UPDATE: Air France #447 Mystery Deepens

Editor's Note: Although no Georgia residents were on board, a fascinating Q&A found online regarding the crash of Air France #447 off the coast of Brazil. Very interesting information for those following the story....

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/paul-koring-took-questions-on-flight-447/article1167036/

Clayton County Puts Out Smoking in Parks, Rec Facilities

If you plan on having a cigarette in a Clayton County park or recreation facility, don't get caught.

The County's Commission voted Tuesday to ban all tobacco products from parks and recreation facilities starting immediately.

Many supporters of the ban said they were concerned about the dangers of second-hand smoke, especially around children who use the parks and rec facilities.

Atlanta Man Gets 10 Years in Child Porn Case

Terrill Marion Crane, 47, of Atlanta has been sentenced to serve more than 10 years in federal prison for producing child pornography.

Crane was sentenced to 10 years, 1 month in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to the charge of producing child pornography on Jan. 22.

According to the information presented in court, beginning in 1999, Crane approached numerous young girls in the Atlanta area and attempted to solicit them for sexual favors in exchange for cash.

In most cases, Crane took photos or directed photos to be taken of the sexual activity. In 2003, Crane's wife, who was then a sergeant with the Atlanta Police Department, got a call from an unidentified person at APD Headquarters advising that APD had photographs of her husband in the sexual activity.

Crane's wife said she found and burned some of the photographs. Even after that, Crane’s sexual activity with young females, continued. In October 2007, APD officers advised the FBI of photographic evidence involving 11 girls, most of them middle school age, which had been provided to APD by a film development store in 2000.

After the FBI agents began investigating the case, and with the assistance of the APD, on Nov. 20, 2007, FBI agents executed a federal search warrant for Crane's Atlanta residence on Beecher Road. Agents found undeveloped film, including some from disposable cameras, later shown to be Crane engaged in sexual activity with the girls, including two additional girls, and nude photos of some of the girls alone. Some of the girls in the photos found at Crane's residence have still not been identified.

Crane claimed to agents that some of the girls in the photographs were 20 years old, but several of the identified victims were minors at the time of the sexual activity and photographs and others appear to be minors.

Some of the photos depicting young girls seized from Crane's residence are identical to some of the photographs initially provided to APD in 2000.

Sandy Springs Teen Suspected in Mom's Murder

Police have arrested a Sandy Springs teen for allegedly shooting his mother to death.

According to authorities, Alexander Cordell, 18, killed his mother, Shani Fecht, 40, Tuesday afternoon. Fecht was discovered fatally shot in her vehicle not far from an apartment where her son lived.

Cordell was arrested Tuesday evening in a Roswell Road shopping center.

He is set to appear in court later this month.

NCR Corp. Moving Business to Duluth

NCR Corp., a provider of ATMs, announced Tuesday that it is moving its corporate headquarters from Ohio to suburban Atlanta.

Moving the company's headquarters from the Midwest will bring 1,250 jobs to Duluth. The company will also set up a manufacturing center in Columbus, that will employ an added 870 people during the next five years.

In October 2008, NCR reported that it would relocate major portions of its customer service operation in Peachtree City in Atlanta's southern suburbs. That center is expected to create 916 jobs over about two years.

About 2,800 NCR employees currently work in the metro Atlanta area while approximately 1,250 work in Dayton, Ohio.

NCR, which employs around 22,000 people worldwide, already has its retail business in Duluth.

UGA Study: Indirect Transmission Can Trigger Flu Outbreaks in Birds

New data on the persistence of avian influenza viruses in the environment has allowed a team of University of Georgia researchers to create the first model that takes into account both direct and indirect transmission of the viruses among birds. The model, which is detailed in the early online edition of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, has the potential to shed new light on how outbreaks begin in wild bird populations.

“The environmental transmission of avian influenza among birds is quite rare, but our model shows that it can play an important role in outbreaks,” said lead author Pejman Rohani, professor in the UGA Odum School of Ecology. “There are situations where ignoring the possibility of environmental transmission would cause you to significantly underestimate the probability, magnitude and duration of an outbreak.”

