Useful Stuff On the Net

James Blunt: I feel naked when I sing

2010-11-09T04:27:00.000-08:00

James Blunt feels naked when he takes to the stage as his lyrics are so personal.

The British singer is famed for ballads such as You’re Beautiful and Goodbye My Lover. He doesn’t like to talk about his personal life or discuss the meaning behind his songs, explaining he thinks people can work things out for themselves if they study the lyrics. He pours everything he has into his tunes, which sometimes makes him feel strange when he sings them to strangers.

“Often they are very personal and private songs, the lyrics behind them... to get on stage is a naked moment,” he admitted.

The star is currently promoting his new album Some Kind of Trouble, which he wrote over the last year. He went into the studio with no idea of the sort of record he wanted to make, choosing to spend time “messing around” with his producer until he was happy with a song.

The process worked, and James is pleased with the resulting LP. He says it is more positive than a lot of the material he has released before, although there are still some tracks which will appeal to his diehard fans.

“It’s more upbeat, it’s got some happy songs in there which is unusual for me. I’ve got a little dash of misery in some of them but this is optimistic as an album and it’s been really fun making it,” he told the BBC. “This one’s taken over a year, locked away in the studio. I went in and messed around, so it’s nice to be allowed out to talk to people. We were in there almost every single day, I think my producer’s wife was jealous about the amount of time we were together.”

Several years ago, James admitted he sold his sister on internet auction site eBay. She was desperate to make it to Ireland in time for a funeral so he posted an advert calling for someone to help her as she couldn’t get a flight or ferry in time. She is now married to the man who won the bid, giving James a cunning idea.

“My sister is now married to the person I eBayed her to. I have a second sister who I’m going to put online soon,” he said. “She’s not as good, she’ll be cheaper but it’s worth a go.”

Source: musicrooms.net

Rihanna tops singles chart

2010-11-09T04:25:00.000-08:00

Rihanna sits on top of the singles chart for a fourth time with her new single Only Girl (In The World).

Cheryl Cole's Promise This, which was number one last week, dropped to number two, while Alexis Jordan's new single, Happiness, debuted at number three in the Official Charts Company's top 10 singles list.

Entering the charts just one week ago, a massive 126,000 copies of Rihanna's Only Girl (In The World) were sold in its first week.

The success follows three other number one singles she has had in the UK - Run This Town, which was released in 2009, Take A Bow, released in 2008, and Umbrella, which was recorded in 2007.

In total the Barbadian-born singer has recorded 14 singles that have made it into the Official Chart Company's top 10.

Source: musicrooms.net

Nicole Scherzinger: I pretended to be Whitney

2010-11-09T04:23:00.001-08:00

Nicole Scherzinger pretended to be Whitney Houston when she was growing up.

The star has revealed she was a huge fan of the legendary singer as a child, and would spend hours singing along to her most famous tracks. Nicole admits she lacked confidence when she was younger, and always felt happiest when she was behind a microphone.

“I was really shy as a kid, but I’d always sing at family get-togethers and pretend I was Whitney Houston!” Nicole said in an interview with British magazine Star.

The 32-year-old beauty also confirmed her band, the Pussycat Dolls, are currently on “hiatus” and she is focusing on her solo career. Even though she isn’t sure if the group will reunite in the future, Nicole insists she is still hoping it will happen.

“It’s inevitable if you put five chicks together and make them one of the biggest groups in the world, breathing each others’ air 24/7, things are gonna clash,” she explained. “But I haven’t left, it’s still there for the future.”

Nicole went on to discuss her acting career, revealing she is keen to show off her comedic timing in a movie. The beauty claims she is a “goofball” and can’t understand why people perceive her as intimidating.

“I guess I’m a pretty good actress. I asked a friend recently why people are blown away when they meet me. And my friend said: ‘Maybe you were playing this persona of Queen Doll in the group for so long that people think that’s what you are really like.’ So I guess I’m just a really good actress!” she laughed. “I can’t wait to do more comedy. I love being goofy. I’m naturally a goofball!”

Nicole is so busy working on her singing and acting projects, she has no plans to get married to her boyfriend, racing driver Lewis Hamilton. However, she has refused to rule out tying the knot in the future. “Everything in its time,” she teased.

Source: musicrooms.net

Kanye West's mile high show

2010-11-09T04:21:00.001-08:00

Kanye West surprised passengers on a US flight by giving them an impromptu concert.

The ‘Runaway’ singer reportedly took to the in-flight loudspeaker in the cockpit of the Delta Airlines flight from Minneapolis to New York, where he rapped versions of his hits ‘The Good Life’ and ‘Gold Digger’.

The famously outspoken rapper reportedly serenaded passengers 30 minutes into the flight, giving edited versions of his tracks, omitting profane language.

A passenger on the flight told website HollywoodLife.com: “I had to pass through First Class to get my seat in Economy, and I saw Kanye sitting there with a little drink in his hand.

“I wouldn’t have even thought it was him, but he was sitting with a very PR-looking lady.”

Describing how the star then got up to perform for those on board, the witness continued: “He was like, ‘Yo, this your n***a, Kanye.

“Then he couldn’t decide if he wanted to do ‘The Good Life’ or ‘Gold Digger,’ so he was like, ‘I’ll just do a little bit of both.’ It was awesome - but I still have no idea how he got into the cockpit.”

The witness said what shocked them most, however, was that Kanye didn’t demand preferential treatment upon leaving the plane.

The source added: “He filed out in line with everyone else, and I thought that was pretty cool. Especially for Kanye.”

Kanye also posted a message of support to his fans over the weekend, tweeting: “All my fans have really supported me through the dark times and I wanna thank yall for the constant motivation.

“Even when I'm super tired I don't wanna let yall down... my fans are my family ... FANMILY! (sic)”

Kanye releases his new album ‘My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’ on November 22.

Source: musicrooms.net

Robbie Williams wanted to crush Barlow

2010-11-09T04:18:00.000-08:00

Robbie Williams wanted to “crush” Gary Barlow.

The ‘Angels’ singer has admitted he found it hard to forgive the Take That songwriter when he left the band in 1995 and even after seeing his former friend struggle to establish a solo career following the demise of the group, he couldn’t let go of his bitter feelings.

Robbie – who has now ended his feud with Gary and rejoined the group for a new LP and tour – said: “My problem has always been with Gary. It was always with Gary. I wanted to crush him. I wanted to crush the memory of the band – and I didn’t let go.

“You know, even when he was down, I didn’t let go. And for that I sincerely apologise.”

Meanwhile, Gary has admitted he begged his bank to change the name on his credit cards after his career flopped while Robbie’s took off because he couldn’t take anymore ridicule.

He said: “It was hard watching Rob get further and further into the distance and I just seemed like I’d gone 10 steps back.

“It was a constantly daily mock. It followed me everywhere. You just seem like a total loser.

“In fact, I remember asking the bank whether I could change my name on my card. I couldn’t face my own name because even over the phone people would make some wisecrack.”

Though Take That – also comprising of Howard Donald, Mark Owen and Jason Orange – are preparing to release their first album as a five-piece in 15 years and will embark on a mammoth European tour next year, their reunion was thrown into doubt after Robbie again quit the group last November following a brief appearance together, saying he wasn’t ready.

He explains in new documentary ‘Take That: Look Back, Don’t Stare’: “I wasn’t very well, physically. I just didn’t feel as if I had the energy to do it.

“It was a scary prospect to be out there among something so huge feeling depleted of life force.”

Though he was eventually talked round by Mark, Jason was furious with the ‘No Regrets’ singer’s actions.

He said: “It was like the rug was pulled from under my feet. I was gutted. I actually said to Rob, ‘Your whims have a direct effect on us.’ ”

‘Take That: Look Back, Don’t Stare’ airs in the UK on ITV1 on Saturday (13.11.10) night.

Source: usicrooms.net

Kesha celebrates new album with gold tooth

2010-11-09T04:16:00.000-08:00

Ke$ha celebrated the launch of her new album Cannibal by investing in a gold tooth.

But the 23-year-old singer revealed that the flashy fang also holds a darker purpose.

"I got it because I like to dig into people's flesh," the Tik Tok singer reportedly told the Daily Star. "It reflects my cannibalistic side, hence the album name."

And she assured fans that she plans to be on the scene for a good while yet.

She added, "I can't stop writing songs, actually, so I think there'll be more from me next year."

Source: musicrooms.net

Violence follows Myanmar election

2010-11-09T04:02:00.000-08:00

Clashes between rebels and Myanmar government troops raged in a key border town a day after the country's first election in two decades - polling that critics say will cement the military-run government's power.

Gunfire and clashes broke out along Myanmar's border with Thailand Sunday in the first sign of post-election violence. At least 10 people were wounded and hundreds of panicked refugees fled into Thailand. Sporadic gunshots and mortar fire in the border town of Myawaddy continued into Monday afternoon.

Groups from Myanmar's ethnic minorities who make up some 40 percent of the population had warned in recent days that civil war could erupt if the military tries to impose its highly centralized constitution and deprive them of rights.

Myanmar's secretive government has billed Sunday's poll as a step toward democracy, but most observers have rejected it as a sham engineered to solidify military control. President Barack Obama called the vote ''neither free nor fair.''

