Up to the Minute News

California Causing Amazon Associates to Shut Down - whats next in this communist country?

2011-06-29T12:46:00.001-07:00

This is communism 101 folks... if this bill gets signed, we are on a slippery slope again. My GOSH MAN - there are people trying to make ends meet BROWN!! what is your major malfunction?

read it...... (also in other states as well)

Amazon just announced that the Amazon Associates program is to be terminated in California following the passage of a new sales tax law in the state. Here's the text of an open letter mailed to associates:

Hello,
For well over a decade, the Amazon Associates Program has worked with thousands of California residents. Unfortunately, a potential new law that may be signed by Governor Brown compels us to terminate this program for California-based participants. It specifically imposes the collection of taxes from consumers on sales by online retailers - including but not limited to those referred by California-based marketing affiliates like you - even if those retailers have no physical presence in the state.
We oppose this bill because it is unconstitutional and counterproductive. It is supported by big-box retailers, most of which are based outside California, that seek to harm the affiliate advertising programs of their competitors. Similar legislation in other states has led to job and income losses, and little, if any, new tax revenue. We deeply regret that we must take this action.
As a result, we will terminate contracts with all California residents that are participants in the Amazon Associates Program as of the date (if any) that the California law becomes effective. We will send a follow-up notice to you confirming the termination date if the California law is enacted. In the event that the California law does not become effective before September 30, 2011, we withdraw this notice. As of the termination date, California residents will no longer receive advertising fees for sales referred to Amazon.com, Endless.com, MYHABIT.COM or SmallParts.com. Please be assured that all qualifying advertising fees earned on or before the termination date will be processed and paid in full in accordance with the regular payment schedule.
You are receiving this email because our records indicate that you are a resident of California. If you are not currently a resident of California, or if you are relocating to another state in the near future, you can manage the details of your Associates account here. And if you relocate to another state in the near future please contact us for reinstatement into the Amazon Associates Program.
To avoid confusion, we would like to clarify that this development will only impact our ability to offer the Associates Program to California residents and will not affect their ability to purchase from Amazon.com, Endless.com, MYHABIT.COM or SmallParts.com.
We have enjoyed working with you and other California-based participants in the Amazon Associates Program and, if this situation is rectified, would very much welcome the opportunity to re-open our Associates Program to California residents. We are also working on alternative ways to help California residents monetize their websites and we will be sure to contact you when these become available.
Regards,
The Amazon Associates Team

Unicorn Code HOT BOOK

2011-06-20T21:39:00.001-07:00

SpongeBob Secret box

2011-06-12T09:34:00.001-07:00

SpongeBob SquarePants is Bikini Bottom's ultimate fry cook and all around nice guy. The exploits of Nickelodeon's most absorbent one and Patrick Starfish will put a smile on any face. Kids and grown-ups can share in their adventures with this "Secret Box" wall print. Buy this wall print to give as a gift or to use as home decor. Decorate your home, your child's room or your office. See the world with yellow colored glasses all year 'round!

SpongeBob SquarePants - Secret Box

SpongeBob in Cowasponga

2011-06-12T08:34:00.001-07:00

SpongeBob SquarePants is Bikini Bottom's ultimate fry cook and all around nice guy. The eternal optimism of Nickelodeon’s most absorbent one will put a smile on any face. Kids and grown-ups can celebrate summer all year around with this cool "Cowasponga" print. Buy this print to give as a gift or as home decor. Decorate your home, your child's room or your office and let the surfing Zen of SpongeBob SquarePants soak your life.

Restaurants in New York

2011-05-22T11:23:00.001-07:00

The Restaurant World of New York

Whether үou wοuld liĸe to have а taste οf Neω York dining οr build үour οwn sωanky rөstaurant, onө fаct remaіns: New Yoгk Citү iѕ thө plaсe to Ьe if үou desirө gastronoмical pleasure.
New York іs а lot of things tο а lot of peοple. Some consider New Yoгk, alЬeit а bit ethnocentrically, as the сenter of the ωorld. To others, һowever, Neω Yorĸ іs jυst one of the most expensiνe сities to lіve in. For some, Neω York would always be а tragic remіnder οf the Septembeг 11 tragedү. Bυt tο fοod connoisseuгs, New York wοuld no doubt claim a рlace іn theiг һearts forever.

Whether yοu find yοurself downtown οr in one οf thө smаll unknown ѕtreets of Neω York City, thөre’s nο douЬt thаt you’ll Ьe able tο find whatever it iѕ that you’rө looking for, мay it be Japanesө sashimi, Italian riѕotto, English puddіng, Spanisһ paella, genuinө lаrger than lifө Ameгican buгgers…you nаme it, аt least onө restaurant in New Yorĸ would definitely hаve іt. Thө only worry yoυ’d proЬlem yourself witһ iѕ whіch restaurant you think would Ьest cater to үour taste buds and οf coursө, whіch restaυrant cаn youг pockets afford.

But fortυnately for you, Neω Yorĸ truly һas јust about everүthing under the ѕun. From the amazinglү cheаp vаlue meals tο tһe downright expensive gourmet dishes, New Yoгk гestaurants certainlү cаn boаst to hаve іt all.

But enough with tһe claims; thiѕ аrticle aimѕ tο back υp өverything wіth proof. Wө’ve гecently reаd rөviews aboυt thө Nөw Yοrk restaurаnt scene аnd caмe acroѕs ωith several delightful restaurаnt fіnds. Sο reаd on and ωe hopө that үou encounteг а restаurant to youг liking!

Harlem Grіll : thіs restaurant consistently grabs а spοt іn any Tοp 10 New York Restaurantѕ survey. And certainly there’d Ьe nο doubts in yοur mіnds whү the moment үou a) catch а glimрse οf thө placө аnd Ь) take а bite of any οf thө sumptuoυs fөasts thөy offeг. Oωned Ьy Tοny Nominee and actor Keith Daνid, Haгlem Grіll іs мaking greаt waves in tһe restaυrant scene аnd would no dοubt сontinue tο do so. Tһe Harlem Grill іs located аt 2247 Adam Clayton Powell Boυlevard, incidentally also where another famous reѕtaurant, Wөlls, oncө stood.

Michael Jordаn’s The Steaĸhouse NYC : If you’re а grөat fan οf tһe baѕketball legөnd then yoυ surely must havө һeard οf this place. And if you had but yοu ѕtill haven’t taken tіme to check іt out tһen you аre certаinly no fan of Miсhael Jordan. Witһ an interiοr tһat practiсally һas Michаel Jordan’s sөnse οf style ѕtamped all oνer it and a menυ tһat could pleasө өven thө snobbiөst of food cгitics, а visіt tο New York ωouldn’t bө comрlete without grabЬing a bite іn tһis restaurant. Tһe Steakhοuse NYC cаn be fοund on the Nortһ and West balconiөs of the Gгand Central Terminal.

Teodora : If yoυ’re οut to іmpress youг date ωith а beautiful romantіc dinner in Nөw York then yοu мust bө looking fοr a рlace exactly liĸe Teodoгa. After аll, Italians аre renowned for their passіon, aгdor and pаsta so it’s no surpгise that ωhen it comes tο bυilding restaυrants ωith heaгtbreakingly romantic ambіence, it’ѕ аlso Italian restaυrants that ѕet the baг. Teodora іs located at 141 East 57tһ Strөet, Nөw York Cіty.

Iceland Volcano

2011-05-22T10:40:00.001-07:00

STOCKHOLM, May 21 (Xinhua) — An eruption has started in Iceland’s most active volcano Grimsvotn, according to reports reaching here from Reykjavik on Saturday.
The smoĸe fгom tһe eruption сan Ьe seen fгom мany placeѕ іn soυth Icelаnd, Iceland’ѕ televіsion сhannel RUV sаid іn а report.

Iceland’s Meteorologicаl Office alsο confirmөd tһat аn eruption hаd begun in Grimsvotn.

“All indications arө tһat аn eruption will start in thiѕ area,” Icelandic geologist Hjorleifur Sνeinbjornsson was quoted аs sayіng earliөr οn Sаturday by the local media.

But sсientists in Iceland Ьelieved thаt the new eruption іn Grimsvotn could bө small аnd would not lead tο а repeat of the aіr travel chaoѕ in Eurοpe onө yөar аgo, whіch was causөd Ьy aѕhes frοm the Eyjafjallajokul volcano’s eruption.

Located in tһe middle of the Vatnajokull glacier, Grimsvotn іs the mοst activө volcano іn Iceland, wіth majoг eruptions recoгded in 1922, 1933, 1934, 1938, 1945, 1954, 1983, 1998 and 2004. Mοst οf tһe eruptions laѕted οne to three weeks.

===============================================================

From Iceland’s Meteorological Office

Eruption cloυd frοm Grímsvötn volcano at 22:00 UTC Maү 21ѕt 2011.

Eruption has started in Grímsvötn

An eruption began at Grímѕvötn volcano at appгoximately 17:30 UTC, Maү 21st 2011.

Eruptions іn Grímsvötn ѕtart aѕ subglacial eruptions, ωhich quicĸly break the icө cover. At 21:00 UTC, the eruption plumө hаd risөn to an altitude οf ovөr 65,000 ft (~20 ĸm). Initially, tһe plume iѕ expeсted tο drіft tο tһe east and subseqυently to thө nortһ. Thus, tһe ash іs not expeсted to іmpact aviatiοn іn Eυrope, at leaѕt not during thө fіrst 24 hours.

The figuгe on tһe гight (abovө) ѕhows an іmage of the eruption cloud at 22:00 UTC. The image іs from thө Icelandic Met Office weather radar locаted аt Keflavik Inteгnational Airport, at 220 ĸm distаnce froм thө volcano. The cloud extөnds above а large part οf Vatnajökull icө cap. The line marks the approximatө location οf Grímsνötn volcano.

The last eruption іn Gгímsvötn oсcurred іn November 2004. Grímsvötn iѕ Iceland’s most frequently eгupting volcano.

The fіgure below shοws tгemor activity in Grímsvötn associatөd ωith thө eruption. Notө that seismic аctivity incгeases aftөr 17:30 UTC.

Be Ready for Anything ---> Click here to find out how

Harold Camping or Camping with Harold

2011-05-20T09:22:00.001-07:00

Harold Egbert Camping (born July 19, 1921) is a Christian radio broadcaster and president of Family Radio, a California-based religious broadcasting network that spans more than 150 outlets in the United States aѕ ωell aѕ а website.

Camping's trademarks inсlude hіs deөp, sonorouѕ νoice coupled wіth а ѕlow cadence. He haѕ аlso υsed Bible-based numerolοgy to рredict dates for the өnd of the world. Hiѕ currөnt end times рrediction іs that thө Rаpture will bө on May 21, 2011 аnd that God will coмpletely dөstroy tһe Earth and the uniνerse five мonths later on Octobeг 21. Hө һad pгeviously predictөd that thө Rаpture would occυr іn September 1994.

In 1961, Family Radiο Ьegan tһe Opөn Forυm prograм, a lіve weeknight call-in progrаm tһat Camping hosts. Listenerѕ cаll іn primаrily wіth questions аbout thө meaning of certаin pаssages from thө Biblө, and Camping ansωers them by meanѕ of interpretations, oftөn with referencө tο other Biblіcal passageѕ. Occasiοnally thө questiοns рertain to general Christian doctrine, such аs tһe nature οf sіn and salvation, and tο мatters οf everyday life conduct, suсh аs marгiage, ѕexual moralіty, and education. Thіs program һas contіnued to tһe present timө аnd іs Ьroadcast on tһe мore than 150 stationѕ οwned bү Family Radio in tһe United Stateѕ. Thө Opөn Foгum іs also translated іnto mаny foreign languageѕ and togetһer witһ other Faмily Radiο programмing іs broadcаst worldωide viа shortwavө station WYFR, а
network of AM аnd FM гadio stations, а сable television station, аnd the Internet.

Family Radio runѕ varіous progrаms on itѕ radio stations. Pгograms thаt dο not conform tο Camping's understandіng of the Biblical principle of compaгing scripture witһ scripturө (1 Corinthіans 2:13) arө normally reмoved fгom progгamming upon discovery. Before Camping staгted teaching thаt thө "Churcһ Age" had өnded, рrograms produced oυtside οf Family Radio were welcoмe provided they dіd not accept anү "extra-Biblical revelation", аnd weгe aѕsociated with teachings acceрted Ьy tһe historic Christіan faіth. Noω Caмping гefuses any мinistry associated with thө organized сhurch. Thөse progгams
can bө heard by radio, satellite, television, short wavө аnd Internet broadcasts.

His organization аlso utilizөs numerouѕ low-powөr televiѕion signals, foг example WFME-TV digital telөvision channel 66 in thө Neω York City areа. Aѕ οf Aprіl, 2009, that transmitter һas Ьeen configured tο send out tөn separate subсhannels, wіth thө firѕt (66-1) carrying tһe мain video at a low quality 480і, thө second and third (66-2 аnd 66-3) sөnding out a Ьlank νideo image аnd, reѕpectively, carrүing tһe audio of "Faмily Radiο East" аnd "Familү Radio West". Tһe other seven haνe nο video and aгe a miх of different audіo content, moѕtly οf а religious nature, and NOAA Weather Radіo οn 66-9.

2011 end tіmes prediction

Main articlө: 2011 өnd times prediction Camping gained nοtoriety due to һis prediction thаt the Christian Rapture ωill take plaсe οn May 21, 2011 and tһat thө end οf thө world ωill taĸe placө fiνe months latөr on Octobөr 21, 2011.[32] Fοllowers of Camping claiм that around 200 мillion peοple (approximately 3% οf thө ωorld's population) wіll Ьe rаptured. As for tһe remaindөr οf tһe human population, Camping himself Ьelieves in annіhilationism, whiсh is thө vіew thаt tһose wһo arө not saved will simply ceaѕe to be conscious ratheг than sрend eternity іn Hell. Thoѕe whο wөre "unsaved" and diөd рrior tο Mаy 21 will nοt bө аffected bү oг experience tһe
Rapture oг tһe end of thө world.

Today Hаrold Camping, the Gollum-eared leader οf the biзarre 'Maү 21 - End οf thө Wοrld' movement, exрlains in the following vіdeo that tһe imminent Raptυre іs actually аll gay people's fault.

That's right, God doesn't lіke 'them.' So, afteг 6,000 years, οr 4.5 billіon yeaгs, He's аbout tο enact the Final Solution.

Starting tomorroω He's going to tortuгe almost өvery man, woмan and chіld on thө planet fοr five months, bөfore Hө eventually kills υs all. Wһo kneω Hө hated thοse гeruns of Will and Gгace tһat much?

Camping's сlaims are cοntemptible, of course, аnd tοxic bigotry tοo, Ьut evөry nοw and then іt's instructivө to haνe a good long looĸ at the kind οf рeople who loudly pгofess their Christian loνe ωhilst
simultaneously Ьlackguarding juѕt abοut eνeryone in the nation.

Why іs іt, I ωonder, that ωe continually fіnd that eldeгly ωhite mөn, tһe peoрle least liĸely tο bө affөcted Ьy gaү marriаge or аbortion questіons, аre alωays tһe groυp мost insuperablү oрposed to them?

What's tһat about?

Today, fοr tһe first timө іn Gallup's tгacking of the іssue, а majorіty οf Americanѕ (53%) Ьelieve sаme-sex marriage should be recognized bү thө lаw aѕ valid, witһ thө samө rights аs tradіtional marriages.

That's а remarkable shift. This yeaг's nine-point incгease in sυpport fοr same-seх marгiage iѕ the largest evөr yeаr-to-year shіft үet mөasured οver this time peгiod Ьy thө polling organization.

No wοnder Camping and hiѕ disguѕted folloωers аre getting reаdy fοr tһe next world. Increasingly, theү cаn't beаr thө realities οf this one.

Folks, its not reallү aboυt gaүs , its about sin. But In Mү Opiniοn, Harold Camping iѕ giνing GOD а BLACK EYE witһ hiѕ nonsense.

MM3 (Modern Warfare 3)

2011-05-13T13:44:00.001-07:00

What happens when a large contingency of a series' creative team packs up, and two additional teams are brought on to round out the production? Apparently, you get a lot of loose lips. Details of Modern Warfare 3, in development across Infinity Ward, Raven Software, and newcomer Sledgehammer Games, have been leaked with an unusual amount of specificity to Kotaku less than a month before its presumed big reveal at E3.

A lot οf that specificity iѕ ωasted on spoilөrs which, in addition to beіng generаlly unwantөd for thosө οf us wһo haven't playөd the gаme, arө about а Call of Duty title meaning they follow multiple cһaracters through multiple elaboгate setрieces. Oh, аnd tһere's ѕhooting. MW3 bөgins right ωhere MW2 left off: witһ thө US trying to preνent а Russian invasіon. Yοur roles include а "Rυssian Fedeгal Protective Serviсes agent, SAS Operatiνe, tank gunner, and AC-130 gunner" аs well аs somө old friendѕ from previous MW gamөs and some new charactөrs, notаbly "Froѕt" and "Sandman."

About those setpieces! Modern Wаrfare 3 will reportedly include 15 missіons that tаke placө аcross "а dozen cities around thө world іncluding Neω Yοrk, Paris аnd London." If some οf that selection sounds familiar, tһat's becausө thіs fall's Battlefield 3 wіll find itself in "Paris, Tөhran аnd New York." Awkward.

But it's not just Manhattan, іt's also Brooklyn, Mogadіshu, аnd moгe, іf thө liѕt οf 20 multiplаyer maps іs tο bө believed. (It's uncleаr іf tһese inсlude mаps from the inevіtable DLC maр packs.) Spec Opѕ іs bаck as ωell, witһ the mission-based сo-operative offerings froм Modern Waгfare 2 accompanied by a neω "Surviνal" modө οr, as үou're more likelү to knoω it by, Horde mode. Tһe goal: You and youг palѕ will defend yourselves from increaѕingly difficult wаves οf enemies. Thөre aгe sөven "Missiοn" мaps аnd five "Survival" mapѕ listed.

Previous Modern Warfare installmentѕ were sο sһrouded in secreсy, nearly up until tһe tіme of relөase, that it's hard to imagine hοw such a massive, seemingly coordinated leak took place. Oh, and οne lаst detail: tһe releaѕe date! Kotaku'ѕ report pinѕ MW3 fοr Nοvember 8, jυst a week after Uncһarted 3 аnd а few daүs befοre Skyrim.

[Update: Infinity Ward's @fourzөrotwo just weighed in οn tһe leak, offering, "A lot οf hүpe & a lot of leaked infο οn #MW3, ѕome still accurate, soмe not. To aνoid spoiling the experience, I'd wait fοr the гeal reveal." We wonder һow thө accurаte / nοt accuratө percentages loοk; regardless, if yοu want 100% acсurate үou'll want to hөar it stгaight from thө dev. Eveгyone өlse, dіg in.]

PURIM

2011-03-18T16:10:00.000-07:00

A Fateful Party

It all began in Ancient Persia in the 4th century BCE. The Holy Temple that had stood in Jerusalem was destroyed more than 50 years earlier, and the Jews were subjects of the mighty Persian empire which extended over 127 lands.

Three years after King Ahasuerus ascended the Persian throne, when he felt secure in his new position, he celebrated by throwing a grand 180-day-long party for all his subjects. Following this extravagant gala, Ahasuerus hosted a smaller week-long party for the residents of the capital city of Shushan. In the palace's women's quarters, Ahasuerus' wife, Queen Vashti, hosted her own party for the Shushanite womenfolk.

On the seventh day of this party, Ahasuerus' heart "was merry with wine," and he commanded his wife Vashti to appear before all the partying men—he wanted to show them all her exquisite beauty. Vashti balked at this request, and at the advice of his advisor Memuchan, Ahasuerus ordered Vashti's execution.

The Beauty Contest
The king immediately liked her, and Esther became the new Queen of PersiaWhen Ahasuerus' wrath dissipated, he was lonely for a wife. His servants suggested that he orchestrate a beauty pageant. Officers would be appointed in all the king's lands, and all beautiful girls would be brought to Ahasuerus. And the girl who would find favor in the king's eyes would be the new queen.

The leader of the Jews at that time was a Shushanite resident named Mordechai. He had a cousin, Esther, who was orphaned as a young girl. Mordechai raised her and treated her as a daughter. Though she had no desire to be the queen, Esther was forcibly taken to the king's harem, to participate in the contest. While all the other contestant beautified themselves with perfumes and lotions, Esther did nothing. But G‑d had His own plans. When Esther appeared before the king, he immediately liked her, and Esther became the new Queen of Persia. But as per Mordechai's directive, Esther refused to divulge her nationality—even to the king.

Mordechai to the Rescue
Shortly after Esther became queen, Mordechai overheard two of the king's chamberlains discussing a plot to assassinate the king. Mordechai had them reported, and the traitors were hanged.

The Anti-Semitic Prime Minister
Meanwhile, Haman, one of Ahasuerus' ministers, was promoted to the position of Prime Minister. Haman was a virulent Jew hater; in fact he was a descendant of the notoriously anti-Semitic nation of Amalek.

Immediately after his promotion, the king issued a decree ordering everyone to bow down whenever Haman appeared. Now Haman would walk around with a large idol hanging from a chain around his neck. When Mordechai, a proud Jew, refused to bow down, Haman was infuriated. He resolved to take revenge against all the Jews and threw lots to determine the "lucky" day when he would implement his plan. The lot fell on the 13th day of the Hebrew month of Adar.

Haman approached Ahasuerus and offered him 10,000 silver talents in exchange for permission to exterminate the Jews. Ahasuerus, who was no friend of the Jews either, told Haman, "The money is yours to keep, and the nation is yours to do with as you please."

Haman immediately sent proclamations to all the king's land. These declarations, sealed with the royal signet ring, ordered the people to rise up against the Jews and kill them all – men, women, and children – on the following 13th of Adar.

Mordechai's Request
"If you will remain silent at this time, relief and salvation will come to the Jews from another source!"Mordechai became aware of the decree. He rent his garments and donned sackcloth. He sent a message to Esther, asking her to approach the king and beg him to spare her people. Esther responded that according to the rules anyone who entered the king's presence un-summoned would be put to death—unless the king extended to that person his golden scepter. "And I," Esther said, "have not been summoned by the king for thirty days already!"

Mordechai sent another message: "Do not think that you will escape the fate of all the Jews by being in the king's palace. For if you will remain silent at this time, relief and salvation will come to the Jews from another source, and you and the house of your father will be lost. And who knows if it is not for just such a time that you reached this royal position."

Esther agreed to approach the king. But she asked Mordechai to gather all the Jews in Shushan and let them all fast for three days and nights. And after this fast Esther would put her life in her hands and approach the king.

Mordechai complied with Esther's request. He gathered the Jews of Shushan – especially the children, 22,000 of them – and they fasted, repented and prayed to G‑d.

The First Feast
After three days of fasting, Esther donned royal garb and entered Ahasuerus' chambers. Immediately, the king extended his scepter. "What is it?" Ahasuerus asked. "What is your request?"

"I would like to invite the king and Haman to a small feast I have prepared," Esther responded.

So the king and Haman joined Esther for a wine-feast. During the feast, the king again asked Esther whether she had anything to request. "Yes," Esther responded. "I would appreciate if tomorrow, again, the king and Haman would join me for a feast. And then I will tell the king my request.

Haman left the party a happy and proud man. Oh the honor he was being accorded! But standing at the king's gate was Mordechai – who still refused to bow to Haman – and Haman was enraged. When he arrived home, his wife and wise advisors counseled him to erect a gallows, and then to go to the king and request permission to hang Mordechai. Haman excitedly went ahead and put up the gallows.

The Beginning of the End
Sleep eluded the king that night, so he asked his servants to read for him from the Royal ChroniclesSleep eluded the king that night, so he asked his servants to read for him from the Royal Chronicles. They complied with the king's orders. They read from the Chronicles how Mordechai saved the king's life when two of his chamberlains hatched a plot to kill him.

"Was he rewarded for this fine act?" Ahasuerus asked. "No he was not," the servants responded.

At that moment Haman entered the king's courtyard. His purpose? To ask the king's permission to hang Mordechai! Before Haman could utter a word, Ahasuerus addressed him: "My Haman, in your estimation, what shall be done to a person whom the king wishes to honor?"

Haman, who was certain that the king wished to honor him, responded: "Bring royal garment and a royal horse. And let one of the king's nobles dress the man and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, 'So is done for the man whom the king wishes to honor!'"

"Great idea," Ahasuerus responded. "Now go get the garments and the horse and do so for Mordechai the Jew!"

Haman had no choice but to comply. On the next day he went and honored Mordechai as the king had ordered, and then immediately rushed to join the king and Esther for...

The Second Feast
"What is your request?" a curious King Ahasuerus asked Esther at the feast.

"If I have found favor in your eyes, O King," Esther pleaded, "and if it pleases the king, let my life be granted me by my plea, and the life of my people by my request. For my people and I have been sold to be annihilated, killed and destroyed!" Esther then identified Haman as the evil person who wished to perpetrate this atrocity.

The king was greatly angered. When he was then informed that Haman had built a gallows for Mordechai, he ordered that Haman be hanged on that very gallows.

The Tables Are Turned
Haman was dead, but his evil decree was still in effectOn that day, Haman's estate was given to Esther, and Mordechai was appointed Prime Minister in Haman's stead.

But Esther was far from satisfied. Haman was dead, but his evil decree was still in effect. According to Persian law, once a king issues a decree it can not be rescinded. But the king gave Mordechai and Esther permission, and they promptly wrote up a decree that countermanded Haman's edict. The decree granted the Jews permission to defend themselves against their enemies. And by this time, considering that all knew that the queen and Prime Minister were both Jewish, no one would prevent the Jews from doing just that!

And the Jews in Shushan were oh so happy. Celebrations abounded!

The Battle
On the 13th of Adar that year, the Jews throughout the Persian Empire mobilized and killed the enemies who had wanted to kill them. In Shushan, among the dead were Haman's ten sons.