Rohani explained that current models of avian influenza only take into account the direct transmission of the virus that occurs when infected waterfowl and shorebirds shed the virus in their feces and those nearby drink contaminated water. But research in the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine has revealed that some avian influenza viruses can persist in water for up to 150 days. So even when no infected birds are present, Rohani said, virus present in the water can trigger an outbreak. Models that only take into account direct transmission, he pointed out, would incorrectly conclude that there’s no risk of an outbreak when no infected birds are present.

The viruses the researchers studied are known as low-pathogenicity viruses and do not infect humans. Low-path viruses only cause mild symptoms in birds but have the potential to swap genes and give rise to high pathogenicity viruses that can cause massive die-offs in poultry and—in rare cases—can infect humans. The H5N1 avian influenza virus, for example, has a 60 percent mortality rate in humans and is responsible for 262 deaths worldwide since 2003, according to the World Health Organization.

In addition to the environmental persistence of the virus, the team’s model takes into account variables such as lake size and the rate at which infected birds recover to describe likely and worse case outbreak scenarios. The model also reveals that environmental transmission extends the duration of an outbreak by infecting birds that haven’t come into contact with other birds yet have consumed contaminated water.

The data on the environmental persistence of avian influenza viruses comes from the lab of David Stallknecht, associate professor in the department of population health in the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine. In a study recently published in the journal Veterinary Microbiology, Stallknecht and lead author Justin Brown determined the persistence of 12 low-path avian influenza viruses under natural ranges of pH, salinity and temperature.

The researchers found that the duration of persistence varied widely among viruses, but that the viruses generally are most stable at a slightly basic pH, temperatures of less than 63 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees Celsius) and in fresh to slightly brackish water.

Marketing Assistance Needed for Atlanta Blog

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Man Arrested in Alleged Kidnap Attempt of Estranged Wife

A Clayton County man who allegedly tried to kidnap his estranged wife and infant child was arrested on Sunday at the Southlake Mall.

According to police, Darius Hosley, 27, forced his wife and the baby out of the mall at gunpoint. Hosley reportedly fired several shots when he was confronted by witnesses, but no one was injured.

Hosley ended up surrendering after authorities closed in on him.

Train Hits, Kills 17-Year-Old in Barrow County

Authorities report a 17-year-old Statham resident was killed Saturday morning by a train in Barrow County.

According to police, Joshua Gene Whitten was walking on the tracks in the direction of Winder when he was struck and killed by a train going in the same direction.

Police report that the train's operator used his warning systems and was in the process of braking when the train hit Whitten, who reportedly never moved from the tracks before being hit.

There is a possibility that Whitten had a musical device with him and may not have heard the train coming, according to authorities.

Ride Off in the Marietta Soap Box Derby

The Marietta Soap Box Derby will be held 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Saturday, June 13, at Marietta High School, 1171 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta.

This free family-friendly event is an official qualifying event for the All-American Soap Box Derby. Soap Box Derby racing is for children 8-17 years old.

For more information about entering the race or becoming a race sponsor, contact Devan Seabuagh at (678) 794-8232 or devan.seabaugh@maas911.com.

Crash on I-285 Claims Life of Riverdale Man

A 20-year-old resident of Riverdale was killed early Saturday after his car broke down on I-285 and he was hit by a tractor trailer.

According to Sandy Springs police, Charles Edward Stephens Jr. of Riverdale was on the side of the freeway after his car had broken down in the right eastbound lane at the DeKalb County line shortly before 5 a.m. Saturday. Moments later, a tractor trailer impacted the scene, killing Stephens.

Witnesses reportedly told police that the car's tail lights were not working when the accident took place.

UGA Kinesiology Head Receives Award

Kirk Cureton, professor and head of the department of kinesiology at the University of Georgia, received a Citation Award from the American College of Sports Medicine this past week.

The Citation Award is given for outstanding scientific and scholarly contributions to sports medicine and/or the exercise sciences throughout a career.

Cureton’s research in applied exercise physiology has focused on metabolic determinants of youth fitness, effects of body composition on physical performance, sex differences in responses and adaptations to exercise, cardiovascular and metabolic responses to exercise in the heat, and ergogenic effects of sports drinks.