Still, some say having a parliament for the first time in 22 years could provide an opening for eventual democratic change. There is little doubt the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party will emerge with an enormous share of the parliamentary seats, despite widespread popular opposition to 48 years of military rule. It fielded 1,112 candidates for the 1,159 seats in the two-house national parliament and 14 regional parliaments, while the largest anti-government party, the National Democratic Force, contested just 164 spots.

As early results trickled in, state media and the Election Commission reported that 40 junta-backed candidates had already won their races. And no matter the election results, the constitution sets aside 25 percent of parliamentary seats for military appointees.

Detained Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party won a landslide victory in the last elections in 1990 but was barred from taking office, had urged a boycott of the vote. Hundreds of potential opposition candidates were either in prison or, like Suu Kyi, under house arrest.

Although the balloting passed peacefully in most parts of the country, the clashes in Myawaddy highlighted the unstable situation in Myanmar.

Khin Ohmar, a spokeswoman for Burma Partnership, said a faction of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army, seized the town's police station and post office Sunday. The group sides with the regime, but a faction has split off and along with other Karen rebels is fighting the central government.

Heavy fighting appeared to subside by Monday afternoon but sporadic shots sent refugees streaming across the Moei River into Thailand, said Samard Lyfar, the governor of Thailand's Tak province on the border. Some bullets landed on the Thai side of the frontier.

He said five Thais and five Burmese were reported wounded.

An Associated Press photographer at the border estimated about 3,000 refugees had entered Thailand.

A Japanese photographer, Toru Yamaji, 49, was detained Sunday in Myawaddy on suspicion of illegal entry after slipping across the Thai border to try to cover the election, Japan's embassy said. Yamaji worked for APF, a Tokyo-based news organisation. Myanmar had barred foreign reporters from covering the polls.

The military has ruled Myanmar since 1962, when it was known as Burma. Decades of human rights abuses and mistreatment of its ethnic minorities have turned the Southeast Asian nation into a diplomatic outcast. The junta has squandered Myanmar's vast natural resources through economic mismanagement and found itself allied with international pariahs like North Korea.

While Sunday's vote was widely condemned in the Western world, it was met with virtual silence by Myanmar's chief ally, China, and economic partners in India and Southeast Asia.

Many voters said they wanted to cast their votes against the junta's politicians.

''I cannot stay home and do nothing,'' said Yi Yi, a 45-year-old computer technician in Yangon. ''I have to go out and vote against USDP. That's how I will defy them (the junta).''

Voter turnout appeared light at many polling stations in Yangon, the country's largest city. Some residents said they stayed home as rumors circulated that bombs would explode.

By late Sunday night, some of the opposition politicians who took part in the elections were expressing dismay at what they called widespread cheating.

Several parties say many voters were already strong-armed into casting ballots for the junta's proxy party in a system of advance voting.

Soe Aung, deputy secretary of the Thailand-based Forum for Democracy in Burma, called on the international community not to recognize the election results ''because this is a sham election'' that will create ''rubber-stamp'' parliament for the military.

Such criticism was echoed internationally.

A statement from Obama, who is on a tour of Asia, said the elections were ''neither free nor fair, and failed to meet any of the internationally accepted standards associated with legitimate elections.'' He said the United States would continue a policy of both ''pressure and engagement'' in seeking change in Myanmar.

Some voters and experts on Myanmar said that despite the election's problems, creating a parliament for the first time in more than two decades might provide an opening for eventual change.

''It seems likely that the very small public political space will be widened and this is probably the best outcome we can hope for from the election,'' said Monique Skidmore of Australian National University.

Democracy advocates are now looking toward the coming few days. Officials have indicated that Suu Kyi could be freed from house arrest after the election.

Suu Kyi's lawyer Nyan Win said Monday that he was certain Suu Kyi would be released Saturday, when her latest period of detention expires.

''We are making plans for a welcoming ceremony,'' he said.

Suu Kyi has been locked up in her Yangon villa on and off ever since the ruling generals ignored the 1990 poll results. They hold a total of some 2,200 political prisoners.

One of Suu Kyi's two sons, 33-year-old Kim Aris, applied for a visa Monday at the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok in hopes of seeing his mother for the first time in 10 years. Aris, who lives in Britain, has repeatedly been denied visas.

Asked if he was optimistic, Aris told reporters he had ''not too much hope. But there's always a little bit of hope.'' He called the elections ''a load of rubbish.''

Source: stuff.co.nz

Queen wins 60,000 fans on Facebook debut

2010-11-09T03:58:00.000-08:00

Britain's Queen Elizabeth has joined Facebook, adding a presence on the world's most popular social network to the royal family's accounts on Twitter, photo-sharing site Flickr and YouTube.

The British monarchy's Facebook page does not allow users to "friend" the Queen or to send her messages, but offers updates on royal news and diary events.

By midday Monday, a few hours after the page went live, 60,000 people had clicked to signal they liked it, meaning they will receive updates on the royal family's activities in their Facebook news feeds.

The page does not display personal details such as the Queen's relationship status, interests or political views.

Britain's royal family prides itself on keeping up to date with new technologies.

In 2008, the Queen uploaded a video to YouTube during a visit to Google's London offices, in 2009 a British monarchy Twitter account was launched, and a royal Flickr account was created this year.

Facebook was launched in 2004 and now has more than half a billion active users around the world.

Source: stuff.co.nz

Obama backs India's UN seat bid

2010-11-09T03:55:00.000-08:00

US President Barack Obama endorsed India's long-held demand for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, a reflection of the Asian country's growing global weight and its challenge to rival China.

India says a seat on the council would reflect the importance of the G20 nation as its trillion dollar economy helps spur global growth and its government exerts more and more influence over issues from Doha trade to climate change talks.

"In the years ahead, I look forward to a reformed United Nations Security Council that includes India as a permanent member," Obama said in a speech to India's parliament on his first official visit to the world's largest democracy.

"Let me suggest that with increased power comes increased responsibility," he added at the end of the first leg of a 10-day Asian tour that has also been seen about gathering support from countries like India to exert pressure on China on its currency.

Ben Rhodes, White House deputy national security adviser, said ahead of Obama's speech that "this was a full endorsement" for India's permanent membership of a reformed Security Council.

In his three-day trip - the longest stay in any foreign country by Obama - the US leader announced $10 billion in business deals, aiming at reassuring voters at home that countries like India offer benefits for US jobs rather than causing unemployment through outsourcing.

The UN move comes as India increasingly competes with China for global resources, from Africa to Latin America. But its economic assertiveness has been often accompanied by cautious diplomacy on issues like Myanmar and engagement with Iran.

The UN seat could be a pipe dream and face resistance from some of the UN Security Council's five permanent members - Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.

But it is Obama's most headline-grabbing announcement in a visit that has seen the US leader seek greater trade with India's massive yet underdeveloped and restricted markets as well as to help counterbalance the rise of China.

The UN Security Council has since the body's inception had five permanent members with the power to veto resolutions. It has been criticised for not reflecting global 21st century power.

Obama's trip with more than 200 business executives, and his UN announcement, underscored the growing importance of India, which by 2020 is expected to be one of the five largest economies in the world, along with Asian powers China and Japan.

The West is increasingly dependent on India, and China to power their moribund economies. It was unclear how much Delhi would reciprocate by opening its economy more to foreign firms.

"I don't think India is emerging. It has emerged. India is a key actor on the world stage," Obama told a joint news conference with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh earlier on Monday.

Obama will also visit Indonesia, South Korea and Japan on the tour that will see Washington push to prevent countries unilaterally devaluing currencies to protect their exports, a top theme at the G20 summit in Seoul this week.

Obama has also announced the United States would relax export controls over sensitive technology, another demand of India's.

It is unclear how much new Washington will get from India.

Sectors like retail and the financial services are restricted to foreign investors and there are few signs that Singh's ruling Congress party has plans for any major reforms soon.

US Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sanchez said the United States wanted greater market access to India's infrastructure and energy sectors. India has targeted to spend $1 trillion over five years on upgrading its poor infrastructure, from potholed roads to log-jammed ports.

For all the talk of a UN seat, it could take as much as a decade to achieve. Some in the United States have been sceptical as India has often stood against the United States in UN votes.

"The UNSC (US Security Council) is not going to be reorganised in the next eight to 10 years," said Gurmeet Karmal, director of Centre for Land Warfare Studies, a New Delhi-based think-tank.

"I do not think China will openly come in the way, but they will encourage some of its friends to vote against any such move."

The US leader also warned that India would have to take a more responsible role in international affairs, such as pressuring Myanmar to embrace democracy.

"India has often shied away from some of these issues. But speaking up for those that cannot do so for themselves is not interfering in the affairs of other countries."

Obama is walking a diplomatic tightrope in New Delhi, on the one hand trying to boost diplomatic and business ties with India while on the other ensuring relations with Pakistan and China, nations often at loggerheads with India, stay stable.

He criticised US ally Pakistan over its failure to clamp down on militants. India has long expressed scepticism at US support for Pakistan, saying Islamabad is hoodwinking Washington by taking aid while also backing militants in Afghanistan.

"We will continue to insist to Pakistan's leaders that terrorist safehavens within their borders are unacceptable and that the terrorists behind the Mumbai attacks be brought to justice," he said.

But Singh appeared to rebuff calls by the US president for the nuclear foes, who have gone to war three times since independence in 1947, to move forward on peace talks.