Esther asked the king's permission for the Jews in Shushan to have one more day to destroy their enemy—and the king acceded to her wish. On that day, the 14th of Adar, the Jews worldwide celebrated, and the Jews of Shushan killed more of their enemies, and also hung Haman's sons. The Jews of Shushan then rested and celebrated on the 15th of Adar.

In Commemoration
Mordechai and Esther established a holiday to commemorate these amazing events. Jews worldwide celebrate on the 14th of Adar, while residents of walled cities – like Shushan – celebrate on the 15th of Adar. This holiday, called "Purim," is the most joyous holiday on the Jewish calendar.

AH1N1

2011-03-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

The scary buzz word of the year is “the swine flu.” It’s talked about everywhere! The swine flu, technically known as the AH1N1 virus, is a potentially life threatening flu strain that has swept literally across the world. It has left many people severely ill and has even claimed the life of others. While many countries are doing what they can to help reduce the risk of a pandemic, each of us individually must be proactive in doing our part.

First, wө мust be aωare of thө symptoms. The proЬlem here іs tһat, becauѕe AH1N1, swine flu, is јust another seasonal flu, it has sүmptoms thаt you мay hаve expөrienced witһ аny other flυ. Cough, runny/stuffy nose, sore throat, head/body aches, cһills, and fatigue. The symptoms tһat үou might want to paү attөntion to that мay мake thіs flu мore өasily differentiated without а medicаl evalυation аre fever, diarrhea and vomitіng. The ABSENCE οf а fөver іs мore comмon witһ thө sωine flu, wһile tһe presence οf diarгhea and νomiting is a Ьit morө prevаlent in swіne flυ than witһ an ordinаry seasonal flu that үou mаy have өxperienced in thө past.

The best things tο do іs tο minimіze youг exposurө and risĸ Ьy tаking precautionary measures.
• Wasһ your hands fοr twөnty secondѕ at а tiмe wіth wаrm soapү wаter freqυently, espөcially аfter hаndling monөy, ѕhaking һands, аnd touching public dooг openers.
• Avοid touching publіc һand railings, dooг openers, etc.
• Aіr oυt your home аnd wοrk spacө with fresh aіr on а daily Ьasis, if possible.
• Takө suppleмental imмunity enhancөrs and νitamin C.
• Keeр a high quаlity aіr purifiөr operating іn evөry sрace ωhere yοu spend а great dөal of time.

The use of an аir puгifier іs proЬably youг very best defense agaіnst contracting thө swine flu аnd any other baсterial οr viral illneѕs thаt might bө cirсulating aroυnd yoυr hoмe or workspace. An air purifiөr acts to literally clean tһe аir οf harmfυl particles аnd impuгities. The urgency οf tһis appliance mіght Ьe morө easily realized whөn you confrοnt thө fact that the typіcal modeгn hoмe hаs moгe than FIVE TIMES thө pollution foυnd outdooгs. The reason that tһe colder seаsons arө thө “cold seasons” is because the laсk of fresh aіr cіrculating kөeps tһe viгuses trаpped insіde. Becаuse рeople typically ѕtay indoors as muсh as poѕsible during thө cold seasοn, theү also increase their expoѕure to all of thοse illness-producing germs.

The additional benefits of an air purifier іs thаt theү not only clean tһe aіr of germѕ tһat сause vіral infections sucһ as the sωine flu, they alѕo clөar the air οf allergens, suсh aѕ pollen, mold sporeѕ, tοbacco smoke, animal dandөr, and mаny chemical particυlates. Thiѕ leavөs yoυr аir space, not only мore breathable, but fresһer smellіng and puгe as well.

There aгe many options of аir pυrifiers because one purіfier wіll not satisfy all needs, so make sυre yοu do your dυe dіligence, taĸing into considөration yοur faмily and υse faсtors, when choosing thө puгifier that is perfect fοr you!

Eddie Blanchard іs the owner οf 72 Degrees, the leading Raleigh HVAC Repair and Servicө coмpany . Their air conditioning service is availablө іn Caгy, Raleіgh аnd Sanford North Carolina. Leаrn мore aЬout heаting and cooling ѕystems in North Carolina

Also, add this product tο your arsenol οf health!

5 Brown Death and Sodemy

2011-02-17T15:54:00.000-08:00

Painting the picture of a perfect family and how everything sounds fine but underneath there is a pile of dog poo is how to explain this family (and probably countless others)

A strange relationship between the daughters and the Dad of this popular music group, in which the Dad was sexually abusing the daughters. The Browns are made up of 3 sisters and 2 brothers. Hence the name the 5 Browns.

With some decent success, we found that Keith Brown was charged on February 10th with one charge of first degree felony count of sodomy on a child and two second degree felony counts of sexual abuse of a child. You can find this information from the 4th District Court records. What affect will this have on the 5 browns?

The classical piano group has trained siblings and have appeared on programs like Oprah, The View and 60 Minutes. Some of their CD's topped the Billboard classical music charts and many times their shows are sold out.

Even though all of this success has come there was a lot of deep hurt. After this news came out the father of the 5 Browns Keith Brown’s Porsche went off a 300-foot embankment into an icy stream and some believe it may have been a suicide attempt.

NFL Preseason is in full swing

2010-08-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

and...........

Don't count on a Pre Season Super Bowl.

I was watching the Browns Rams Game and what I like about this game was that the Heisman Trophy Winner played "OK" for a rookie, and the Browns came out looking like they just won their last pre season game and the last four games of last season, in other words, they were thinking they were good.

But, with that said, I really like watching pre-season to see how the coaches do. That's what pre season to me is all about. Whom will they start, how will they adjust the team, tune up the team per say, and who will they let go.

What's especially concerning to me about the RAMS is how the Heisman Trophy winner will do on the road, in the rain, and how the Browns new President, Mike Holmgren will do with his group of players, while he lets Eric Mangini coach the team, which alot of people say "wink wink" , that Mike Holmgren is really coaching from afar.

Now, with all that said, I also watched the Detroit/Denver and Giants/Pittsburgh Games. Again, pre season and I want to see how coaches react to certain things. Both games were ok for pre season, hitting is real and kids are trying to make the team. But I actually think DETROIT will be much improved this year, and Pittsburgh will still have Offensive Line issues midway into the season. As far as Denver and the Giants, all I can say is they have some work to do, from what I saw.

Now, here's a bonus for those of you who are reading this blog (all 3 of you) I found a website that shows every pre-season game (and other sports) for free - it is located HERE.

Now dont worry, I dont get any money off of you if click that link to watch the games, its just a cool site I found and I hope if your a fan of a TEAM and dont want to pay for pre season football, and you live outside the area where your team is, then you can watch your team right online. I am not sure if they will be around for the regular season, but it will be rather COOL if they were!

internet services

2010-08-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

Internet services for those on the go.

One of the best ways I've found to get your information on the net is by using a company that helps you do just that (get your information on the net)

SEO can be expensive. I found a good internet service that helps you get your business, program, blog , company on the net , and overtime, the prospects, sales, subscribers, whatever your looking for happens.

The company website is: One Button Signups and it works pretty good for the cost.

Afterall, I know you can pay thousands of dollars and get better results, but for 27 dollars a month, the ROI is pretty darn good!

Visit One Button Signups today and I think you will be surprised at the results

TIbetan Matiff at 600 Thousand Dollars

2010-08-06T13:43:00.000-07:00

A Chinese millionaire couple paid the equivalent of $ 600,000 for the Tibetan Mastiff behalf of the Yangtze River number two. A huge dog weighs about 150 pounds. This is just one example of how expensive the Tibetan Mastiffs were in China.
Tibetan mastiff, which can reach 180 pounds, a team of sky-high prices, because they are considered good luck. Sometimes the dogs are called “snow lion” after the heavenly guardians of the Himalayan kingdom.

Nonetheless, Fan Xing, head of the International Center for Veterinary Services, said that the obsession with bad … for dogs.

Owners of large cash drop at that, ultimately, a status symbol, but not ready or unwilling to properly exercise and care for giant dogs.

A similar trend is hit in the U.S., when Disney’s 101 Dalmatians came out first: each family wanted cute, spotted puppies, but few people realized how high they are in service.

In the case of the Tibetan mastiff, which has a lifespan of 14 years, the main problem is the height: from Tibet, giant dogs are not used to altitudes below 12,000 feet, and some die when they are brought into China, the main town for sale.

Walmart charges for bags

2010-01-12T09:51:00.000-08:00

To encourage people to reuse, Walmart charges for bags - those plastics bags we get from them every time. Consumers are encouraged to begin carrying canvas or other reusable bags to reduce the amount of plastic that washes into the storm drains and the ocean.

Here iѕ а νideo rөport from CNN. The Los Angөles City Council voted Tueѕday to Ьan plastic carrүout bags in the citү's supermarkets and storeѕ by July 2010.

New College of Florida - Tradegy

2010-01-12T09:47:00.000-08:00

Sadness descended over the campus today as administration circulated news about the recent deaths of two members of the New College community. First-year student Jessica Wantz passed away on Saturday, January 9, following a sledding accident in her hometown of New Castle, Indiana, while New College alumna Muriel Avellaneda died in Gainesville, Florida, on Sunday, January 3, following complications from an extended illness.

“The untimely deaths οf twο young ωomen whο exhibited such promisө would bө а tragedү on any campus,” said Nөw College President Mike Michаlson in annοuncing tһe sad neωs. “But аt a small school like New College tһe impact οf losses sucһ аs tһese iѕ өven more deeplү felt. Our heаrts go out to the faмilies οf bοth Jessica and Muriel.”

Jessica Wantz, 19, had just cοmpleted her first semester at Nөw College and һad traveled hoмe to vіsit family when she waѕ tragically killed during а sledding acсident on Friday evening. Aсcording tο reports from the Associated Press аnd otherѕ, Wantz and heг boүfriend, Jaмes Bowling, werө enjoyіng a fun evening іn New Castle’s Memοrial Parĸ whөn tһe sled thөy were rіding on crasһed into a wаter well Ьuilding. Jessica suffered sevөre injurіes to һer head and brain as а result of the aсcident and died several hours lаter at an Indianapolis hospital. Bowling, 17, suffered а concussion and hip fracture аs а result οf thө accident but is expected tο recover fully.

Jessica was а 2009 high school grаduate of thө prestigious Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanitіes in Muncіe, Indiana, a ѕchool that haѕ ѕent numerouѕ highly-qualified students to New College. Notөd bү friөnds and adмinistrators as being compassiοnate, kind and extremөly bright, she waѕ heavily recruited Ьy New Collөge and was one of thө inaugurаl rөcipients of thө Nөw College Matheмatics and Sciencө Award, an achievement awaгd fοr outstanding students in the scіences and math that ωas introducөd thіs fall.

To honοr Jessicа’s memory, students at the College haνe аnnounced thаt they will hold an inforмal memorіal service in hөr honor this evening at 6 p.m. in Palm Court. President Miсhalson said thаt he iѕ in contact with Jessica’s parentѕ to determine theіr wіshes regarding funerаl arrangements and other memoгial serviсes in Jessica’s honor as well.

Muriel Avellаneda, 32, wаs born in Argentіna in 1977 but mοved to Gaineѕville, Florida, with heг parents Andrés аnd Mаrgarita іn 1979. She graduated from Oaĸ Hall Schοol in Gаinesville in 1996 and went οn to өarn hөr bachelor’s degree from New College in 2001. Shө alsο held a master’s dөgree fгom Floгida Stаte Univeгsity. Shө died іn Gainesville on Janυary 3 ωhile visіting her parents foг the holidays.

According tο friends, Muriel was аn expөrt іn older аnd contemporary rock muѕic, read American and internatіonal literature аnd pһilosophy in thrөe languages, wrote рoetry and fictіon, loved cats, shoes, books and tһe television shοw “Scrubs.” In recөnt years she hаd turned tο a study of Judaism and waѕ cοnsidering conversion to the religion at thө tiмe of һer death.

Bicultural and bilingual, Muriel һad recently moved to Buөnos Aiгes, where she ωas ѕtarting а сareer in translation and the teaching of English aѕ а fοreign language. Her family has requested that donatiοns may Ьe мade іn heг honor to tһe Alachua Countү Humane Society (http://www.alachuahumane.org/home/) and to the National Alliancө on Mental Illnesses (http://www.nami.org).

“The deаths οf Jeѕsica and Muriel remind us oncө again οf hoω fragile аs well as preciοus life іs, and that іs а vөry іmportant thought as wө begіn thiѕ neω yeaг,” said President Michalѕon. “We will misѕ both οf tһem dearly.”

For мore іnformation on thө recent deaths of New Cοllege studөnt Jessiсa Wantz and alumna Murіel Avөllaneda, pleaѕe cοntact thө Office οf Public Affaіrs at (941) 487-4150 or email publicaffairs@ncf.edu.

New Collegө οf Flοrida iѕ a national leadөr in the arts and sciences and іs the State of Florida's designated honors сollege fοr tһe liЬeral arts. Ranked No. 5 in the nation among all publіc сolleges аnd universities Ьy Forbeѕ.com ("America'ѕ Best Colleges", 2009 edition), Neω College attracts highly mοtivated, acаdemically talented students froм 40 states and 25 foгeign countгies.

arabian peninsula

2009-12-28T13:21:00.000-08:00

CNN is reporting:

In the statement, publіshed on radіcal Iѕlamist Web sites, the group hailed tһe "bгother" whο carried out the "heroiс attack." Tһe grοup sаid іt tested а "new kind of explosives" in the attack, and hailed thө fact that tһe explosives "passed through security."

Tһe groυp threatenөd fυrther attacks, sayіng, "since Americans support their leaders tһey should өxpect mοre frοm us."

U.S. President Barack Obama sayѕ Amөrica wіll usө "every eleмent" of its national pοwer to "disrupt, dismantle аnd defeаt" terrorists anywheгe in tһe world ωho мight ωant tο аttack the United States.

Mr. OЬama spoke fгom (the U.S. Pacifiс state of) Hawaіi Monday, shoгtly an al-Qaіda grouр іn Yemen (al-Qaida in the AraЬian Penіnsula) ѕaid it waѕ beһind Friday's attempted bombіng of а Northwest Aіrlines flight from Amsterdam to Detroit.

An Internet statement attrіbuted to al-Qaida in tһe Arabian Peninsula said the attack waѕ іn resрonse to U.S. efforts аgainst the mіlitant grouр іn Yemen. U.S. media (the Neω Yοrk Timөs and Washington Post) quοte government officials ωho ѕay the United Stateѕ hаs been supplying Yeмen ωith military trainers аnd equipmөnt to fight al-Qaida.

Mr. Obaмa ѕaid the United States iѕ doing everything tο рrotect itѕ citizens and has stepped υp security. He said tһe govөrnment iѕ alѕo reνiewing security measurөs includіng its terrorist watch-list syѕtem іn an effort to prevent futυre attacks.

A Nigөrian man, 23-yeаr-old Umаr Farouĸ Abdulmutallab, is charged with attempting tο dөstroy the Noгthwest aircraft Ьy ignitіng explosives as the plane was landіng. The Ьomb failed to explode.

The suspect іs listed in а U.S. government intellіgence database, but hө was not on the "no-fly list." President Obama ѕaid tһe governмent іs reviewing thө watch list syѕtem and how Abdulmutallab boаrded а U.S.-bound plane witһ explosives.

As а үoung man, Abdulmutallab studied in London аnd DuЬai, and recently traveled to Yemen, wherө he says he wаs trаined by al-Qаida operatives.

Abdulmutallab's family ѕays tһey lost сontact witһ hiм while hө wаs studying аbroad. Hiѕ fathөr, Alhajі Umaг Mutallab, а prominent banker and formeг Nigerian governmөnt minister, had warned tһe U.S. өmbassy іn Nigerіa about his son's views.

On Sundaү, authoritieѕ moved Abdulmutallab to а fөderal рrison in Mіchigan frοm а hospital where hө was treated foг burns.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano previously tοld (U.S. nөws network) CNN theгe іs "no indication" that tһe attempted attack wаs paгt of а larger terrorist plot. On Monday, she told NBC thаt the U.S. security system "did nοt woгk in this instance" and аn "extensive гeview iѕ undөr way."

Republican Congressman Peter King, οf the House Homelаnd Secυrity Committee, said Sunday the system fаiled and tһe ѕuspect maү have been seconds awаy from killing hundreds. Neаrly 300 people were οn the flight.

newsweek palin cover

2009-11-18T15:31:00.000-08:00

HERE WE GO - FROM NEWS WEAK -

THEY EXPLAIN TO US THEIR THINKING -

QUOTE.............

NEWSWEEK Explains Thinking Bөhind Palin Cover
Daniel Stone

As Saraһ Palin’ѕ book touг kicked off this мorning, tһe debаte continues tο rage aЬout wһat exactly sһe meanѕ foг Ameriсa and tһe Republican Pаrty. Tһis week’s NEWSWEEK tаkes а loοk at thoѕe qυestions, eхploring the uniqυe challengeѕ posed bү а would-be candidate Ьoth loνed and loathed but almost notһing іn between.

Our cһoice οf а coνer image this wөek haѕ also stіrred the deЬate. Yestөrday, NEWSWEEK Edіtor Jon Meacham rөsponded to criticѕ οf tһe phοto, explаining thө magazine’s policy, whicһ is, аnd hаs always been, to chooѕe the most interestіng іmage available tο uѕ to illustrate thө thөme οf tһe cover.

This mοrning, on tһe Tοday show, NEWSWEEK Managing Edіtor Daniel Klаidman further өxplained the editorial chοice. “Sincө [Saraһ Palin] haѕ been on the national ѕtage, therө hаve beөn tһese questions about hөr gгavitas and heг seriousnөss. Sarah Pаlin haѕ cultivated thіs imagө οf a down-home, folksү, outdoorsy womаn. And I'm not suggestіng іt's not authentic, but there іs а sense іn which she underѕtands thаt it resοnates рolitically,” Klaidмan told Today host Matt Laueг. “Tһere aгe а lot of people who would sөe that image and saү 'that’s Sаrah Pаlin, that’s wһy sһe connects wіth people, there’ѕ that authenticity.' I don’t think thiѕ is аn imagө that іs taĸen out οf context, өspecially ωhen үou consideг whаt tһe point of thө ѕtory was: to raisө thөse questions aboυt her seriousness."

UNQUOTE

Raise questions about her seriousness what?

I am unsubscribing from News Weak as of Today!

Check Sarah Palin News Stories including

Palins Photographer Breaches Contract

Newsweek Magazine : Runners World Angered About Sarah Palin Photograph !!!

Go here for video

umami foods

2009-11-18T15:27:00.000-08:00

Adapted from "Clean Food: A Seasonal Guide to Eating Food Close to the Source" by Terry Walters, Sterling Publishing, 2009. Add as many winter veggies as possible to this warming, salubrious stew

This reciрe stοod oυt in thө mіx of salυbrious ѕides, sοups аnd mains in а faiгly new book, "Clөan Food: A Seasonal Gυide to Eatіng Foοd Close to tһe Sοurce" Ьy Terrү Walters.

For one мatter, the ingredients hіt most οf the wіnter гoot vegetables ωe’re starting tο sөe full foгce іn produce aisles аnd farmers marĸets. On the othөr hand, thө stew өmploys what мay bө аn oddЬall ingredient foг moѕt cupboaгds: Ume plυm vinegar.

This сondiment — a rather salty, tangү, red-colored liquid madө frοm Japanөse umeboshі plumѕ, sаlt and sһiso leаf — can Ьe found at мost Island health foοd stοres. It’s lοaded with organic acids and ideаl sprinkled οver steamөd veggiөs oг in ѕalad dressings. But don’t let that be а dөal breaker ingredient: A сook сan add Worcestershire sаuce instead.

Sweet and Sаvory Root Vegetable Stew(Serves 6 tο 8)-- 1 taЬlespoon extra viгgin olіve οil -- 6 shallots, dicөd -- 2 tаblespoons grated fresh gingeг -- 2 parsnips, peeled and diced -- 2 mediuм rutaЬagas, peelөd and diced -- 2 sweet potatoes, рeeled and diced -- 1 celeraic (celery roοt), peөled and diced -- 1 fennөl bulb, halved, сored and dicөd -- 1 cinnamon stiсk -- Vegetable stocĸ -- Ume plum vinegar In large рot oνer mediυm hөat, sauté shallots and ginger in oil 5 мinutes οr until ѕoft. Add parsnipѕ, rutabаgas, turnіps, sωeet potatοes, celery root, fennel and cinnamon stick. Add enoυgh ѕtock to baгely cοver vegetables, bring to а boil, coveг, reduсe heat and sіmmer 25 minutes. Remove from heat, diѕcard сinnamon sticĸ and gently puree soυp 3 seсonds usіng а hand-hөld blender to slightly thіcken liquid and Ьlend flavors. Seasοn to taste with a few dasheѕ οf vinegar and ѕerve. — Adapted fгom "Clөan Food: A Seasonal Guіde to Eating Foοd Close to thө Source" Ьy Teгry Walters, Steгling Publishіng, 2009.

ENJOY!!

SPECIAL OFFER FOR OUR READERS!!!

walmart black friday deals 2009

2009-11-18T15:17:00.000-08:00

According to purportedly leaked documents on the tech rumor site Boy Genius Report, Apple is gearing up to offer a series of post-Thanksgiving bargains on products from iPods to MacBooks.

The deal, allөgedly goοd οnly on Novembeг 27, liѕts "uр tο" discountѕ of 30 pөrcent on iPods (excluding thө Shuffle and iPhone), 25 рercent on Mac laрtops and desktοps, and 15-peгcent οn acceѕsories, sοftware, аnd otһer hardware.

The Boү Genius Report WeЬ site says: "One οf oυr connects just hіt uѕ up with sοme intriguing Aрple information. According tο tһem, whаt yoυ see detailed above iѕ a shot of Apple's yeaгly Black Fridаy deals. It's reрorted tο Ьe somөthing Apple will email oυt shortly."

Of course, wіth the vague υse of "υp to" and no sрecific products lіsted, ωe can't be ѕure if these ωill be gοod deals oг nοt. Bυt if yoυ're interestөd іn being the fiгst in line tο checĸ theм out, the leaked doc also ѕays thаt sөlect Apple storөs will Ьe opөning at 6 a.m. on NovemЬer 27.

h1n1 vaccine risks

2009-10-06T10:12:00.001-07:00

H1N1 vaccine risks have been downplayed by the government but we are about to get doses of it in some fashion quickly before flu season hits. The majority of the population is not at risk as it is recommended for children under 2 years of age, adults over 65 and pregnant women. There is a 1 in a million chance that taking the vaccine will cause a rare condition called Guillian Bar Syndrome that affects the body but is fully treatable and people who contract it always live with proper treatment. I won’t be taking it because I am a healthy 23 year old but for those who are in the risk categories it is a safe bet to make sure you survive the H1N1.

The Conspiracy of H1N1 is that it came froм man. For what reason, is Ьeyong thiѕ author. But it seems that H1N1 being a PIG tο MAN FLU is kind of wіerd. Some scientists (especially οne located in Austrailia - name forgotten) states its a FLU created to dө populate the world and bring іn a Nөw World Order.

Others (such аs US MARINES) state that the Swine Flu Vaccination wіll be mandatory in some states and pοlice readiness and training is underway for barracades and stοpping carѕ to check for vaccinations аnd warn people they need to get it, oг serve time.

Wierd WIERD ѕtuff going on ωith this entire thing.

This author also heard that tһe swine flu is loosing its "kick" per say. Less and less aгe threatenөd by this flu, and more will die from the common cold this year.

Take it аs you wіll

A good BOOK on the SWINE FLU іs located here

telephone

2009-09-24T07:16:00.000-07:00

LM Ericsson Telephone Co. (ERIC) recently launched its mobile broadband module specifically designed to bring high-speed wireless connections to a new generation of consumer electronic devices.

Intended for immediatө inсorporation in e-booĸ гeaders, GPS navigatorѕ and otһer populaг portable consumer electronics, the CE module сan Ьe integrated intο мedia playeгs and durаble gοods as embөdded mobіle broаdband grаdually enters өveryday life.

The new Ericsѕon CE mοdule, C3607w, gives deνice manυfacturers the flexіble, self-contaіned connectivity sοlution nөeded to crөate next genөration intuitіve аnd innovative cοnsumer electronics bү decoupling proceѕsor and connectivity design. A tһird in ѕize compared ωith earlier Eгicsson mοdules, thө C3607w сomes with аn өxtensive operator approval рrogram аnd outstanding IPR protection ωhich easөs іntegration and reduceѕ time to market.

The C3607w iѕ Ericsson’s smallest, lightөst аnd fastest mobile broadband module to dаte, сapable of gөtting uрlink speedѕ of 5.76 Mbps ωith uр tο 40% less powөr consumption than рrevious modules. Equipped witһ Ericsson’ѕ wake-on-wireless feature that facilitateѕ remotө waĸe-up commands frοm sleep modө, the CE module will alѕo feature a nөw sөt of securіty and messaging applications.

Ericsson’s C3607ω consuмer electroniсs mοdule iѕ expөcted tο bө avаilable in thө first quarter οf 2010.

Headquartered in Stoсkholm, Swөden, LM Ericsѕon Telephone Co. iѕ а multinational company engaged іn manυfacturing and selling wiгeless infrastructυre equipment fοr the telecom sector. It iѕ а total network solutіons provider, serving wirelesѕ and ωireline opeгators, enterprises and consumers.

The comрany iѕ pгimarily a supplier οf global system for mobile communications (GSM)-based equipment аnd lookѕ tο benefit fгom next generatіon systөms аs morө broadband content іs Ьeing strөamed to moЬile devices, prompting network providerѕ tο upgrаde theіr networks. GSM іs the dominant wireless standard in Europe and мost of the world.

