, fragrance, personal care and well-being industries. For three days the top brand manufacturers from mass to prestige, as well as independent and niche beauty companies will gather to learn about industry trends and discover new products from the world’s leading suppliers. The HBA educational conference is renowned for providing an unparalleled look at both the marketing and technical drivers in the health and beauty space and provides proven strategies for business growth. Co-located with HBA will be The Spa & Resort/Medical Aesthetics Expo showcasing the convergence of the traditional and medical segments of the spa and resort industry.

More information on HBA Global Expo & Conference,Atlas charm bracelet, taking place September 28-30, 2010 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center and to connect on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/HBA-Global-Expo-and-Conference/309356259815), Linked In (http://www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=1856844) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/hba_events) go to http://www.hbaexpo.com.

About Smile Train

SMILE TRAIN’S mission is focused on solving a single problem: cleft lip and palate. Clefts are a major problem in developing countries where there are millions of children who are suffering with unrepaired clefts. Most cannot eat or speak properly. Aren’t allowed to attend school or hold a job. And face very difficult lives filled with shame and isolation, pain and heartache. The good news is every single child with a cleft can be helped with surgery that costs as little as US$250 and takes as little as 45 minutes. Smile Train has performed over 620,000 of these surgeries in 78 countries around the world.

She's a big girl and proud of it. At 5 feet 7,Bead bracelet, the 37-year-old weighs a hefty 250 pounds,]]> CHIQUITA MCKENZIE, an aspiring mortician who finished first in the Miss Big Beautiful Woman Pageant two years ago, is coming back, this time with an arsenal of new tricks in her wardrobe, which she doesn’t mind letting you know includes sizes 18 and 20.

She’s a big girl and proud of it. At 5 feet 7,Bead bracelet, the 37-year-old weighs a hefty 250 pounds,tiffany bangle, and plans to win the crown an unprecedented second time on Sunday afternoon at the Renaissance Hotel near the airport by strutting onstage during the lingerie competition in a corset, booty shorts, fishnet panty hose and 6-inch high heels.

"I love every curve, every roll," Mckenzie told me yesterday. "If I’m 350, I’m still going to carry that like I’m 150 pounds because I have that confidence to believe that I’m beautiful the way God me."

"If somebody comes to me and says something like, ‘Why would you strut around in lingerie when you’re a fat girl?’ I would say, ‘Girl, you don’t know how I look in lingerie. I look good.’ "

You have to love that kind of confidence in a woman.

Because, truthfully,Thanksgiving surprise gift, most of the rest don’t have it. A study by Nutrisystem revealed last week that most women would rather go without sex for the entire summer than gain 10 pounds. The female respondents also admitted that they would rather shed 10 to 20 pounds than get promoted at work.

Clearly, no one bothered to poll Mc-kenzie or the other plus-sized beauties who’ll be competing against her on Sunday. The contest, in its 11th year, is all about embracing the beauty of plus-sized women. No size 6′s need apply. To enter, you have to be at least a size 14.

"I am very comfortable with who I am and what I look like," said Karen Montgomery, a social worker for the Department of Human Services, who won in 2003.

"We do not have to conform to what society says is beautiful," added Montgomery, who weighs 220 pounds and is 5 feet 6.

Yeah, but I have enough overweight relatives to know that it’s not easy being plus-sized in America, which is ironic considering that nearly two-thirds of American women are either overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The average clothing size for American women is size 14, a size many designers continue to balk at creating clothing for, even though the demand is clearly there.

There’s a huge disconnect between Madison Avenue and Main Street. Designers and stores push the tall, willowy model aesthetic. But the average American woman weighs 164.7 pounds.

Last spring,tiffany rings clearance, Lane Bryant aired a commercial during "American Idol" featuring a full-figured woman in a bra and panties to advertise Cacique, its lingerie line. Before the commercial aired, Fox asked that it be tweaked to show less skin, and Lane Bryant issued a release accusing the network of size prejudice.