"You cannot simultaneously be talking and at the same time the terror machine is as active as ever before," Singh said.

Source: stuff.co.nz

Ghoulish Facebook vandals mock Australian laws

2010-11-09T03:50:00.000-08:00

The Facebook tribute pages of the Melbourne teenager who died yesterday after being punched in the head and the family who were killed in South Australia have been defaced with vulgar messages and sickening photographs.

It's the latest in a series of incidents of vandalism of tribute pages of people who have died around the world.

An organised online group appears to be co-ordinating attacks on tribute pages, with police and other authorities doing little to stop it.

Facebook, which has been consistently criticised for failing to stamp out the practice and act quickly enough to remove the offensive messages, did not respond to a request for comment.

Calls have been placed with the local PR firm and Facebook's spokesmen in the US.

Cameron Lowe, 17, wrote a series of haunting messages on the social networking site following a confrontation with a group of youths who punched him in the head. He died in The Alfred hospital yesterday after he was found in his bed not breathing.

A "R.I.P Cameron Lowe" Facebook tribute page set up for his family and friends to offer condolences has been defaced with gruesome and pornographic photos.

Some of the images were posted by a group of internet "trolls" who also wrote highly offensive and inappropriate messages on the tribute page wall.

The group, whom we have chosen not to name to defeat their quest for notoriety, seeks to harass grieving families by defacing tribute pages.

They gather on an online forum, seen by this website, where they discuss targets and laugh about their work.

The group have posted a video on YouTube that glorifies their vandalism and shows how they deface the pages.

Also defaced was a tribute page to Chantelle Rowe, 16, who was found dead with her parents in their Adelaide home yesterday.

Inappropriate messages and doctored photographs were posted to several tribute pages for Chantelle and her family, who police believe were killed in a triple murder.

A cousin, Steven Rowe, wrote about the material on Facebook: "He even sent this shit to my inbox ... thats my cousin and i honestly hope some [sic] kicks your head in!"

But the user responsible for the messages replied: "I won't go to jail ... i'm not in Australia, therefore I cannot break the Australian law".

Victoria Police and South Australia Police both refused to comment, arguing no offence had been committed.

However, Jesssica Chantelle Cook, 22, from Queensland, received a three-month suspended jail sentence inAugust for posting offensive material on a Facebook tribute page for murdered Sunshine Coast woman Justine Jones.

Cook had pleaded guilty in the Gympie Magistrates Court to one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence.

Earlier this year, former prime minister Kevin Rudd said he was considering appointing an online ombudsman to deal with social networking issues after Facebook tribute pages for several slain Australian children were vandalised.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh wrote to Facebook demanding to know what action it intended to take to prevent a recurrence of these "sickening incidents".

In response to the outcry, Facebook sent out an alert to all Australian members informing them how they could lock down Facebook pages and prevent vandalism. However, this evidently had little impact.

Source: stuff.co.nz

Melbourne teen made tragic Facebook farewell

2010-11-09T03:48:00.000-08:00

A Melbourne teenager who died yesterday after being punched in the head posted his final thoughts on Facebook, just hours before he lapsed into unconsciousness.

Cameron Lowe, 17, wrote a series of haunting messages on the social networking site about his soreness and confusion following the confrontation with up to 20 youths near the Hungry Jack’s store in Pakenham at midnight on Saturday.

An argument had broken out before Cameron was punched in the head, causing him to hit his head on the road when he fell.

An hour after the attack, Cameron updated his Facebook status, asking friends for a hug with the message: "I'm sore :("

Minutes later he wrote: ‘‘Dunno what happened but my jaw hurts ... all I wanna do is cry.’’

‘‘Wtf I must be drunk,’’ he posted at 2.01am. ‘‘All I know is my head hurts.’’

His final post, at 2.12am, read: "Sore :’("

Cameron was discovered in his bed not breathing about 13 hours after the punch. He was taken to The Alfred hospital but died about 1.30pm yesterday.

The teenager was remembered yesterday as a carefree boy who loved video games and silly jokes.

His friends turned to Facebook to pay tribute to the teenager, with more than 1700 people joining a page set up to remember him.

‘‘Cameron , work was so wrong when I walked in an you weren’t there to insult me :(,’’ wrote a colleague, Casey Boyce.

Another friend, Chantelle Bryant, wrote: ‘‘cameron lowe, so full of happiness and joy. may you continue living your life above us. the whole crew at hungry jacks are wearing black tape on our arms for you.’’

Friends and colleagues last night gathered at the Hungry Jack’s outlet on the Princes Highway where Cameron worked to pay their respects, fighting back tears as they served customers.

Assistant manager Casey Boyce said Cameron was a popular staff member who had worked there for about 18 months.

She said Cameron loved video games and telling jokes. "They were his things," she said.

"He was a good kid. He always had some lame joke that he would tell. He always had a smile on his face. He was a happy-go-lucky guy who never upset anyone. He had a lot of mates."

Ms Boyce said Cameron’s older brother, who also worked at the restaurant, had visited yesterday afternoon to see friends at the restaurant.

"I saw him and lost it. Everyone here is very close … they’re all like family. It’s just so sad,’’ she said.

Police said Cameron had been with family and friends at the Hungry Jack’s outlet on Saturday night when the group was approached by the gang of youths.

A 17-year-old boy who handed himself in to police yesterday was questioned for several hours before being released without charge.

Paramedics who went to the family home yesterday said the boy went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated.

"Soon after the use of oxygen and cardiac compressions, the pulse returned,’’ paramedic Kerryn Wratt said.

"Then intensive-care paramedics gave him some drugs that stopped his breathing so that we could take over breathing for him, in an induced coma.’’

Police said their investigations were continuing.

Source: stuff.co.nz

US soldier 'killed for sport'

2010-11-09T03:45:00.000-08:00

The soldiers who reported to Staff Sergeant Calvin Gibbs paint a monstrous picture: He killed Afghan civilians for sport, they say, and encouraged others to do the same.

He collected fingers of the dead, plotted against his own men and found it amusing to slaughter animals with his assault rifle.

Gibbs will get a chance to contest that portrait Tuesday during a military hearing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord south of Seattle on charges that include murder, dereliction of duty and trying to impede an investigation.

The Article 32 hearing is similar to a civilian grand jury proceeding, with a military judge looking into charges to see if there is enough evidence to send the case to a court martial.

Gibbs insists all of the deaths were appropriate engagements, according to his lawyer, Phillip Stackhouse, who declined to comment further.

The 25-year-old from Billings, Montana, is the highest-ranking of five soldiers charged in the murders of three civilians during patrols in Kandahar Province this year in what has emerged as one of the most gruesome cases of the Afghan war.

"He liked to kill,'' said Specialist Adam Winfield, who said he tried to blow the whistle on the alleged murder plot before taking part in the final killing.

"He manipulated a lot of us into doing what he wanted us to do.''

Gibbs arrived in the platoon late last year and soon began telling his subordinates how easy it would be to kill civilians, some soldiers told investigators in statements reviewed by The Associated Press.

Gibbs reportedly spoke of getting away with killing a family when he served in Iraq - a claim investigators are still looking into.

He devised scenarios under which he could kill Afghan civilians, the soldiers said, suggesting in one case that if he and his men came across someone in a village flagged as Taliban-influenced, they could toss a grenade and claim they had been responding to a threat.

Gibbs also illicitly collected weapons - including an AK-47 and a rocket-propelled grenade - which he could plant on the bodies of dead civilians to make them appear to be combatants, the soldiers said.

In addition to the killings, Gibbs and some of his men fired at - but missed - two unarmed farmers during a patrol in late March, investigators were told.

Gibbs falsely reported that they shot at three combatants, one armed with a rocket launcher, according to Staff Sergeant Robert G Stevens, of Portland, Oregon, who said he took part in the attack but tried to miss the farmers.

"I was extremely thankful to find out that we had not killed or wounded either of those two individuals, and I regret not trying to stop Staff Sergeant Gibbs from trying to kill innocent people,'' he said in a sworn statement.

Stevens, Gibbs and four other soldiers are charged with conspiring to commit aggravated assault in that incident. The probe of the killings started after a witness in a drug investigation, Private 1st Class Justin Stoner, reported being badly beaten by a group of soldiers led by Gibbs.

Stoner said Gibbs and the other central figure in the case, Specialist Jeremy Morlock, of Wasilla, Alaska, later returned to his room, where Gibbs laid a set of severed fingers on the floor as Morlock warned him not to rat.

"I believe he has no regard for any life in general,'' Stoner said of Gibbs.

"I have watched him slaughter animals with his M-4 and finding it amusing is just completely wrong.''

After the beating, Stoner told investigators he believed Morlock had three unjustified kills. The first was in January.

Morlock said in extensive statements to investigators that it happened a few weeks after Gibbs gave him an illicit grenade and told him he should carry out the scenario they had discussed.

Morlock said he tossed the grenade at a man in a field as another soldier, Private 1st Class Andrew Holmes, of Boise, Idaho, shot; Holmes says he had no knowledge of any plot to kill civilians.

Winfield sent messages home to his parents in Cape Coral, Florida, after that killing, telling them that his colleagues had murdered a civilian. They were urging him to get one of his own, he said, and he was being threatened to keep quiet.