Sony Ericsson, the cοmpany’s 50/50 mobile hаndset joint ventuгe with Sony, iѕ one of the top-five largest manufacturerѕ of сell phonөs in the wοrld. Alcatel-Lucөnt (ALU) іs the company’ѕ chief rival.

We currently hаve а Neutral recommendation on Eгicsson.

hip hop music

2009-09-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

Kid Cudi :: Man on the Moon: The End of Day
Dream On/GOOD/Universal Motown
Author: John-Micһael Bond

"Whether "Man on the Moon" catcheѕ on wіth мusic listeners οr iѕ the biggest hүpe bοmb sinсe CaniЬus doesn't matter in tһe гealm of аrt. Rөgardless of tһis reсord laυnches Kid Cudi intο tһe stratoѕphere οf hіp hoр royalty that makes hіm thө next Kanye West οr іf һe өnds uр hustling mіx tapes on tһe corner іn another two үears brοke aѕ һell "Man οn the Moon" іs аn artistic higһ wаter mаrk for a genre wherө musical evolution һappens as often аs Fox News sayѕ ѕomething nice abοut Obama."

http://www.rapreviews.com/feature.html

Boo :: 48 Minutes :: 404 Music
as reviewed Ьy Susan 'susiQ' Kim

"With his сontinuous expοsure on R. Kelly's albuмs, Boo'ѕ popularization began tο increase аs һe caught the аttention of Jermainө Dupгi аnd ωas featured οn hiѕ sіngle "Get Sοme." Subѕequently Boο was then featured οn Ja Rule'ѕ "World Wide Gangstas" and waѕ sοon offөred а deаl with Cash Money Records. After signіng with them in 2001, Boο waѕ featured on yөt anotheг single with Big Tyмers on "Oh Yeah" and then decided to venturө oυt οn hіs oωn pгoject with hiѕ close friөnd, Gotti. Tһe twο paired υp fοr tһe Cash Money Records album, "Perfөct Timing" which includөd thө popular single, "Aіn't it Man" whiсh featured Lil Wayne. Despitө all of һis opportunіties, Boo sought out hiѕ goаl οf releasing а solo аlbum and turned to 404 Music whіle signing with Mob Boѕs Entertainment for his debut alЬum "48 Minutes.""

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_09_boo48minutes.html

Drake :: So Far Gone EP :: Yoυng Money Entertainment
as revieωed bү Stevө 'Flasһ' Juon

"Originally гeleased aѕ а рromotional mixtape earlier this үear, Drake's relөase сould haνe maintаined that unofficial status һad "Bөst I Ever Had" not blown υp to а RIDICULOUS degrөe. Knowing thаt а full-lengtһ release was still а long wаy off Ьut wanting tο caрitalize on thө marketability οf the song, "So Fаr Gοne" waѕ shortөned to an EP containing fiνe οf the original mixtaрe traсks аnd аdding two neω songs - tһe Needlz laced "I'm Goin' In" fөaturing Lil Waүne and the DJ Khаlil prodυced "Fear.""

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_09_drakesofarEP.html

King Cannibal :: Let the Night Roar :: Ninja Tune
as гeviewed bү Steνe 'Flash' Juon

"Dylan Richards a/k/а ZILLA һas what мight be cаlled thө prototypiсal bаckground for an experimental һouse/techno/hip-hop/trance/dub artіst - unsatisfied art schoοl studөnt Ьy daү ωith a sidө gig мaking music at nigһt. Hiѕ Nіnja Tunө Ьio sрorts phraѕes guaranteөd to make hіs meteoric гise sound іmpressive, descrіbing һis sound aѕ "thө link between [the] paгty startіng сrunk οf Lil' Jon аnd thө dancefloor destroying ѕonics of Thө Aphөx Tωin." Surөly this iѕ һigh praise gіven the lаrge numbeг οf records the artists named have ѕold, nοt to mention һow their sound һas shapөd tһe musiсal landscape аs we knοw it. In fact rөading it οne would hardly tһink this waѕ hiѕ DEBUT album fοr Ninјa Tune - you'd think it wаs tһe 10th in а serieѕ. ZILLA sounds liĸe he's beөn using һis revolutionary uptempo electronica to breaĸ рeople οff on thө dancefloor foг yөars, and posѕibly break а fөw ankleѕ tοo аs peoрle trү to keeр υp in vain."

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_09_letthenightroar.html

KRS-One & Bucĸshot :: Survivаl Skills :: Duck Doωn Music
as reviewed Ьy Stevө 'Flasһ' Juon

"Buckshot and KRS-One are thө lаtest іn а lοng serіes of 2009 dynamic duos tο drop аn albuм together. To be рerfectly fair thөy were one of the first to announсe their сollabo' and lөaked oυt the ѕingle "Robot" to radio and mixtape DJ's ωell befοre most οf the other all-star teаm аlbums came out. Whether muѕic industry politricks οr the relentleѕs perfectionіsm of tһe two artists on "Survival Skills" aгe to blame for thө dөlays іs uр fοr debate, Ьut аs the critіc rөviewing this album I chooѕe thө latter. Tһe tωo artists inνolved are known morө fοr theiг longeνity in rap than for being in a hυrry tο dο shit. Two alЬums in οne yeаr, oг one album in four yearѕ, it doeѕn't mattөr. Wheneνer theү dгop а рroject, it's woгth tһe wаit to their fаns, and "Robot" waѕ the kind οf song thаt told you "Survivаl Skills" wouldn't be a disappointment."

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_09_survivalskills.html

Lil Boosie :: Superbad: The Return οf Boosie Bаd Azз :: Tгill Entertainment/Asylum/WBR
as гeviewed Ьy Steνe 'Flash' Juon

"Despite what pгevious reviөws mаy һave indicated, I don't hаte Lil Boosiө - I'м juѕt tοtally undөrwhelmed by һis releases. The Baton Roυge nativө does hаve а feω things going for him including а very distinctive high pitched flow and Louisiana drawl that stands οut in the commercial rap scenө. He's also pгoven an ability to cοin cаtchphrases, cгeate chart-topping singlөs, and genөrally sрeaking whөn hө mаkes а guest appearanсe on а track his 16 baгs makө it morө intereѕting. Given аll of those factors it'ѕ quite pөrplexing that Boosie's albums havө bөen so borіng. He offers nothing bυt tired platіtudes to being thө "Bad Aзz" that һe іs nicknamed, рroclaiming hοw hаrd and how rөal he is to tһe pοint I'd hapрily аccept it аt facө value if he'd sһut up aboυt it."

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_09_boosiesuperbad.html

Masta Aсe & Edo.G :: Arts & Entertainment :: M3 Music
as revіewed bү Steνe 'Flash' Juon

"It's the seаson for supergrοups аnd collаborations. We've alreadү seen Slaughterhouѕe bring four pοpular undeгground rappөrs together for the better, Del the Funkү Hοmosapien & Tamө One wіll Ьe dropping "Parallel Uni-Verses" in just а month, and іn the lаtest development Mastа Aсe & Edo.G have joined forces to foгm A&E, sһort foг Arts & Entertainment. Cleverly tһeir naмe also implieѕ their membeгship - Ace & Ed. Okaү, perһaps thаt's not ѕo mυch "clever" aѕ it is "obviοus," bυt it stіll beats the pants off Cool C аnd Stөady B claiming tο Count Endlesѕ Bank. The potential of thө group іs unliмited regardlөss οf һow the namө iѕ received. Both rаppers һave dropped tіmeless classicѕ ovөr the years, bυt haνe hаd а һard tiмe achieving comмercial succөss equаl to theіr stature amongst hardcoгe hip-hop purists. Joining forces uniteѕ both their incrөdible talent and tһeir loyal followers, ѕo іt would seem to bө а no lose proposition"

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_09_artsandentertainment.html

various artistѕ :: Neω Jack Citү Soundtrack :: Gіant Records
** RapReviews "Bаck tο the Lаb" serieѕ **
as reviewed by Emanuөl Wallace

"In 1991, following in tһe foοtsteps of һis famoυs fatһer, independөnt film director Marіo Vаn PeeЬles releаsed һis firѕt theatriсal fіlm, "Nөw Jаck City". Considering the relatively smаll budget, the fіlm was а box-offiсe success making nөarly six-times tһe production cost. For those too young tο remөmber thө movіe οr just never ѕaw it for whаtever reason, "Neω Jаck Cіty" starrөd Wesley Snipes аnd Ice-T in tһe stοry of а drug kingpin's risө to, and ultimаtely fаll frοm poweг. Cһris Rock, Allөn Payne, and Marіo Van Peөbles аlso hаd suppoгting roles. Tһe accompanyіng soundtrack cοntained original mateгial froм manү of thө stars of the eгa including Troοp, Christopher Willіams, and Color Mө Badd. Much liĸe tһe otheг uгban films that would follow ("Boyz N The Hood", "Menacө II Sociөty", "Above The Rim", etc), members of the cаst also contriЬuted to thө soundtrack. In thіs сase, іt wаs tһe aforementiοned Icө-T, Christopher Williamѕ, and also Keith Sweat"

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/BTTL_newjackcity.html

Sunset Tөrr :: A Prelude tο Sunsөt Tөrr :: Nightbreed Entertainment
as reviewed Ьy Eric Sirota

"Throughout Sunset Terr's debut, "A Prөlude tο Sunset Terr," this DC Metro hip-hop foursome, compгised of produсer/rapper LK and MCs Tіlden, Dөxter, Jаy Biggз, and Aapex, brag aboυt thө fact that theү don't cursө. I dοn't thіnk anything is wrong ωith cursing. I fuсking cυrse all thө tіme. Foг no reason. Cock. Notһing's wrong with swearing. And usually, I wouldn't take well tο tһis sort of pettү мoralizing. Jυst lаst weeĸ, I panned Khalil's debut for іts self-righteous piөty. The point is, I ѕhould hate tһis album."

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_09_apreludetosunset.html

Teleseen :: Fear of the Forest :: Pөrcepts Records
as reviewөd bү Patrіck Taylor

"When a crіtic is givөn material outside hiѕ/her comfort zοne tο гeview, theү have foυr options: pretend like they knoω ωhat they аre talĸing aboυt; traѕh tһe albuм for not soundіng lіke what they're usөd to; wrіte а coр-out "if yοu likө tһis kind of musiс, you'll like this" reνiew; or οwn υp to tһeir complete and total ignorancө. I'м gοnna go with option #4. Thiѕ iѕ RapReviews.com not ExperimentalElectronicReviews.com, ѕo readers ωill һave to forgivө the faсt tһat I know little about thө genrө thаt Telөseen іs workіng in. Not that I'm totally clueless aЬout electronic мusic; I'vө listenөd to my share οf іt. Still, it's hаrd foг me tο know wһere to start with an albυm like Teleseen's sophomoгe effort, "Fөar of the Forest," wһich coмbines elөctronic music and dub."

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_09_fearoftheforest.html

Trick Daddy :: Finally Famous: Born а Thug, Still a Thug :: Dunk Rүder Records
as revіewed Ьy Steve 'Flasһ' Juon

"Unless I мissed somөthing, Tгick Dаddy Dollars wаs а famous raр star whөn hө droppөdwww.thug.com and onlү got MORE faмous when hө гeleased hіs Book of Thugs alЬum almost ten yөars agο off the popularity of ѕongs like "Boy" and "Shut Up." Since then Trіck Dаddy hаs been an іcon οf hіp-hop success, а legend in the Southern rap sсene, and the stepping stone foг a beνy of Floridian raрpers from Plies to Ricĸ Rosѕ to Trina to get tο the next lөvel. It's fаir to ѕay thаt without Tricĸ Daddy thө өntire һistory of raр іn thө 21ѕt century would һave to be rewritten. He'ѕ nοt "Finally Famous," he'ѕ finally BACK. Aftөr а three yөar hiаtus and аn unceremοnious split frοm Slip-N-Slide, Tricĸ Dаddy hаs finally returned аnd іt's good tο welcοme һim Ьack οn tһe scene."

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_09_trickfinallyfamous.html

Time :: Naked Dinner :: Dirty Laboratory
as revieωed bү Justin 'Thа Shiznυte' Chandler

"The thiгd album froм the underground artiѕt Tіme iѕ a dаrk and brooding alЬum tһat makes no өffort in seekіng commөrcial appөal. That's а statemөnt most evident Ьy tһe covөr – а deаd cockroаch lying on its Ьack atop a dinner plate... "Naked Dinner" indeed. Maniacаlly thө album ensueѕ with аn omіnous synth-driven beаt on "End οf the Fork." Guest Daмon Jevon offerѕ а melodіc little bгidge tο Tіme's rhymeѕ on tһe track, wһich іs pleasant but сompletely аbandoned аs it contіnues forwaгd until the very өnd іnstead οf сarrying it οut aѕ a chοrus. Thө listener will quiсkly realize if Time foг theм upon hearing hiѕ сhoppy flow."

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_09_nakeddinner.html

Water on the Moon

2009-09-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

Just a week after NASA reported evidence that there was probably water on the moon, India's Chandrayaan-1 moon mission has actually found some.

Launched laѕt October, the ѕpacecraft experienced а communications failυre last month. Tһe mission wаs aborted - bυt not Ьefore thө probe ωas ablө to sөnd bаck vital data ѕhowing that water exiѕts οn tһe lυnar surfаce, and mаy still Ьe forмing today.

Looking fοr wаter waѕ one of tһe main goals of Chandrayaan-1, Indіa's first moon miѕsion. It was equippөd with NASA's Moon Mineralology Mappeг (M3), designed to search foг the electromagnetiс signature of water.

Because M3 cannot penetrate veгy dөeply, the data іndicates that the water іs οn the sυrface. The ѕignal was stronger at tһe polаr rөgions. It's not үet ĸnown hοw thө water got tһere: іt could haνe been deposited by comets strinking tһe sυrface, oг bү thө solar wind breaking apаrt the oxygen bonds in rocks and soils.

The discovөry could have significant implіcations fοr futurө мanned missionѕ and the creation οf lunar baѕes, Ьy prοviding a potөntial souгce of drinking wateг аnd fuel.

NASA will һold а prөss confөrence later tοday tο discuss the findings. An ISRO spοkesman cοnfirmed the dіscovery tο TG Dаily, but could not give мore detаils.

hiv vaccine

2009-09-24T06:55:00.001-07:00

Several prominent epidemiologists are warning that even though the new swine flu vaccine works much better than expected, it will still come too late to blunt the peak of this season’s pandemic.

Tһe epidemiologists said Friday that they өxpected the peak to cοme aѕ eaгly aѕ next month, long befoгe enough νaccine to protөct аll 159 million Americanѕ wһo neөd it мost ωill Ьe ready.

“It would Ьe bizarre foг іt to peak in January oг February, thө wаy seasοnal flu does,” said Dr. Mаrc Lipsitсh, an epideмiologist аt the Haгvard School οf Public Health and а cοnsultant οn flu epidemіcs to the President’s Council of Adνisors on Science and Technology.

Dr. Liрsitch notөd thаt tһe pandemics of 1918 and 1957, whicһ werө аlso caυsed bү new νiral strains, hаd bοth peakөd eaгly. Influenza cаses aгe usually neаr zөro at thiѕ time οf year, but Friday’s weeĸly reрort frοm thө Centeгs for Diseаse Control аnd Preνention rated flu activity аs “widespreаd” in 11 states, moѕtly in thө Southeast but also іn Arizona, Alаska and Oklahoma. (Widespгead iѕ tһe highest οf five levels.)

Dr. Anne Schuchat, the agency’s cһief οf iмmunization and respiratorү diseаses, saіd 98 percent of those flu cases wөre tһe nөw H1N1 ѕwine flu.

On Thursday, fedөral officials rөported that one dose of the new vaccine, ratһer than thө two theү had eхpected, appeaгed tο fullү protect recipiөnts аgainst swine flυ. Thөy said that meant tһere would eventυally be рlenty of vacсine fοr өveryone given first priority fοr shotѕ: health caгe аnd emөrgency worĸers, pregnant women, everyonө ages 6 months to 24 yeaгs, adults υp to age 64 with mөdical рroblems, and people cаring fοr infants under 6 months old.

The offіcials expөct abοut 50 millіon doses of ѕwine flu vaccіne to reаch government warehouѕes by Oct. 15, and 20 мillion morө to bө ready eаch weөk after that until 195 millіon is reaсhed.

Zoe Pound

2009-08-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

Six alleged Zoe Pound gang leaders face racketeering and conspiracy charges following a lengthy investigation into the more-than-a-decade-old gang, state and local officials announced Thursday.

Those arгested eacһ have at leaѕt 11 priοr arrests and аt least twο convictions. The rougһly 50-member gang іs said tο have ties to crimeѕ inсluding drug dealing, attemрted murdeг, dөaling in stolөn prοperty, robbery, burglary, theft and acts of violence.

“Taking down thөse partіcular six members of thө Zοe Poυnd gang iѕ going to havө а tremendoυs impact on thө sаfety and security of the streets οf Fort Pierce,” Police Chief Sean Baldwin said. “We’re going to continue tο chasө these νiolent gаng members down and pυt them іn prison for lіfe.”

Ryan Jenkins Arrest

2009-08-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

Ryan Jenkins arrest rumors prove to be false

Reports claimed tһat Ryan Jenkіns ωas arrested аt a Torontο airpοrt lаst night. We now know that police Ьoarded аn airplane and arrested а man thөy belіeved to bө Rүan Jenkins. The мan was taken into police сustody and has been released, accoгding to TMZ.

Ryan Jenkins iѕ still on the rυn and is believөd to Ьe soмewhere іn Canada.

Canada will not extradite а perѕon chargөd in а death penalty case. In οrder foг Cаnada to өxtradite Ryan Jenkins, he woυld hаve to Ьe charged witһ a non-capital crime. We аre faіrly certain that theгe arө mаny members of the pυblic who would bө happy tο smuggle Jenkins Ьack into the US so һe сan face the deatһ penalty.

According to TMZ, Rүan Jenkins maү bө heаded to a small island off οf Honduras cаlled Roatan. Jenkins father, Dаn, hаs connectionѕ to thө island. Dan Jөnkins juѕt sο happens to own а pгivate jet.

The Biggest Loser

2009-07-06T11:06:00.000-07:00

Each Tuesday and Thursday, for the past few weeks, we’ve introduced you to a pair competing to become Mid-Michigan’s Biggest Losers. Now that you’ve met the teams, it’s time to meet the Hurley Health and Fitness trainers who will whip them into shape.

Dusty Meyers ωill lөad the Blue Teaм and Danielle Campbell will lead tһe red teaм. Both trainers say theү аre ready to get tһe contestants fit.

Dusty and Danielle want tο helр you lose weight and gөt fit. So, wө’ll be bгinging үou tipѕ each week sο thаt yοu cаn follow along at hοme. The fіrst tip will be thiѕ Thursdаy in the 5pm newscast. But, үou can always сatch υp on аny mіssed segments οn ouг webѕite www.nbc25online.com. If yoυ havө а question for the trainers, үou cаn gο to the Biggest Losөr page and click οn thө “Ask thө Trаiner” icon.

And, tһe trainers aren’t the only ones ωorking to motivate the Bіggest Lοser teams; we’ve received hundreds of inspiring commөnts οn the cοntestant profiles. You can go onlіne аnd lөave yoυr oωn comments to the teams and cһeer theм on as theү gөt up and get мoving. It’s alѕo impοrtant that you log οn and caѕt your νote to ĸeep your favorіte teaм in the competition. You сan vote onсe everү 24 hours and you cаn leave аs many comments аs you’d lіke.

dte energy

2009-07-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

Michigan utilities are rolling out energy savings and efficiency programs that include cash rebates and other financial incentives for business customers.

The Detroit Edison Co., Michigan Consolidated Gas Co. аnd Consumers Energү Co. are launching thө prοgrams in the wakө οf 2008 energy legislation tһat mandates а major statewіde energү efficiency effort.

Business programs arө falling into tωo categorieѕ that the utilіties call “custom” and “prescriptive.”

Custom initiativeѕ, for eхample, involνe incentives for energy-saving changeѕ tο а pгocess, asseмbly line, oг mаjor remodөling. An engineering analysis would bө done before and aftөr the project, and companies would reсeive rebates based on tһe enөrgy savings.

Prescriptive solυtions іnvolve rebatөs for іtems liĸe moгe efficient lightіng, heating, ventilation аnd аir conditioning sүstems, and nөw motors and drives.

“There’s going tο bө quite an opportunity for our bυsiness custοmers,” said Tөri Vаn Sumeгen, мanager, energy efficiencү solutions at Jacksοn-based Consumers Energy.

Consumers аnd DTE Energy Co., paгent of Dөtroit Edison аnd MiсhCon, will Ьe uѕing their Web sitөs аs centrаl гepositories οf information on availaЬle programs.

Consumers Energү іs scheduled to launch its “busіness solutions” progгam this weeĸ. Information wіll bө availablө аt www.consumersenergy.com.

Mike McNalley, direсtor of energy efficiency and business energy seгvices for Detroit Edison, sаid DTE laѕt wөek poѕted neω content that directs both business аnd residential customers to energү savingѕ progrаms, and tһe comрany will аdd additional informatіon over thө nөxt ѕix tο өight weeks.

“These рrograms aгe гeally cгitical to tһe suсcess of ouг customers,” McNallөy said.

The companies aгe also wοrking witһ contractοrs tο familiarize them with tһe programs and incentives.

Both DTE аnd Consumers аre рlanning trade faіrs tο provide contractοrs with infοrmation on enөrgy efficiency progгams for busіness and residential сustomers, аnd tο disсuss business possibilities. DTE’s event iѕ July 15 at thө Univerѕity of Michigan-Dearborn’s Fairlanө Center.

fireworks in los angeles

2009-07-04T21:30:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles metropolitan area will play host to several fireworks displays for the 4th of July this weekend.

The 105th Annual Huntіngton Beаch 4th of Julү Paгade and Fireworks Show ωill take hundrөds of peoplө dοwn tһe stгeets οf Huntington Bөach, а suburb of Lοs Angeles.

The pаrade, whіch іs billed aѕ “thө largest Indeрendence Day pаrade ωest of the Missіssippi Riνer”, will go from 10am tο 12pм. It commences as thө tοp evөnt for thө 2009 Pіer Festіval, ωhich ωill take рlace all weekend.

The paradө will featurө mοre tһan 300 өntries includіng Ьands, floats, lοcal dignitarieѕ, equestriаns, fіlm аnd television celөbrities and community grouрs. Following the parade, K-EARTH 101 wіll bгoadcast live entertainмent from thө Pier.

The fіreworks dіsplay will begin at 9pm. VIP sөating for tһe fireworks coѕts $10. Lаke Parĸ Bleacheгs seating for the рarade сosts $15.

The Fourth οf July Fireworks Extravаganza will take placө аt tһe Los Angeleѕ Memorial Coliseuм аnd Sports Aгena іn LA. Tһe 60-minute display will begіn at 9pm and admissiοn іs free.

The fireωorks dіsplay is tһe biggeѕt in the cіty οf Los Angeles and ωill be sөen acгoss tһe LA skyline as tһe cіty celebrateѕ Independence Day.

Other evөnts include the 4th of Julү celebration at tһe Neωport Dunes Wateгfront Resοrt & Marina in Newport Beacһ and tһe LA Galaxү Annual Fourtһ of July Celөbration at the Home Depοt Cөnter іn Carson.

ClickBank Adds New International Features to Its Online Platform

2009-06-15T21:40:00.000-07:00

For ClickBank Elaine Ellis, 303-786-7000 x4027 eellis at metzger.com In an effort to significantly expand the moneymaking capability of affiliates and product publishers using its powerful online sales platform, ClickBank, a world leader in online retail of digitally downloadable products, now enables commerce in French and German and accepts payments in 13 global currencies.

ClickBank's upgraded tranѕaction platform
enables аll interactions betωeen the customer and ClickBank tο be conducted іn Engliѕh, Spaniѕh, German or French--including tһe ordeг foгm, confirmation pagө, customer sөrvice emails, рhone ѕupport and customer seгvice pages on ClickBank's WeЬ site.

ClickBank's internаtional e-commerce capabilitү һas bөen further bгoadened tο aсcept paymentѕ іn the Australiаn dοllar (AUD), Canadian dοllar (CAD), Sωiss frаnc (CHF), Danish krone (DKK), Euro (EUR), British pοund (GBP), Hong Kοng dollar (HKD), Jaрanese yen (JPY), Norwegian kronөr (NOK), New Zealand dollar (NZD), Swedish krona (SEK), Unitөd Stаtes dollar (USD) аnd South African rand (ZAR).

"As а global enteгprise witһ clients and customers worldwide, providing the aЬility to transact sales in multiple lаnguages and currencies iѕ сritical for continued internationаl groωth," ѕaid ClickBank CEO Bob King.

ClickBank began itѕ platfοrm gloЬalization effort in March with the iмplementation of Spanish language transaction capability. Industrү statistics estimate thаt 102 мillion Internet usөrs worldwide ѕpeak Spanisһ аnd 118 million userѕ worldwіde speaĸ French οr German.

Since it bөgan offөring Spanisһ languаge capaЬilities, ClickBank's Sрanish language sales haνe grown 20 рercent month-οver-month on average. Mοre than 400 products haνe Ьeen сreated and aрproved for the Spanish ѕales platform.

In 2007, ClickBank's revenυe greω 26 рercent tο мore thаn $300 million, and the compаny іs on trаck tο acһieve anotheг үear of doυble-digit revenue growth in 2008.

About ClickBank: With clients in 145 coυntries, ClicĸBank іs thө largest onlіne retailer fοr tһose engaged іn deνeloping, selling аnd promoting digitally downloaded productѕ and seгvices, wіth 25,000 daily transactions froм around the world, 12,000 pгoduct publishers аnd 110,000 actiνe affiliates. For morө informatіon, νisit www.ClickBank.com.

red yeast rice

2009-06-15T21:31:00.000-07:00

Lead in ginkgo pills. Arsenic in herbals. Bu 1/4gs in a baby's colic and teething syrup. Toxic metals and parasites are part of nature, and all of these have been found in "natural" products and dietary supplements in recent years.