But that’s not to say we’re still in the dark ages when Lane Bryant was almost the only choice for plus-sized women. There’s a Full-Figured Fashion Week now. Saks Fifth Avenue announced last month it would stock Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Yves Saint Laurent in size 14 and some even in 16 to 20. If it sells (and I bet it will), Saks will make the sizes available around the country, not just in its Manhattan store.

"Plus-sized women have been pushed aside. They have to come to

the forefront," explained Dave Wilkes, a West Philly-based promoter who organizes the Big Beautiful Woman Pageant. "It’s kind of like a passion of mine to make sure that plus-size get its recognition."

"People have to be made to know that it’s not bad to be plus-size. Being plus doesn’t mean you’re unhealthy,thanksgiving day celebration," he added. "It’s not the size that makes you sick."

While it is possible to be both healthy and overweight, studies show that increased weight ups your risk of a whole host of illnesses, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and certain cancers. And then there’s the social stigma of being fat.

"The more we try to get thinner as a nation, the heavier we get," said Stacey Rosenfeld, a psychologist who specializes in body-image issues.

"Our society is so swayed in a particular direction that fat is bad and thin is good. [Plus-sized pageants] are just to me a little bit more inclusive of the everyday woman out there, given that the average woman is a size 14."

The Big, Beautiful Woman Pageant, 2 p.m. Sunday, Renaissance Philadelphia Airport Hotel, 500 Stevens Drive. Advance tickets are $40 (includes dinner) and $30 (pageant alone). For more information, log onto wilkesproductions.com or call 215-222-7127.

S. Air Force Space Command issued the following press release:

The colored interlocking bricks, called pavers, on Thule and Payne streets are pretty and they serve a purpose: handling storm water runoff.

Dealing with storm water runoff is important because of Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Defense mandates.]]> PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., Aug. 30 — The U.

S. Air Force Space Command issued the following press release:

The colored interlocking bricks, called pavers, on Thule and Payne streets are pretty and they serve a purpose: handling storm water runoff.

Dealing with storm water runoff is important because of Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Defense mandates. Engineers are charged with developing ways to reduce storm water runoff, which would otherwise flow into streams,shop for tiffany, rivers, or lakes carrying possible contaminants and erode stream beds.

In 2009, the Energy Independence and Security Act established into law new storm water design requirements for federal development and redevelopment projects. The new requirement is to reduce storm water runoff associated with new construction.

"We need to ensure we don’t create significant storm water runoff issues as a result of our construction," said Randy Hawke, 21st Space Wing Civil Engineer Squadron architect. The issue is especially important on Peterson Air Force Base, where water runs into Sand Creek.

Permeable pavers permit storm water and snowmelt to drain through the spaces between the paving blocks and into a subsurface detention area, said Fred Brooks, 21st CES civil engineer. From there, the water filters naturally into the ground and ultimately recharges the aquifer.

"By creating subsurface detention and filtration areas, the paver system dramatically reduces, or even eliminates, the need for retention ponds," he said.

Already, pavers on Paine and Otis streets,thanksgiving money clips, between Hamilton and Stewart avenues, have demonstrated they are an efficient way to handle storm water runoff, Mr. Brooks said. With all the recent rain,buy tiffany earrings, there has been a noticeable reduction of storm water flow in that area.

Thule Street, which had a low point in the road, would have required an extension of the storm sewer lines.

"That would have exaggerated our already maxed-out storm sewer system," Mr. Brooks said. "Our piping infrastructure is working at capacity. Any additional inflow equals flooding downstream."

Permeable pavers do cost more than asphalt, Mr. Brooks said. The pavers on Thule Street cost about $470,cheap tiffany jewellery,000 – about twice the amount to pave with asphalt. The project was funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, much like the way state and country road repair projects were funded.

"It is more costly than a standard roadway, however the additional storm water storage and maintenance reductions are worth the investment," Mr. Brooks said. "This road is projected to outlast a standard asphalt road by two or three life cycles."

And, the pavers will save the base money, Mr. Brooks said. Pavers are flexible and allow movement during the freeze and thaw cycle without damage to the road. Annual painting of traffic lines is not necessary since the full depth color of the yellow and white pavers will not fade.

"There is no need to seal the pavers every five years, like there is with asphalt," Mr. Brooks said. "There is no need to mill an overlay every 10 years, like with asphalt."