Winfield's father called several phone numbers at Lewis-McChord that day. He said he told a sergeant about his son's situation and urged the Army to intervene, and his phone records reflect a 12-minute conversation with someone at the base.

Gibbs is accused of killing a civilian in February, a week after Winfield's father made the calls, and dropping an AK-47 by the victim's body to make it appear he was armed.

Spc Michael Wagnon is also accused of participating in that killing, but denies involvement. In the third killing, in May, Gibbs is accused of tossing a grenade at a civilian as Morlock and Winfield shot.

They told investigators the victim posed no threat; Winfield, who said he felt pressured by Gibbs, called it "the worst thing I've ever done in my life.''

Morlock claimed to be deathly afraid of Gibbs even as he participated in killings: "He's crazy. There's something wrong with that guy,'' he told investigators in a videotaped interrogation.

But other soldiers from the platoon said Gibbs was well-liked and that his competence and experience likely saved lives.

"Staff Sergeant Gibbs from what I have seen is a charismatic individual and a group leader both on patrol and off, one of the best (noncommissioned officers) I've had the pleasure of working with in my military career,'' said Specialist Adam W. Kelly of Montesano, Washington.

Source: stuff.co.nz

Resurgent Liverpool down Chelsea in EPL

2010-11-09T03:40:00.000-08:00

English champions and Premier League leaders Chelsea suffered their second defeat of the season as Fernando Torres scored twice to guide resurgent Liverpool to a deserved 2-0 victory at Anfield.

The Spaniard was back to his predatory best with two well-taken goals in the first half, inspiring Liverpool to their third successive league win following their dismal start to the season.

Arsenal failed to take advantage of the leaders' slip, however, as they were beaten 1-0 at home by Newcastle United courtesy of Andy Carroll's header late in the first half.

Manchester City did gain ground with Italian striker Mario Balotelli scoring both goals in a comfortable 2-0 win at West Bromwich Albion before being sent off in the second half.

The results squeezed the top of the standings with Chelsea still leading on 25 points, two ahead of Manchester United, who beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 on Saturday.

Arsenal and Man City have 20 with Newcastle up to fifth on 17 points. Liverpool, in the bottom three a week ago, jumped to ninth on 15.

OLD TIMES

It was just like old times for Liverpool with Anfield rocking and Torres ripping through Chelsea's defence.

The Spaniard, gradually regaining his sharpness, struck after 11 minutes when he collected a lovely ball from Dirk Kuyt and tucked it beyond Petr Cech and he doubled the lead just before halftime with a brilliant curler after cutting inside.

Chelsea, who had conceded only three goals in their previous 10 league games, upped their game in the second half with Didier Drogba joining the fray.

They generally controlled possession for the rest of the match but a late shot against the bar by Nicolas Anelka was their best effort.

"We are climbing the table, playing better every day," Torres told Sky Sports.

"We needed time to work with the new manager and the new players. Now we have to show we can play with the same intensity and quality against the teams in the middle of the table."

Arsenal dominated at The Emirates but though they twice hit the bar through Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott they lacked the killer finish.

Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was at fault for the goal when he was outjumped by Carroll, whose header looped into the empty net.

"It was a big disappointment because our performance was not good enough," said manager Arsene Wenger. "We knew on set pieces we couldn't afford these kind of mistakes."

MINI-CRISIS

Manchester City had suffered a mini-crisis when they followed league defeats by Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers by losing to Lech Poznan in the Europa League.

However, they were always in control on Sunday and deservedly handed West Brom their first home defeat to lift their spirits ahead of the league derby against Manchester United on Wednesday.

Around 50 million pounds worth of attacking talent combined for City's win as David Silva had a hand in both Balotelli's goals after 20 and 26 minutes.

The hot-headed striker spoiled his day, though, when he received two bookings in the space of three minutes after needless fouls.

"We played a fantastic game, my players played football so well," said City boss Roberto Mancini, who added he was considering appealing Balotelli's red card.

Source: stuff.co.nz

Fifa gives $127,000 to injured Togo keeper Obilale

2010-11-09T03:31:00.000-08:00

Togo goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale will receive a donation of NZ$127,000 from Fifa after being seriously injured during an armed attack on his team's bus before the start of the African Nations Cup in January.

Fifa said in a statement on its website (www.Fifa.com) today (NZ time) that president Sepp Blatter had told Obilale in September that a payment of NZ$32,000 would be made from the governing body's humanitarian fund but it had now decided to raise that sum.

The 25-year-old keeper, formerly with French side Pontivy, needed surgery for gunshot wounds to his back and abdomen following the attack in the Angolan province of Cabinda which killed two members of Togo's soccer delegation and the bus driver.

Obilale is still continuing his rehabilitation, Fifa said.

Togo pulled out of the Nations Cup finals following the attack and were given a four-year ban from the competition by the African Confederation of Football (CAF). The ban was overturned following mediation by Fifa.

Source: stuff.co.nz

LiLo and dad’s ‘emotional’ reunion

2010-11-09T03:26:00.000-08:00

Lindsay Lohan and her dad were finally reunited at California's Betty Ford clinic seven months after she cut him out of her life.

The 'Mean Girls' actress, who had refused to speak to him for telling tales about her, cave in and asked him to visit.

"It was an emotional reunion - there were hugs, kisses and even a few tears when Michael and Lindsay first saw each other," the Sun quoted a source as saying.

"I have pledged not to comment about anything relating to my daughter. However, I will say I am an incredibly proud father tonight," Michael said.

Meanwhile Lindsay's mum Dina believes rehab is changing the wayward star.

"She's happy and relaxed. She's just a different person. She's been to a couple of facilities but this one, to me, has really changed her.

"They get into your psyche and bring the problem to the surface," she said.

"It was life-changing. It's an amazing place. I've spent two weeks there in family sessions," Dina added.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

I'd like to have my own kids:Sheryl Crow

2010-11-09T03:18:00.000-08:00

Singer Sheryl Crow, who recently adopted two boys, says she would love to have her own children naturally to experience pregnancy.

"I would have loved to have gone through the whole experience of pregnancy myself and it's not impossible that it couldn't happen still, but I didn't feel like I needed to bring another kid into the world just to satisfy my own needs to become a mother when there were already so many kids in the world that needed one," femalefirst.co.uk quoted Crow as saying.

She did, however, request the process to be a closed one, where the natural parents would receive no information about her having adopted their child.

"I said I would take whichever baby I was supposed to have, my philosophy was that souls find each other; you don't end up with the wrong child, but it would have been difficult for another mother to see her child grow up in magazines," she said.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Big B to copyright his voice!

2010-11-09T03:10:00.000-08:00

You're not an aspiring actor unless you've tried your hand at an Amitabh Bachchan imitation. From radio to ads to comedy shows, good/bad/downright criminal copies of his voice and mannerisms are everywhere, and he's not alone. Many actors and celebrities are spoofed or have their voices copied pretty much everyday – in fact, so often that we barely notice any more.

But recently, Big B took deep umbrage at a gutka company copying his voice for their advertisement, especially "for someone who does not smoke or propagate smoking or any kind of intoxicant, by keeping away from endorsing such products, it is most disgusting to find someone conflagrating the law of the land and the law of ethics," he wrote online. He's also said that he's going to copyright his voice so that it's not copied in this manner anymore.

Kis kis ki copy?
He's probably the most imitated star, but there are a bunch of others whom we've heard being spoofed endlessly over the years – in both commercial and non-commercial spoofs (see box). These remain the favourites when it comes to copies. Says mimic and TV comedian Suresh Menon, "People like Sanjeev Kumar, Shotgun, Dadamuni, Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan remain the most copied stars, and it just shows that our present day actors are not as iconic or as stylish as these older ones. We're still drawing from these legendary stars; these days, there's nobody really worth imitating or with a distinctive style, except maybe Shah Rukh Khan. Actors are very mechanical these days." DU student Samridhi Kapoor also remembers Sunny Deol being copied sometimes, besides Big B and other older stars, and adman Prahlad Kakar says Big B, Sachin Tendulkar, SRK, Shatrughan (with his signature 'Khamosh!') and Sunny Deol are copied often. Adman Piyush Pandey adds Asrani to the list.

Right ya wrong?
But while we all enjoy the humour when these stars or their voices are copied for spoofs, admen, mimics and audiences all agree that when used for commercial gain without consent, mimicking a voice like that is unfair. "Amitabh Bachchan is absolutely right. He's recognised by his voice, it's his signature. I mean, when someone does a thin-voiced imitation of a cricketer, we all know whom they're copying. If Big B gets his voice copyrighted, he can sue people like those gutka manufacturers, which he can't do otherwise. It's alright if you're copying a star for a spoof or for the purpose of programming, but when you're doing it to sell a product, even if it is a spoof, that's wrong. When it's all fun and games, you can spoof even Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh. They don't have a copyright law for voices yet, but if Big B gets his voice copyrighted, he'll be the first one and he'll be bang on," says Kakar. Pandey agrees. "It's unfair to Mr Bachchan. He's in any case overused by the industry. While the legalities are still not clear, it's fair if he's angry. Voices can be copied, but if they're attributed to the star and used for personal gain, how do you prove it wasn't them?"