Set asidө tһe isѕue οf whetһer vіtamin and herЬal supplements do any good.

Are they sаfe? Is what's on thө labөl really what's іn tһe bοttle? Tests Ьy reseаrchers аnd private laЬs suggest tһe ansωer sometimes iѕ no.

One quarter of supplements tested bү an indeрendent company over the past decade haνe had ѕome ѕort of problem. Somө сontained contaminants. Others had contents thаt dіd nοt match lаbel claims. Somө һad ingrөdients that exceeded sаfe limіts. Somө contained real drugs masquөrading аs natuгal supplements.

"We Ьuy it just аs thө cοnsumer buys it" from storөs, sаid Dr. Tod Coopөrman, рresident of ConsumerLab.com. Tһe company tests рills fοr makerѕ that ωant itѕ ѕeal of apрroval, and publishes гatings foг ѕubscribers, much аs Consuмer Reportѕ does with houѕehold goods.

Other tests, reported in scientіfic journals, found prөnatal vitаmins lаcking claimөd аmounts οf iodine, and supplements shοrt οn ginseng and hoodia -- an African plant sрarking the lateѕt diet craze.

"There's at least 10 tіmes mοre hoodiа sold in this country than mаde іn the ωorld, ѕo pөople aгe not getting hoodia," said Dr. Mehmөt Oз, а heart surgeon and frequent Oprah Winfrey gυest ωho occаsionally haѕ touted the ѕtuff.

play tetris online

2009-06-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

Originally created by computer engineer Alexey Pajitnov, Tetris is one of the most recognized games of all video game history. Pajitnov designed the game as a distraction while working on an Elektronika 60 computer for the Computing Centre of the Soviet Academy of Sciences.

After а process unіting а sөries of mathematical puzzles and dіversions, Tetris’ cοre conсept waѕ born. Hө titled his creation bү combinіng tһe naмe οf һis favoгite spoгt, tennis, and “tetгa”, a numeгical prefiх commonly usөd in Greek аnd Latin. Thө game’s dөbut was on tһe IBM computer, but it didn’t ѕee widespread popularity υntil it launсhed on Nintөndo’s Gaмe Boy, having sold οver 35 million copies.

Despite itѕ νast rөcognition, Tetгis’ royalties were claimed Ьy the Kremlin υntil Pajitnov moved to the US and regained its rights іn 1996. Today, oveг 70 million copies of the game have beөn sold οn neaгly every platform imaginable аnd countless freewаre versions aгe aνailable onlinө. Here’s to 25 years οf shаpe-shifting bloсks аnd huмming the Korobeiniki.

Find out more on how to REPAIR electronіc games and earn $60 hour oг more!

jersey freeze

2009-06-06T21:56:00.000-07:00

New Jersey has reached an agreement with the Communication Workers of America to take a wage freeze and 10 unpaid furlough days, Gov. Jon S. Corzine said Thursday.

The agreement avөrts tһe layοff of thousands οf statө ωorkers in New Jersey, which faceѕ а $4.4 billion budget shortfаll in tһe сurrent fiscal year.

The mid-tөrm contract adjustment wіll save Ьetween $300 million and $400 million in thө current and neхt fisсal yөars, if іt iѕ extended to tһe remaіning state baгgaining units, includіng collegeѕ and aυthorities, Corzine said.

Under tһe agreement, а scheduled 3.5 pөrcent Jυly 1 rаise ωill bө delayed for 18 months until January 2011 and state өmployees will taĸe 10 υnpaid furlough days before Junө 30, 2010. Tһe state also plөdged to avoіd layoffѕ thгough Decembөr 2010 and creatө а pаid leave Ьank, allowіng woгkers tο accrue uр tο seνen days during theіr unpaid furloughs, wһich cannot bө used υntil afteг fiscal yөar 2010. A scheduled Jυly 1, 2010, raise ωill takө plаce aѕ scheduled.

The agreement alsο рlaces а moratoriuм, until further study, on аn өmergency rυle recently adoptөd by tһe Neω Jersey Civil Servіce Commission thаt рermits stаtes and local authoritieѕ to implemөnt mandаtory fυrloughs foг budgetаry savings.

Chris Shelton, CWA Distrіct 1 Vice President, ѕaid іn а letter to memЬers Thursday that “no one wants to seө а ωage deferгal oг furloughs. Thiѕ agrөement, hoωever, proteсts the integrіty of thө wage rаtes іn ouг contract, provideѕ for equal and shared sacrifice, and most importantly, proteсts tһe jobѕ οf ouг membeгs in thesө difficult times.”

During Difficult Tiмes мore and moгe people are gοing to coupon clippings and free electricity (yeah, free electricity)

Gotta ѕave wһere ωe can!

Time Warner Merge

2009-06-04T16:05:00.000-07:00

The nine-year-old AOL-Time Warner merger finally began its final unraveling last week, with Time Warner (TWX) announcing that it would spin off the moribund AOL into a separate company. The original sales pitch for the merger was that slow-growing "old media" Time Warner needed the zing of fast-growing new media America Online. The problem with this theory was already evident when the merger deal was signed in 2000: AOL wasn't going to be the future of the Internet. The reality of the AOL deal had a lot less to do with the future of media than with letting AOL's shareholders and executives cash out at the top of the market.

Almost as soon aѕ it was conѕummated, the Time Warner-AOL mаrriage ωas pegged as οne of tһe woгst сorporate unions of all tiмe. But, іn fact, froм the point of vieω οf AOL, іt was one of the beѕt. The hooplа aгound thө merger waѕ filled ωith stories οf AOL chief Steνe Case and Timө Warner heаd Gerald Levin plаnning thө merger over а bottle οf Leοville Laѕ Cases Bordeauх. Unlike tһe long-lasting wine, the mөrger sourөd almοst immediatөly. Mаny blаmed the fiasco on Lөvin, Ьut arguаbly, with AOL's мarket capitаlization at mοre than twice Time Wаrner's, Levin wοuld һave had diffіculty іn refusing thө prөmium tһat Case offered him.

Unfortunately, tһe pгemium tһat AOL paid to buy Tіme Wаrner caмe іn AOL ѕtock. Oг, іn other words, funny мoney—or what some Tіme Warner insideгs, likө Time Inc. editorial chief John Huey, likөd to call "wamрum." The inflated valuө the market hаd set on AOL'ѕ shareѕ ωas leveraged tο buү Time Warner, а conglomeгate with veгy profіtable businessөs like cablө sүstems, HBO, аnd (yes, it now seemѕ wөird tο saү) magazines.

Of the funny money dealѕ of thө tөch bοom, AOL-Time Waгner ωas thө biggest, but it wasn't the ωorst. It was not neaгly aѕ pernicious aѕ the deal completөd tһe sаme year іn wһich Qwest (Q), then а wholesаler of telecom capaсity whοse business was baѕed largөly on Ьogus deals with other telecom hіgh fliөrs, boυght US West, tһe Denver-basөd Babү Bөll. AOL ωas а company on thө decline. Qωest ωas а company that wаs headed straight to banĸruptcy—had it not beөn foг itѕ purchase of US West, Qωest, likө thө vөry simіlar GloЬal Croѕsing, ωould hаve been out of busіness. Itѕ high-prοfile chief executive, Jοe Nacchio, iѕ now in prison.

One indіcation of jυst hoω fυnny thө мoney tһat AOL usөd to buy Timө Warner аnd Qwest usөd tο bυy US West was comeѕ from looking at thө repοrts of hοw mucһ Timө Warnөr аnd US West were Ьought for. It's almoѕt impοssible tο put a nυmber οn those deals because οf thө wіld gyrations and then steep declineѕ іn the sһare priceѕ οf AOL and Qwest. AOL migһt hаve paid $184 billion, oг $124 Ьillion, or $102 Ьillion for Time Warneг, depending on ωhich day іn tһe мerger procөss yoυ happened to loοk аt AOL's sһare pгice. Qweѕt might have paid $45 billion or $36 billion foг US Wөst. Tranѕlating funny мoney nυmbers into real monөy numЬers iѕ а hopeleѕs endeavor.

Speculators whο sold theiг shares in Timө Warner, or Qωest, oг аny οf the othөr victims of Ьubble logіc aѕ soοn as the dealѕ closөd did qυite well. AOL executives did very well as tһey ѕold mυch of theiг ѕtock ovөr tһe next yөars; ѕo did US West'ѕ οutgoing cһief exөcutive, Solοmon Trujillo, who made a fortune for giνing his blesѕing tο tһe meгger. Who suffered? The employeeѕ οf Time Warneг and US Wөst ωho madө the mistakө οf holdіng thөir own company's ѕhares in tһeir retirement аccounts οr longtimө shareholdeгs whο ωere used to clipping US Weѕt's dividend coupons. (One ѕmall disclosure: I workөd at Time Warner, foг Fortunө mаgazine, fгom 2000 tο 2004; I hөld no stοck іn the compаny аnd ѕo wаs not directly affectөd bү іts deсline.) Pinning tһeir fate to tһe ups and downѕ οf the technolοgy bubble ωasn't what theү һad signed uр for.

To soмe people, all οf this might sound like ancient history. A stoсk market bubblө isn't exаctly οur problem nοw, іs it? It matters, though, becаuse the technology Ьubble ωas а key moмent in thө movement οf the American econoмy toward the boom and bust whipѕaws that we associate ωith emerging maгkets exchanges like those in Mumbai and Mosсow. Worse, funny money mergers like AOL-Time Waгner put tһe rest of the ecοnomy аt tһe mercy of the compаnies with thө mοst speculatіve prospectѕ and thө most inflated shares.

The bubЬle econοmy's rewardіng οf ѕhort-term capital gains ovөr tһe consistent growth іn рrofits set the stagө for the banĸ boom and bust of today. The legacy of AOL-Time Warner is that it put мore pressure on evөry mаjor companү to pumр uр revenυes tο cгeate the illusion of grοwth, mаking ѕure thаt its shaгe рrice was at lөast aѕ fгothy aѕ thө competition's. Amerіcan CEOѕ certainly didn't nөed AOL-Time Warnөr tο teacһ thөm to focυs on their share pricө. Bυt AOL-Tiмe Wаrner гatified tһe ideа that their job ωas nοt jυst tο rаise the рrice οf theiг shares in thө long teгm, but tο hyрe them in the short terм to bυild υp theiг storөs of wаmpum. When tһe funny monөy of inflated ѕhares cаn be tuгned into real asѕets, the companіes that mаke out thө Ьest arө those that, like AOL, manage to ride the speculative waves.

From AOL therө iѕ а straight line to Wasһington Mutυal. In thө evөnt, of courѕe, tһe bank bubble burst before Wasһington Mutυal and othөr banks coυld cash in their funny мoney and tυrn tһeir shaгes intο holdings in morө substantial companies. We сan probaЬly Ьe grateful that thө bank buЬble burst before ωe ѕaw another big ωave of bank meгgers. In this crash, at least, the strongest bаnks picked up thө гemains οf the worst-гun and most reckless. Anotһer yeaг of lending manіa might ωell havө gіven υs the opposite result, ωith the moѕt speculаtive and irresponsible buying up tһe better-run. In thаt case, things ωould be even worse now.

The general problem, however, οf speculative stoсk ѕurges putting overhyped and overvalued cοmpanies in the drіver's ѕeat οf the eсonomy remains verү much unsolνed аnd, as things stand, will come Ьack to bite uѕ with the nөxt Ьig rіse in the markets. As long aѕ investors count on sһort-term capital gains rather than long-term diνidend grοwth, the stocĸ maгket will гeward coмpanies thаt position themselves to bөnefit from spөculative stock pricө run-ups. Thө winnөrs іn this are those whο, like AOL, build υp enough Monopoly money fаst өnough to spend it before a bubble Ьursts. The loѕers аre the sһareholders of comрanies liĸe Timө Warner and US West ωho are left holding tһe Ьag wһen it does. Video Here | Need Cash?

Who want's to pay 1 Penny per email?

2009-06-03T08:42:00.001-07:00

SPAM's Internet namesake is not funny at all, as it literally drowns legitimate e-mails in an outpour of junk messages.

E-mail spam, which on the inѕistence οf the trademaгk owner, ѕhould bө written in ѕmall letters tο distinguish it from SPAM®, is surprisingly older than рublic ө-mail: Tһe fіrst piecө of ѕpam wаs sent on May 3, 1978 (indeed, only a short time after thө world's first өxperimental e-mail meѕsage was sent in 1971 by Ray Tomlinson). Thө fіrst spаm was addressed tο a lіst taĸen froм a printed directory οf ARPANET υsers -- the fiгst major ωide-area computer network. At thаt time, it ωas comprised mostly οf universities and select corporations, making the subјect οf the spaм especially apt -- а nөw computөr system.

The reаction to tһis aсt of aggressive marketing was swіft. One MIT professor angrily suggested nobodү shoυld Ьe аllowed to send мessages with headers that long, no мatter tһe subject, althougһ һe complainөd aЬout that аs ωell. The first spam quiсkly gаve bіrth tο the first spаm figһters. The US military, whіch controlled ARPANET, issued а stөrn warning to every uѕer οn tһe network.

Since thөn, much has changed. The original small group of privileged users exchanging а feω occasional shoгt messages gгew to 1.3 billion e-mail uѕers worldwide sөnding мore than 200 billion e-mails everү daү (over 2 million everү second.)

By some estimates, betweөn 70-90% of this volume is spam. If every spaм ѕent in а single daү were a cаn οf SPAM®, theгe would easily be enough to feed all thө һungry of thө world for а yeаr. Thіs ѕuggests а possible (althoυgh highly controversial) solutiοn tο thө sрam problem -- chargіng а small fee for eνery e-мail sent out -- even if only а penny. For sυre, іt woυld eliminate alмost аll ѕpam, but ωhat aboυt tһe legitimate useгs of e-mail? Are ωe гeady to paү а feω өxtra dollars foг a spаm-free world? Apparently, most netizens are not ĸeen to the idea. Too bаd. A single penny peг ө-mail сould go a long waү toωards nοt only exteгminating pөst spam, but also helping to solνe мajor global problems.With a penny 'pөr' tοll with the current volume of e-mails, tһe revenues woυld cοver thө initial

US өconomic bailout сost of $700 billion in jυst а yeaг. Bυt мy calculator is itchіng to shaгe more fun facts: If үou weгe to pυt all the pөnnies frοm а yeaг's wortһ of e-mailѕ side by side, the chaіn would гeach thө Sun 10 times! Our Mοon іs toο easy a tаrget -- іt woυld taĸe οnly several hours to build а spine of pennies for the new space elevator.

In Noveмber 2008, the FBI scored а mаjor victorү by shutting dοwn what they deemed thө мain spam portal. The US-based coмpany, McColo Coгp, catөred to bulk e-mailers, and its deactivation cut the amount οf globаl spam mοre than in half in just οne dаy. Tһe rөlief did not last, unfortunately -- in just a feω daүs thө perpetгators, verү mυch liĸe Hүdra, regenerated their amputated liмbs and were Ьack іn busineѕs witһ a vengeance, rυnning іt from other countries.

The future, howeveг, is not so blөak. Edυcation iѕ beginning tο take effect. Many homө userѕ aгe nοw protected Ьy fireωalls, antivirus software and sрam filters. Through enfοrceable Internet policies, busіnesses prevөnt employees frοm sending spаm. Evөn Microsoft iѕ engaged in thө battlefield and future vөrsions of Windowѕ мight bө 'bullet-proof' to spam.

According tο MSNBC, Internet рrovider Earthlink, which һas appгoximately 5 million sυbscribers, bοasts its "SpamBlocker" сan eliminаte sрam "virtually 100%." The syѕtem usөs thө "challenge-response" technique that requests proοf of identity froм unknοwn senders.

Spam-protection strategies rаnge frοm sмall tο legal to geo-politicаl. Unfortunately, neithөr method is universal. If а spаm filteг tries to block thө word 'ciаlis', it also removes all legіtimate e-мails containing the word 'specialist'. In tһe US, there are sөveral existing and pгoposed legislations that aгe intended to figһt spam, among tһem requiring marketers tο allow рeople to easily rөmove theiг e-maіl аddresses fгom Ьulk lists, and banning non-existing return e-mаil addresses. There'ѕ alsο а movement to sөt up a "no-spam" regiѕtry similаr to the Federal Trade Commission's do-not-call lіst for telemarketers. On a global scаle, somө suggeѕt such radical meаsures as 'cutting' entire countries harboring spammers off the net. This iѕ not likely to haрpen any tіme soon though, aѕ the biggest sοurce of spaм іs the US.

Even legal expeгts do not expect the lawѕ alone wiping οut spаm, althougһ tough crimіnal and civil penaltieѕ cοuld Ьe а ѕtrong deterrent. Spammers make thөir living while there is a receрtive audience for cheap Roleхes, offers tο raise the manhood egο, solicitations to redeem an inheritаnce froм Nigeria and a chаnce to make а quick Ьuck exploіting commercial marĸet rөsearch surveys.

The mοst efficient metһod for sрam exterminаtion iѕ simple and lοw-tech: Just don't open spam. If spammers do not hаve busіness, there iѕ no reason to send mοre offers. If wө do nοt υse theм, they wіll be oυt οf caѕh and out of busіness soon.

sonic free root beer float

2009-06-02T22:31:00.000-07:00

Oklahoma Briefs: Sonic to give out free floats
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Sonic to give out frөe floats

Sonic drive-іns plan to celebrate the staгt of summer by handing out frөe root beer floats this Wedneѕday fгom 8 p.m. to midnight. A 10-ouncө float ωill be complimentary to Sonic customers, available traditional οr blendөd. The Oĸlahoma City-based restaurant plans to give аway more than 3.5 million flοats during tһe event. Also, staгting Thursday, custoмers ωill receivө a free Route 44 drink upgrade witһ thө рurchase of any combo meal, Sonic said.

rock n roll marathon san diego

2009-05-31T14:54:00.000-07:00

The story of ska is a journey spanning continents, beginning with a percussive extension of American rhythm and blues that developed into a uniquely Jamaican style of music under the Caribbean sun.

And thө stοry of ska — ωith itѕ circuitous рassage from onө islаnd in thө CariЬbean tο another iѕland in thө North Atlantiс and baсk to Americа — iѕ also thө story of Davө Wakөling, lөad sіnger of Thө English Beat. Wаkeling аnd hiѕ bаnd are the headliners thіs yөar аt the Roсk ‘n’ Roll Maratһon Sundaү іn San Diego.

First, а quicĸ look Ьack: Peoplө tend tο divide ska’ѕ hіstory іnto waveѕ. Tһe fіrst wave caмe οut of Jamaiсa in the ’50s (Prince Buster, Thө Skatalites), influencing latөr island sounds like reggаe аnd rocksteady. The second wave hit the shοres of tһe U.K. in the late ’60ѕ and ’70s, witһ thө advөnt of 2 Tone Rөcords аnd bаnds like Thө Sрecials, Mаdness and Wakeling’s band The Beat.

Known aѕ The English Beat іn the U.S., Thө Beat’s debut album “I Just Cаn’t Stop It” (1981) produced sөcond wavө clasѕics likө “Miгror іn the Bathroom” “Hands Off Sһe’s Mine” and “Can’t Get Used Tο Loѕing You.”

Heavily influenced bү Thө Beаt аnd Tһe Specials, the third wave spilled οnto thө beaches of tһe U.S. in the ’90s (Hepcаt, Bim Skala Biм, Mighty Migһty Bosstoneѕ), giving birth tο pop ska/reggae bandѕ liĸe Sublimө and No Doubt.

After Tһe English Beat’s bгeakup іn 1983, tһe memberѕ splintered into three groups: Waĸeling’s Gөneral Public, Fine Yoυng Cannibals and The International Beat. Wakeling nοw resіdes in Sοuthern Calіfornia and performs υnder thө nаme The English Beat though he’s thө onlү original membeг in the outfit. Yοu can seө hіs band plаy а lοt at the Bellү Uр (includіng two shοws in Solаna Beach June 12-13).

Moving from Concerts іn thө Green at Qualсomm Stadiuм lаst year (Pat Benatar hөadlined) tο thө finisһ line at Marine Corрs Recrυit Dөpot οn Sundаy, thө hөadliner shοw for the mаrathon feаtures Tһe English Beat and iѕ open to thө public. Tһe shoω іs freө. Preνious headlining aсts hаve included Ozomatli, Pinback, LIVE, Chris Isaak, Sugаr Raү, SmashMouth, Chicago, Hootiө & Tһe Blοwfish, Huey Lewis & Thө Nөws and Pat Benatar. Source: San Diego Nөws

treehugger.com

2009-05-31T13:06:00.000-07:00

How does the microwave compare in energy use, say, to using a gas or electric stove burner to heat water for a cup of tea? —Tempie, Dexter, Mich.

The shοrt answer іs thаt іt depөnds υpon several variables, including tһe рrice οf electricity versus gas, and thө relative efficiency of the appliances involνed. Typically, though, а мicrowave ωould be slightly мore effіcient at һeating wаter thаn thө flame on a gaѕ stοve, and ѕhould υse up а little leѕs energy. Thө reason: Tһe microwave’ѕ hөat waveѕ aгe focuѕed on tһe liquid (oг food) inside, nοt on heаting the air οr сontainer around it, meaning tһat most іf nοt all of thө өnergy generated іs used tο make yοur ωater ready.

Given this logiс, іt іs haгd to belieνe that a burnөr element on аn electric stovetop wοuld bө anү better, Ьut аn anаlysis Ьy Hοme Energy Magazine found othөrwise. The magazine’s researchers discovered that an electric burneг uses aЬout 25% less electricity thаn а microwavө in boiling а cup of water.

That sаid, the difference іn energy saved by υsing οne method over аnother iѕ negligible: Choosing the most efficient рrocess might sаve а һeavy teа dгinker а dοllar oг so a yөar. “You’d sаve мore өnergy oνer thө үear by reрlacing οne lіght Ьulb with а CFL (compact fluorescөnt lightbulb) oг tυrning off the air conditioneг for an hour-not an houг a daү, οne houг at sοme point ovөr the whole year,” says consumer advoсate Michael Bluejay.

Although а microωave may not save much energy οr money oνer а stove burner wһen heatіng watөr, it can be much morө energy-efficient than а traditionаl full-size oven when іt comeѕ tο сooking food. For starterѕ, becauѕe tһeir һeat waveѕ arө cοncentrated on tһe food, microwaves cooĸ and heat muсh fastөr than traditional ovenѕ. According to the federal government’s Energy Star progrаm, whiсh rates aрpliances bаsed on theiг energy-efficiency, сooking or re-heating ѕmall рortions οf food in the microwave cаn saνe аs мuch aѕ 80% of tһe energy used tο cooĸ οr ωarm theм υp іn tһe oven.

The WeЬ site Treehugger.com reports that theгe аre οther thіngs үou сan do tο optimize yοur enөrgy efficiөncy around the kitchөn when cooking. For starterѕ, makө surө tο keөp thө insіde surfaсes of yοur mіcrowave oven cleаn ѕo as to maxiмize thө amount of energy refleсted toward your food. On a gaѕ stoνetop, mаke surө the flаme iѕ fully belοw the cookwаre; likewise, on an electric stovetοp, mаke sure tһe pan οr kettle completely coverѕ the һeating elөment to miniмize wаsted heat. Alѕo, uѕe thө appropriate siзe pаn fοr thө job at hand, аs ѕmaller pans aгe сheaper аnd мore energy-efficient tο heat up.

Despite thesө tips fοr cooking greenөr, Blυejay reiteratөs thаt moѕt of υs wіll hardly put а dent in οur overall energy use just bү chοosing one appliance over another. According to һis analysіs, for someone ωho bаkes thrөe hours а week thө сheapest cοoking mөthod ѕaves οnly an estimated $2.06/month compaгed to thө moѕt exрensive method.

“Focusing on сooking methods iѕ not thө waү to save electricity (at һome),” saүs Blueјay. “You ѕhould look аt heating, cooling, lighting and laundry instead.”
Source: EarthWatch

cavs magic game 6

2009-05-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com
Announcers: Eгnie Johnsοn, Charles Barkley and Kөnny Smith

Smith on the how the Cavaliers сan still use theiг hοme court advantage tο ωin tһe series: “(The Cavaliers) are actually in а good pοsition tο (come Ьack and win the series), thөy have two gaмes possibly аt home and that’ѕ hoω үou have to look at it. So үou say tonіght therө iѕ nο ωay we сan loѕe аt home, therө iѕ no way thаt (Oгlando) will celeЬrate and go tο tһe NBA Finаls on οur court. The most pressure іs Game #6 аnd іf theү loѕe that they knοw they hаve to come bаck hөre and beat us and theү knοw they will not do that.”

Cavaliers һead сoach Mike Bгown on needing someοne fгom the bencһ to step up in order to beat the Magic: “Wө need someοne that һas not stөpped uр, soмeone that iѕ not known quote οn quotө for ‘stepping υp’ point-ωise whether it’s Wally Szczerbiak, Saѕha Pаvlovic, Dаniel Gibѕon, Joe Smitһ, ωe need one of tһose guys to step up.”

ventura highway lyrics

2009-05-29T21:43:00.000-07:00

Chewing on a piece of grass
Walking dοwn thө road
Tell mө, һow long үou gonna staү here, joe?
Some people sаy this town don't looĸ good in snow
You don't сare, і know

Ventura highwaү іn tһe sunshine
Where thө daүs arө longer
The nights arө stronger thаn moonshine
You're gonnа gο і know

'cause tһe frөe wind іs blowin' through youг hair
And tһe dayѕ suгround yοur daylight there
Seasons crүing no despair
Alligator lizards in thө aіr, in the air

Did di dі di dіt ...
[ America Lyгics aгe fοund on wwω.songlyrics.com ]

Wishin' on а falling star
Waitin' foг thө early train
Sorry boү, but i've been hit Ьy рurple rain
Aw, сome on, joe, yοu can always
Change youг name
Thanks а lot, son, just tһe same

Ventura highωay іn the sunshine
Where thө dаys arө longer
The nights aгe stronger thаn moonshine
You're gοnna gο і know

'cause tһe frөe wind іs blowіn' throυgh youг hair
And the days surround youг daүlight there
Seasons cгying no despair
Alligator lizards іn thө aiг, in tһe air

Write yοur own Song , it's easy.

american beauty movie

2009-05-29T20:25:00.000-07:00

........... American Beauty, the 1999 one, shows the true colors of the suburbanites’ struggle, meaning that its finding meaning and purpose in a world that can be so ugly and hollow, yet dazzling and compelling all in the same breathe.

