li

Employer Not Entitled to Relief From VSSR Award

An Ohio appellate court ruled that an employer was not entitled to relief from an enhanced award of benefits to a worker because it violated a specific safety regulation. Keith Rice…




li

Worker Not Entitled to Mandamus Relief From Denial of Claim

The Ohio Supreme Court ruled that a worker was not entitled to writ relief compelling the Industrial Commission to order his employer to pay for his medical treatments and pay…




li

Public University Employee Can't Maintain Tort Suit for Campus Accident

An Ohio appellate court upheld the dismissal of a public university worker's civil suit against his employer for injuries from a fall on a campus walkway. Case: Marzan v. University of…




li

Injured Ironworker Not Entitled to Benefits for Additional Conditions, Statutory Multiplier

The Kentucky Court of Appeals ruled that an injured ironworker was not entitled to benefits for additional conditions, nor was he entitled to a statutory enhancement on his permanent partial…




li

Assembly Line Worker Gets Benefits Plus Multiplier for RT Injury

The Kentucky Court of Appeals upheld an award of benefits to an injured assembly line worker, plus medical benefits and a three-multiplier. Case: General Motors LLC v. Smith, No. 2024-CA-0367-WC, 07/12/2024,…




li

Electrician Doesn't Establish Entitlement to PTD Benefits for Back Injury

The Kentucky Court of Appeals upheld the denial of total disability benefits to an injured electrician. Case: Blaker v. The Kroger Co., No. 2024-CA-0553-WC, 07/26/2024, unpublished. Facts: Robert Blaker Jr. worked for…




li

KEMI Announces $19.1 Million Dividend

Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance on Monday announced a $19.1 million dividend. The workers’ compensation carrier said more than 12,000 policyholders will receive a 20% dividend when checks are distributed in August. “Our…




li

Carrier Not Obligated to Pay Worker's Belatedly Submitted Bills

The Kentucky Court of Appeals ruled that an insurance carrier had no obligation to pay a worker's medical bills that were submitted more than 45 days after the treatments were rendered. Case: Shepherd…




li

Court Upholds Calculation of Worker's AWW, Denial of Statutory Multiplier

The Kentucky Court of Appeals upheld the calculation of an injured worker’s average weekly wage and a determination that her award was not subject to a multiplier. Case: Burks v. United…




li

Supreme Court Says Traveling Worker Suffered Compensable Fall While Souvenir Shopping

The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled that a traveling worker was entitled to benefits for her injuries from a fall while leaving her hotel to go souvenir shopping. Kimminee Costello worked for…




li

Split Supreme Court Awards PTD Benefits to Worker for Electric Shock Injuries

A divided South Dakota Supreme Court ruled that a worker was entitled to permanent total disability benefits for his electric shock injuries, finding he developed both a cardiac condition and…




li

Court Orders DLI to Decide Reasonableness of Worker's Refusal to Attend Appointment

The Montana Workers’ Compensation Court ruled that the Department of Labor & Industry needed to make a finding as to the reasonableness of a worker’s refusal to attend a therapy…




li

DLI Rules Would Authorize Max Penalty for Misclassification

The Montana Department of Labor and Industry proposed rules that would add intentional misclassification to the list of violations that justify assessing the maximum penalty. The department will hold a hearing…




li

JCC Errs in Failing to Find Worker's Claim for Additional Benefits Untimely

A Florida appellate court ruled that a judge erred in failing to find that a worker’s claim for additional benefits was time-barred. Case: American Airlines Group v. Lopez, No. 1D2023-0379, 05/22/2024,…




li

Court Overturns Denial of Employer's Motion for Costs as Partially Prevailing Party