While Menon agrees that it's unfair in cases like these to use mimicry for commercial gain without the star's knowledge or permission, he sounds a note of caution about overdoing the permission bit. "God has given us this talent – not everybody can mimic people well enough to make a living from it. If they want us to stop mimicry and spoofing altogether, they'll have to compensate us for the money we'd lose from not practising skills we've perfected over years. Humour should not be interfered with. Famous people are always imitated, it's the best form of flattery."

The Most Copied
'Sholay' still the most spoofed film
Most spoofed/copied actors:
Amitabh Bachchan
Shah Rukh Khan
Gabbar Singh/Amjad Khan
Sunny Deol
Dharmendra
Hema Malini
Sachin Tendulkar
Sanjeev Kumar
Shatrughan Sinha
Dev Anand
Ashok Kumar

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

sat scores: Bristol SAT scores fall below national, state averages

2009-04-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

BRISTOL — Bristol students are not doing as well as their counterparts across the state in reading, writing and math on the critical SAT test that is used by many colleges to help determine whom they admit.

“We have work to do,” school Superintendent Philip Streifer said Wednesday.

The scores generally show that students in Bristol whose parents are low-income or lacking a college education do better than expected, but those from higher- income families whose parents are well-educated fall well short of expected results.

Bristol’s mean SAT score for 2008 was 1491, which is about 30 points lower in each of the three categories than totals posted in neighboring districts such as Farmington, Lewis Mills High School in Burlington, Southington or West Hartford.

Perhaps most disturbing is that Bristol students who reported they were in the top tenth of their class at Bristol Central or Bristol Eastern high schools were lower in every area than Connecticut students as a whole.

Bristol’s white students as a whole did worse than white students across both the state and the nation.

African-American and Hispanic students in Bristol, however, outscored minorities in Connecticut and elsewhere in the country.

The numbers spurred education officials to plan a wholesale campaign to raise SAT scores in years to come by offering more accelerated and Advanced Placement classes, improving instruction in key classes and other measures that may help.

Administrators need to bring the sort of focus to the issue that they did to CAPT scores nearly a decade ago, said Denise Carabetta, who coordinated the push.

Bristol’s CAPT scores have jumped significantly as a result of that push, putting the district on par with communities that have much higher income and educational levels.

“When we focus on something, it improves,” said Martin Semmel, the principal at Central.

The new plan calls for adding AP classes in statistics, English & Composition, environmental science and U.S. history.

It would also offer more accelerated middle-school classes to get students ready for college level work as soon as their sophomore year of high school.

Streifer said part of the effort will be to convince teachers that every student is capable of doing high-level work. He said that’s the necessary foundation.

Also crucial is that Bristol’s education funding hold up, which is by no means certain as state leaders try to cope with unprecedented revenue shortfalls.

Over the past five years, the only SAT area where Bristol has made any meaningful gain is in math. Reading and writing scores have been flat.

Officials hope that emphasizing the skills the test addresses across the curriculum will help students do better on their SATs while simultaneously preparing for a more successful college education.

Steve Collins can be reached at (860) 584-0501 ext. 254 or scollins@bristolpress.com.

2008 Average test scores

Reading

Bristol 493

State 509

Nation 502

Math

Bristol 503

State 513

Nation 515

Writing

Bristol 494

State 513

Nation 494

Source: bristolpress.com

John Mulaney: Comedian on top

2009-04-04T02:50:00.000-07:00

Few other stand-up comedians have made a dent on the national comedy scene as big as the one John Mulaney has– and at such a young age. A near perfect debut album for Comedy Central and a scribe gig at Saturday Night Live leaves little question as to why that is.

In just a few short years, comedian John Mulaney has accomplished more than most comedians twice his age. At 26, he’s already headlined the country’s top comedy clubs, been a regular talking head on VH1’s Best Week Ever, scored a plum gig as a writer on Saturday Night Live — and on March 24, Comedy Central Records is releasing a collection of his distinctive storytelling on everything from drag queens and childhood pranks to his favorite TV shows.

The album, The Top Part takes its name from a throw-away line in one of Mulaney’s most notorious jokes, which raises questions about the King Solomon story in the Bible, in which the monarch settles a dispute between two women over a baby by deciding to cut it in half and giving each a piece. As the fable goes, the true mother is determined when the other woman agrees with the demented strategy and says she’ll take whatever half she can get — and according to Mulaney, the woman is so whacked-out, she actually refers to the baby’s head as “the top part.”

“That Bible story was just one of those things that had bothered me since I was very little,” explains Mulaney from his SNL office on the 17th floor of 30 Rock. “And [the top part] it is my favorite thing in the joke, but I don’t think it gets such a laugh.”

But cricket-filled moments like that don’t happen much during a John Mulaney set. His infamous takes on the obvious in pop culture, like Donald Trump’s “fine golden hair” or how bartenders on Law & Order inexplicably remember every customer they’ve ever served, are the self-proclaimed rat bastard’s bread and butter.

Here, Mulaney raps to Punchline Magazine about his new album, his gig on the world’s most famous sketch show, and naturally, drag queens. Check out his Comedy Central special on April 3 at 10 pm.

How cool is it to have your very own CD coming out?
It’s been really incredible to be involved with Comedy Central Records on this. I was really flattered when they asked me to do it. I certainly knew I had enough material to do one. It definitely struck me as quite a big deal and exciting that there was even an offer to do one with them. Comedy Central is just a great place for stand-up.

Which jokes on the CD are you most proud of?
There are jokes I really like, the one about drag queens and Goth people. I find them real satisfying because they came from real opinions. I wasn’t sure if they’d work as jokes. When something like that happens, when you have an opinion on something for a long time and then it translates well, it’s very cool.

What’s the inspiration behind the drag queen joke— about how they act more like assholes than women?
I was walking near Fifth Avenue the night of the day of the Gay Pride Parade in New York. It must have been the Summer of ‘07. There was a really tall drag queen standing on the street and a car drove by that honked at someone else in traffic, and the drag queen waved and yelled ‘Thank you!’ like the car was honking at her. It was really funny to me. The parade had been over for hours, but she felt like she was a celebrity. Anyway, it got me thinking about how some drag queens I’ve encountered will display a big ego and act like they’re famous.

Are there any jokes that people want to talk about when they meet you?
Definitely the Law & Order one. That one caught on. I think people laugh even when they haven’t seen the show. (Watch the bit below).

Jokes.com

John Mulaney - Jerry Orbach

Where did that one come from?
I think I first started talking about Law & Order in Columbus, OH in 2005. I was staying in a condo with another comedian named Andi Smith. I was the emcee and she was featuring. We played some game where we gave each other a slip of paper with a word on it and you had to write about that word for three minutes or something. I got ‘police’ and wrote down something about how on Law & Order, the police interview people and they keep going about their business, but in real life, getting questioned by police is a really tense thing. I tried some early version of it that weekend and then gradually made it in to the too-long bit you hear today.

How do you go about writing jokes? Do you make notes on things as they pop up or do you just sit down and brainstorm?
I’ll kinda make notes all the time. Things will come up throughout the day. Then I try to make a point to sit down with all that stuff and write it out. There was a period of time when I was doing a set a night at minimum, sometimes a couple shows a night, every night of the week so I’d work out a lot more stuff on its feet. One of the good things about coming up in New York when I did — and I still am — there was lots of shows where you could try a lot of new stuff. I almost feel weirder if I’m going into a set without doing anything new. It’s really satisfying when people connect with an opinion you’ve had for a very long time, and that you absolutely believe to be true, that seems very like, ‘Oh wow, people feel the same.’ That’s the special thing.

How did you get involved with SNL?
I auditioned for the show and was hired to write. What’s awesome about the show is that, among the writers, everyone really works together and in lot of different pairs and groups. It was really crazy to come here the first week of August when I was hired. It’s obviously so exciting and the people were so welcoming.

How crazy is your schedule? Take me through your week.
Well, we have Sunday off. Throughout Monday and Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, there’s a lot of writing. And then a read-through on Wednesday. Then you’re rehearsing and rewriting until Saturday.

Which skits have you worked on?
I’ve been lucky enough to get some on. One sketch I liked a lot was this Of Mice and Men one we did with James Franco. I wrote that with a writer named Marika Sawyer. It’ been an extremely fun time. I love it!

How did being on Best Week Ever help jump-start your career and get you noticed nationally?
Well, it helped in that I got to do my own jokes on a weekly television show. I noticed that after about a year of doing it I was recognized more and more when I went on the road. That was definitely a nice thing as I started to headline. I had a lot of fun doing that show and due to the tight amount of time to do different bits I got better at writing more economical jokes.

At seven years old, you were in a sketch comedy group called the Rugrats. Do you remember your first joke?
I did a George Bush impression that was 99% stolen from Dana Carvey. We also did a sketch where it was supposed to be a foreign movie so we were all talking in gibberish and there was a translator, and someone asked someone, ‘Where did you get those shoes?’ and they went like, [gibberish for 10 seconds] and then the translator was like, ‘Penny’s.’ I remember thinking it’s really funny to give a short answer. It was the first time I’d ever heard that kind of joke, and I was like, ‘Yep, that’s good.’

Source: punchlinemagazine.com

Cleavagefield on Cinemax

2009-04-04T02:41:00.000-07:00

Cleavagefield on Cinemax - Cleavagefield is as the name implies, a movie with lots of cleavage! Basically it is an erotic parody of cloverfield where scared naked women run away from the Cleavagefield monster.