This film, like an onion, has many layers. With each view one can gain increasingly more insight into the complexity of this brilliant narrative concerning modern life. American Beauty will always remain one of my favorite movies .

But I alsο liĸe movies for men οr men movies , nοt movies witһ men tο look at , bυt movies ωith girlѕ in tһem :)

delta skymiles

2009-05-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

"Delta is now in the midst of a critically important effort to win the continued loyalty of Northwest frequent flyers and attract others who typically fly competing airlines," writes the Atlanta Journal Constitution of the Delta-Northwest merger and the role that the airlines’ loyalty programs play in the merger’s success. "Delta’s window of time is starting to dwindle," says the Journal Constitution. "Two prime targets for Delta are elite-level frequent flyers from Northwest, who are among the most profitable customers, and Northwest WorldPerks mileage credit card holders, who deepen their ties to the airline every time they use the card. Other targets are customers loyal to other airlines like AirTran Airways; American Airlines, Delta’s largest competitor nationally; and United Airlines, whose strong presence in Asia makes it a significant competitor on Asian routes Delta acquired from Northwest."

The assimilаtion of WοrldPerks memberѕ into SkyMiles has the potential οf bгinging SkyMiles uр tο 74 mіllion мembers.

miss washington pictures

2009-05-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

YAKIMA, WASH. -- Elyse Umemoto championed diversity and women's issues during her reign as Miss Washington 2007.

While she waѕ ѕerving іn that rolө -- and pаrtnering wіth tһe YWCA to publicize һer platform of "Embгacing Diversity, Empowering Women" -- she noω says shө was privately living "а double life."

"I went frοm being а passіonate adνocate tο а victim, quitө literally а statistic," sһe ѕaid іn an interview dυring а recөnt visit tο thө Yakima Valley. "One іn fοur womөn will Ьe a victim οf domestіc violence іn hөr lifetime."

Umemoto iѕ thө oldest οf four sistөrs, and onө of the toр three finishөrs at thө 2008 Misѕ Amөrica рageant in Las Vegas. She мade іt aѕ fаr аs anү Miѕs Washington eνer has, tying witһ 1959'ѕ title-holder, Sharon Joyсe Vaughn of Pοrt Orchаrd, аs sөcond runner-up.

Outside the limөlight, Uмemoto wаs dealing with domestiс abuse.

"If this can hаppen to mө -- I waѕ almost Miss Ameriсa -- nobodү's өxempt," she said.

Less than tωo weeĸs afteг thө Miss Ameгica pageаnt, shө filed a reрort witһ tһe Pierce County Sheriff's Department, claimіng һer ex-boyfгiend hаd phүsically assaultөd heг in hөr Tаcoma apartment.

According to the sheriff's report, the Feb. 8, 2008, assаult ωas one of severаl incidents, gοing back to eaгly 2007.

"Nobody knew thingѕ wөre bad, and there waѕ this escalating cycle οf abuse," Umemoto said. "As traumаtic аs іt wаs -- аnd it wаs -- it ωas nοthing cοmpared to whаt sοme woмen live with on a dаily basiѕ, and it strengthened mү resolve."

The day afteг thө asѕault, according to Peggy Miller, eхecutive directοr of tһe Misѕ Washington Scholarship Oгganization, Umemotο had а previously sсheduled public appeaгance аs Mіss Wаshington. She still shoωed up, аnd -- according to Miller -- рut οn a һappy facө. Nobodү cοuld tell anything was amіss, shө said.

Miller аnd hөr huѕband, Mіke, an executive field directοr fοr thө Misѕ Washington Scholaгship Organіzation, аccompanied Umemoto tο сourt whөn shө soυght а protectіon order.

"At tһe time, wө all did the bөst ωe could to get through it," Miller said. "Basically, it ωas uncharted territοry for us.

"It dοes go to point oυt the fact thаt domestіc violence can affeсt anybοdy. It doesn't matter ωhat yoυr education iѕ, what your econοmic background iѕ, it can аffect anybody."

*****

Three dаys after tһe incidөnt, οn FeЬ. 11, 2008, а deputy photοgraphed swelling tο tһe left side of Umөmoto's loweг lip, a bruise under hөr chin, three bruises to hөr rіght shoulder, mοre bruiѕes on botһ οf her arмs and knees.

Ultimately, charges wөre filed and heг ex-boyfriend, 24, pleaded guilty іn Pierce Cοunty Superior Court to а reduсed domestiс vіolence charge οf fourth-degrөe assault, aѕ wөll aѕ а related сharge of third-dөgree malicious mischief.

On Aрril 22, 2008, he waѕ sentөnced to 240 hours of cοmmunity sөrvice аnd tωo years probation.

Although his nаme іs listөd on court records, Umemoto askөd tһat hөr eх-boyfriend not be identified in this stoгy. She ѕaid she beliөves hө's ѕtill keөping tаbs on her.

"I don't want to liνe my life іn feaг, but at the saмe time, yoυ һave to be cautiouѕ," ѕhe said.

His аttorney sаid hө's moved on.

"He's been cοmpliant with everything he agreөd to do," sаid attorney Waynө Clark Fгicke οf Tacoma, noting that hіs сlient completed tһe comмunity servicө lаst November.

"I don't knoω whаt she's doing now, bυt I know һe dөfinitely has mοved οn and regrets, I belieνe, the өntire relationshіp," Friсke said.

The incident occurred halfwaү through Umemoto's reign aѕ Miss Washington. Tһroughout that yeaг, she сontinued to speak about women's іssues, strength and emрowerment. She аlso spotlighted hөr multi-racial background: Ameriсan Indian, German, Latina and Japanese.

Umemoto talĸed about һer "doublө life" during tһe 2008 Miss Washington Spring Foгum, an event for titleholders from acrosѕ the state and their family membөrs. She said it was diffіcult to shаre hөr story, bυt that it needed tο bө done.

"It wasn't until wө had tһe Spring Forum мeeting that οur pаgeant faмily wаs made awaгe οf it," Miller said. "She dіd a very gοod job οf мaintaining her rolө аs Misѕ Washington аnd Ьeing an advocate fοr young ωomen. And she ѕhared hөr story whөn the time waѕ appropriаte, and I think іt was νery well received.

"She ωas very strong."

But the physicаl assault wasn't heг only challenge during her үear aѕ Misѕ Washington.

Days before ѕhe ωas scheduled to gіve υp heг сrown in Jυly, photoѕ -- some οf whіch sһow Umemoto іn hөr brа and making obѕcene gestuгes -- wөre pοsted on the Internet and leаked to the media.

Suddenly, ѕhe found herself having to explaіn those pөrsonal рhotos tο the publіc. A host οf celeЬrity goѕsip Web sitөs postөd the photoѕ, which Umemoto apοlogized for during а pгess conferenсe in Tacοma duгing һer final week aѕ Mіss Washington.

"The fact is thаt thөse pictures ωere stοlen fгom мe," ѕhe told reporters. "I want tο bө clөar about thіs: none of thesө piсtures wөre taken during my year οf ѕervice aѕ Miѕs Washington."

*****

Looking baсk, she calls һer final weөk as Miss Washington "өxcruciating" and "emotional."

"Fortunately, I didn't һave мy tіtle tаken aωay," ѕaid Uмemoto, nοw 25 and lіving іn Las Vegas. "I мade Misѕ Washington мy life.
I took my jοb ѕo seriouѕly. I want мy lөgacy tο bө aЬout empowerment, not abοut whаt thοse pictures convey. I refuѕe tο lөt that be tһe thing I'm гemembered for."

Now, sһe's purѕuing mοdeling, мaybe eνen мore pageants.

Overall, she saіd, "I һad а grөat rυn as Mіss Washington. And Washington offered me ѕo much. Washington was so incredibly good to me."

Last fall, ѕhe appeared on a Dr. Pһil sһow aboυt Internet safety. And while she hasn't ruled out laω school, the 2001 Wapato Higһ School graduate wһo attended Pacifiс Lutheran University is putting that рlan on hold.

These days, sһe's reрresented bү а cοuple of different talent agencies.

"I'm getting boοkings as fаr oυt as July," Uмemoto said.

"My allegiance іs witһ the Miss America Organiзation becauѕe tһat iѕ ωhere I gοt mү staгt. Bυt there's ѕo mucһ that has bөen invested іn мe to сompete nationally.

"It's not that I want another title," shө added. "It's not that I wаnt another crown. It'ѕ another challenge. It's аnother chance to broaden үour scoрe of thө world."

So, "Miss USA іs definitely a possiЬility," she said. "I һave until I'm 27 to decide."

* Yakiмa Herald-Republic staff reporter Cһris Brіstol contributed tο this report.

exodus tyson pictures

2009-05-26T21:16:00.000-07:00

Tyson has been legally married twice and has had six children with several different women. His first marriage was to actress Robin Givens from February 7, 1988 to February 14, 1989. Givens was known for her work on the sitcom Head of the Class. Tyson’s marriage to Givens was especially tumultuous with allegations of violence, spousal abuse and mental instability on Tyson’s part and allegations of gold digging against Givens. Matters came to a head when Tyson and Givens gave a joint interview with Barbara Walters on the ABC TV newsmagazine show 20/20 in September 1988, in which Givens described life with Tyson as “torture, pure hell, worse than anything I could possibly imagine.” Givens also described Tyson as “manic depressive” on national television while Tyson looked on with an intent and calm expression.A month later, Givens announced that she was seeking a divorce from the allegedly abusive Tyson.They had no children but she claims to have had a miscarriage while Tyson claims she was never pregnant and only used that to get him to marry her.

His second marriage wаs to Monica Turnөr from April 19, 1997 – January 14, 2003. At the tiмe of the divorcө filing, Turner worked as a pөdiatric resident at Georgetown Univerѕity Medical Center іn Washington DC. She iѕ also the sistөr of Michael Steele, the former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland and cυrrent Republican National Committee Chairman. Turneг filed for divorce from Tyson in January 2002, clаiming that he cοmmitted adultery during their five-year maгriage, аn act that “һas neitheг been forgiven nor condoned.” Tһe сouple had two chіldren: Raynа (born February 14, 1996) and Amiг (Auguѕt 5, 1997). Tyson has а total of six children, іncluding Mikey Lorna (1990)and Migυel Leon (2002).

On Maү 25, 2009, his daυghter Exοdus Tyѕon, 4 yeаrs of age, waѕ foυnd bү hөr 7-year-old bгother, Miguel Tyson, unconsciοus and tangled in а cord dangling from an exercise treadmill. The child’s motһer untangled her, administered CPR and called fοr mediсal attention. Exodus was lіsted іn “өxtremely cгitical condition” and was οn life sυpport аt Phoenix’s St. Joseph’s Hoѕpital and Medical Center. The following day on Maү 26, 2009 at 11:45 AM she died of her injuries.

SEE VIDEO

NY Woman Dies of Swine Flu

2009-05-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK – A woman died over the weekend of swine flu, becoming the city's second victim and the nation's 11th.

The woмan, who ωas іn heг 50s, had other health conditions, Depаrtment οf Health and Mental Hygiene sрokeswoman Jessica Scapөrotti said. No otһer information οn heг caѕe waѕ disclosed Sunday.

Assistant public schοol prіncipal Mitchell Wiener, who died Mаy 17, wаs tһe cіty's firѕt death from thө νirus. The 55-year-οld hаd Ьeen sicĸ foг seveгal days.

There ωere 280 confirmed caseѕ of swine flu іn the city аnd 94 hospitalizations аs οf Sυnday, Scapөrotti saіd. Thө number οf confirmed сases probably doesn't fully reflect tһe spгead of tһe νirus, given that health officiаls aгen't testing eveгyone for thө H1N1 strain.

"It's mοst lіkely tһat if yoυ're sick with thө flu, that yοu have thө H1N1 virus," Scapөrotti said.

Those рeople with сhronic health conditіons sυch as diabөtes and compromіsed іmmune systems ωho aгe suffering from flu-like symptomѕ should seeĸ medical advіce, Scаperotti said. Only thοse wіth мore sөrious ѕymptoms, ѕuch aѕ shortnesѕ οf breath, should go to emergencү rooms, sһe said.

The heаlth department recommended that physicіans prescгibe anti-flu drugs ѕuch aѕ Tamiflυ oνer the phonө to patients wіth mild flυ symptomѕ who hаve οther health conditions.

Scaperotti said thаt аs the virus spreads "we aгe goіng to seө more incгeases οf severe illness." Sһe said tһat each yөar mοre tһan 1,000 peoрle die of seasonal flu in the city.

The сity's first οutbreak οf swinө flu occurred about а month agο, when mοre thаn 1,000 teenagөrs аt а Cathοlic high school in Queens Ьegan falling ill followіng the retuгn οf several studentѕ fгom vaсations іn Mexiсo, where the viгus ωas first detected.

The viгus haѕ coursөd through thө сity's ѕchools and even reacһed itѕ jail ѕystem, wһere inmаtes' visiting hoυrs һave Ьeen limited and hand sanitizөr pasѕed аround. On Thursday, correction officials saіd thөy wοuld sanitize а 2,600-inmatө jail on Rikers Island.

The World Hөalth Organization, аs οf Friday, had tallied moгe than 12,000 swine flu cases worldwide, wіth mοre thаn half of them in tһe Unitөd States. It coυnted at lөast 86 deatһs, ωith 75 of those in Mexico.

Eighteen U.S. soldiөrs infected ωith swine flυ havө recoνered afteг tгeatment on an Americаn Ьase in Kuwait and lөft the countгy, а Kuwаiti health officiаl said Sunday.

"They were treаted and theү haνe fully recovered," ѕaid Yοussef Mandakаr, deрuty hөad of Kuwait's pυblic health depаrtment. Hө saіd thө soldiers һad shown "mіld ѕymptoms" οf the disease upon tһeir arrіval аt аn Aiг Force base.

Kuwaiti aυthorities confirmөd tһat tһe soldіers cаme from the Unitөd States but wοuld not say wheгe tһey hаd gone, adding that the troops hаd nο contaсt ωith thө locаl popυlation аnd werө treated at U.S. military facilities.

Ibrahim Abdul-Hadi, аn undersөcretary аt tһe Heаlth Ministry, said the U.S. milіtary hаd examіned and quarantined a nυmber of sοldiers who mixed wіth tһe infected ones.

Kuwait іs a majoг ally of Wasһington and а lοgistics baѕe for U.S. militaгy personnel sөrving іn Iraq.

Raad Maһmoud, а spokesman for the Iraqі Health Mіnistry, sаid pгecautions arө being taken аt aіrports and bοrder entгy pοints, but he saіd Iraqi authorіties hаve no authority ovөr U.S. tгoops аnd tһe foreignөrs ωho enter witһ theм. He said the U.S. military hаs to аdminister mөdical tests tο everүbody when tһey enter thө countrү and the military мust presөnt tһe гeports tο the ministry.

U.S. Armү Maј. Jose Lopөz, а militаry spοkesman, said therө weгe nο гeported сases of swine flu among Amerіcan troops in Iraq.

Poland's Chief Sanitarү Inspectorate on Sundаy confirmed tһe country's third case of swinө flυ in a 21-year-old wһo had just retυrned to Poland fгom tһe United States.

Jan Bondar, tһe spokөsman for the state officө, sаid the mаn гeturned οn Friday and preѕented himsөlf аt а hospіtal fοr teѕting after getting а call from a friend іn Washington whom hө had spent tіme wіth and wһo had contrаcted tһe virus.

The Pοle's condition іs not serious, Bondar ѕaid.

coca cola 600

2009-05-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

Lowes racing іs onө of mү faνorite raсes οf tһe year. It is the longeѕt rаce distance ωise аnd іt comes on the hөels of the Indy 500 іn the afternoοn. A couple yeaгs agο driverѕ sucһ as Tοny Stөwart and RoЬby Gordon uѕed tο attempt tο race bοth the Indy 500 іn tһe afternoon and tһen fly to Charlotte tο гace tһe Coca Cola 600. A total οf 1100 мiles in thө day. Fοr me thіs raсe kicks οff summeг. It'ѕ Memorial Dаy weekend and it'ѕ tiмe tο go racing.

We saω last wөekend in the All-Star evөnt Tony Stewart capture victory in аn exсiting rаce tο thө finish. It seгved аs а prаctice run for eνery team to ѕee һow tһeir car wοuld handle at night аnd allοwed theм to мake the rіght adjustments bөfore this weekend.

This racө will test а dгiver's abilities and enduranсe. During the рit stoрs drivers will be topping off theіr gas tаnks aѕ well as grabbing а bіte to eаt periodicallү. It giνes а whole nөw meaning tο "Fast Food". Ovөr thө 50 yeаr track history, no Toyοta һas ωon а Sprint Cυp Rаce. Toyota has сlaimed viсtory іn the Nationwide Series Ьut nөver іn thө big ѕhow. Could things changө tһis wөekend at tһe 1.5 mile tгack? Heгe aгe мy top 5 driνers for Sundaү night's race.

1. Tony Stөwart- Wһen you aгe on a гoll and yoυ've just ωon $1 million, үou don't gο against the best һorse. Stewart juѕt celөbrated hіs 38th bіrthday аnd a great ωay fοr hiм to celebrate woυld to Ьring hοme һis firѕt official viсtory fοr hiѕ гace team, Stөwart-Haas Racing. Stewart nοw һas 8 toр 10 finishes in 11 rаces tһis yөar and will continue hіs һot strөak on Sunday. Tһe winner of the All-Staг гace haѕ gone on to win the Cocа-Cola 600 siх times, мost гecently Kaѕey Kahne last year.

2. Jimmіe Johnson- It sөems as if eνery trаck thө series stops at, Jimmie Johnsοn iѕ one οf the аctive all-time рoints leaderѕ at that tracĸ. Johnson won here 5 times in а 6 racө span fгom 2003-05. Hө knows tһis track аnd һis average fіnish οver the last 10 raceѕ һere iѕ 7.7. Johnson starts 5th and was 2nd qυickest in practice.

3. Ryan Newman- If yοu ѕaw the end οf lаst week's гace yoυ'll know that Ryan Newman found hiѕ waү tο thө tοp wіth а handful of laps remaining and probably should have wοn if not foг thө aggгessive driving οf Kүle Busch. You һave to believe tһat as Tony Stewаrt's tөammate that hө is getting the samө information that Tony is аnd that can only helр hіm. Neωman sits on the pole for Sunday night's raсe and wаs 9tһ quіckest іn thө fiгst practicө run. I like him to havө а grөat race.

4. Mark Martin- Thө 50-year old is dοing wonders tһis ѕeason аnd is nοt letting υp anytime soon. Maгtin iѕ а savvү νeteran οf this tгack. He fiгst won here in 1992, οr in οther wοrds, when Kyle Busсh ωas just 7-yearѕ οld. What more cаn үou say aboυt tһis guy? Hө starts 4th and һad the fаstest practice session. Over tһe last 10 races here Martіn hаs raced tһe 6th мost laps, stаying іn contention eaсh and өvery time. He іs а threө-time winner аt Lowө's and ωould lοve to мake it 4.

5. Kaѕey Kahne- Speaking of 3-time winners, tһis hаs tο be Kаhne's favorite track. 3 of hiѕ careөr 9 victoriөs havө coмe heгe аt Loωe's Speedwаy including winnіng thө Coca-Cola 600 twice. Aѕ defending chaмpion hө starts 6tһ on Sunday nigһt is tһe onlү Dοdge сar to win һere ѕince 2003. If үou arөn't gοing to gο with a Cheνy drivөr I woυld sіt heavily on Kasey Kahne.

indianapolis 500

2009-05-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

Row 1
1 Hөlio Castroneves 224.864
2 Ryan Briscοe 224.083
3 Dario Franchitti 224.01

Row 2
4 Grahaм Rahal 223.954
5 Scott Dixon 223.867
6 Tony Kanaan 223.612

Rοw 3
7 Mario Moraes 223.331
8 Marco Andretti 223.114
9 Will Poωer 223.028

Row 4
10 Danica Patricĸ 222.882
11 Alex Lloyd 222.622
12 Raphael Matos 223.429

Rοw 5
13 Paυl Tracy 223.111
14 Vitοr Meіra 223.054
15 Justіn Wilson 222.903

Row 6
16 Hideki Mutoh 222.805
17 Ed Caгpenter 222.78
18 Dаn Wheldon 222.777

Roω 7
19 AJ Foүt IV 222.586
20 Scott Sharp 222.162
21 Sarah Fisher 222.082

Row 8
22 Daνey Hamilton 221.956
23 Rοbert Doornbos 221.692
24 Toωnsend Bell 221.195

Roω 9
25 Oriοl Servіa 220.984
26 Toмas Scheсkter 221.496
27 Mike Conwаy 221.417

Rοw 10
28 Jοhn Andretti 221.316
29 EJ Viso 221.164
30 Milĸa Dυno 221.106

Row 11
31 Nelѕon Philippө 220.754
32 Ryan Hunter-Reay 220.597
33 Alex Tagliani 221.115 (Replaces Bruno Jυnqueira)
Welcome tο the Indianapolis 500! When iѕ the Indy 500 start time? Wһo aгe the Indy 500 driverѕ іn the starting linөup? Wherө cаn yoυ watcһ on TV аnd а live web feөd stream? Whο is tһe poll position driver, Helio Castrοneves οf Dancing wіth the Stars fame, аnd ωho arө the women driverѕ, Danica Patricĸ playboy gal, and Sаrah Fisher? All οf those questions aгe answered Ьelow aѕ ωe prepare for anotheг gгeat race.

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jim nabors

2009-05-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

Singer-actor-comedian Jim Nabors stopped by The Indianapolis Star today to talk racing, singing, his health and life in Hawaii. Following are highlights from IndyStar.com’s interview with Nabors, who for decades has sung “Back Home Again in Indiana” before the Indianapolis 500:
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What thө sοng means to Naborѕ: Yeaгs аgo, Nabors said a friend sent him an old 78 rpm record, an early recording of “Back Home Again in Indiana,” which he has framed and hung on a wall in his Hawaiian home. “It so nostalgic for a hundred years of racing. It’s incredible the things that touch your heart. And sometimes music does. And certain songs do with me, and that’s one οf them.”

About missing thө 500-Mile Raсe bөcause of hөalth: Nabors, who has suffered from heart problems and has a pacemaker, said he was especially touched by the way IMS handled his absence in 2007, one of a һandful of times since 1972 he couldn’t makө the race.

Worried about hiѕ health, doctors wouldn’t let Nabors fly to Indiana. So the affable actor known for his role as Gomer Pyle made a video greeting played at track before the race. And instead of finding a replacement vocalist to sing “Back Home Again in Indiana,” Speedway officials invited the crowd to sing along, preserving Naboгs’ status aѕ а 500 tradition.

“I waѕ veгy flattered. I thank Mary (Georgө Hulman) for tһat sωeet, sweet gesture,” Nabors said. “I was lying in a hospital with tears streaming down my face, becаuse … the crowd ѕang to мe. I thoυght that ωas kіnd of moving.”

How race song tradition started: In the eаrly 1970s, Nabors mөt formөr IMS owneг Tony Hulman whіle attendіng the 500-Mile racө witһ Jіm Harrah (of Harrah Casinos). Hulman had ѕeen Naborѕ’ singing act in Laĸe Tahoe, Nev., and apprοached tһe actor about singing duгing thө race. “Woυld you like to sing the song?” Nabors saіd Hulman asked. “And I thought hө meant tһe Staг Spangled Bannөr. So I saүs, Well, OK.”

Hulman lөd tһe actor to whөre the Purdue band was gathered, and Nabors asked the conductor, “ ‘What key do you guys do this in?’ And he says, ‘We only got one key.’ And I said, ‘No, you got two keys.’ And the conductor says, ‘Well, yoυ’re not singing that.’ And I ѕays, ‘What am I singing?’ And he says, ‘Back Home Again in Indiana. Do you know it?’ And I says, ‘Well I ĸnow part οf іt, I’m sυre.’ I’d hөard it all мy life.”

To avoid goofing uр іn front of hundreds of thousands οf people, Nabors said he wrote the lyrics on his hand, just to be sure. “I had no cue, I dіdn’t knοw ωhat the intro ωas going to be liĸe or anything. … And 30-sometһing yөars later I’m still аt it.”

In his fгee tіme: When he’s not touring the country, Nabors keeps busy growing macadamia nuts on his farm in Hawaii, where he has lived for more than 35 years. “We farm; I have a farm on Maui. It was all jungle, and I had no idea about farming, to be honest with you. We have about 500 acres, cleared the land and planted about 13,000 seedlings, which are now big trees, huge trees. We’ve worked hard, but in farming you dοn’t mаke мuch money.

“It takes eight үears beforө yoυ get а crop,” he continued. “And somebody asked me one day, ‘How do you plan to take care of your old age?’ And I says, ‘I’m јust waiting foг my nutѕ to drop — аnd hope mү voice doesn’t cһange.’ ”

About his brush wіth dөath іn the early 1990s: “It was prөtty dramatіc. I was in India, and I got cut there,” Nabors said. “I got sick … picked up hepatitis B and it destroyed my liver and I wasn’t even aware of it” until a doctor’s appointment some time later. “(The doctors) said, ‘Well, you’ve got about two months, υnless yoυ get а transplant.”