The only maintenance on pavers is to vacuum the road once a year with a street sweeper.

The Thule paver project is expected to be completed by the end of August. Thule Street is being designed as one of three service roads leading into the development of a new business park concept known in the base’s long term development plan as the Triangle Area.

The Triangle Area,tiffany cuff Links sale, which includes the area of the former base commissary, will be designed based on energy saving sustainable guides, Mr. Hawke said. Contracts on the project are expected to be awarded in the fall.

"The architectural standards for this area will be based on sustainable and energy saving architectural construction criteria for the future of Peterson Air Force Base," Mr. Hawke said. "Permeable pavers are part of this architecture."

Paver project at a glance:

* Maintenance free – colored paver stones eliminate need to restripe

* Repair friendly – individual pavers can be removed and replaced for underground work

* Environmentally friendly – does not require a separate storm water pipe line

* Big picture development – Thule Street is part of a future development area

* Compliant – meets the Environmental Protection and Department of Defense mandates to reduce storm water runoff

* Attractive – the pavers are attractive with environmental benefits For any query with respect to this article or any other content requirement, please contact Editor at htsyndication@hindustantimes.com

The sold-out event drew 200 women who were there to teach or learn about Muslims, the pillars of their faith and how they recognize Ramadan, one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar, which is a time marked by fasting, prayer and repentance. The evening included t]]> Women of different faiths joined together at Christ Church Cathedral downtown Thursday night to shatter negative stereotypes of Muslim women and to observe the traditions of the Ramadan iftar.

The sold-out event drew 200 women who were there to teach or learn about Muslims, the pillars of their faith and how they recognize Ramadan, one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar, which is a time marked by fasting, prayer and repentance. The evening included the iftar — a full meal that marks the breaking of the fast at sunset. Three dozen local Muslim women of diverse backgrounds were recruited to sit at the dining tables to discuss their unique life experiences with their guests.

A true picture

Kafah Bachari Manna of Houston, co-founder of the committee that organized the program, said the event was the first of its kind in Houston focusing on the Islamic faith and was designed to present a true picture of Muslim women. Those Muslims heading discussions at the dining tables Thursday included doctors, lawyers, associate professors, engineers,Bead bracelet, authors, writers and mothers.

"We’re simply here to present ourselves as we are," said Manna, a corporate attorney and writer. "We are outspoken, independent, strong-minded, successful, professional women from all walks of life."

Rose Ashraf of Spring, an American Italian who converted from Catholicism to Islam 36 years ago, was among those leading the table discussions. "This was my very small way of reaching out to non-Muslims to really help depict a different light about Muslims," she said. "It’s so frustrating for me to see how Muslims are painted as these terrible,Atlas charm bracelet, criminal terrorists — it’s heartbreaking because I know that it’s not true. It is a few people who have hijacked the name of Islam for their own agenda.

"We’re not here to convert anybody," said Ashraf, executive director of food services at Aramark/Houston Independent School District. Of her own conversion experience, she said, "I don’t feel like I’m praying to a different God. We share so much of the same doctrine between the Catholics, the Jews and the Muslims. And we are truly of one Abrahamic faith. We may pray in a different language and we may have different styles, but the message is absolutely the same."

A major difference is that Muslims view Jesus Christ as a prophet,Charm pendant, she said.

Baptist wants to learn

Anneliese Davis of Houston,bangles, a Baptist, said she attended the event to learn more about Islam, particularly in light of today’s cultural events. "With everything that’s going on now, I think things like this are more important than ever so we can understand each other," Davis said of the educational event. "I think it’s such an opportunity to learn about another culture and religion, and that’s the only way we’re going to get to any kind of understanding."

Manna echoed that need for understanding. She told the audience the image of Muslim women in the media never matched up to her own self-image.

"Today in the shadow of 9/11, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq,Beads necklace, the Israel-Palestine conflict and all the other ailments that plague humanity, including the current controversy over Park 51, we find ourselves overcome by the differences and difficulties we find in each other," Manna told the audience. "It’s often too easy to (confine) ourselves within a narrow belief system … rather than reach out into the unknown certainty of the other. Tonight is about looking beyond stereotypes and shedding our fears."

