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Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Texas roller coaster death: German firm to investigate

German roller coaster manufacturer sends officials to inspect ride involved in woman's death at Six Flags in Texas. Company official says he's sure roller coaster's safety bar wasn't broken, despite woman's plunge in Texas.

By Associated Press / July 22, 2013

This aerial photo shows the Texas Giant roller coaster at Six Flags Over Texas where a woman fell to her death Saturday in Arlington, Texas. The German manufacturer is sending officials to investigate the ride.

Louis DeLuca/The Dallas Morning News/AP

Enlarge

A German roller coaster maker is sending officials to a North Texas amusement park to inspect a ride after a woman fell to her death.

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Tobias Lindnar, a project manager for Gerstlauer Amusement Rides in Munsterhausen, Germany, told The Dallas Morning News that the company will investigate what led to Friday's fatal accident at?Six?Flags?Over Texas in Arlington.

Witnesses said the woman expressed concern about the Texas Giant roller coaster's safety bar not completely engaging as the ride was starting. The coaster is touted as the tallest steel-hybrid roller coaster in the world.

"I'm sure there's no safety bar that is broken," Lindnar told the newspaper by phone Saturday night from Germany.

Lindnar said Gerstlauer has never had problems with car safety bars on any of the roughly 50 roller coasters it's built around the world over the past 30 years.

"We will be on site and we will see what has happened," he said.

Park spokeswoman Sharon Parker confirmed in a statement Saturday that the victim died while riding the 14-story Texas Giant, but wouldn't give specifics about what happened. Arlington Police Sgt. Christopher Cook told The Associated Press on Saturday that police believe the woman fell from the ride and that there appeared to have been no foul play.

Arlington police have referred information about the woman's identity to the medical examiner's office in Tarrant County, which hadn't disclosed her name as of Sunday night and didn't respond to phone messages left by the AP.

Lindnar wouldn't address the hydraulic bar's operation or whether park employees should be able to determine if a person's body is too close to the front of the train car to prevent the bar from being effective.

"At this time I don't want to speak about the technicals," he said. "It's not so easy. It's some special equipment."

But he said once the ride began, there was no chance of opening the safety bar.

"We are committed to determining the cause of this tragic accident and will utilize every resource throughout this process," Parker said in her statement. "It would be a disservice to the family to speculate regarding what transpired."

Police, fire and emergency medical services responded to the park around 6:45 p.m. Friday after calls about a woman who fell from a car while riding a roller coaster. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Texas Department of Insurance spokesman Jerry Hagins told the AP on Sunday that?Six?Flags?was in compliance with state regulations requiring amusement ride operators to have $1 million liability insurance on each ride and provide proof of an annual safety inspection by a certified engineer.

Six?Flags?received a state-issued sticker, like an auto inspection sticker, for the Texas Giant in February. Hagins said the ride now will remain closed until it's inspected again and certified to be safe.

"It's the ride owner's responsibility to keep it closed, to fix it, then prove to us that it's safe to start back up again," he said. "If for some reason they can't figure it out, no safety inspector is going to sign off on it."

Because no foul play is suspected, police are not involved in the investigation, officials said.

The ride first opened in 1990 as an all-wooden coaster and underwent a $10 million renovation to install steel-hybrid rails and reopened in 2011. It can carry up to 24 people.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/iZJUtc8syzU/Texas-roller-coaster-death-German-firm-to-investigate

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9 Essential Skills of a Healthcare Quality Improvement Leader

Written by Sabrina Rodak?| July 22, 2013

"Moving off of the status quo takes leaders who can inspire others to take action," says Julie Kliger, MPA, BSN, RN, founder and principal of The Altos Group. This statement is not a simple adage; it is a lesson learned from direct experience. From 2008 to 2010, Ms. Kliger led a nine-hospital collaborative that reduced sepsis mortality by more than 50 percent, a study featured on the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Innovations Exchange.

Julie Kliger "Even when the level of 'pain' (e.g., high levels of sepsis mortality, long wait times to see specialists) is high in an organization, people do not intuitively know how to organize to create change and implement improvements," she says. Here, she shares nine critical leadership behaviors exhibited by individuals and organizations committed to healthcare quality improvement, developed by The Altos Group.

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1. Setting a vision and goals. "Leaders need to understand the importance of setting a common vision and cluster of goals that all key stakeholders can embrace ? and be held accountable for," she says.