Cleavagefield premiered on April 1 on Cinemax. The Cleavagefield monster looks more like a possessed inflatable dinosaur but no one is really watching the monster in this movie.

Here is the Cleavagefield Trailer

Cleavagefield (trailer) - video powered by Metacafe

This of course isn’t the best movie of the year but if you’re in the mood of watching a sexy comedy then check out Cleavagefield on Cinemax.

Source: news.mylocoworld.com

Lady GaGa at American Idol

2009-04-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

American Idol on Tuesday night was rocking. There were contestants singing their favorites from iTune downloads. There was elimination….and there was Lady GaGa at the piano with her latest hit “Poker Face” that has topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It is the second week for “Poker Face” at the top. On the AI stage, she was dynamic.

The pop singer from New York has beat US rapper Flo Rida’s “Right Round” which ruled the chart for six weeks. And, before “Poker Face“, it was “Just Dance“. It was no 1 in the list in January, reigning for three weeks. With these phenomenal success of these two songs one after the other, Lady GaGa has become the first artist in almost ten years to rule the Hot 100 chart with two entries. The last performer to reign the Hot 100 list with her pair of songs ["Genie in a Bottle" (1999) and "What a Girl Wants" (2000)] was….yes you guessed it right. Christina Aguilera. The only other women to have reached the top of the list with two songs in the last 25 years were Mariah Carey in 1990 and Tiffany in 1987.

It is hard to believe that a pop singer who, sometime back, was desperately trying to get her songs played on the US radio has, today, become a brand name. More to look forward to on the GaGa front.

Source: celeb9.com

diapers.com: Reviews boost search rankings and drive 33% more sales at Diapers.com

2009-04-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

Within two weeks of implementing new technology that makes it easier for search engines to index customer product reviews on its site, natural search drove 33% more sales at Diapers.com. Josh Himwich, director of e-commerce operations and customer experience for the retailer, says a new feature from ratings and reviews vendor PowerReviews spurred the sales. The In-Line SEO feature generated a 49% increase in natural search traffic and a 59% rise in the number of keywords driving traffic to the site’s product pages.

In-Line SEO routes organic search traffic directly to Diapers.com’s product pages that feature customer reviews. PowerReviews says eliminating the interim landing pages and sending consumers directly to ratings and reviews pages helps retailers avoid the drop-off in traffic that typically occurs between a landing page and a product page.

When gathered by a vendor like PowerReviews and fed back to the retail site, customer reviews aren’t actually part of the HTML code of the retailer’s site, according to Himwich, so they aren’t indexed by search engines as part of the e-commerce site. Under that scenario, the only way to use customer reviews for search engine optimization is to create a microsite, transparent to the site visitor, specifically to hold product reviews in a format that can be indexed.

“The problem there is that they’re not on the product detail page – you have to provide a link to get them to the product page,” Himwich says.

By incorporating the top 15 reviews for any product directly into the HTML coding of the product page, the page gets a boost in natural search rankings from the fact that the reviews create a higher keyword density for the page, which search engines read as greater relevance to the keyword being searched, Himwich explains.

He adds that making the customer reviews indexable on product pages also helps traffic and sales by associating many more keywords with the product. For instance, a customer review might describe the product as “easy fit,” language the site’s own product descriptions don’t include. Because the reviews contain content search engines now index, “there are that many more keywords driving customers to the product detail page,” he says.

Source: internetretailer.com

LegiStorm.Com Can Find Capitol Hill Staffers' Salaries and Earmarks

2009-04-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

The founder of LegiStorm.com — a searchable database of Capitol Hill staff’s salaries — may want to run for the Hill.

A former Capitol Hill investigative reporter, Jock Friedly, just launched a website that allows users to look up the annual salaries of congressional staffers. The site also makes it simple to track a person’s trips, financial disclosures, the gifts they received and the explosive growth of legislative earmarks.

"Earmarks have been at the center of several congressional scandals in the past few years, and openness in the process can help combat potential abuses of the earmark system," said Friedly, founder and president of LegiStorm. "LegiStorm is proud to integrate earmarks data with our other data sets in order to bring deeper insight and increased transparency to congressional and executive spending."

The data helps users to make important connections between otherwise unconnected facts — such as between earmarks, which totaled $18.3 billion last year, and the corporate-sponsored travel or personal financial holdings of members of Congress and their staff.

LegiStorm’s new data were provided by Taxpayers for Common Sense, a group that tracks earmarks in detail. These "earmarks" are often directed back to the sponsoring congressman’s home district.

While you may call Friedly a real genius, all the information is open to the public. He’s just made it a lot easier for us, the taxpayers, who may be too far from Washington to trek to an office building inside the House and seek the folder with all the juicy details.

Source: wowowow.com

Jay Cutler puts Denver home up for sale

2009-04-02T10:57:00.000-07:00

The rift between Jay Cutler and the Broncos just got a little more interesting after the quarterback recently put his Denver house up for sale. Cutler’s parents got into the act too, putting their Denver house up for sale as well.

On Thursday, Broncos disgruntled quarterback Jay Cutler put his primary residence in Parker up for sale, with a listing price of $2 million.

This decision for a lifestyle change comes amid the soap opera that has been dubbed, McJaygate.
Cutler has been upset since learning Feb. 28 he was part of trade talks that never materialized. Cutler believes he has information that his new coach Josh McDaniels aggressively tried to shop him, despite the coach’s statements to the contrary. Since then, Cutler has refused to come in and meet the coach. This Monday morning, McDaniels, the primary target of Cutler’s discontent, is meeting with the full team, at least as it stands now. All players have been told to attend.

And now Cutler puts his pad for sale. The easy assumption, however, may not be what it seems. An NFL source said Cutler has considered selling his home for more than a year. Why? Because Cutler is a 25-year-old bachelor who has come to realize his 7,516-square-foot home that sits on a 1 1/2-acre spread is too big for a guy who lives alone.

Cutler and his folks putting their houses on the market could have nothing to do with him being traded. But apparently Cutler met with Broncos’ head coach Josh McDaniels on Saturday and the interaction reportedly didn’t go too well. His name continues to be linked to trade rumors and with the draft coming up in just over a month, Cutler could still be dealt sometime this offseason.

The Broncos begin their voluntary offseason workouts on Monday and the team expects Cutler to be there. Maybe if he shows, it’ll prove that he’s going to be a professional about this situation, even though he’s still upset. Either way, “McJaygate” doesn’t appear like it’ll be settled anytime soon.

Source: scoresreport.com

Topshop NYC Opening Thursday

2009-04-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

New York City’s Topshop store will be opening in SoHo tomorrow, after several months of construction delays. The four-story store, which closely resembles the Flagship store on Oxford Street in London, is the first Topshop location in the United States, though the retailer has hundreds of other stores around the world.

One of the biggest appeals of Topshop opening in New York is that the store will carry Kate Moss’ fashion line for the store, making the clothing available to American shoppers for the first time in a retail location. Also coinciding with the opening of Topshop NYC is the global launch of the new Spring collection of the Kate Moss Hearts Topshop line.

Amid concerns about Topshop launching a 25,000 square-foot location in New York City during a global recession, Sir Philip Green, president of Topshop’s parent company Arcadia Group, says, “You’ve seen a few retailers collapse, but I think the big people will ride out the storm […] People haven’t stopped shopping. The young fashion market has still remained pretty resilient during these difficult times.”

Topshop faces competition from Swedish retailer H&M and Spain’s Zara, with the former also featuring celebrity and fashion designer collections, notably from Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld and Madonna. Whereas the special H&M collections are only available for one season, Topshop’s partnership with Kate Moss is already in its ninth collection — and has been arguably more successful than the H&M ventures. Though while the American launch of H&M appealed to shoppers independent of the celebrity collections, it’s undeniable that the Kate Moss Hearts Topshop line is giving Topshop NYC its biggest boost.

To celebrate the new store opening, several parties are planned, both at the retail location — which features a DJ booth — and around NYC. Green will be hosting invitation-only parties at Balthazar; Kate Moss and Green will be hosting an event at the Box on Thursday with Adele and La Roux. Performances by Marc Ronson, Santigold, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, and maybe even Lady Gaga are expected as part of the launch festivities.

Sources: Bloomberg
- Brooklyn Vegan

Life on Mars' Series Finale Explains it All

2009-04-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

Producers promised that all questions would be answered on the series finale of Life on Mars. The show definitely delivered, but it wasn’t in the most exciting way. It was definitely a happy ending for Sam though.
Life on Mars, “Life is a Rock”

Sam has been having dreams of the future. In the dreams he is in his apartment in 2008, but he is watching himself as a child and his father.

At the station Sam received another phone call from the male voice. The voice told him if he wants to go back to 2008 he needs to do three things. He told him the first thing is to save himself, then hung up. Seconds later Rose ran in to tell Sam that Vic had stolen little Sammy.

While on patrol, Sam told Gene that he was a cop in 2008, and he was transported to 1973 after a car accident. Gene didn’t believe him, but he thought it was funny and simply said, “That explains everything.”

Rose had told the detectives Vic might be in this little basement in town, but Vic found Sam before Sam found him. He knocked him out, and he and a friend dragged him away.