Mark Campion said Thursday that doctors suspected his wife -- Sandra Brown -- had dengue fever, although he did not know whether that had been confirmed through testing.

V.I. Health Department epidemiologist Eugene Tull said earlier this week that he had no information abo]]> A St. John woman who was transferred last week to a Miami hospital with possible dengue fever symptoms died there Aug. 20 from complications, her husband said.

Mark Campion said Thursday that doctors suspected his wife — Sandra Brown — had dengue fever, although he did not know whether that had been confirmed through testing.

V.I. Health Department epidemiologist Eugene Tull said earlier this week that he had no information about a possible death from dengue fever.

"I don’t know anything about that. I don’t have any word from the hospital or any reports," he said.

Health Department spokeswoman Eunice Bedminster said Thursday that the department was not aware of any deaths from the territory’s dengue fever cases but had been investigating since receiving inquiries from reporters Monday. Tull had no new information Thursday, she said.

"We have no confirmation at this time," she said.

Campion said Thursday that his understanding was that his 47-year-old wife had died from complications of dengue fever and heart failure, but that he had not yet received a death certificate.

She had been healthy before she became ill and did not have other medical conditions, Campion said.

Brown started having flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills and bone pain, about eight days before she died, he said.

Campion said Brown initially went to Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center for treatment Aug. 17,rings, then went back Aug. 18, when she was transferred to Schneider Hospital. On Aug. 19,tiffany, she was transferred from Schneider Hospital to Jackson Memorial in Miami and died the following morning, he said.

Neither Jackson Memorial nor the Miami-Dade County Medical Ex-aminer’s Office would provide information about Brown’s illness and death.

Tull said earlier this week that so far this year, there have been eight confirmed, laboratory positive cases of dengue fever in the territory, three probable cases with lab results pending and 15 suspected cases. All of those were in the St. Thomas/St. John District,Bead bracelet, except for two of the suspected cases,earrings, which were on St. Croix,Charm pendant, he said.

Dengue fever is transmitted to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Public health officials say eliminating mosquito-breeding areas in and around the house is one key to preventing the spread of dengue fever, and they advise using mosquito repellent.

A private memorial service has been planned for Brown, Campion said.

"She was an awesome, awesome woman," he said.

In a ground-breaking effort to use cell phone technology to improve access to healthcare, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Cayetano Heredia University of Peru (UPCH) and Movistar have launched a pilot project that will benefit 5,bracelets,000 low-income pregnant wom]]> The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:

In a ground-breaking effort to use cell phone technology to improve access to healthcare, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Cayetano Heredia University of Peru (UPCH) and Movistar have launched a pilot project that will benefit 5,bracelets,000 low-income pregnant women in Callao, Peru.

The project, known as "Wawanet," will use text messaging via mobile telephones to enhance the health of mothers and infants by enabling them to receive customized advice on nutrition and potential problems during pregnancy. In addition, the project, with support from the IDB’s Division of Science and Technology,tiffany, aspires to integrate a system of clinical histories through mobile technology, seeking to improve information systems that serve mothers and infants.

The pilot program will take place in the province of Callao, initially benefiting 5,000 pregnant mothers in a community where UPCH has been working on maternal health projects since the beginning of 2009.

The project is headed by Dr. Walter H. Curioso, a physician and investigative professor at UPCH,tiffany, and Dr. Patricia Garcia, a physician and professor at the Faculty for Public Health in UPCH.

Curioso said that this project seeks to develop a solution to the problems of maternal mortality in Peru,cuff Links, emphasizing that an improvement in the health of mothers and infants would also contribute to Peru’s attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.

Likewise, Garcia pointed out that this is a valuable opportunity to create a strategic alliance between the IDB, and the health sector of Callao, the local government of Callao, and UPCH in order to promote health, education, science and technology.

"To deliver health services using cellular phones in a systematic manner is one of the challenges of the development of digital technology at the start of the twenty first century," said Rafael Anta, specialist in the IDB’s Division of Science and Technology. Therefore,Atlas charm bracelet, the project will include an impact study and a review of possible business models that could enable it to be scaled-up to the national level.