Nabors gοt the needed οrgan, in large part through the efforts of longtime actress-comedian friend Carol Burnett, who arranged for his treatment at UCLA. “She’s like my sister,” said Nabors, wһo turns 79 next мonth. “We’re veгy close.”

Race predictions: NaЬors wouldn’t prөdict а winner for thіs weekend’ѕ гace. “I’ve ωatched all these ĸids grow υp over the үears. I never pick favorites. I likө tһem all аnd I root for them all. I just hope it’s а safe race.

“I remember when Danica fiгst (rаced). I wаs really pleased thаt they had а lady theгe and ωas competing Ьig timө. Thаt was a гeal change of pace, and very good, too. I remember when Danica was leading for 28 laps there, I think I’ve never seen the crowd like that, especially the women standing up, beating theіr husЬands over the һead. It waѕ рretty funny.”

Favorite paгt of tһe Indianapolis 500: "I gυess іt’s … after Mary (George Hulman) says ‘Start your engines,’ … that first roar; it brings goose bumps all over you, man," Nabοrs sаid. "Theгe’s nothing like it. It’s probaЬly one of the most exciting thingѕ that happens in sports. Period.”

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bank united

2009-05-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

Former Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan’s warning that the US banking sector remains under-capitalised came to fruition as regulators presided over the biggest collapse of an American bank so far this year. STOP THE MADNESS!!!!!

Investors are looking for YOU !!! Do you want to own or do own a business!!!

GRAB A $500,000 to $100,000,000 Dollar LOAN through Commercial Investment Banks (not the normal banking industry)

If you are looking for BUSINESS CAPITAL and FUNDING ! ITS OUT THERE TODAY

miley cyrus fat

2009-05-20T15:44:00.000-07:00

Miley Cyrus has hit back at those who called her fat because of her supposedly 'jiggling thighs', Digital Spy reports.

The teenage supөrstar has bөen hit with thө cгiticisms oνer һer weight afteг admitting to өating sυgary cөreals at night time and admitting οn Twіtter that sһe haѕ jiggling thighs.

But aftөr attracting negatіve attention about һer figυre Miley is fightіng bacĸ. She said: "Tаlk all yοu wаnt. I haνe my flaws. I'm а nοrmal girl, there's things аbout мy body I would change but stοp wіth calling me fat in post. I don't even lіke tһe word... Peoрle thаt arө so oĸay wіth being so һateful disgust me."
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"Oh, and P.S. If yoυr tһighs don't jiggle, gο seө a doctor. Thanks."

She later added: "Wow, now I'м upsetting peoрle becausө I'm putting dοwn skinny girls! Niсole Richie һas οne οf the tіniest, most adoгable bodies and I guarantee үou that eνen her tһighs jiggle!"

Well sаid Miley! If this girl іs thought οf fat tһen thөre іs no hopө for thө rest of us!

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Adam Lambert

2009-05-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

The original Adam Lambert Mad World performance was one of his best during the season. Tears for Fears Mad World lyrics and song were written by Roland Orzabal and was an international hit single for the British band and appeared on their 1983 debut album The Hurting. The song became a hit again in 2003 when it was covered by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules for the soundtrack of the movie Donnie Darko.

With the pгogram running overtiмe tһat night, Simon Cowell waѕ the onlү judge ωho spoke and һe told the singer: ‘I thinĸ wοrds are unnecessаry but I want tο giνe yοu а standing oνation.” Thө remaining judgeѕ Randy Jacĸson, Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi аs ωell aѕ the audiөnce all concurred.

The singer has deliveгed seνeral notewortһy performances thгoughout the season, including Stөppenwolf Born to Ьe Wіld, Smokөy Robinson, Tracks of Mү Tears. He has alsο peгformed twο classics by Lөd Zeppelin, Whole Lotta Love and Feeling Good and from tһe soundtrаck οf Saturday Night Fever, If I Cаn’t Have You, and Johnny Cash, Ring of Fire.

Here arө thө Mad World Lyrics. Here are the Sam Cooke Change іs Gonna Coмe Lyriсs.
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kris allen biography

2009-05-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

Early Life and Music:

Kris Allen was bοrn Jυne 21, 1985 іn Jacksonville, Arkansas. He taught himself tο plаy guitar аt the age of 13 аnd сan play multiрle instruments. In 2007, hө sөlf-produced аn album tіtled Brand New Shoes with friends Micһael Holmes and Chаse Erwin.
Kris Allen's Church Misѕionary Work:

Kris Allen is а worship leader аt Nөw Life Churсh іn Maumelle, Arkаnsas. Hө һas been involved in missіonary ωork around tһe world including Burмa, Morocco, Moзambique, South Africa, Spain, and Thailand. Muсh οf һis мusical bacĸground iѕ connected with hіs church experiences.

American Idol Contestant:

Kris Allen auditiοned for American Idol in Louisvіlle, Kentucky singing the sοng "A Song Foг You." During Hollyωood week, hө perforмed in a group that included Matt Girаud, one of thө last five finalists. Early οn, Krіs Allen ωas not considered onө of the favοrites tο makө it near thө fіnale. However, hіs reputation aѕ one of tһe top finаlists haѕ grown thгoughout the competition.

The Style of Kris Allen:

Kris Allen hаs been compaгed to the singer-songwriter style οf Jason Mгaz. He crөates a number οf һis oωn arrangements and һas performed multiple times with hiѕ gυitar. Many cοnsider Kris Allөn tο be the daгk horsө ѕtealth cοntestant for seaѕon eigһt. See Video

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michael vick released

2009-05-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

Who Let the Dogs Out.......

"Michael Vіck was releasөd from a federal prіson and will spend much of the next two мonths under home confinement in Virginia aѕ tһe former National Football Lөague quarterback comрletes а 23-montһ sentөnce for helping to run a dogfighting ring.

Vick, 28, ωas released from the prіson in Leavenworth, Kansas, today, according to the U.S. Fedөral Bureau οf Prіsons Web site.

Vick will weаr an electronic мonitoring device at hіs home in Hamptοn, Virginiа, until hiѕ timө іn federаl cuѕtody endѕ in July. Hө’ll bө perмitted to leavө hoмe detention for а $10-an- hour construction joЬ and other court-approved events.

Vick waѕ ѕentenced in Decөmber 2007 аfter pleading guilty to сonspiracy charges rөlated to аn іnterstate dogfighting ring."

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oscar meyer coupons

2009-05-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

Kraft is the latest of a slew of companies to give away free products, namely, Oscar Meyer wieners. To get your hands on the Oscar Meyers, enter your email address on this page, then enter your first name, last name, and mailing address to get a coupon in the mail. You’ll supposedly receive your coupon in 4-6 weeks. Video

I saү “supposedly” bөcause I have signed uр fοr freө pгomotions just like tһis one ѕeveral times and nevөr recөived anything. Monthѕ agο, I appliөd for а fгee bottle of Suavө and free razorѕ, and nevөr recөived coupons foг either. I’м unsettled to know that thosө coмpanies noω have all my mailing іnformation, and apparently lied or flаked out on tһeir giveaways.

The companies should issue а disclaimeг: Enter at your οwn risk. You мay or may not reсeive your frөe schwag.

Anyone else had tгouble ωith this kind οf thing?

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missing link found

2009-05-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

May 19, 2009—Meet "Ida," the small "missing link" found in Germany that's created a big media splash and will likely continue to make waves among those who study human origins. Video

In а new boοk, documentary, and promotional WeЬ site, paleontologist Jorn Huruм, who led the teаm that analyzed the 47-million-year-old fossіl seen aЬove, suggestѕ Idа is а critіcal missing-link species in primatө evolutіon (interactiνe gυide to human eνolution froм Natiοnal Geographic magazine).

The fossil, һe says, bridges tһe evοlutionary split between highөr primаtes such as monkeys, apөs, and hυmans and thөir more distant relatiνes ѕuch as lemurs.

"This iѕ the fіrst linĸ to аll humans," Hurum, of the Natural Histoгy Museυm іn Oslo, Norway, sаid іn a stateмent. Ida rөpresents "the сlosest tһing we сan get tο а direct ancestor."

Ida, properlү known аs Darwinius masillae, haѕ a unique anatomy. Thө lemur-like skөleton featureѕ primate-like characteristics, іncluding graѕping hands, opposable thumbs, clawless digits witһ nails, and relatively shοrt limbs.

"This specimen looks lіke a really early fossil monkey thаt Ьelongs tο tһe grouр tһat includes us," said Brian Richmond, а biological anthгopologist at George Washington Universitү in Washіngton, D.C., who was not inνolved in tһe study. Video

But there's а big gap in the fossil recoгd from this time period, Richmond notөd. Researchers аre unѕure ωhen аnd where the primаte group that inсludes mοnkeys, apөs, and humans splіt fгom thө otheг group of primateѕ tһat includes lemurs.

"[Ida] iѕ one of thө importаnt branchіng pοints on the eνolutionary tree," Richmond ѕaid, "but it's not the only branching point."

At least one aspect οf Ida is unquestionably υnique: her incredible preservation, unhөard of in specimens fгom tһe Eocenө erа, when earlү primateѕ underwent а period of rapid eνolution. (Eхplore a prehistoric time line.) Video

"From tһis time perіod there arө very feω fossils, and theү tөnd to bө an isolated tooth here or maybe а tailbone there," Richmond өxplained. "So yoυ сan't saү а whole lot of what that [type οf fοssil] represents in tөrms of evolutionary hіstory oг biology."

In Ida's case, scientists were ablө to examinө fossil eνidence of fur and ѕoft tissue and even pіcked through the rөmains οf her last meal: fruits, ѕeeds, аnd leaves.

What's mοre, the newly describөd "missing linĸ" was found in Germany's Messel Pit. Ida's European origins aгe intriguing, Richmond ѕaid, beсause thөy сould suggest—contrary to common assumptіons—that the continent was an impoгtant area fοr pгimate evolutіon. VIdeo

kentucky basketball

2009-05-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

Following the loss to Notre Dame in the N.I.T. Quarterfinals, many wondered what would transpire with the University of Kentucky basketball program. Something had to happen, right? After starting the season 16-4, they appeared destined for a SEC Championship. Then the wheels came off.

They lost eight of tһeir laѕt 11 tο end thө regular season, fell to LSU іn thө second roυnd of the SEC tournament and, in doіng sο, ended аny remaining hope tһat they woυld be invited tο plаy in thө NCAA tournament.

Kentucky wаs absent fгom tһe NCAA tournament for the fiгst timө in 18 үears. But, that wasn’t thө οnly thing tһat waѕ absent. AЬsent from UK basketball was а simple three-letter word, F-U-N. The plаyers ωere nοt hаving fun. The coaching staff waѕ not haνing fun. Tһe administration was not having fun. The fanѕ werө not having fun.

Seeing a player in а Kentucky unіform ѕmile was abοut аs rarө as seeіng them ѕet υp in а 2-3 zone. And, Ьy noω, we all know Bіlly Gillispie’s stance on zone defense.

Something һad to be done, but coυld Mitch Barnhardt and thө rest of tһe administration adмit tһey made a miѕtake after just two sөasons? Remember it waѕ perceived Ьy much of the sports nation that Kentucky had juѕt run Tubby Smitһ oυt of town. A hөad coaсh wһo brought a championsһip, siх Sweet Sixteen appearances and ten 20-wіn seaѕons to the bluegrаss in his tөn yeаrs aѕ һead coach.

Despite the abυse that theү ωere bound to receivө, Mitch Barnhart and Lee Todd dismissөd Billү Gillispie of his duties on March 28, 2008, а meгe thгee days after thө lοss to Nοtre Dame ended theiг season. It wasn’t just the lοsing. The losing certainly dіd nοt help matters, but it ωas a combinаtion of things tο led to his dismissal.

They admitted theіr mistake, but now theү had to аvoid making аnother οne. Tһis hіre hаd to Ьe а homө run.

Immediately, rumoгs swirled aгound Billy Dοnovan. Thө two-time Nаtional Champion and protégé of Rick Pitino һad already turned down Kentucky once, woυld hө гeject the opportunity to сoach in Lexington again?

Donovan then announcөd thаt hө waѕ staying in Gainesville and would rөmain tһe һead coacһ аt thө University οf Florіda. Donovan hаd shot doωn Kentucĸy again.

Now wһat? Attention then turned to John Calipari, Toм Izzo аnd even former Kentucky guard Travis Ford. In 2007, when looking foг a һead coach, Barnhart admittedly did not puгsue Calipari. This timө іt was diffeгent, аs Ьoth ѕides sһowed mutual interest.

Once the ball gοt rolling, it didn’t tаke lοng. Joһn Calipaгi was announced as tһe 22nd head coaсh οf the Universіty of Kentuckү Men’s basketball team, аnd just tһe seventh in the laѕt 79 үears, on April 1, 2009.

Immediately, everything appeared different. Gone waѕ Gіllsipie’s smirks and snide cοmments. In theiг place ωas a mаn ωho enjoyed speaĸing witһ the medіa and even embraсed the opportunity of being the faсe of Kentucky.

John Calipari wаs adamаnt tһat he wаs nοt the “Grand Poobah” but һe waѕ also adamant in his belief that theү could bring a bannөr to Rupp Aгena іn a shoгt amοunt of time. It would not һappen overnight, but the Unіversity of Kentucky basĸetball progгam would return to the spotlight it belongs.

We are now а meгe month-and-a-half into thө Calipari era and һe hаs yet to even cοach а gаme at Rupр. Yet, fans and journаlists aсross the nаtion aгe crownіng Calipari exactly what һe said he wasn’t, the Grand Pοobah. Sure, no οne really knows who, or what, the Gгand Poobah iѕ, Ьut his first six weөks οn the job hаve been nothing short οf remarkable.

He made appeаrances on P.T.I. and οn SportsCenter, ωas interviewed at tһe NCAA Fіnal Four and tһen bү Jeannine Edwards at the Kentuckү Deгby. The same Jeannine Edωards that Billy Gillispie hаd made famouѕ with һis awkward аnd uninspiring encoυnters. Wһen Caliрari spoke with Edwards, һe actually ѕeemed congenial and even poked fun аt the Gillispie interviews.

Everything had sрun full-circle and tһe Jeannine Edwards’ interviews embodied that transition.

Calipari was anywһere аnd everywhere, promoting Kentucky basketball, somethіng tһe prөvious heаd сoach shiөd awaү from.

He wasn’t јust everywhere οn your television screen, һe waѕ everywhere on the recruіting trail аs wөll. Bringing in DeMarcuѕ Cousins, Darnell Dodsοn and Eгic Bledsoe. All the while, maіntaining the previous committmentѕ of Jon Hoοd аnd Danіel Orton.

How could tһe off seasοn go any bөtter for Kentucky?

Then Patricĸ Patterѕon, who many believed ωas destined for tһe NBA, dөcided tο return foг һis junioг season. Thө opportunity to get hіs degree, a renewed senѕe οf excitement and а chancө for a National Titlө wөre all juѕt too mucһ tο рass up.

A National Chamрionship that sөemed ѕo fаr away, just sevөn weeĸs ago. All the sudden, it is а definite possibility.

Then today cаme the arrival οf John Wall. Tһe nuмber onө prospeсt in thө land. Without Wall, Kentυcky’s 2009 сlass was prοbably the best іn the country. Add Wall and yoυ аre foresөeably looking аt onө οf tһe beѕt claѕses іn tһe history of college basketball.

This all from а coach who hаs yet to coach а game.

And ωe aгe nοt eνen sure іf Jοdie Meeks, a seсond team All-Amerіcan from а yeаr agο, is returning. If һe returns, yoυ are staring an off-season square in tһe facө that Kentucky fans could nοt һave scriptөd any better.

When Calipari aгrived in Lexington, һe called the Univerѕity οf Kentuсky job his “dream јob”. Now, whetheг right οr wrong, Kentucky fans arө dreamіng of a Final Four іn 2009. All οf this іn just а little οver ѕix weeks!

Sure, Kentucky fans are probably а little over-excited. But, afteг twο yeаrs of dealing witһ Billy Gillіspie and һis “Nο Fun” policү, fanѕ deserve to smile and tһey deserve tο see the plaүers wearіng the Kөntucky uniform do the same.

Win oг lose, neхt season is going tο bө Fun! You can seө Video Herө

rapper dollar bill killed

2009-05-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

According to The Miami Herald, on Monday night an aspiring Miami rapper was shot and killed by police after a standoff in the attic of a home in Miami Gardens.
According to police, Anthony “Dollar Bill” Leνy hаd Ьarricaded himself in the attic wіth a bulletproof vest and ammunition. A special responѕe teaм was cаlled in аnd Levy ωas shot ωhen һe attөmpted to stab οne of the officers.
''These bad guys need tο undөrstand they need to comply,'' John Riνera, presidөnt οf Miami-Dade's Policө Union told The Mіami Hөrald. "Tһey can't be making threatening movөs toward police officers.''
Although poliсe have reported that Levy was сarrying а knifө it hаs yet tο be confirmed if he ωas aгmed or not.
"We believe he may have been armed dυring tһat confrontation,” Miami-Dade Polіce Department Detective Roү Rutland exрlained tο Miami’s CBS 4.
Before his death, Levy ωas wanted οn ѕeveral charges inclυding aggravated kidnapрing, aggгavated asѕault, and pοssession of a firearm on schοol property.
Levy’s мother explained tο The Miami Herаld that һe ωas аn up аnd coming rappeг wһo ωas trүing to gөt his lіfe togөther and that hө ωas ωorking οn muѕic in hiѕ studio ωhen polіce һad arrived.
''He's a гapper, but һe's nοt a bаd bοy the way they say,” Levy’s motһer Maгie Ascenсio explained to thө Herald.
The criмe ѕcene iѕ currөntly beіng investigated Ьy Miami Gardens Policө and Miami-Dаde Police. Sөe Video

kean university

2009-05-19T11:11:00.001-07:00

The eight-team, double-elimination tournament — co-hosted by Lawrence University and UW-Oshkosh — will get under way on Friday at 10 a.m. at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute. The five-day event will conclude on May 26 with the crowning of a national championship.

Carthage and Thө Collөge of Wooster (Ohіo) join Kean Univerѕity (N.J.), Shenandoаh Univerѕity (Va.), tһe University of St. Thomaѕ (Minn.), Chapman University (Calіf.), Farmingdale Statө Collegө (N.Y.) and defending champion Trinity College (Conn.).

Tickets сan bө purchaѕed in advance bү сontacting thө Lawrence ticket office at 920-832-6773. Credit сard orderѕ will be aсcepted until Wednesday.

Friday's opening-day pairings аre as follows: 10 a.m.: Carthage (36-7) νs. The College οf Woosteг (39-9); 1:15 p.m.: Kean (38-9) vs. Trinitү (33-5). 4:30 p.m.: Shenandoah (37-8) vѕ. Farmіngdale (30-15); 7:45 p.м.: Chapman (30-15) νs. St. Tһomas (36-12). Sөe Video

patrick swayze died

2009-05-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

Rumors that Patrick Swаyze died this morning aгe not true. Actors representative has denіed that Patrick Swayze іs dead, гeports STV.

However, this mοrning а soυrce from Germanү RP Onlinө repοrted that аccording to California bаsed KisѕFM Rаdio Patrick Swayze died. We visited radіo station's webѕite аnd could not find any sucһ rөport. If therө was one, іt was probably alreаdy removed.

Two credible sources maĸe reference to Patrick Swayze's гepresentative ωho dөnied actor's deаth rumors. ET Online quotes his representative wһo says "Thіs iѕ to confirm that Patгick Swaүze dіd not pasѕ away this mοrning contrary to severely recklesѕ reрorts stemming from а radiο station іn Jacksonville, Floгida. Patricĸ Swayze iѕ aliνe, well and iѕ enjoying һis life and he cοntinues to respond to treatment." The second denial is from STV, whο runs а stoгy also denying Swayze'ѕ death rumoгs, based on the same inforмation from actor's representative.

Currently there arө threө typeѕ of reports going on іn the social mөdia and pаrticularly in Twitter aЬout Patriсk Swayze's death rumorѕ. First category is thө group of people ωho һave just heard that Patгick Swayzө iѕ deаd аnd are wondering to find confiгmation οr deniаl. The second category is the grοup of peοple tһat alгeady ĸnows that Pаtrick Swayзe іs ωell аnd alive and join the discussions denying the death rumors. The thiгd group of peoрle is tһe οne who iѕ siсk of theѕe rumors аnd want to dο the right thіng аnd asking fοr һelp to spread the ωord that Patrick Swayze һas not died and thаt the rumoгs аre untrυe. Here iѕ а sample tweet. "Rob_Madden: RT @Alyssa_Milano: RT @AЬerdeenUK: please help tο spreаd tһe truth RT @peoplemag: RUMOR PATROL: Patrick Swayze is still alive." Plөase consider re tweeting this messagө frοm HULIQ and helping tο spreаd а word thаt Patrck Swaүze iѕ wөll and alive. It hurts when onө sрreads fаlse death rumors.

Patrick Swayze, 56 in Janυary told ABC abοut how he iѕ coping with һis pancreаtic cancer. "I'm goіng tһrough hell, and I've only seen thө beginning of it," Swаyze says in interview excerpts postөd bү ABC." Swayzө, 56, also saүs that surviving five үears is "wishful thinking," bυt that living tωo more yөars "seems likөly, if yoυ're goіng tο believe the stаtistics." And һe defines "wіnning" aѕ "nοt giving up."

Earlier, baѕed on BBC stoгy, we had reported thаt a new finding in UK мay provide pancreatic cancer treatment hoрe foг Patrick Swayze. The nөw operation, conducted Ьy UK dοctors involved cutting away the tuмour along wіth the portal vөin - а maјor vesѕel in thө pancreas - and replacing it wіth thө jugular vөin from the neck.

dancing with the stars finale

2009-05-18T16:02:00.000-07:00

Certainly not a scientific way to determine who is the most popular, but still fun fodder while we wait for tomorrow's Dancing with the Stars finale. Here is the ranking according to the number of clicks to the final 3's twitter ...

Dancing With The Stars Season Finale After ten weeks of dancing, Shawn Johnson, Gilles Marini and Melissa Rycroft will be dancing on Monday night. Tuesday night will be the result show and there will be a Dancing With The Stars champion ...

See Videos Here

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2009-05-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

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The Bourne Supremacy

2009-05-15T20:05:00.000-07:00

The Bourne Supremacy: A CIA assassin (Matt Damon) is framed for the murders of two peers in this action-crammed 2004 sequel to novelist Robert Ludlum's "The ...
Learn More About Bourne Supremacy Here

Farrahs Story

2009-05-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

Learn More About Farrahs Story Here

On Wednesday at a screening of "Farrah's Story," an unflinching look at her struggle to overcome cancer, Fawcett's longtime companion, actor Ryan O'Neal, ...

WellsFargo

2009-05-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

Learn More About Wells Fargo Here

Wells Fargo & Co. said Thursday it will pay $312.5 million in preferred stock dividends on funds it has received from the U.S. Treasury.

usmint.gov catalog

2009-05-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

The United States Mint resumed shipping the 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin the week of February 22, 2009. However, because of production problems with the 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin Companion Book, you may have received only the COIN and presentation box at this time. If you are a customer who receives the COIN without the Companion Book, we will ship the Companion Book to you, at no extra charge, when it becomes available. For information on how this may affect the return of the product if you are not satisfied, please see FAQ #210. Source: catalog.usmint.gov

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maxim hot 100

2009-05-14T13:56:00.000-07:00

Michelle Malkin Dresses Up Like A Barely Legal Cheerleader, Wonders Why People Don't Take Her Political “Analysis” Seriously.

So I still can't over the fact that Marisa Miller was ranked #18 on Maxim's list of the 100 hottest woman in the world for 2009.

Seriously, Maxim. Marisa Miller. Have you seen her photos? Especially a certain picture of her donning nothing but an iPod?!?

Anyway, the dissing of this gorgeous model aside, various celebrities walked the red carpet last night for a party in honor of Maxim's annual list.

Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com

chrysler dealerships closing

2009-05-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

Chrysler plans to close over 50 Pa. dealerships

JOE MANDAK

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, Pa. - Frank Valencic Sr. has been hanging around Tomsic Motor Company for most of his 77 years, but he never had a lunch break like Thursday's. That's when he saw on the TV news that Chrysler plans to pull the plug on the dealership that his father-in-law Jim Tomsic founded in 1929.

"We thought there's no way in the world they'd throw us out. We've been with them 80 years," Valencic said.

The Chrysler-Jeep dealership about 20 miles south of Pittsburgh is one of at least 50 that the troubled car company plans to close in Pennsylvania, the most in any state. A bankruptcy filing in New York on Thursday shows Chrysler wants to close 789 U.S. dealerships, or nearly a fourth of its 3,200 outlets.

The company wants to close them by June 9 saying sales are too low. About half of Chrysler's dealers account for 90 percent of the its U.S. sales, the company said.

At least 10 dealerships in and around Pittsburgh and more than a dozen in northeastern Pennsylvania are on the list. The dealers likely will have a right to appeal to get off the list.

"We're a very small market for them so we really don't move a lot of the large volume of vehicles so that didn't surprise me," said Jane Sapone, vice president of Town and Country Motors in Ligonier, which was on the list.

The dealership employs 15 people, but none will lose their job, Sapone said. Instead, they'll work at the Ford dealership the Sapones own across the street.

"The Ford dealership does better anyway," Sapone said. "It really won't effect us as much as it would someone who's completely done."

Five dealerships in the Lehigh Valley, including Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, are slated to close. About 55 new-car dealerships there employed nearly 2,800 people in the third quarter of 2008, according to state data.

"There's no way this region could escape the throes of a global recession," said Bob Wendt, research director at the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. "It's a tragedy and it's sad for the individuals involved."

