But the index remains depressed falling 16

Iverson's assist/game totals for his career are on par with Rose (6.2), and A.I. has proven to be a better facilitator as his career has progressed. NEW YORK (Reuters) - Applications for U.S. Housing MarketThe Mortgage Bankers Association said its seasonally adjusted index of mortgage applications increased 7.3 percent to 344.2 from 320.9 one week earlier.But the index remains depressed, falling 16.9 percent year over year, reflecting conditions in the broader housing market, UBS analyst David Goldberg wrote in a note to clients.The U.S.

housing market is entering its fourth year of a protracted downturn, characterized by oversupply, weak demand and plunging prices.The National Association of Realtors Pending Home Sales Index dropped 4 percent to 82.3 percent, the lowest level since the series started in 2001."Although lower mortgage rates will help stimulate demand, the benefit will be insufficient to lead the market to a trough in the near term," Goldberg wrote.The average contract interest rate for 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages increased to 5.07 percent from 5.03 percent.(Reporting by Helen Chernikoff, editing by Maureen Bavdek) Housing Market. Courtesy Independence StaffThe Philadelphia Independence is proud to announce the addition of international and WPS superstar Sara Larsson and University of Tennessee standout Lyndsey Patterson to the 2010 team roster. Sara, who is widely considered to be one of the top central defenders in the world, was selected in last years International Draft by Saint Louis Athletica. She played in fifteen games for Athletica this season and led her team to become regular season runners-up behind the Los Angeles Sol.

Prior to being drafted to WPS, Sara played for Linkopings FC with Independence teammate and fellow Swede, Caroline Seger. Sara helped to anchor the defense in the clubs 2006 and 2008 Swedish Cup Gold Medal victories.Saras career with the Swedish Womens National Team began nearly a decade ago, and she has been a consistent powerhouse for her country since her debut. Larsson has competed in the Olympic Games three times, in 2000, 2004, and 2008, and has started nearly Olympic match she has been a part of. Similarly, she has played in two FIFA World Cups, helping Sweden reach the finals of the tournament in 2003. Sara Larsson has been one of the most consistent defenders in the world for nearly a decade says General Manager, Terry Foley. We are lucky to have someone with her level of experience to anchor our back line, and her leadership will be extremely beneficial for us next season.The Independence also announced the signing of midfielder Lyndsey Patterson, who was a member of the Regular Season Champions Los Angeles Sol this past WPS season. Lyndsey, originally from Puyallup, Washington, finished her career with at the University of Tennessee ranked seventh all-time in scoring (64 points), eighth in goals (20), and sixth in assists (24).

After graduation, Lyndsey played for both the Seattle Sounders and the Atlanta Silverbacks of the USL W-League before being acquired by the Sol as a free agent in 2009. GM Foley is optimistic about Lyndseys potential with the Independence: Lyndsey is a consistent player who can be very dangerous going forward. She made an impact against Sky Blue when she entered the match in the 2009 WPS finals, and we hope that she can be a big contributor for us this coming season.Stay tuned for more player news as the Independence gears up for March preseason and April seasons start. . WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.(Business Wire)MHCC is changing its name to SciStrategy Communications to better distinguishits identity and mission in the dynamic health care communications industry.SciStrategy Communications will continue to provide the services it has becomeknown for over the past 26 years: publication planning, advocacy development,strategic scientific support, and medical writing. In its mission to forge clinical change forbetter patient outcomes, SciStrategy communications will continue to provide thesame outstanding programs and fine service, excelling as a strategic andscientific partner Contact Kathleen A. McConnell, President, SciStrategy Communications, , to discuss your goals for publication planning,advocacy development, strategic scientific support, and medical writing.