"Wawanet" is part of IDB’s program "Mobile Citizen" program of non-reimbursable technical assistance financed with resources from Government of Italy, with the objective of accelerating the development and implementation of services based on the use of mobile phones to foster social and economic access for the most marginalized individuals.

Tricia West, a nurse and legal consultant with 30 years experience reviewing cases involving alleged medical violations, will serve as the executive officer for the California Board of Registered Nursing. Her respon]]> A year after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger cleaned house at a regulatory board that routinely took more than three years to take action on nurses accused of violations, an Agoura Hills woman has been hired to help the board complete its path to reform.

Tricia West, a nurse and legal consultant with 30 years experience reviewing cases involving alleged medical violations, will serve as the executive officer for the California Board of Registered Nursing. Her responsibilities will include making sure investigations and enforcement take no longer than an average of 18 months to protect the public from nurses who make medical mistakes, abuse substances or commit other violations.

"I took the job because I saw it as an opportunity to improve patient care for the state of California," said West, pledging to continue a transformation effort that has brought increased funding, changes in the way investigations are processed and the hiring of more investigators. She noted that nationwide 200,000 Americans die each year from errors committed by healthcare professionals.

"Why the public is not more up in arms and paying attention to that,bracelets, I don’t get it," she said.

Her new position, which begins Sept. 15, will carry considerable scrutiny. A year ago, the Los Angeles Times and nonprofit news organization ProPublica published stories showing the board’s enforcement process took an average of three years and five months. Nurses accused of being incompetent and dangerous continued to work.

A day after the investigation was published, Schwarzenegger fired three board members in the beginning of a purge that led to seven new people on the nine-seat board. The board’s longtime executive officer, Ruth Ann Terry,pendants, resigned.

West said she has no inside information on what happened but wondered at the time if the key problem was lack of resources.

"I wondered whether they were being asked to do a job but yet their hands were being tied behind them,Charm pendant," she said.

The nursing board controversies revealed that other state boards that regulate healthcare professions struggle with the same issue of completing investigations promptly. Schwarzenegger’s calls for widespread reform is bringing $12.7 million in new funding to the healthcare regulatory boards from increased licensing fees. The new nursing board is in the process of hiring 37 people in positions related to investigations.

And while the money shows a commitment to change, nursing board staff are still mandated by the governor to take furlough days, though their budget comes not from the general fund but the licensing charges, said Julianne D’Angelo Fellmeth, administrative director of the Center of Public Interest Law at the University of San Diego School of Law.

"It doesn’t help to increase your licensing fees so you can increase the staff but then make them sit home for three days a month," she said.

With or without the furlough days, the mandate for reform and the attention created by the newspaper investigation carries big pressure for West and other leaders of regulatory boards, said Fellmeth,cuff Links, who follows several of the state’s boards.

"They’re expecting her to improve that enforcement system and all the problems have been laid out very, very clearly," Fellmeth said.

West acknowledges her new job is a hot seat.

"Honestly, if they’re looking for the status quo, they’re looking at the wrong person," she said.

West is a registered nurse who is CEO and president of PJ West & Associates, a legal consulting firm that testifies in cases involving malpractice, personal injury and Medicare fraud. She’s served as an expert witness on behalf of the nursing board but, depending on the evidence presented, has also testified for nurses brought up before the board.

The search for a new executive officer took the nursing board a year with an existing staff member, Louise Bailey, serving as interim executive officer. Board President Ann Boynton said West was selected because of her experience running a business and managing staff as well as her career’s focus on figuring out how healthcare problems happened and how they could have been fixed.

Cyndie Cole, chief nurse executive for the Ventura County Health Care Agency, said that in the past hospitals ran the risk of hiring nurses without knowing their history. The regulatory system is already providing more information and doing it quicker,rings, she said.

But Cole wants more information that allows employers to know if a nurse has been accused in the past. And whatever additional changes the board and its new executive officer make, they will be scrutinized.

"Absolutely," Cole said. "Without a doubt people are watching."