Back at the station Gene and the other detectives interrogated Rose. They believed she had something to do with Sam being taken away, and she made things worse when she called Sam Luke Skywalker. Annie was able to talk to Rose alone, and she learned that Sam reminds Rose of what her son will be when he is grown up. She also told Annie about a memory she has of her family at a small summer town named Hyde. Annie told the detectives about it, but they didn’t believe her.

Sam escaped after the men left. He walked outside on to Hyde Avenue, and he saw the man from the funeral and the little girl who rode the bike in the beginning episodes. He also saw the robot, which made him flash through pieces of his life in 2008. He tried to call the station, but the voice interrupted, telling him to duck because gun fire was coming his way.

Sam eventually found Vic and Sammy on a boat. Sam and Vic wrestled off the boat, and Sam told him he was his son. “I know,” Vic said. Just as Vic is about to slice Sam’s throat, Gene shoots him.

When Rose is reunited with Sammy, Sam told her his real name is Sam Tyler.

Annie was promoted to a detective.

Sam saw a flash forward to New Year’s Eve 2010 on his television. In the scene he was reading to an elder Annie. Windy saw it too and told Sam she was the one. He rushed to her, and they finally kissed.

Sam received the final phone call, but before we could learn the third thing he told the voice he didn’t want to go home because he liked 1973 and hung up the phone.

Gene and Sam hugged, which sent Sam “home.” “Home” for him was a space ship in the year 2035. The other detectives were there too. They were all astronauts on a gene hunt on Mars. Windy was their computer, and the man they arrested last week who claimed to know everything about Sam was their leader. Gene Hunt was actually Major Tom, and he was Sam’s father. Everyone had been on a neurological stint, and there had been a glitch with Sam’s, which is why he was in 1973 with memories of 2008.

The last scene was the entire group stepping out on to Mars.

The copyright of the article Life on Mars' Series Finale Explains it All in Prime Time Dramas is owned by Amanda Hamilton. Permission to republish Life on Mars' Series Finale Explains it All in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Source: prime-time-dramas.suite101.com

Mary Lou Henner on April 24 Tonight Show with Jay Leno (Video)

2009-04-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

Zamu Healthy Living

2009-04-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

http://issac.amazonherb.net

1. Go to quick order on top right of the website
2. Add 1 quantity of Fiberzon Mint Flavor
3. 1 Digestazon Plus (270 caps is a MUCH better buy!)
4. Add Zamu
5. Checkout

http://issac.amazonherb.net

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Top 25 fittest and fattest cities in the U.S.

•by FatFighterTV, on Thu Jan 15, 2009 11:32am PST
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Sure, obesity is a problem in this country, but when you think fat, you probably don't think Miami. So you may be surprised to find Men's Fitness magazine ranks Miami as the nation's fattest city in its annual survey. The fittest? Salt Lake City.

So what about the South Beach Diet… and all those buff bodies you always see in the ocean-side metropolis? Even though Miami has a high number of health-food stores per capita, Men's Fitness found it also has nearly three times the fast-food restaurants as the average city. And while there are 79 percent more gyms and health clubs than average, residents are less likely to regularly use their memberships. Not many residents take advantage of outdoor activities, either.

On the other end of the spectrum… Salt Lake City got top marks for being the fittest city because of its abundance of park space, athletically motivated residents, and below- average obesity rates. It ranks highest in the survey in the number of people who take part in activities like beach volleyball, racquetball, aerobics, hiking, basketball, yoga, tai chi, swimming, cycling, running, and kickboxing.

As for the rest of the country, here are the top 25 fittest and fattest cities according to Men's Fitness:

Top Fittest Cities

1. Salt Lake City, UT
2. Colorado Springs, CO
3. Minneapolis, MN
4. Denver, CO
5. Albuquerque, NM
6. Portland, OR
7. Honolulu, HI
8. Seattle, WA
9. Omaha, NE
10. Virginia Beach, VA
11. Milwaukee, WI
12. San Francisco, CA
13. Tucson, AZ
14. Boston, MA
15. Cleveland, OH
16. St. Louis, MO
17. Austin, TX
18. Washington, DC
19. Sacramento, CA
20. Oakland, CA
21. Atlanta, GA
22. Fresno, CA
23. Tampa, FL
24. Nashville-Davidson, TN
25. Pittsburgh, PA

Top Fattest Cities

1. Miami, FL
2. Oklahoma City, OK
3. San Antonio, TX
4. Las Vegas, NV
5. New York, NY
6. Houston, TX
7. El Paso, TX
8. Jacksonville, FL
9. Charlotte, NC
10. Louisville-Jefferson, KY
11. Memphis, TN
12. Detroit, MI
13. Chicago, IL
14. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
15. San Jose, CA
16. Tulsa, OK
17. Baltimore, MD
18. Columbus, OH
19. Raleigh, NC
20. Philadelphia, PA
21. L.A.-Long Beach, CA
22. Phoenix-Mesa, AZ
23. Indianapolis, IN
24. San Diego, CA
25. Kansas City, MO

How did your city do? (Mine's #18 on the FATTEST list)

Don't miss a thing! Sign up for FatFighterTV's daily updates, get the FREE e-book, "Recipes and Tips for Healthy, Thrifty Meals"

[Photo Credit: Men's Fitness]

Related: weight, salt lake city, obesity, miami, men's fitness, health, fittest cities, fittest, fattest cities, fattest, cities

http://issac.amazonherb.net

Duration : 0:10:12

[youtube MxIFdz4Pq4M]

Source: scientopica.com

FASB Vote Relaxes Mark To Market Accounting Rule

2009-04-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

The FASB, pressured by U.S. lawmakers, voted to relax fair-value mark to market accounting rules banks say don’t work when markets are inactive. The question is when does the FASB Mark to market rule apply.

FASB rule changes on mark to market take pressure off the banks on accounting for mortgage-backed assets. It gives firms more leeway in valuing assets.

The thing is that Bloomberg says fair value can be applied to Q1, AP on Yahoo finance says new rules apply to Q2. FASB site says nothing.

According to this Twit from Jim Cramer Citigroup Gets a Lease on Life From FASB: The change in mark-to-market might bring the short-squeeze of a lifetime.

Her is the summary of FASB's April 1 board meeting.

"Summary of Board decisions are provided for the information and convenience of constituents who want to follow the Board’s deliberations. All of the conclusions reported are tentative and may be changed at future Board meetings. Decisions are included in an Exposure Draft for formal comment only after a formal written ballot. Decisions in an Exposure Draft may be (and often are) changed in redeliberations based on information provided to the Board in comment letters, at public roundtable discussions, and through other communication channels. Decisions become final only after a formal written ballot to issue a final standard."

FASB board made the following decisions.

The proposed disclosures would be updated to reflect the results of the Board’s redeliberations of FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8, Disclosures by Public Entities (Enterprises) about Transfers of Financial Assets and Interests in Variable Interest Entities.

The scope of the proposed sensitivity analysis disclosures would be finalized as proposed and would not be expanded.

The Board previously decided to require specific disclosures for securitization and asset backed financing arrangements where a transferor has continuing involvement with transferred financial assets accounted for as sales. The Board decided to expand those requirements to all transfers of financial assets accounted for as sales where the transferor has continuing involvement with transferred financial assets.

All disclosure requirements would apply to both nonpublic and public entities.

An entity would disclose the nature of any beneficial interests received as proceeds from a sale of financial assets, and also disclose the inputs and valuation techniques used to value those beneficial interests.

An entity would disclose the maximum exposure to loss arising from its continuing involvement, except in the case of a secured borrowing.
Further guidance on how to consider materiality or significance in relation to continuing involvements would not be provided.

The reporting entity would not be required to disclose standardized categories of transferred financial assets in standardized tabular formats.

An entity would not be required to disclose an analysis of the maturity of its repurchase obligations.

An entity would not be required to disclose the amount of transfer activity (that qualifies for derecognition) in a reporting period when the transfer activity is not evenly distributed throughout the reporting period.

Based on the information provided by FASB

Source: huliq.com

Bruce Pearl to Memphis?

2009-04-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

DETROIT - Jeff Goodman of FoxSports.com is reporting that Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl has emerged as the leading candidate to replace John Calipari at Memphis.

Memphis AD R.C. Johnson “is expected to ask for permission” to speak with Pearl on Thursday and will offer him a deal worth $3 million a year, Goodman wrote.

Asked for a comment, Tennessee men’s basketball spokesman Tom Satkowiak said: “To my knowledge, at this point, Memphis has not contacted our director of athletics, Mike Hamilton, to request permission to speak to Coach Pearl.”

Said Memphis spokesman Lamar Chance: “I have not heard anything official on that.”

Bringing in Pearl would be a strong move for Memphis, which lost Calipari and could loose a slew of recruits, including Xavier Henry, DeMarcus Cousins and potentially John Wall.

Henry will likely end up at Kansas or Kentucky, Cousins could follow Calipari to Kentucky and Wall remains open and is considering several options.

It remains unclear what two other Memphis commits — Will Coleman and Darnell Dodson of Miami Dade College — will end up doing.

Miami Dade coach Matt Eisele said his program would keep that information “in house” for now.

Perhaps Pearl could stem the tide and keep some of the recruits from leaving.

Source: zagsblog.com

Katherine Olson's Murderer, the 'Craigslist Killer,' Sentenced to Life Without Parole

2009-04-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

Michael Anderson — who became known as the Craigslist killer after he lured a 24-year-old woman to her death by posting an ad for a babysitter — will spend the rest of his life behind bars. And, no, the 20-year-old will not be receiving parole.