2. Communicating strategically for commitment. Once quality improvement leaders establish a vision, they need to communicate the vision to physicians and staff to gain buy-in. "Leaders need to frame the need for change in language that appeals to the values of the organization," Ms. Kliger says. For example, leaders at hospitals should discuss the initiative's potential benefit to patient care to appeal to physicians and other clinicians. While there may be an economic benefit, focusing on how it supports the organization's mission may be a more effective persuader, according to Ms. Kliger.

3. Creating an environment that encourages constructive accountability and constructive conflict. Constructive accountability is shared aims that define success, uniting disparate groups under a common goal. "In order to achieve excellence, which is a combination of reliability and performing against established evidence, you need to have individual providers understand how they are linked and aligned to the larger organization's mission, goals and outcomes," Ms. Kliger says. A physician alignment model is important but in itself is not sufficient for creating constructive accountability. Clearly articulated job descriptions or obligations (for non-employed physicians) and incentives and disincentives are tools leaders can use to tie individuals to the organization's broader goals.

In contrast with constructive accountability, constructive conflict is a process in which two or more people or groups discuss their needs and differences of opinion and eventually develop a solution. "In general, we don't have a culture of feeling comfortable discussing opportunities for improvement, especially when it comes to the way relationships can be managed," Ms. Kliger says. "The more we normalize the idea that we can have respectful conversations about different opinions, we can come to a shared understanding of how to tackle common problems."

4. Removing barriers to success. Leaders must seek opportunities to remove barriers to success and provide physicians with tools necessary to achieve goals. For example, leaders of a hand hygiene initiative should ensure there are sufficient and staff-approved alcohol sanitizers, soap and other necessary products.

5. Coaching (versus telling). Leaders' purpose is not to do the change all themselves, but to inspire and empower others to enact a change. To effectively motivate others to improve quality, give front-line workers the authority to implement new processes. "When front-line physicians and nurses are nurtured to think for themselves and build their skills at bringing about change (e.g., [Plan, Do, Study, Act] cycles of learning), leaders multiply their ability to create change," Ms. Kliger says.

6. Celebrating success and failures. Realize that celebrating failure is just as important, and often more so, than celebrating success, Ms. Kliger suggests. "Celebrating and embracing failures lets others within the organization know they can seek the best ways to improve care, even if every effort does not work out," she says. "Being able to creatively try new approaches to care delivery must live within a culture that normalizes 'failures.'"

Normalizing failure is at the core of small tests of change, such as PDSA cycles. Quality improvement leaders need to acknowledge and communicate to their teams that failure is not just acceptable, but that it is inevitable and even valuable for teaching lessons about people and processes. "It's [useful] to understand what works and what didn't, because the organization documents what doesn't work so it doesn't waste time in the future," Ms. Kliger says.

7. Earn the trust. Quality improvement leaders need to earn the trust of physicians and staff members to create a strong relationship that will withstand the trials and triumphs of improvement efforts.

8. Working from self-awareness. "Successful leaders develop emotional intelligence and are aware of how their words and actions empower or disable others," Ms. Kliger says.

9. Working with and through others. Successful quality improvement requires routine collaboration among leaders and front-line workers. Taking a team approach to improvement brings multiple perspectives that can help spark creative solutions.

Julie Kliger can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Monday, July 22, 2013

Gas prices rise with no relief in site, yet

energy

The Associated Press Staff

4 hours ago

Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images

Gas prices are displayed at a 76 gas station on July 16, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.

American motorists are bracing for further increases in gas pump prices this summer after average national prices rose 12 cents in the past week alone.

AAA says drivers are experiencing "sticker shock" as increased summer demand, unrest in Egypt and production disruptions in the U.S. and other countries push up the price of crude oil and gasoline.

The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline was $3.67 a gallon on Friday.

AAA says that's 23 cents more expensive than the same time last year but still below the all-time daily high of $4.11 a gallon on July 17, 2008.

The association says retail gas prices are likely to rise more in the coming weeks.

Unscheduled refinery shutdowns or hurricanes on the U.S. Gulf Coast could also add to price increases.

Source: http://feeds.nbcnews.com/c/35002/f/663286/s/2f00a099/l/0L0Snbcnews0N0Cbusiness0Cgas0Eprices0Erise0Eno0Erelief0Esite0Eyet0E6C10A70A3526/story01.htm

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McDonnell announces leadership team for Virginia Adopts campaign

Gov. Bob McDonnell has announced the state wide leadership team for ?Virginia Adopts: Campaign for 1,000,? an initiative to match 1,000 children currently in foster care with adoptive families. The leadership team, which consists of community leaders, elected officials, and adoption advocates, will serve to highlight the effort and promote adoption around Virginia. The announcement of the statewide leadership team comes the week before the Campaign for 1,000 Regional Kick-Off events will be taking place across the Commonwealth.