A Florida appellate court overturned a judge’s decision denying an employer’s motion for costs as a prevailing party on a worker’s claim. Frances Smith worked for the Palm Beach County School…




li

DWC Publishes Fee Schedule

The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation published the state's 2024 medical fee schedule. The schedule of maximum reimbursement allowances for physician and nonhospital services takes effect Jan. 1. The fee schedule is…




li

Employer Entitled to Recover Full Lien From Worker's Third-Party Settlement

A Florida appellate court overturned a judge’s determination that an employer was not entitled to recover the full amount of its lien against an injured worker's third-party settlement. Regina Akins suffered…




li

ALJ Abuses Discretion in Denying Worker's Request for Relief

The Arizona Court of Appeals ruled that an administrative law judge committed an abuse of discretion in denying a worker’s request for relief from the dismissal of her hearing due…




li

Missed Deadlines, Lack of Discovery Wreck Worker's Request for Hearing

The Arizona Court of Appeals ruled that a worker’s request for hearing was properly dismissed, given her failure to adhere to deadlines and failure to participate in discovery and a…




li

Court Holds Guaranty Association Liable for Worker's Mesothelioma Benefits

A Louisiana appellate court ruled that the state insurance guaranty association was liable for covering the obligations of two insolvent insurance carriers for a worker’s mesothelioma. Case: Ehlers v. Ports America…




li

Lawmakers Pass Bill Limiting Recovery for Misclassification

Louisiana lawmakers passed a bill that would establish notice requirements for carriers to seek additional premium payments from employers that misclassified their workers and limit how much insurers can recover. Rep.




li

Federal Court Finds Worker Doesn't Qualify as Jones Act Seaman

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a determination that a worker did not qualify as a Jones Act seaman. Case: Edwards v. InterMoor Inc., No. 23-30727, 08/29/2024, unpublished. Facts: Lawrence…




li

High Court Questions Viability of Defense Based on Worker's Failure to Disclose Prior Injury

The South Carolina Supreme Court upheld a finding that a worker was entitled to benefits for a back injury, but it questioned the continued viability of its case law allowing…




li

Employer Penalized for Late Award Payment

The South Carolina Court of Appeals upheld a 10% penalty against an employer for its late payment of a worker’s award. Case: Jefferson v. South Carolina Department of Transportation, No. 2019-001643, 09/11/2024,…




li

Attorney Has No Duty to Advise Comp Client on Potential Third-Party Claims

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals ruled that the attorney and law firm hired to represent a man on solely his workers’ compensation claim did not have a duty to advise…




li

Personalized screening early in pregnancy may improve preeclampsia detection




li

Palliative care beneficial to manage symptoms, improve quality of life for people with CVD

Statement Highlights: Palliative medication management focuses on providing relief from symptoms and enhancing quality of life for people with cardiovascular disease throughout the various stages of the disease. Decisions about initiating, adjusting...




li

Los cuidados paliativos son beneficiosos para tratar los síntomas y mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas con ECV

Aspectos destacados de la declaración: El manejo de los medicamentos paliativos se enfoca en el alivio de los síntomas y en la mejora de la calidad de vida de las personas con enfermedades cardiovasculares en las distintas etapas de la enfermedad. La...




li

La nueva guía explica en detalle cómo manejar el riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) antes, durante y después de una cirugía no cardíaca

Aspectos destacados de la guía: La guía conjunta de la American Heart Association (la Asociación Americana del Corazón) y el American College of Cardiology, que aborda el tratamiento y la evaluación cardiovascular de los pacientes antes, durante y...




li

Nuevo sitio web en español para la prevención de ataques o derrames cerebrales busca eliminar barreras a la equidad en la salud

DALLAS, 9 de septiembre de 2024 — Si bien el derrame cerebral es la quinta causa principal de muerte en los Estados Unidos, afecta desproporcionadamente a los hispanos. Es la tercera principal causa de muerte entre las mujeres hispanas y la cuarta ...




li

Happy with your life? Research links contentment with fewer heart attacks and strokes

Research Highlights: People who are satisfied with their lives or feel contentment or well-being may be less likely to develop heart disease and stroke than their unsatisfied counterparts. The analysis of health records for more than 120,000 adults...




li

Heart failure, atrial fibrillation & coronary heart disease linked to cognitive impairment

Statement Highlights: Previous studies have found that 14-81% of patients with heart failure experience some degree of cognitive impairment affecting language, memory or executive function. Evidence also indicates that people with atrial fibrillation...




li

Oklahoma State basketball team joins the Nation of Lifesavers

STILLWATER, Okla., October 28, 2024— The Oklahoma State University (OSU) men's basketball team participated in an American Heart Association Hands-Only CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training to learn the correct rate and depth of CPR ...




li

5 health technology start-ups finalists in global heart disease solution competition

DALLAS, Nov. 8, 2024 – High blood pressure, obesity and other risk factors contribute to high rates of heart disease and stroke worldwide, including in the U.S. where cardiovascular disease is the leading killer.[1] While experts work to improve outcomes...




li

Alien Skin Exposure 4 Photographic Software Review


There is nothing more wonderful than exploring new tools or ways for something you are passionate about.