A member of the UGA faculty since 1976, Cureton has served as head of the department of kinesiology since 2005 and as head of the department of exercise science from 1991-2004. He has been a member of ACSM since 1972 and has served as associate editor of the organization’s primary research journal, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, as president of the Southeast chapter, as a member of the board of trustees and as vice president of the national ACSM.

Cureton has written or co-written several book chapters and scores of articles on his research in referred journals during his career. He has received numerous recognitions for his work including being named Distinguished Alumni Lecturer (2007) and Distinguished Alumni (1998) by the department of kinesiology, University of Illinois. He received the Scholar Award, from the Southeast chapter of ACSM (1994) and the Mabel Lee Award, from the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (l983).

Cureton was recognized at ACSM’s 2009 annual meeting in Seattle this past week.

Cafe 458 Brunch Helps Samaritan House of Atlanta

Start a new Sunday morning tradition…brunch at Café 458! Located in the Historic Sweet Auburn District, Café 458 offers gourmet meals created by Atlanta’s favorite chefs.

At the invitation of his fellow CIA Alums, this Sunday celebrated Chef Joe Truex of Repast Restaurant will be transforming the kitchen with his signature flavors of Creole-influenced New American cuisine with a metropolitan flair.

While Cafe 458 is open to the general public for brunch and dinner, it also serves as the city’s only restaurant for homeless individuals during weekday mornings. The idea of opening a restaurant for the homeless originated with co-founders A.B. Short and Bob Freeman; their vision was to create a warm, caring environment that fostered a sense of dignity and respect among the men and women who ate there.

All proceeds from Café 458, including tips, go directly to support Samaritan House of Atlanta, a nonprofit agency whose mission is to help homeless men and women achieve self-sufficiency – It’s truly a delicious cause!

Cafe 458 is managed by Samaritan House of Atlanta, a nonprofit agency whose mission is to transform lives by helping homeless men and women achieve self-sufficiency through personalized employment readiness and life-stabilization programs.

Annually, Samaritan House of Atlanta offers services to over 700 men and women through two core programs: Cafe 458, a life stabilization program and restaurant for disabled homeless men and women; and The EDGE (Earning Dignity...Gaining Employment), with employment readiness programs that support homeless individuals in their efforts to find full-time permanent employment. Samaritan House also manages the Clean Street Team, a transitional employment and training program which engages homeless men and women in various beautification, grounds maintenance and cleaning projects throughout the metro Atlanta area. For more information about Samaritan House of Atlanta and our programs, visit Samaritan House.

Café 458 is an award-winning restaurant offering gourmet menu selections on Sundays for brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit Café 458.

Chef Joe Truex is a celebrated Atlanta Chef. Dine at Repast Restaurant Monday – Saturday to sample experience a true Southern talent! For more information visit Repast Restaurant.

GPS Releases Memorial Day Accident Counts; 15 Die on Roads

According to the Georgia Public Safety Department, there were 2, 974 crashes, 752 injuries, 15 fatalities and 14 fatal crashes over the Memorial Day holiday weekend in the state.

Fatal crashes were reported by the Putnam Co. Sheriff's Department, Savannah-Chatham Metro, DeKalb Co. Police, Fulton Co. Police (2), Hinesville Police, and the Georgia State Patrol posts in Athens, Blue Ridge, Conyers, Cuthbert, Dalton, Hinesville, Jasper, and Lafayette.

The holiday traffic count is a joint safety initiative of the Georgia State Patrol and the Crash Reporting Unit of the Georgia Department of Transportation.

The holiday count is updated every six hours during the holiday periods for Memorial Day, July Fourth, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.

MARTA Looks to Hike Fares, Trim Services

If MARTA has its way, fares for using the transit system will go up while services would be cut according to budget approvals the agency's finance committee signed off on last week.

According to the panel, the vote was to hike basic fares by $.25 starting in the new fiscal year of July 1, while parking charges for nine lots would also be increased $1.

MARTA is also looking to halt trains from running after midnight, along with eliminating non-productive bus routes.

Public hearings on the proposed fare hikes and service cuts are set for June 16 and 17.

Falcons Offensive Tackle Charged in Fight on Facebook

An Atlanta Falcons player was charged with battery in connection with a reported fight with his wife over a Facebook friend.