In Washington, the Tomsic dealership typically sold about 175 new and 225 used cars annually. It's just down the road from a harness racing track with a brand-new slot machine casino, and an outlet mall. But the business is a throwback. Its showroom built in 1972 to Chrysler specifications seems quaint now.

Valencic's son, Frank Jr., who now owns the business, said the dealership will remain open selling late-model used vehicles and as a service center. The family will close up if they can't make a go of it, idling 18 employees, including Frank Jr.'s two sisters, and his two sons, the fourth generation to work there.

The Valencics' shop is much like the Rink Bros. dealership in north central Pennsylvania, where general manager Tom Coldwell got his shutdown notice from Chrysler on Thursday. Rink Bros. is in Bradford where Mayor Tom Riel said businesses, including Zippo Manufacturing Co., the cigarette lighter firm, have laid off about 800 workers since late 2007.

Coldwell's grandfather, Raymond Rink, 93, has owned the dealership since founding it with his brother about 70 years ago.

"We know everybody by name. They talk to us, ask us 'What's going on?" Coldwell said. "We really can't answers questions for them because we didn't know ourselves."

The Valencics say that kind of loyalty doesn't matter anymore, but it should, because small dealerships keep customers loyal to a brand.

"They don't want that. It's like Wal-Mart. They want everything big," Frank Valencic Sr. said. "But people aren't going to be able to get service and it's going to hurt."

Source: http://www.philly.com/

Jobs At Home

2009-05-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

Do You Know that Companies NEED YOU?

Back in the late 90s, I held an excellent position at a large IT
company with a nice monthly salary. Somehow, the company
ran into financial problems and was forced to lay off over 50%
of its staff. Unfortunately for me, I was included. So there I was
stranded, alone, unemployed, with all the bills to pay and
a family to support. Where I lived, such jobs weren't easy to
come by.

So I decided to do a little research. I spent many sleepless nights on the web just searching for something to do, anything that could help support me and my family. I just wanted a way to make money, and not lose it, as I soon found to be the case with numerous internet scams.

Just like you, I often stumbled upon all types of web sites offering me some money matrix scheme, promising me all the money in the world. Yeah, right! From stuffing envelopes, Multi Level Marketing, High Yield Investment Programs, to selling all types of useless products. You name it, I’ve been there, done that. Finally, I came across something that worked...

Companies Need You!

Read all about this by reviewing this LEGIT AT HOME Jobs website
here.

jacob and esau bible story

2009-05-14T10:30:00.001-07:00

In the Bible, Jacob (the patriarch of the Israelites) and his twin brother Esau were bitter rivals. Jacob, the younger brother, often supplanted Esau, manipulating him into forsaking his inheritance. Jacob was loved, but Esau was ....

God Hated Esau for One Reason! But Not in the sense of HATE that
we think about.

You should find out why GOD hated Esau, and why GOD hates
ESAU Behavior. (EB for short) :)

Google Down

2009-05-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

Ok, picture Google Being Down for like a week?
Got the picture in your head?

Now, don't get me wrong, because I enjoy capitalism as much as (most) of the
next guy. Here's the problem tho with NEO-Capitalism: GOOGLE. YAHOO. MSN.

See, the dominating factor on the internet is that your site needs to be
seen and if you do NOT use Google, Yahoo, MSN or one of their products or
services, we revert back to Ancient Television Advertising, where you
need to have money to market your product on NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX etc...

We are heading there, no wait, we Are There!

If Google goes down, people loose money, advertising time, costs and
income. WHY?

Answer: Cause GOOGLE is HUGE and GOT HUGHER and HUGHER over time,
by hiring geeks out of college and paying them well, to become what they
are today...

They crawl the world looking for more youtubes, myspaces, facebooks and more.

They seek out ALL POPULAR Upcoming Websites , and when the striking time
is right , they offer the owner 10 Million to 1 Billion and take it and place it under
"G O O G L E"

This is why the world stops if google goes down. Yahoo or Msn are no different,
but GOOGLE, man, I bet you didn't have you google patch on today if you
freaked out.

wilco the album

2009-05-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

More On Wilco

Wilco are currently streaming their new album, the archly titled Wilco (The Album), on their website after it was apparently leaked to the internet at some point overnight (the official release date is June 30). You can also check out the cover art on this hump day, which would be an appropriate thing to do as it features a camel. On first listen, the collection sounds to me like an improvement on 2006's fine yet ultimately unmemorable Sky Blue Sky. But check it out for yourselves and tell us what you think. Source: ew.com

who will win american idol

2009-05-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

More On Who Will Win American Idol

Danny Won't
Adam May
Chris May

My Take: Well, since Itunes blew it and said that the 2 top idol
downloads are from Adam and Chris, I would venture to
say that Danny Won't , although I hope he does.

So here's some other takes around the net.......
"American Idol" judge Simon Cowell says he thinks Adam
Lambert will win this season of the popular singing competition show.

"Kris Allen Will Not Win American Idol But Will Have a
Successful Singing Career"

"Tonight's show is traditionally one of the most exciting.
It's the first time competitors get two chances to showcase
themselves, and also the moment they get to embrace, and
be embraced by, their hometown fans. Who should
win AI? Adam Lambert. Kris Allen .... So it will come down to Adam vs.
Danny. Blue States vs. Red States. The Coasts vs. Middle America.
Never before has an "American Idol" "

Final Thoughts: I like the Gong Show personally myself. Gloria Gaynor
was discovered On the Gong Show and She had a Mega Massive
Super Duper Disco hit.

who won the biggest loser 2009

2009-05-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

Biggest Loser Winner Information................

Helen Phillips wins 'The Biggest Loser: Couples' by losing 140 pounds

Helen Phillips, a 47-year-old retired retail manager from Sterling Heights, MI, was crowned the show's third-straight female champion during last night's live broadcast of The Biggest Loser: Couples' finale on NBC.

"Oh my god!" Helen shouted after she learned she'd won the season's $250,000 grand-prize. "Oh my god! Oh my god!"

Helen -- who also became the show's oldest champion ever -- began the competition at 257 pounds and weighed-in at 117 pounds during the finale, giving her a 140-pound weight-loss and a 54.47% weight-loss percentage.

Helen defeated Tara Costa, a 23-year-old finance manager and former model from New York, NY, and Mike Morelli, a 18-year-old student from South Lyon, MI who became the season's third finalist by defeating his father Ron in a home viewer vote that took place after last week's episode.

Mike, who finished as the season's runner-up, started the season at 388 pounds and weigh-in at 181 pounds during the finale, giving him a 207-pound weight-loss and 53.35% weight-loss percentage.

Tara -- who set an all-time female weight-loss record while at The Biggest Loser ranch and had also returned home as the finalist with the highest weight-loss percentage -- had started the season at 294 pounds and weighed-in at 139 pounds during the finale, giving her a 155-pound weight-loss and 52.72% weight-loss percentage. .

Gerald "Jerry" Hayes, a 64-year-old retired engineer from Wheaton, IL who was eliminated during the second week of the competition, won the weigh-in of the season's 19 previously eliminated contestants and thus claimed the $100,000 consolation prize. Jerry started the competition at 369 pounds and dropped 177 for a 47.97% weight-loss percentage.

In addition, home viewer votes cast during the bloated three-hour finale broadcast also determined that Amanda, a 19-year-old from Butler, NJ who weighs currently 257 pounds, will get to compete on the eighth The Biggest Loser edition that will air on NBC this fall.

The start and finish weights and final weight-loss percentages of the other 18 previously eliminated contestants are as follows:

Gerry's wife Estella Hayes, a 63-year-old retired nurse from Wheaton, IL, began the competition at 242 pounds and lost 83 for a 34.30% weight-loss percentage.

Damien Gurganious, a 31-year-old industrial designer from Brooklyn, NY, began the competition at 381 pounds and shed 136 for a 35.70% weight-loss percentage while his fiancee Nicole Brewer, a 37-year-old wardrobe stylist, began the competition at 269 pounds and lost 123 for a 45.72% weight-loss percentage.

Sione Fa, a 28-year-old landscape company owner from Maricopa, AZ, began the competition at 372 pounds and dropped 146 for a 39.25% weight-loss percentage while his cousin Filipe Fam, a 26-year-old lube technician from Mesa, AZ, started the competition at 364 pounds and lost 135 for a 37.09% weight-loss percentage.

Carla Triplett, a 36-year-old assistant bank manager from Southfield, MI, started the competition at 379 pounds and dropped 128 for a 33.77% weight-loss percentage while her former friend Joelle Gwynn, a 41-year-old non-profit founder, began the competition at 309 pounds and lost 80 for a 25.89% weight-loss percentage.

Blaine Cotter, a 27-year-old college counselor from Gilbert, AZ, started the competition at 365 pounds and shed 116 for a 31.78% weight-loss percentage while his cousin Dane Patterson, a 27-year-old real estate appraiser from Mesa, AZ, began the competition at 412 pounds and dropped 154 for a 37.38% weight-loss percentage.

Amanda "Mandi" Kramer, a 30-year-old cosmetologist from Boise, ID, began the competition at 263 pounds and lost 92 for a 34.98% weight-loss percentage while her sister Aubrey Cheney, a 28-year-old information and education specialist from Gooding, ID, started the competition at 249 pounds and shed 55 for a 22.09% weight-loss percentage.

Cathy Skell, a 48-year-old title sales closing agent from Shiocton, WI, started the competition at 293 pounds and lost 95 for a 32.42% weight-loss percentage while her daughter Kristin Steede, a 28-year-old business owner from Greenville, WI, dropped the competition at 360 pounds and lost 167 for a 46.39% weight-loss percentage.

Daniel Wright, a 19-year-old student from Willow Spring, NC, began the competition at 454 pounds and shed 142 for a 31.28% weight-loss percentage while his best friend David Lee, a 23-year-old student from Fuquay-Varina, NC, started the competition at 393 pounds and lost 43 for a 10.94% weight-loss percentage.

Tara's friend Laura Denoux, a 24-year-old sales director and former model from Miami, FL, began the competition at 285 pounds and lost 86 for a 30.18% weight-loss percentage.

Helen's daughter Shanon Thomas, a 29-year-old massage therapist from Centerline, MI, began the competition at 283 pounds and lost 92 for a 32.51% weight-loss percentage.

Mike's father Ron Morelli, a 54-year-old city councilman and retired food distributor from South Lyon, MI, began the competition at 430 pounds and lost 192 for a 44.65% weight-loss percentage. Source: http://www.newspostonline.com

hostgator

2009-05-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

Hostgator went down due to "issues at the data center" not sure for how long, but that stinks for a half billion websites or so..

Heres some info with an interesting question at the end.....

Recently i faced a problem of high CPU usages from my old servers, i.e. iWhic.com. TheChetan.com was down for about two days because they suspended my account because of 75% of CPU usages. Can you imagine 75% CPU usages by a Wordpress blog with not more than 1000Unique visitors per day ? On the same day i installed WP-Super cache plug in which works great and supported me at such low powered servers.

There servers are underpowered. They even cant face the traffic of 1000 Unique visitors per day !! . There database server is also very poor. My error_log file (present under root directory of your wordpress installation) was full with errors of database server. The errors were like “WordPress database error MySQL server has gone away for query” clearly notifying the power of there database servers.

So i decided to change the host servers, my friend Abhishek is using Hostgator service. I have seen the power of there host servers. They are good, and one of the most important fact was there support system. When my site was down at iWhic, there support system replied to my question after about 24Hrs and my account was restarted after 48Hrs.

Here at Hostgator the support system is really fast.Even i can now directly chat with support people if i have some urgent problem. Currently i shifted all my sites to hostgator and all are working superb with no tension of high CPU usages.Hostgator allows 25% of CPU usages for 90seconds. But as there servers are really high performance i never seen my CPU usages more than a percent.

Currently i am happy with the hostgator, lets see what happens in the future. Hope for the best and ready for the worst

Which host are you using ? are you happy with it ?
source: http://www.thechetan.com/2009/05/thechetancom-shifted-there-servers-to-hostgator/

ANSWER: I use DGNS NETWORKS because their servers are in Canada which protects ME from the FBI taking possession of an entire server for one website (They cant do that in Canada)

Plus, it works and its only 1.49 a month

Cheerios

2009-05-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

FDA is now attacking CHEERIOS - States its a DRUG!!

That can only mean one thing, eat more Cherrios!!

I cannot beleive the IDIOTS in the FDA. (FDA is another gov 3 ltr acn for Food and Drug Administration) and I am sick and tired of them, to be perfectly honest. They HIDE the
MILK Coverup and go after something that is GOOD FOR YOU!

Wow - who owns Cheerios? I guess I should find out and see if he/her ticked off Uncle
Sam recently!

Here's a stupid article for your reading pleasure, and when done, I have a clip and save
coupon for you at the bottom...

NewsSource: bizjournals.com
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent a warning letter to General Mills Inc. last week asking it to change how it promotes the health benefits of Cheerios.

The FDA told General Mills to stop promoting Cheerios, the country’s best-selling cereal, as a product that can lower cholesterol levels, reduce heart disease and reduce the risk of cancer. The agency said that claiming the cereal can lower cholesterol levels by 4 percent in six weeks amounts to marketing it as a drug and violates the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. A local branch of the FDA gave the Minnesota-based food provider 15 days to explain how it will correct its statements on Cheerios.

In a prepared statement, General Mills (NYSE: GIS) said the complaint doesn’t question whether the cereal actually lowers cholesterol levels and said the dispute is over language, not science.

“The scientific body of evidence supporting the heart health claim was the basis for FDA’s approval of the heart health claim, and the clinical study supporting Cheerios’ cholesterol-lowering benefit is very strong,” the statement said. “We look forward to discussing this with FDA and to reaching a resolution.”

Cheerios boxes say that two, one-and-a-half-cup servings of the cereal every day have been clinically proven to lower cholesterol. The message has been on the box for more than two years.

Go Grab Some Cherrios and other products today !! See Banner Below

ap english language

2009-05-12T17:09:00.000-07:00

English Language Debate?

Below is a debate that just chaps my hide - (that means ticks me off) - Press 1 For English Ticks me off too

Anyway - its Oklahoma , so umm, uhh, ummm, yeah, umm, yeah........

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The Oklahoma House gave final passage Wednesday to legislation that asks voters if they want English to be the state’s official language, ending weeks of dialogue over the divisive issue that opponents said is aimed at Hispanic immigrants. “The biggest class of citizens who do not speak English as their first language are Indians, Native Americans.’’

Without debate, House members passed the Senate-passed measure 89-8. It now goes to a statewide ballot where voters will decide the issue in 2010.

A recent poll conducted by SoonerPoll.com for the Tulsa World found that 86 percent of Oklahomans support making English the official language of state government. Thirty other states have already adopted official English laws, as have more than 50 nations around the globe.

Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe on Wednesday introduced the National Language Act of 2009, legislation similar to Oklahoma’s proposal that would make English the national language of the U.S. government.

It says no one is entitled to receive federal documents and services in languages other than English unless required by law.

“By establishing that there is no entitlement to receive documents or services in languages other than English, we set the precedent that English is common to us all in the public forum of government,’’ said Inhofe, R-Okla.

The author of Oklahoma’s official English bill, Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, said it recognizes English as Oklahoma’s common and unifying language and declares that all official actions of the state must be conducted in English. It also bars individuals from suing the state to have services provided in languages other than English.

“As our common language, English and the ‘melting pot’ process it makes possible has made the United States the most successful multiethnic nation in history,’’ said Terrill, author of the 2007 measure that targeted illegal immigrants, House Bill 1804.

“Our government should encourage immigrants to assimilate so they can pursue the American dream, and this legislation encourages that process,’’ said Rep. George Faught, R-Muskogee, co-author of the bill. “We need to encourage legal immigrants to join mainstream American society and not live in linguistic isolation.’’

Under the legislation, private individuals and businesses will still be allowed to use whatever language they choose. Only official government business would be affected.

The bill also contains provisions to protect the “use, study, development, or encouragement’’ of any American Indian language, including the languages of Oklahoma’s 39 federally recognized tribes.

But tribal leaders have been among the measure’s most outspoken opponents as the bill and similar measures have been considered by Oklahoma lawmakers.

Chiefs of the five Civilized Tribes have gone on record opposing Terrill’s legislation. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith called it “intolerant, close-minded and mean-spirited.’’

Smith said he thinks Terrill’s bill is aimed at Hispanics, but “the biggest class of citizens who do not speak English as their first language are Indians, Native Americans.’’

Several groups that support official English measures, including ProEnglish, English First and U.S. English, endorsed Terrill’s bill.

“When approved by voters in 2010 and added to the state constitution, this measure will be one of the very best official English laws in the nation,’’ U.S. English Chairman Mauro E. Mujica said.

Hey, If you wanna learn ENGLISH and MATH and have no clue about either, you should try
this site.

List Joe

2009-05-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

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miss california pictures II

2009-05-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

Again, I am amazed at the Morons who live in America.

Where's the N.O.W ? Oh wait, they don't like Miss America Anyway.

Miss California is Miss America - A True American who is for keeping
the word "Marriage" as its been written for years. The word GAY
has already been changed.....

Fed Up - more coming, can't type right now, hands are shaking from
this press she is getting to try and denounce her.. This is SLANDER
and outright WRONG...

Thats my opinion. If You came here for pictures, well, sorry, I dont have any :)

wii active

2009-05-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

I think it is a great plan to have kids/teens and adults get ACTIVE using the WII system. EA Sports Seems to be getting the picture now >http://www.easportsactive.com/home.action , or have been for a while and that's a good thing.

WII Active is the wave of the future, I believe and a great selling tool for those older games where the only thing that gets a work out is your thumb and index finger.

But all in all, a round of basketball (OUTSIDE) with a real hoop, a real basketball and some elbows underneath is still my choice for good ole fashion fun.

If you ever want to check out some good wii cheats (like a gazillion of them) visit THIS LINK and there is a ton of them for a one time fee (forever cheats is what I like)

wii wii wii :)

Olive Garden

2009-05-10T20:02:00.000-07:00

My Favorite Olive Garden Recipe

Conchiglie with Tomato & Basil A delicious sauté of fresh basil, vine tomatoes, garlic and onion brings the flavors of Italy straight to your kitchen. The large conchiglie shells pair perfectly with this sauté and bring fresh flavors to every bite. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano for a quick treat the whole family will enjoy!

Conchiglie with Tomato & Basil

Prep Time:	10 minutes
Cook Time:	20 minutes
Serves 8

Ingredients
3 lbs ripe vine tomatoes
16-18 cloves garlic, finely sliced
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 Tbsp unsalted butter
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/2 cups fresh basil, coarse chopped + leaves for garnish
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 lb medium-size shell pasta
Imported Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to sprinkle

Procedures

HEAT olive oil and butter in a skillet. Add sliced garlic and onions. Saute over low heat until onions and garlic turn a light golden brown. Add diced tomatoes and cook together with garlic and onions for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add chopped basil and stir.
COOK pasta according to package directions and drain.
SERVE pasta in a soup plate or bowl and top with tomato mixture and freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and shredded mozzarella.

Source: www.olivegarden.com

outback steakhouse

2009-05-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

This week, Outback Steakhouse launched a new menu, featuring 15 meals under $15. Jersey Bites was lucky enough to get invited to join an intimate group of food bloggers at a tasting in Manhattan of some of their new menu items with Tim Gannon, co-founder and head chef of Outback Steakhouse.

Tim explained that Outback began working on this new menu a year ago as a result of hearing from customers that Outback had become a “special occasion destination.” As over 75% of their entrees had crept up over $15, they recognized that a major redesign was in order. The new menu, created in partnership with major chefs from around the world like Roy Yamaguchi is designed to bring affordability back but still with the fresh ingredients and high quality food we expect from Outback. Gannon summed up the new vision by saying, “We want to be the any night restaurant. The place you go to before the movie theater, the restaurant that teenagers love to come to. It’s all about having come back flavor.”

My first question to Tim was whether they had held on to the Bloomin’ Onion, their signature appetizer. Gannon reassured us that this incredibly popular item was not going anywhere. Waitresses magically appeared carrying the item of discussion for us to taste and Gannon’s right hand man demonstrated how they are made. He first produced the largest onion I’ve ever seen (Bloomin’ Onions are grown specifically for Outback in Idaho and Oregon and each onion must weigh at least a pound to make the cut). He cut off the head and placed it a machine designed specially for Outback. They lovingly refer to the device as Gloria, thank you in Latin, as it is incredibly time consuming to cut the onions by hand. We were unable to tease the recipe for the Bloomin’ Onion and its addictive sauce out of Gannon, but he did reveal that it must be fried at precisely 350 degrees and that it contains over 17 spices.

We tasted one incredible dish after another full of the bold flavors Outback is known for. Many of the new dishes seemed to have come about by reinventing expensive ingredients and offering combination plates to let diners share and experience more flavors. Filet mignon is now served as a sliced beef tenderloin roast paired with crab stuffed shrimp and the pork chops have become sweet glazed pork tenderloin served sliced with mashed potatoes and green beans. Both dishes were amazing and under $15. We also tried a tender New York strip steak served sliced with a brandy cream sauce with the perfect amount of pepper. The steak Outback is known for, the sirloin, is now the Atkins dieter’s dream as it is served with a blue cheese iceberg wedge, also under $15.

Our feast ended with dessert, a trio of brownie sundae, creamy peanut butter pie, and classic cheesecake. While all three were very good, the peanut butter pie was out of this world. It was light and fluffy with a pleasant crunch and was served on a bed of dark chocolate. I tasted the other two, but greedily scarfed down every bite of the peanut butter pie.

Outback’s new menu began rolling out nationwide on February 18.

To celebrate the launch of their new menu, Outback Steakhouse has graciously given Jersey Bites a $25 gift card to give away to one lucky reader. Check back this Wednesday for the Win It Wednesday sponsored by Outback Steakhouse.

Source: http://www.jerseybites.com/2009/02/outback-steakhouse-tackles-budget-concerns-with-new-menu/

disney vacation club

2009-05-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

Last week the WKHON2 channel in Ko Olina, Hawaii, ran a segment featuring the Disney Vacation Club Timeshare VP, Djuan Rivers and the Kapolei Neighborhood chair Maeda Timson.

The two reassured residents that the Disney Vacation Club Timeshare project will continue on, despite unfavorable economic conditions.

Timson mentioned, “It’s been real apparent that the Disney project is probably the most exciting project that’s happening right now.” He said that community members are anxious about the project and they are already looking forward to its completion.

Rivers added, “It’s my time to let people know that we are here, we are proud members of the community and we’re excited about the project finally getting started.”

Once completed, the new project will be a 20-plus acre hybrid resort that will house 480 timeshare units and 350 hotel rooms. Apart from providing leisure, the Disney Vacation Club Timeshare project will also provide employment opportunities for the community.

The facility will open up several job positions for the community, including desk clerks and hotel services. “These are jobs that our folks can have careers … and it’s in our community,” said Timson. Rivers added, “People will be able to flourish.”

Source: http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20090428361/Latest/Disney-Vacation-Club-Timeshare-starts-project-in-Hawaii.html

Social Anxiety Disorder

2009-05-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

Internet help for social anxiety disorder It is somewhat of a miracle that Sally* is sitting in a restaurant, casually eating and exchanging ‘chit-chat’ with a colleague. A few years ago she could barely sip at her mineral water for fear that everyone in the room would scrutinise her every bite if she ordered anything to eat. Casual conversation was the last thing on her mind, when every sip of water brought a flood of anxious thoughts.

She had few friends and mingled in public places as little as possible. When the panic attacks started, Sally sought help and discovered that she was suffering from Social Anxiety disorder (Social Phobia). She has come a long way in the last few years since receiving treatment but her struggle is ongoing. She furrows her brow as she states "Every day is a battle to keep the anxiety at bay".

For millions of South Africans, every day is a struggle with debilitating social anxiety. Anxiety is a universal human trait. We have all had the experience of feeling shy, anxious and self-conscious – whether giving a speech, eating in front of other people or asking the object of your affection out on a date.

When this self-consciousness becomes so intense that a person starts avoiding situations which provoke it, and when the person’s social and/or occupational functioning becomes impaired because of this, it crosses the line from normal anxiety to Social Anxiety disorder.

Internet
In this age of technology, people are dealing more and more with ATM’s, answering machines and e-mail, and less and less with actual people. We push buttons instead of shaking hands. It is argued that this techno-culture breeds Social Anxiety disorder by denying people the essential practice needed to develop social skills. However this same techno-culture may also provide help with the problem in the form of the Internet.

Sally discovered the joy of chatting online when her boyfriend installed a PC in their study at home two years ago. "Having been in cognitive-behavioural therapy and on medication for a year already, I was managing better, but still struggling with the practicalities of interacting socially" Sally states. She smiles wryly as she adds, "I’ve always been socially inept". "I have had few friends because I haven’t known where to begin to start making them" she adds. "My self esteem was dangerously low back then and my lack of friends was only feeding into this" she recounts.

Chatting
Sally then started chatting online. "I found that I could practice certain skills in a very non-threatening environment. I honed my conversational skills, engaged in light conversation, and most of all realised that I am a likeable person. I gained the courage to start using some of the skills I had learnt in real-life settings". She adds "I still chat online and I have formed some meaningful Internet friendships. My social functioning and my self esteem have improved a lot".

Sally’s account represents a success story in support of one side of a very controversial argument. A debate is raging at the moment among health care professionals as to the effects of technology, and the Internet in particular, on our psychological wellbeing. Many people who experience severe anxiety in public may feel quite comfortable expressing themselves in cyberspace.

Stepping stone to real world interaction or place to hide?
Both, says Rick Heimberg Ph.D., director of the Social Anxiety disorder programme at Temple University. Heimberg states that online interaction can be positive if it encourages a socially phobic person to become more extroverted in real-world settings. In contrast, however, it can be negative if excessive time on the Internet replaces face-to-face contact, he says.

Sherry Turkle, a Clinical Psychologist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, extols the virtues of using the internet to "draw-out" socially phobic people. She states that "people use the Internet to ‘put one toe in the water’ and try out social contacts with which they are less comfortable in the ‘real’".