 
A B&W Infra-Red (IR) processing of a red barn and green fields


What is the Purpose of this Software?
Exposure is an add-on photo-editing application for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and Elements that provides almost a complete list of film types, both B&W and Color, for processing for the digital darkroom. I say almost as I didn't count the list of film types in this application and I don't even know all the films that have ever been made, but they sure seem to be all here.
 
'Sepia – blue Finish (modified)' setting with a layer set to 'Lighten' mode (31%) for an Expsure 4 ver. of 'Kodak HIE (Halation moderate)'


One test of software is to see how it feels right out of the box. A lot like taking a performance sports car for a test drive. You may not know everything about it but you know how to drive and turn corners.

I never read the manual first as I believe that a person with reasonable skills on the computer and with digital editing should know how to turn it on and drive around a little. 
 
Exposure 4 did not fail here. It was easy to install and when launched, the layout and buttons were intuitive. The only problem I had was that it was almost 2 hours later when I realized how much I had been playing with the different types of films.





How would I use this Photo-Editing Software?

Exposure 4 has a great repertoire of classic, vintage and just plain old films both in color and B&W. Combined with these types of film selections are the various processing adjustments you might make in a wet darkroom, such as contrast, toning, bleaching, cross-processing, calotype, platinum and much more.

Some of these are obvious as the IR and Platinum and High contrast B&W I have shown above. Even old color films with faded color can provide unique approaches to the photographic images.


Without having access to the original old photograph, an older reproduction could be re-made. This could be cast against another image to create a story of 'then and now' and subject of an interesting photographic book.




In the image above I took 2 photos and I applied old color film technique to the bordered version to create the effect of laying an old photo on a new photo to show a change over time.


How well does it Perform?
Having a 7 processors and 12TB of RAM there should be no speed issues with loading and applying application settings. It was just over a sec to load and less to applying any film setting. The window is originally set up with 3 panels. Large central being the photo being edited. The panel on the right is the main adjustment panel color. See composite below. There is enough functionality to do almost everything you want.


A minor problem with the numbers dialog boxes. When you enter a number it doesn't apply until you click the panel and if you use the Enter key it applies the Exposure 4 application. I would rather have that only happen when I click the OK button.




The panel on the left are all the pre-set film settings which are based on some combination of settings on the right panel. This is great because once you found a style that suits your needs you can then tweak it to best suit the photograph.


I did find that using the color filter produced better color (brighter) for me than using the same color on a layer in Photoshop. It might be the preserve luminosity check box.


With my sample photos the rendering of effects was clean with no noticeable distortions unless of course you cranked the saturation way up.


I like that both side panels can be minimized and it's easy to zoom into a section for better clarity. With a 24” monitor some apps don't allow full screen editing.
I also like how you can save your own presets.



The above image is from one I tested since I had created a B&W version previously. The software did produce versions that I liked as well and maybe even better than the original.



Who is this Software meant for?
For anyone how wants to experience the look of chemical film technology and its variant processes.
Definitely for commercial ad type photographic needs. Here with the press of a button, a vintage effect can be created without much time spent by the user.
For creative types who may want to create story-line or books where the type of photograph is integral to the story experience
For fine-art photographers that require a specific look, as with my image of the tree and bench, that is not easily achieved in Photoshop.
To create new layers that can be set to one of the blend modes. There is a practice to create a B&W version of your image that looks best and then set this to luminosity for your color photo. While I haven’t experimented that much with these I suspect I will find some of the film output useful as a blend mode.