Gwinnett County police took offensive tackle Quinn Ojinnaka, 25, into custody earlier this week at his residence in Suwanee.

According to authorities, Ojinnaka fought with his wife and allegedly spat at her regarding an incident over a female friend of his on Facebook.

Ojinnaka, who posted bail and was released from Gwinnett County Jail, reported his wife allegedly tried to stab him with a pen.

She claims he threw her on some stairs and tossed her out of the residence.

Fulton County Residents Can Enjoy Art

On the first Saturday of every month, the High Museum of Art welcomes Fulton County residents to the Museum for free.

Fulton County residents who show proof of residency and students of schools, colleges and universities located inside Fulton County may view the current special exhibitions as well as the Permanent Collection.

This offer is available for walk-up ticket purchases only.

Major funding for this organization is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of Fulton County Arts Council.

Gov. Perdue Unveils Be Work Ready Program

In tough economic times, it is more important than ever for unemployed Georgians to embrace life-long learning opportunities and improve their core job skills.

With that in mind, Gov. Sonny Perdue announced the launch of Be Work Ready, a program designed to help unemployed Georgians jump start their job search, develop confidence and gain a competitive advantage in the job market.

Be Work Ready is a one-of-a-kind initiative providing unemployed Georgians a monetary incentive for either earning a Work Ready Certificate or improving their skills through free, online Work Ready skills gap training. Funding for the initiative is provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

When an individual earns a bronze, silver or gold level Work Ready Certificate, they are eligible for a $50 incentive; those who earn platinum are eligible for $100. When an individual improves their Work Ready Certificate level in any way, they are eligible for a $100 incentive. The incentive, in the form of a pre-paid card, can be used to offset job search expenses.

Be Work Ready is available to those age 18 or older who are currently unemployed and have earned a Work Ready Certificate and/or improved their Work Ready Certificate level through skills gap training. Those who have earned a Work Ready Certificate since Sept. 1, 2008 are also eligible to apply. Individuals answer a short questionnaire and fill out an application form at

www.begaworkready.org to qualify.

Job seekers can also post their Work Ready qualifications at www.begaworkready.org and select a target industry where employers throughout the state will be able to access this information and contact candidates about available jobs.

A Work Ready Certificate, powered by ACT’s nationally accredited WorkKeys® assessment system, validates an individuals’ skill and knowledge levels to potential employers. Individuals take the free assessment and earn a certificate at one of four levels – platinum, gold, silver and bronze. Free, online skills gap training helps individuals improve their Work Ready Certificate level.

McDonald's Drives in With Savings on June 3 on Ga. 400

Thanks to the guys with the golden arches, the toll on Ga. 400 will be free from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on June 3.

To highlight the launch of its new line of McCafe beverages, the Greater Atlanta McDonald’s Operators Association will provide commuters with free toll payments and free specialty coffees.

McDonald’s owner/operators will get the tab for drivers driving through Ga. 400 toll booths and will hand out free “Be Our Guest” cards for complementary McCafe coffees at Greater Atlanta McDonald’s Restaurants.

The gift cards can be redeemed for a free small hot McCafe coffee or a free medium iced McCafe coffee.

“Just as our new McCafe beverages offer an escape from the daily grind, we’re offering a free pass for commuters eager to get to their destinations Wednesday afternoon,” said John Tamasi, president of the Greater Atlanta McDonald’s Operators Association, in a prepared statement. “We want to thank our guests with free toll payments during those two busy hours on Wednesday and invite these commuters to our hundreds of local restaurants to enjoy an iced or hot McCafe beverage.”

Pizza Delivery Man Comes to Rescue of Kidnap Victim

It is not every day a pizza delivery man gets to rescue a kidnapped woman.

According to authorities, Snellville resident David Jansen is behind bars for allegedly kidnapping a 24-year-old Atlanta woman and taking her to a remote cabin in Tennessee. Jansen reportedly tied the woman to a couch and raped her.

Not long after, Jansen reportedly ordered a pizza and that is when the delivery man showed up and saw the woman tied up. The woman reportedly mouthed to the man to call 911, which led to her rescue.

Jansen, who was later arrested by Tennessee authorities, allegedly kidnapped the woman in her Atlanta neighborhood on Tuesday before transporting her across state lines.