Speaking about the announcement, McDonnell said, ?Each of these individuals brings a unique perspective, strong community involvement, and compassion for Virginia?s children to the Campaign for 1,000. I am grateful to each member of the leadership team for their efforts and look forward to the success of the initiative. In the weeks ahead there will be opportunities for Virginia families to learn more about growing their family through adoption in the foster care system. I encourage anyone interested to attend one of the regional events and seek out more information. Children in foster care are there through no fault of their own, and just as much as any child, they deserve a loving, secure, and stable family and home.?

Mrs. Kay Coles James and Mrs. Bobbie Kilberg will serve as the State Co-Chairs for the initiative. Dr. Allan Morris, Delegate Chris Peace, Senator Emmett and Mrs. Sharon Hanger, Mr. Chuck Slemp, Delegate David Toscano, Mrs. Karey Nobles, Supervisor Marty and Mrs. Kristina Nohe, Mrs. Angie Landes, Fr. Wayne Ball, Secretary Doug and Mrs. Jeanne Domenech, the Reverend Jon Barton, Ms. Sophia Booker, and Senator George Barker will serve on the Statewide Steering Committee.

?When children age out of the foster care system without finding a permanent family, they face more significant challenges without a support system of any kind. With so many loving families in Virginia, I am confident we can find great matches for these 1,000 children. I am grateful to members of the Steering Committee for adding their support to this important effort,? stated Secretary of the Commonwealth Janet Kelly, who along with her husband Ryan is helping to lead the ?Virginia Adopts? initiative. ?These events will provide families who have thought about adoption with the information they need as they consider the impact of this decision on both their own families and the children who need adopting.?

Co-Chair Kay Coles James, former Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources and a former foster mom stated, ?When considering adoption, many people think that only babies or children in other countries are available. Any adoption is a selfless act of love, but many families don?t know that there are children right here in Virginia who need a forever family. I encourage any family who believes they have extra love to give to consider adopting out of the foster care system in Virginia. As with biological children, parenting these children isn?t always easy. However, as many foster and adoptive parents will tell you, the children often teach us more than we teach them,?

?Welcoming children into our hearts and homes is one of the best examples of Virginia?s hallmark generosity and kindness. The paths of the 1,000 children that the ?Virginia Adopts? program will match with families will be impacted in a positive way for the rest of these children?s lives, as well as life-changing for the adoptive families. I encourage Virginians to consider adopting out of the foster care system or supporting those who adopt in some meaningful way,? remarked Co-Chair Bobbie Kilberg, President and CEO of the Northern Virginia Technology Council and a mother of five children.

?Virginia Adopts: Campaign for 1,000? State Wide Leadership Team

State Co-Chairs

Mrs. Kay Coles James

Mrs. Bobbie Kilberg

Statewide Steering Committee

Dr. Allan Morris of Newport News

Delegate Chris Peace of Mechanicsville

Senator Emmett and Mrs. Sharon Hanger of Mount Solon

Mr. Chuck Slemp of Wise

Delegate David Toscano of Charlottesville

Supervisor Marty and Mrs. Kristina Nohe of Prince William

Mrs. Angie Landes of Verona

Fr. Wayne Ball of Richmond

Secretary Doug and Mrs. Jeanne Domenech of Richmond

Senator George Barker of Alexandria

Mrs. Karey Nobles of Richmond

Reverend Jon Barton of Richmond

Ms. Sophia Booker of Richmond

Source: http://pagecounty.net/2013/07/21/mcdonnell-announces-leadership-team-for-virginia-adopts-campaign/

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Sunday, July 21, 2013

Sports: British Open Third Round: Highlights and Analysis

Tiger Woods and Lee Westwood went back and forth for 18 holes Saturday in a game of one-upmanship, as if their individual match was the only one being watched.

Paired together, Woods and Westwood began the third round one stroke off the leader, Miguel Angel Jimenez, but that quickly changed. Jimenez dropped, as did Henrik Stenson, and Muirfield evolved into the Lee and Tiger Show ? with Westwood of England seeking his first major title in front of a supportive crowd, and Woods, the 14-time major winner, looking to reclaim his dominance.