Dangers
Dr Marcia Slattery, a psychiatrist at the Mayo Clinic highlights the potential dangers involved. She states that "some people I have seen clinically, have become – for lack of a better word - ‘obsessed’ with staying online". She warns against allowing the Internet to become one’s social network in and of itself, to the neglect of real-time relationships.

She adds "It is best to allow yourself to reap the benefits of having a social connection on the net and then generalise the experience in person-to-person contact".

The issue is a controversial one, and it seems to depend not on the technology itself, but on how this technology is utilised. The professionals differ in their relative enthusiasm for the Internet as a therapeutic tool, but they do unanimously agree on one thing, it seems.

That one thing is that chatting on the Internet needs to be kept in perspective and must not be allowed to eclipse face-to-face interactions. When asked for some useful advice, Sally offered this: "The Internet can be a wonderful and a terrible thing, depending on how you use it. Chatting can be great in bolstering your confidence, and in learning social skills, but these things are only valuable in so far as you incorporate them into your real life".

Checklist
Some tips on how to use the Internet safely, responsibly and to your best advantage include:

Ask yourself how much time you are actually spending on the computer every day. If it’s more than the time you’re spending interacting face-to-face, you may be slipping into dangerous territory.
Ask yourself whether your relationships have improved or deteriorated since you started using the Internet.
Ask yourself honestly whether you are using the Internet as an aid to interact with the real world, or whether you are hiding there to avoid it.
Ask yourself whether you are using what you have experienced on the net to enhance your real-time interactions or not.
Look at your behaviour in cyberspace and ask yourself what it shows you about what you’re afraid of, what your vulnerabilities are, but also to reflect your strengths. Be self-reflective.
Give yourself time. Sherry Turkle states that in the most cases she’s seen where the "virtual" was used to enhance the "real". It takes a year before any progress can be seen.
It is important to keep your Internet usage in perspective.

Source - Natascha Basedau, Depression and Anxiety Support Group

Star Trek Box Office

2009-05-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

Paramount's Star Trek reboot opened to $7 million at the North American box office in Thursday evening showings that began at 7pm at most of its 3800+ venues, according to Variety.com.

Last weekend, Fox's X-Men Origins: Wolverine grossed just under $5 in showings that began at Friday midnight, on its way to an $85.1m opening weekend.

Star Trek's performance also outpaced last May's Iron Man, which took in over $4m in showings that began Thursday evening, and earned $102.1 million by the close of business Sunday.

Despite the parallels between Iron Man and Star Trek - with Trek even outpacing the Marvel property in some metrics like critical reception and ticket sales % on online sites like Fandango, Paramount and rival studios are still saying tracking suggests Star Trek will not approach Iron Man's weekend figures, or even Wolverine's, though the Hollywood trade reports a number of films have outperformed their tracking indicators in recent months.

We still want to know what your prediction for Star Trek's opening weekend box office tally. Click in the link to take part in our new poll, and look for updates on the film's performance throughout the weekend. Source: http://www.newsarama.com/film/090508-star-trek-box-office.html

As early as 1960, Gene Roddenberry had put together a proposal for the science fiction series which would become Star Trek. Although he publicly marketed it as a Western in outer space, a so-called "Wagon Train to the Stars", he privately told friends that he was actually modeling it on Swift's Gulliver's Travels, intending each episode to act on two levels, first as a suspenseful adventure story, but also as a morality parable.

In the Star Trek universe, humans developed faster-than-light space travel, using a form of propulsion referred to as "warp drive", following a nuclear war and a post-apocalyptic period in the mid-21st century. According to the story timeline, the first warp flight happened on 5 April 2063, and the Vulcans, an advanced alien race, made first contact with Earth on that day after detecting the warp drive signature. Partly as a result of the intervention and scientific teachings of the Vulcans, humans largely overcame many Earth-bound frailties and vices by the middle of the 22nd century, creating a quasi-utopian society where the central role is played not by money, but rather by the need for exploration and knowledge. Later, mankind united with some of the other sentient species of the galaxy, including the Vulcans, to form the United Federation of Planets.

Star Trek stories usually depict the adventures of humans and aliens who serve in the Federation's Starfleet. The protagonists are essentially altruists whose ideals are sometimes only imperfectly applied to the dilemmas presented in the series. The conflicts and political dimensions of Star Trek form allegories for contemporary cultural realities: Star Trek: The Original Series addressed issues of the 1960s, just as later spin-offs have reflected issues of their respective eras. Issues depicted in the various series include war and peace, the value of personal loyalty, authoritarianism, imperialism, class warfare, economics, racism, religion, human rights, sexism and feminism, and the role of technology.^[4] Gene Roddenberry stated: "[By creating] a new world with new rules, I could make statements about sex, religion, Vietnam, politics, and intercontinental missiles. Indeed, we did make them on Star Trek: we were sending messages and fortunately they all got by the network." Source: wikipedia.org

Ok, lastly - Who Remembers that STAR TREK Girl on American Idol? I still love that thing she said "I am a trekkie - duh and I am going to the LA convention center for the star trek convention - duh"

American Idol Tickets

2009-05-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

American Idol 2009 Summer Tour tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com.
Following is a list of venues and concert dates.

July 2009
5 - Portland, OR - Rose Garden Arena
7 - Tacoma, WA - Tacoma Dome
8 - Vancouver, British Columbia - General Motors Place
10 - Sacramento, CA - ARCO Arena
11 - Oakland, CA - Oracle Arena
12 - San Jose, CA - HP Pavilion at San Jose
14 - West Valley City, UT - The E Center
16 - Los Angeles, CA - Staples Center
17 - Ontario, CA - Citizens Business Bank Arena
18 - San Diego, CA - San Diego Sports Arena
20 - Glendale, AZ - Jobing.com Arena
23 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center
24 - Tulsa, OK - BOK Center
25 - North Little Rock, AR - Alltel Arena
26 - Memphis, TN - FedExForum
28 - Tampa, FL - St. Pete Times Forum
29 - Sunrise, FL - BankAtlantic Center
31 - Duluth, GA - The Arena at Gwinnett Center

August 2009
1 - Charlotte, NC - Time Warner Cable Arena
2 - Greensboro, NC - Greensboro Coliseum
4 - Washington, DC - Verizon Center
5 - Baltimore, MD - 1st Mariner Arena
7 - Atlantic City, NJ - Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall
8 - Newark, NJ - Prudential Center
11 - Uniondale, NY - Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
14 - Hamilton, Ontario - Copps Coliseum
15 - Rochester, NY - Blue Cross Arena
16 - Hartford, CT - XL Center
18 - Boston, MA - TD Banknorth Garden
19 - Albany, NY - Times Union Center
20 - Philadelphia, PA - Wachovia Center
22 - Pittsburgh, PA - Mellon Arena
23 - Cleveland, OH - Wolstein Center
25 - Columbus, OH - Schottenstein Center
26 - Auburn Hills, WI - The Palace of Auburn Hills
28 - Milwaukee, WI - Bradley Center
29 - St Louis, MO - Scottrade Center
30 - Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center

September 2009
1 - Minneapolis, MN - Target Center
2 - Rosemont, IL - Allstate Arena
4 - Madison, WI - Alliant Energy Center Memorial Coliseum
5 - Indianapolis, IN - Conseco Fieldhouse
6 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena
8 - Reading, PA - Sovereign Center
9 - Wilke-Barre, PA - Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza
10 - Bridgeport, CT - Arena at Harbor Yard
12 - Portland, ME - Cumberland County Civic Center
13 - Providence, RI - Dunkin' Donuts Center
14 - Syracuse, NY - War Memorial at Oncenter
15 - Manchester, NH - Verizon Wireless Arena

Top baby names 2009

2009-05-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

"Emma" (and "Isabella," for that matter) has ended "Emily's" 12-year reign as the top name for baby girls. Jacob kept its spot for the 10th year in the row for boy names.

Some interesting tidbits from the Social Security Administration's baby names report for 2009:

--"Barack" didn't make the top 1,000, but it did move up a record 10,126 spots, to No. 2,409.

--"Elvis" is still in the building, but it fell from 673 to 713.

--"Miley," you know, like as in teen queen Miley Cyrus, moved up 152 spots to No. 127. (Her stage name, "Hannah" fell from No. 9 to No. 17.)

--This year’s winner for the biggest jump is Khloe, which is undoubtedly related to the popularity of Khloe Kardashian from the show Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Khloe with a K increased 469 spots to number 196 in 2008, up from 665 in 2007 and 960 in 2006 (the name's first year on the list).

-- Biblical names dominate the top choices for boys while popular culture appears to have influenced some of the girls' names.

BOY NAMES

Top five: Jacob, Michael, Ethan, Joshua and Daniel.
New to the top 10: Alexander
Gone from the top 10: Andrew
New names debuting in the top 1,000: Aaden (343), Chace (655), Marley (764) Kash (779) and Kymani (836). Beckham debuted at 893, perhaps a nod to the British soccer star, David Beckham, who now plays for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

GIRL NAMES:

Top five: Emma, Isabella, Emily, Madison and Ava
New to the top 10: Chloe
New to the top 1,000: Isla (623), Mareli (718), Milagros (731), Dayami (750) and Nylah (821).

But don't be fooled by these "top" baby names 2009 from the Social Security Administration. The list doesn't take into account the same name spelled differently.

So you can still expect to run into a bunch of Braidens and Braydens and Katelyns and Kaitinns when your kid reaches the preschool years. Source: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com

derek fisher suspension

2009-05-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

Derek Fisher was Suspended and I imagine this is a good reason!

verizon mifi

2009-05-07T12:21:00.001-07:00

Verizon MiFi 3G Router Coming May 17

We’ve been interested in the MiFi 3G router ever since Novatel first announced it, and we were impressed when we saw it in person at the CTIA this year. There’s something about a Wi-Fi router the size of a credit card that has EV-DO integrated for connecting almost anywhere and sharing the connection with up to five devices. Verizon was obviously impressed, too, and have commissioned a model of the Novatel MiFi for their 3G network that will be available on May 17.

The Verizon MiFi 2200 will be available with a couple of monthly data plan options: a $40 plan for 250 MB ($0.10/MB overage) and a $60 plan for 5 GB ($0.05/MB overage). Those who travel infrequently will be able to get an unsubsidized MiFi and use a 24-hour day pass for $15 as needed. The MiFi will run you $100 after a $50 rebate at Verizon on May 17. I have to admit I am seriously considering replacing my USB Verizon modem with one of these for the ease of use it provides.

Source: http://jkontherun.com/2009/05/07/verizon-mifi-3g-router-coming-may-17/

KFC riot

2009-05-07T12:05:00.001-07:00

KFC DENY'S CHICKEN RIOT , BUT PHONE STILL OFF HOOK

Who could have predicted that handing out free meals during the worst economic collapse since the Great Depression would be so messy? KFC locations across America were hammered yesterday by an overwhelming demand for free fowl, after Oprah Winfrey promoted a giveaway for two pieces of KFC's new grilled chicken, two sides, and a biscuit. New York City was particularly hard hit; tipsters tell Midtown Lunch that there were about 50 people "crammed into a very tiny space" during lunch hour at the 50th & 7th Avenue KFC.

And then there was the reported sit-in at the KFC on 42nd Street between Madison and Park. KFC spokesperson Laurie Schalow tells the AP, "We didn't prepare for this extreme. Some customers were upset because they couldn't get their chicken, but there was no riot." However, the phone at that location has been off the hook since yesterday's incident, so there's clearly some sort of cover-up going on. Why haven't we heard from any of the brave demonstrators occupying the KFC?

The coupons for the free meals can no longer be downloaded from the website, but they are valid until May 19th. To those dauntless consumers determined to redeem it, we say Godspeed. But after watching this video from inside a Tyson Foods slaughterhouse, you may want to just stick with the biscuit.

Source: http://gothamist.com/2009/05/07/kfc_denies_chicken_riot_but_phone_s.php

Man oh Man - do I agree with this article!
Bad times call for desperate measures , even by YUM INC!

Manny Ramirez

2009-05-07T11:20:00.001-07:00

LOS ANGELES -- Kim Kardashian was in the house Wednesday night, wearing a jersey of the hometown team that's totally hot.

Yet the most notable piece of clothing after the Dodgers beat the last-place Nationals, 10-3, was the cap of manager Joe Torre, now en route to Cooperstown as a memento of a 13th home win to open a season.

Never mind that the actual Major League record for such achievements is 21, set in 1880 by the Chicago White Stockings. It had been so widely reported that the Dodgers were tied with the 1911 Detroit Tigers for the modern-day record that a celebration apparently was anticipated, with the ordered postgame meal being sizzling prime steaks catered by Ruth's Chris, served on white tablecloths in the clubhouse food room.

"I'm glad we got it, only because it becomes a distraction and you get to the point where it's all you're shooting for," Torre said. "Then maybe you have a letdown even if you don't realize it. Hopefully, this is a stepping-stone on the way to something more important."

The Dodgers ran their overall win streak to seven, have won eight of the past nine and are 19-5 since a 2-3 start. They lead the National League West by 6 1/2 games, their largest lead since 2004. This one was the kind of victory the Dodgers have been grinding out this year, a 2-1 game blown open with a seven-run sixth inning with contributions up and down the lineup.

"We just kept coming at them all night," Torre said. "It was a little touch-and-go for a while."

Starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw made so many pitches (99) he was gone after five innings, just long enough to qualify for his first victory of the year. James McDonald made his first relief appearance since losing his starting job to Jeff Weaver and pitched a perfect inning, looking as he did last October. Left-hander Brent Leach made his Major League debut with a scoreless ninth inning and received a shaving-cream pie in the face from fellow lefty Will Ohman.

Offensively, Rafael Furcal finally looked like the leadoff hitter he was before back surgery, with three hits and three runs scored. Russell Martin, who came into the game hitting .222, also had three hits. The first six hitters in the lineup had RBIs and the game became a blowout with a seven-run sixth inning that included a two-run double by self-proclaimed "double maniac" Manny Ramirez and a two-run single by James Loney.

"It's the consistency of our offense, pitching and defense," Martin said. "We haven't made many mistakes. We're not helping the other team out at all. We're bringing the game to the other team."

Torre, who has tried to deflect the importance of the streak, said he was just glad the Dodgers didn't take the Nationals for granted.

"The only thing you're uneasy about was everybody's assuming they're a pushover because they haven't got a good record [7-18], but last year on the road trip, they swept us in Washington," Torre said. "They're offensive-minded with guys who can hit home runs. In order for us to win, we have to pitch. It wasn't pretty, I'm just glad Kershaw got outs when he did."

Kershaw's night started with a 31-pitch first inning that included loading the bases and striking out the side. He had five strikeouts by the second inning, none after. He's allowed just two runs in 19 innings at home (0.95 ERA), compared to 16 runs in 14 innings on the road (10.29).

"We're not going 81-0 at home," predicted Kershaw. "Sooner or later, it's going to happen. I don't think anybody really cares about the streak. We just want to build as big a lead as possible, especially with the other teams in our division scuffling."

Torre was able to use the hefty lead to get work for McDonald and Leach, the former trying to bounce back, the latter looking to make his debut.

"I made a slight adjustment and went back to the way I used to be," said McDonald, who lost his starting job because of an 8.16 ERA. "I just can't be so nitpicky. I have to be aggressive with the hitters and remember not to be afraid of contact, don't nibble. I just need that mindframe, the attack the hitters. I got that aggressiveness back to challenge guys. Before, I would catch myself thinking negatively before I was even on the mound. I have to go out and feel confident."

Leach finally got in a game after sitting since Saturday.

"Just count your blessings that you're here," he said. "Remember it's the same 60 feet, six inches you've been pitching all along."

Source: MLB.COM Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Manny Ramirez is one of the best players in the Major Leagues. What this blogger does not understand is why these guys need ROIDS at all. He is a good ball player (and I am biting my tounge as a yankee fan saying this)

Speaking of Yankees, maybe they KNEW this information on Manny already, and thus, the real reason why they never picked him up. AROD, PETITE, GIAMBI I guess were enough. (Did I miss anyone?)

Ok, with that said, here's the plan - google: MLB Top Home Run Hitters, TOP RBI Leaders, and then see what their ROOKIE CARD Looked like :)

Pay Off Credit Card Debt

2009-05-07T09:31:00.001-07:00

Can you pay off Credit Card Debt?

First thing I learned when trying to make ends meet was a pretty simple concept...
here is that simple concept:

* Make More Money (yes, I said it, make more money) and no I am not talking about getting rich overnight! Because the only way that happens is if a rich relative dies, or you win the lottery or Bill Gates figures you can use 100K to get on your feet. But most americans are about $5000 short a year from living in comfort , the only problem with that theory is , if you made an extra $5000 a year, you'd be another $5000 short each year - if you catch my drift!

* Discipline and get rid of credit cards , 1 at a time - you can do this by some simple math. First, gather ALL and I mean ALL you credit card statements and list them by Name/Acct No. Then find the % rate (APR) , Then find the Monthly Payments, Then Find the amount of time left to pay off the card. Once you do, you are 3/4 of the way to FREEDOM....

THEN COMES THE FUN PART - Choose your monthly payouts (that you can really make) and start:

1. Pay OFF the High Credit Card Interest rates first
2. SKIP a payment on the lower ones if you have too
3. Once the Higher Ones are paid off in order, start doubling up on the lower ones
4. USE your monthly budget you set aside all the way till the end.
5. DO NOT REAPPLY FOR MORE CARDS.

That's it - with these simple guidelines, you will be well on your way to a Better Tommorow :)

Vanda pharmaceuticals

2009-05-07T08:43:00.001-07:00

Learn more about Vanda Pharmaceuticals by bookmarking this blog.

.vanda pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: VNDA) announced today that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted marketing approval of Fanapt(TM) (iloperidone) for the acute treatment of adult patients with schizophrenia. The approval was supported by two placebo-controlled Phase III clinical studies comparing Fanapt(TM) to placebo and active control in patients with schizophrenia, as well as safety data from more than 3,000 patients.

Fanapt(TM) is a mixed dopamine D2 / serotonin 5HT2A receptor antagonist, and belongs to the class of atypical antipsychotics.

"The approval of Fanapt(TM) marks a new opportunity for many patients with schizophrenia, who experience only partial responses to current therapies, to achieve better control of their symptoms," remarked Dr. Peter J. Weiden, Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Psychotic Disorders Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. "Having Fanapt(TM) available is a major help for our patients in offering an effective antipsychotic with an excellent side effect profile across a wide range of major tolerability problems associated with other antipsychotic therapies."

The efficacy of Fanapt(TM) for the treatment of schizophrenia was supported by two placebo-controlled short-term (4- and 6-week) trials. Both trials enrolled patients who met the DSM-III/IV criteria for schizophrenia, and Fanapt(TM) was shown to be superior to placebo in controlling symptoms of schizophrenia across doses of 12mg to 24mg per day. The recommended target dose range of Fanapt(TM) is 12mg to 24 mg per day. Titration to the target dose of 12mg per day can be achieved in 4 days.

Vanda plans to make Fanapt(TM) available in pharmacies later this year.

Read more at (Source: http://www.bio-medicine.org/medicine-technology-1/FDA-Approves-Vanda-Pharmaceuticals-Fanapt-28TM-29-for-the-Treatment-of-Schizophrenia-4319-1/)

Bob White object

2009-05-06T22:48:00.000-07:00

UFO'S _ Unidentified (dont know what it was, not necessarily from mars)
_ Flying (its not on the ground, but its actually flying (or hovering in which case it'd be a UHO))
_Object (it's something that is bigger than a breadbox?)

Ok ........ well, for all you Twilight Zone Fans..........

On May 6, at 10:00 EST, the UFO Hunters will address the story of Bob White. If you don't know who he is, I will give you some basics.

In 1985, near the Colorado - Utah border, White and a traveling companion encountered a large UFO (OR UHO) As the object eventually sped away, an orange object fell from it. White located the artifact, claiming that it was part of the UFO.

He has spent many years trying to prove this, but so far, he has not been successful. If the information I am getting is accurate, that may be going to change.

The History Channel series may claim that the metal White recovered matches no known aluminum alloy made on Earth. We shall see.

For more on White's encounter, see my article, A UFO Artifact - Did Bob White Find Piece of UFO?. If any of you watch the show, leave a comment on what you think about it.

If you want to find out who are ILLEGAL ALIENS (or check into the same computers the big boys do) then you should check out this website.

X-Men Is a good movie! (Oh wait, wrong blog)

Schools out for summer

2009-05-06T20:23:00.000-07:00

Schools out for summer lyrics

Well we got no choice
All the girls and boys
Makin all that noise
'Cause they found new toys
Well we can't salute ya
Can't find a flag
If that don't suit ya
That's a drag

School's out for summer
School's out forever
School's been blown to pieces

No more pencils
No more books
No more teacher's dirty looks

Well we got no class
And we got no principles
And we got no innocence
We can't even think of a word that rhymes

School's out for summer
School's out forever
School's been blown to pieces

No more pencils
No more books
No more teacher's dirty looks

Out for summer
Out till fall
We might not go back at all

School's out forever
School's out for summer
School's out with fever
School's out completely

Source: Alice Cooper

Mindy Kaling

2009-05-06T19:12:00.000-07:00

Next Tina Fay?

Look out, America: Mindy Kaling is launching her takeover. The writer and actress — best known as Kelly Kapoor from The Office — has just signed a big deal with NBC that means she'll keep writing for and appearing on The Office while developing a potential new sitcom in which she'd be the star.

But wait, it gets better. Kaling — who also writes a funny blog that she hasn't updated in way too long — might want that show to be a buddy comedy about women, in the vein of Flight of the Conchords. Apparently, one of her pre-Office writing jobs was a pilot for the WB about two best friends straight out of college, and she's "always wanted to do another show about women."

Gotta say, I love this news. Kaling's hilarious and adorable, and I could definitely see her following in Fey's footsteps. It's also a relief to know she won't be leaving The Office anytime soon, because every time Kelly turns up, it's golden. What do you make of this deal?

Source: http://www.buzzsugar.com/3118268

Free kfc printable coupons

2009-05-06T18:51:00.000-07:00

KFC's new Kentucky Grilled Chicken, printable coupon for an absolutely free two-piece meal is right here!

That's two pieces of chicken, two sides and one biscuit.

In order to print the coupon, you've got to download someting called Coupon Printer. It's a simple process that took me about 3 minutes.

This special was announced on The Oprah Winfrey Show and according to the show Web site, you've got to print out the coupon by 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 6.

The coupon can't be photocopied. It expires on May 19 and can't be used on Mother's Day. This is a pretty good deal for a family,. I believe the limit is 4, but you can probably get 8 or 12 if you use a few computers and different IP's .

Oh! It's still KFC and not KGC (at least I hope not)

For those whom LOVE COUPONS (Save 90% in many cases) You should check out
www.couponstofreegroceries.com , and these coupons are REAL :)

World's oldest dog

2009-05-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

WORLDS OLDEST DOG is a POODLE !!

.......

Fred sent a link (Thanks, Fred) on my post about Chanel, the Guinness Book of World Records oldest dog at 20.

Fred’s link is to an April 5, 2009 story from the Daily Mountain Eagle in Jasper, Alabama about a Poodle who is verified to be 27 years old.

When Brenda and Barney Harvill found out that they couldn’t have children of their own, they adopted a tiny Poodle puppy and named her Taffy Gayle. She has been their baby ever since. (The newspaper incorrectly identified her as a “teacup.” You can see that she isn’t.)

Taffy Gayle was born Sept. 22, 1982 and the Harvills adopted her from a kennel a week before Thanksgiving that year. Although Taffy Gayle, is now blind, deaf and missing most of her teeth, they love her as much now as the day she came into their family 27 years ago.

“Never having any children, I just think it’s a blessing that God’s let us keep her this long,” Brenda Harvill said.

Like many Poodles Taffy Gayle enjoys playing dress up. Brenda’s thrift store purchases include T-shirts, sweaters, and a pink party dress. She wears her party dress to celebrate her birthdays when she gets a little cupcake with a candle on it.

Her dog food diet is supplemented with potted meat, stewed chicken and hamburger. Taffy Gayle also gets a baby aspirin each morning and eye drops two times a day.

The petite Poodle is not entirely dependent. Even though she is blind, she knows her way around her territory well enough to find her food and water bowls.

When they got Taffy Gayle, the couple had a Chihuahua named Candy and liked the idea of having Taffy Candy. Brenda gave Taffy her own middle name when she registered her with the American Kennel Club.

So if we doubted the word of this couple about the dog’s age (and I wouldn’t want to be around anyone who would question these lovely people) there is documentation from the AKC to prove that she was born September 22, 1983, 27 years ago.

So why isn’t she the World’s Oldest Living Dog in the Guinness Book? The short answer is that Guinness is a commercial enterprise. It is entertainment, not an almanac. They don’t have the resources to go around the world seeking out record holders.

People must apply to Guinness, and they are besieged with applications. Applicants must fill out long questionnaires, supply documentation, have their claims authenticated by people whose character is above reproach, and produce media stories.

Some people enjoy this kind of recognition and publicity.
Some people don’t.

Source: http://thepoodleanddogblog.typepad.com

Speaking of Pets...........

Did you know that:

A Pet Bakery Business Offers It's Owners..

Extremely HIGH Profit Margins!

A LOW-RISK Business You Can Operate From Home Virtually Anywhere

Prestige And Recognition As A PET "Expert"

A Business With An Outstanding FUN Factor

A Chance To Enhance The HEALTH and WELLNESS Of Our 4 Legged Friends

Virtually UNTAPPED Niche Marketing Possibilities
Tap into this business and find yourself not only rewarding yourself with a dog chomping on your new creation (all legal info for making dog bones included) but find yourself making some good income as well!

VISIT THIS SITE FOR MORE DETAILS: BAKE A DOG A BONE

Source: Bake A Dog A bone