Recommendations
This is a good solid product that provides a wealth of film types and genres. It is easy to use and intuitive.
I would give this software a 4 – 4 ½ rating. The limiting factor would be price for a new user at approx $249. but an upgrade is only $99.
As an investment, I view software the same as a lens. It's a tool to help you meet your needs or goals. Many people find the cost of software somewhat prohibitive and yet see no problem with spending more on a new lens. I love a lens also as there's something about that precision instrument you are holding. But I photo-edit every photo I show to the public. I always want to bring out the very best and convey the feelings and experience I had at the time I took the photograph. The straight out-of-the-camera version doesn’t give me this. It is a mechanical device and not a human.



Definitely do download a trial version and play with it.



Niels Henriksen



Disclaimer: Other than receiving a copy of the software to review, I did not or will not receive any remunerations, gifts or any considerations from this review from the company, its agents or any of its distributors





li

Flickr Update for Niels Henriksen


Just a short note to let my readers know that I have reached 10,000 plus viewers on Flickr.

So a little jump for joy.


While for many this may not be momentous, for all those who have photos on Flickr, it is a step for me in trying to get more exposure for my photographs. While I joined in 2007 I did start to add image until a couple of years ago after my first trip to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico.

F/24 @ 1/6 sec

I like this image because it takes a moment to figure out that this is a person on a bike jumping, flying through the air in a skateboard park.

 F/16 @ 1/250 sec

These photos are 2 examples where controlling the shutter speed is important. In the first photo a slower shutter speed is used to blur action and the other photo a faster shutter speed to freeze it. Do take the time to drop by and view some of my images and do take the time to connect on Flickr so that I can view your photos.

 You can view my photo-stream here .

Niels Henriksen




li

Ottawa Lumiere Festival of Lights – Full Camera Skills Needed


The Ottawa annual Lumiere Festival of Lights is not just a wonderful events for kids and spectators it's also a great chance to get some interesting and new photos for your collection.

 ISO 400; f6.3; 13 sec; -0.67ev; 123mm; tripod mounted; Nikon D300

This is my 3rd time attending this event and each and every time I go there is something new to see. The festival is all about light and for this event it means candle power. There are activities for kids in the leading-up week where they make wonderful colorful paper mache objects that have holders inside to take those small candles in metal cans. These candles go inside the object and are lit at dusk. This creates a wonderful glow emanating for the colorful paper mache objects.

ISO 2,500 f5.6; 1 sec;  48mm

Hundreds of these lit lanterns in the shape of many different forms from faces to animals line the many paths around New Edinburgh park in Ottawa.

For the photographer it's visually stunning but also provides many photographic challenges in order to capture the event as the night unfolds.

When you first arrive around 7:30pm, you are at the golden hour of light and normal settings gets most of these shots.  You may need a bit of fill light from your flash and here an attached strobe flash is necessary to get just enough light to fill area and the ability to reduce the exposure (-ev) so as to not over power the ambient light.  See image of man on stilts below.


 
ISO 200; f5.6; 1/60 sec; 40mm; Flash -1ev

With hundreds of kids moving around and depending on their activity in front of you, a long exposure shot may create interesting photo image. The children in the image below are playing a large chess game. I wanted to show motion blur to create effect of action within the photo.

ISO 80; f25; 3 sec; 32mm

As dusk starts to envelope a more  stronger flash is necessary to freeze motion and completely fill subject as with the Tango dancer.


ISO 200; f5.6; 1/60 sec; 100mm; Flash

There are other areas like the lit swans in the river where flash won't work and a long exposure is needed to amplify available light to avoid the noise of higher ISOs. But when there is some wind movement then you will need the higher ISOs as in the photo below. In these photos it's all about the soft glow of candle power.

ISO 2,500; f5.6; 0.3 sec;  -0.3ev; 190mm; tripod mounted



ISO 2,500; f5.6; 2 sec; -1ev; 28mm; tripod mounted

But a near full darkness only longer exposure times and a tripod will get you those interesting photos like the girls with their glowing and twirling hula hoops.

The main event at this festival is a giant maze on a baseball diamond (to reduce chance of grass fire) covered with lunch paper bags filled with a little sand for stability and then a small candle. There are hundreds of children walking around this maze but with long exposures they do not show up in the photo because of their darkness. It's only when they are carrying candles or light that they show up as a moving white line.