After a two-stroke swing on the 17th hole, Westwood stood atop the leader board at three under par. Woods, who bogeyed 17 after a misplayed second shot landed in a fairway bunker, finished tied for second with Hunter Mahan.

Conditions were tamer on the course Saturday, as the grounds crew did their best to keep the fairways moist against the heat and sun. Still, only three players remained under par for the tournament. Jimenez, who had played well on Thursday and Friday, shot a 77. Phil Mickelson remained on the fringe of the leader board at two over par.

The most interesting pairing Sunday will be Woods and Adam Scott, who has Woods?s former caddie, Steve Williams, on his bag.

The question, though, will be whether Westwood can ride Saturday?s momentum to win Sunday and follow in the footsteps of the Wimbledon winner Andy Murray of Britain to win one of golf?s most coveted prizes.

2:30 P.M. A Rough Round for Jimenez

The third round at Muirfield has finished. It was a rough day for Miguel Angel Jimenez, who shot a 77 to drop into a tie for 11th. His partner, Henrik Stenson, shot 74 to finish one over par.

Westwood and Hunter Mahan will be in the final pairing Sunday. Woods will play with Adam Scott.

2:25 P.M. Woods Reflects on Bogey

Woods said he didn?t make good contact on his second shot on the par-5 17th. It caught the fairway bunker and turned the tide on the round ? he bogeyed the hole and Westwood birdied it. After his round, Woods told Tom Rinaldi of ESPN: ?I needed a bullet to get over that bunker. I spun it.?

2:17 P.M. Par for Westwood and Woods on 18th

Both Westwood and Woods par the 18th hole. Westwood has a two-stroke lead over Woods and Hunter Mahan through 54 holes. Woods has never won a major when he was not at least tied for the lead entering Sunday.

2:01 P.M. Westwood Holds Lead as Woods Drops

A huge turn of events at the top of the leader board, as Woods bogeys the par-5 17th and Westwood birdies it. Westwood is three-under par and two strokes ahead of Woods, who is at one under, as both head to the 18th hole.

1:46 P.M. An Ugly Save by Westwood

Westwood made perhaps the putt of the day ? but it was for bogey on 16. Still, a great 15-foot save, after hitting his tee shot into the thick rough off the tee. Now he is back tied with Woods at two-under par.

1:15 P.M. Westwood Back on Top

Westwood (three under) has retaken the outright lead with a birdie on the 14th hole, after a beautiful second shot left him four feet from the hole. Woods parred to remain at two under.

1:06 P.M. Mickelson Is Not Happy

Mickelson, at two over, was not too pleased with his 72 in the third round, considering he thought the conditions Saturday afternoon were better than they were Friday. When Tom Rinaldi of ESPN went over the highlights with him, Mickelson joked, ?Were there highlights??

12:55 P.M. Former U.N.L.V. Star Moves Up

Ryan Moore, a former amateur champion at Nevada-Las Vegas, has quietly moved up the leader board to even par and two shots off the lead. Moore?s best major finish? He tied for ninth at the P.G.A. in 2006.

12:44 P.M. Schwartzel?s Club Remains in One Piece

12:41 P.M. Mickelson Still in It, Barely

Phil Mickelson heads to the 18th hole at two-over par after bogeying 15 and 16. He is not out of it by any stretch but he?ll likely need to post at least another 69 on Sunday to be in contention.

12:25 P.M. Woods and Westwood Share Lead

Woods and Westwood make the turn to the back nine tied for the lead at two under. Woods leads the tournament in driving accuracy (83.3 percent fairways hit).

11:46 A.M. No Clear Front-Runner

In 2002, Ernie Els won the Open at Muirfield at six-under par. Today? There are currently only five players under par for the tournament. Nine players are within three shots of the lead held by Lee Westwood.

11:33 A.M. An Eagle for Westwood

After an eagle on the fifth hole, Westwood (three under) has grabbed the lead from Woods. With Andy Murray?s win at Wimbledon, it?s been a good summer for Britain.

11:07 A.M. Laird Drops Off Leader Board

How rough is that rough? Just ask Martin Laird, who found himself in the thick stuff on the third hole and, after half a dozen hacks, ended up with a 9 to drop him off the leader board.

11:01 A.M. Woods Grabs Lead

Well it didn?t take long for Tiger Woods to grab sole possession of the lead at Muirfield. A long birdie putt on the second hole to drop to three under. Jimenez bogeyed the second hole to drop to two under and a tie with Lee Westwood, Dustin Johnson and Henrik Stenson.

Source: http://sports.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/20/british-open-third-round-live-updates/

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