ISO 1,000; f5.6; -1ev; 3sec; 1230mm; tripod mounted

At this event I did use my new Nikon D800e and I found it worked well. I did forget to bring my small flashlight to light the buttons on the camera.  Thankfully there remained mostly the same from the D300 and I could with some ease figure where to press to make changes to seetings.

In summary for an event like this you need to be able to switch between:
Aperture, Shutter priority and Manual mode – Flash will freeze when necessary.
Low and high ISOs.
Normal shutter speeds and long exposures of 2-3 seconds.
Flash power adjustments for fill light strengths.
Hand-held and tripod shooting.

I do hope you all get a chance to try events like these or a an amusement park or fair ground.

Niels Henriksen




li

Cardiac arrest survivors, families urge approval of HEARTS Act

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 20, 2024 — The U.S. House of Representatives’ Energy and Commerce Committee today is considering the Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research and Training in Schools (HEARTS) Act, which would help ensure students ...




li

In victory for public health, federal appeals court upholds FDA’s graphic cigarette warnings

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a major victory for public health, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has unanimously upheld graphic  health warnings on cigarette packs and advertising required under a 2020 FDA rule. This...




li

Ruling in the Braidwood Case Continues Uncertainty Over Access to No-Cost Preventive Screenings

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 21, 2024 – Today, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals limited a lower court ruling that many health insurance plans would no longer be required to provide cost-free coverage of preventive services recommended by the United States...




li

Supreme Court decision to overturn ‘Chevron deference’ threatens to disrupt public health care system

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 28, 2024 — Today, the Supreme Court of the United States announced its decision on the Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo case and its companion case, Relentless v. Dept. of Commerce. The majority’s opinion abolishes the rule of...




li

Bill that would save lives from cardiac arrest in schools clears House

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 23, 2024 — The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, Research and Training in Schools (HEARTS) Act, which would help ensure students, staff and school visitors are prepared...




li

New CDC grants will help fortify nation’s public health system

DALLAS, October 11, 2024 — The American Heart Association has secured awards from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for projects that will increase education and awareness of heart valve disease. The awards, totaling $8.4 million ...




li

“What Would They Say?” spoken word video named finalist in international award competition

DALLAS, Oct. 28, 2024 —“What Would They Say?” – the powerful spoken word poem produced by the American Heart Association, which is celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service as the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain...




li

Quick Quotes: Charlie Waite

“A landscape image cuts across all political and national boundaries, it transcends the constraints of language and culture” Charlie Wait A great landscape image needs no explanation.  At least not a verbal one. That is one of the things I love most about nature and landscape photograph.




li

Investment, action urged to improve access, quality and equity in women’s heart health

Advisory Highlights: Women continue to be underrepresented in research for cardiovascular disease (CVD), leading to gaps in knowledge and understanding of how CVD impacts women. Some risk factors for heart disease are specific to women, such as risks ...




li

American Heart Association adds sleep to cardiovascular health checklist

Advisory Highlights: American Heart Association’s checklist to measure cardiovascular health is updated, now called Life’s Essential 8™, adding healthy sleep as essential for optimal cardiovascular health. Other health and lifestyle factors in the ...




li

La American Heart Association agrega el sueño a la lista de salud cardiovascular

Recomendaciones destacadas: Se actualizó la lista de verificación de la American Heart Association para medir la salud cardiovascular, ahora denominada Los 8 Pasos Esenciales Para Mi Salud™, y se agregaron los hábitos de sueño saludables como un ...




li

One year following court-ordered deadline, FDA must rule on remaining premarket tobacco applications

DALLAS, September 9, 2022 — Following is a statement from the American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health: “One year after a court-ordered deadline to determine whether flavored e-cigarette ...




li

Understanding cardiac arrest and emergency response following Damar Hamlin’s collapse during Monday Night Football

DALLAS, January 3, 2023 —While playing in the Buffalo Bills - Cincinnati Bengals game on Monday Night Football on January 2, Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after a hit and was administered CPR on the field before being transferred to...