Katherine Olson’s heartsick family was in tears when the judge sentenced the young man — who killed Olson and disposed of her body in the trunk of her own car. The tragedy happened 17 months ago in Minneapolis, but her death made a long-lasting impact globally by raising awareness of the often-anonymous Internet’s dangers.

According to reports, Olson arrived at Anderson’s home in response to an ad she found on the website Craigslist.org, which operates largely on classifieds. When she tried to leave, he pulled out his father’s gun and shot her.

The victim’s father, a Lutheran pastor, and mother, Nancy Olson, were in tears in the courtroom. Her father, Rev. Rolf Olson, told ABC News in 2007 that Katherine was "larger than life" and, "unfortunately, too trusting."

"She had found benefits on Craigslist," he said, "but in her trusting nature, she fell into this trap."

Click here to read the Minnesota Star Tribune for more on the trial.

SOurce: wowowow.com

Kelly Monaco’s Peep Show!

2009-04-02T10:20:00.000-07:00

Additional cast and creative team have been announced for PEEPSHOW, a new modern burlesque show created and directed by Jerry Mitchell, which will play the Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas starting on March 30, with an opening set for April 18, 2009.

Kelly Monaco, Jerry Mitchell, and Mel B
(© Tom Donoghue)

The show will star Mel B of the Spice Girls who will play Peep Diva, and Kelly Monaco, star of ABC’s General Hospital, will play Bo Peep. Both performers also appeared on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars.

In addition, Josh Strickland, who played the title role in Tarzan on Broadway, will be lead vocalist for the band, which will be directed by Susan Draus, and also feature Jackie Seiden, Cheaza, Nan Fourtier, Jennifer York, Jill Warren, and Dixie Dawkins.

Get YOUR tickets early! (maybe they’ll have Sam do a little somethin’ somethin’ on GH!)

Source: kdmask.wordpress.com

smart source: Red Plum Smart Source Coupons Unveil Free Products

2009-04-02T10:12:00.000-07:00

Red Plum and Smart Source coupons are usually printable online to use in grocery stores. You could be saving up to 40 percent using Publix weekly ads or specials at Winn-Dixie.

By: Kara Gilmour

Published: Apr 2, 2009

Updated: Apr 2, 2009

Red Plum and Smart Source are two ways to save money and to receive free products. The companies can save shoppers money and time by printing most of the coupons online. Some coupons can save $1 on a box of cereal, while others might offer a buy-one get-one free option.

Most of the Red Plum and Smart Source coupons offer 50 cents off on products. However, it is free money to collect when checking out at the grocery store. It adds up quickly, especially if you're purchasing items that you use each day such as paper towels, soap, and food.

Red Plum and Smart Source offer the ultimate value. However, why some shoppers don't feel the same way about online coupons.

If you live near a grocery store that offers a buy-one get-one free option on products, that becomes a better ultimate value. Some coupons offered on Websites do make you pay a subscription to magazines in order to become a member. However, Red Plum is a bit different they search for special offers and deals which are relevant to you.

Publix weekly ads and Winn-Dixie can save you nearly 40 percent off on your grocery bill.

Publix weekly ads also bring value and save you more than online coupons. For example, when you purchase Breyers Ice Cream, you can one free with your purchase. Some coupons offer $2 off on purchases. Other buy-one-get-on-free products include bacon, sausage, cereal, orange juice, salads, and others.

Winn-Dixie is another store to which offers huge savings. For example, they give you coupons of $10 off when you purchase $50 or more. We decided to test these coupons to see what our grocery coupon savings would be.

We purchased the Starbucks coffee, since it was on-sale. We saved $3 on each bag. In addition, we noticed that we get a coupon for $1.50 on each bag of coffee. The coffee was already on sale, so this was a "power saving" for sure. Most of the products we bought were for our office, and mostly buy-one get-one free items.

We spent more than $50. After providing all the coupons and subtracting the savings, we paid $33 total. That's about 40 percent savings!

If you don't have a Publix or a Winn-Dixie near you, always check the weekly ads from your local grocery store. You can get the same amount of savings. It depends where you shop.

You can pick up those weekly ads by stopping at the store on the way home. Take it with you and you will probably find better deals than printing coupons from Red Plum or Smart Source. It depends on the product, but you will always save more with store specials.
What's new with Red Plum Smart Source? Latest News In Business

You can share this Red Plum Smart Source news story with your friends or family from our Business section. This article can be shared through e-mail or sent to online social Web sites including Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and others. You can choose from one of the options below.

Source: newsoxy.com

Michael Caine Pushing for The Riddler in Batman 3

2009-04-02T03:36:00.000-07:00

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Michael Caine
Pushing for The Riddler in Batman 3
In a recent interview with Collider.com, Alfred actor Michael Caine tells us that he thinks The Riddler would be the next villian...
"Yes, if they do another one, I'll probably be the butler. I hope I'm still alive. Michael Goth, who played Batman before me, the last time he played in Batman he was 84."

On the topic of the main Villain Michael Caine sts: That would be probably The Riddler.

There you have it. Straight from the Butler's mouth. If there are any people in this world you can trust for accurate dirt on billionaire playboys just ask the staff or in this case the Butler, they've got it all.

Source: comicbookmovie.com

David Spade American Idol 8 (Gum Stick to Chair Video??)

2009-04-02T03:30:00.000-07:00

David Spade was caught on video on American Idol while he was behind Randy Jackson taking the gum out of his mouth and allegedly placing it or sticking it under his seat. I saw David Spade took the bubble gum out of his mouth but am not sure if he did stick it under the chair. Maybe the best way to find out is take a look at the seat he was sitting on and see if there's a gum under it..hehehe.

Watch the video below. Take note of "0:11 sec" of the video.
(David Spade sticks gum under the chair, David Spade gum american idol, david spade gum video)

Source: inday-stories.blogspot.com

boeing rc 135 Videos

2009-04-01T09:50:00.000-07:00

The RC-135V/W is the USAF's standard airborne SIGINT platform. Its sensor suite allows the mission crew to detect, identify and geolocate signals throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. The mission crew can then forward gathered information in a variety of formats to a wide range of consumers via Rivet Joint's extensive communications suite. The interior seats 34 people, including the cockpit crew, electronic warfare officers, intelligence operators and airborne systems engineers. All Rivet ...

Source: mediahangout.blogspot.com

April Fool's Day history: Does your family have a tradition of pranks?

2009-04-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

April Fool's Day has been around since the 16th century, when the pope changed New Year's Day from April 1 to January 1.

Some people weren't aware of the change, and those who had the inside dope thought it would be fun to send them on "fool's errands'' and play pranks.

This doesn't always work so well with children. This morning, my kids didn't realize it was April Fool's day, and when my husband announced, "You have a delayed opening today because of a power outtage at school,'' they were thrilled. When he shouted "April Fool!'' my six-year-old son burst into tears and ran upstairs.

I had to convince him that daddy didn't mean to upset him, that it was a day to play jokes.

Then I warned him that he needed to be suspicious today--since people like to mess with your head on April Fool's Day. But the only thing that cheered him up was the empowering knowledge that he could play pranks, too, and that he should retaliate against dad.

First he ambushed my husband with a tickling attack, then he announced that it was ten degrees outside. When my husband pretended to fall for it, Nate felt much better.

They had no plans to play tricks on teachers, and neither did any of their friends. Last year, I wrote a post about how kids don't seem to celebrate April Fool's Day in school anymore. I remember how that was a big deal when I was a child, and I hope it makes a comeback.

As long as the jokes aren't malicious, April Fool's Day is a worthy tradition that celebrates chaos, confusion, trickery and laughter. We have plenty of the first two in our lives, but we could always use some of the latter.

Did your children play pranks on you today, or did you fool them?

Source: nj.com

len berman: Blooper King Len Berman Leaving WNBC a Rich Man

2009-04-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

It's good to be a local news anchor in NYC in the sense that you very well might make a multimillion-dollar salary. But it's bad because you would be getting laid off. Adios, Len Berman.

Monday we heard that WNBC's Chuck Scarborough and KNBC's Paul Moyer, the Kent Brockman and Ron Burgundy of New York, were both potential buyout targets. And now loooooooongtime WNBC sports guy Len Berman—the guy who shows the bloopers!—is getting bought out:

Len Berman, a New York television sports fixture since 1979, including for the past nearly quarter century at WNBC-TV, will leave the station sometime in the next 30 to 60 days.

The station and Berman, 61, had been discussing for months a settlement of his contract - believed to be the most lucrative among his anchor peers with an annual salary one TV industry source estimated at $1 million.

He says he's ready for the "next phase" in his career or something, which presumably involves sitting in a rocking chair counting the staggering pile of money that he was paid over the course of his career, for some reason. You were good at what you did, Len, but it's a new era now. The only media people who deserve that kind of money these days are bloggers.

Source: gawker.com

Marine Corps Marathon - TAPS Special Runners

2009-04-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

Some of the TAPS runners include:

Sixteen-year-old Katrina Wert, lost her father, US Marine Corps Master Sergeant Michael Wert, when he drowned while saving two boys at a North Carolina beach….

Jaime Boris will run the Marine Corps Marathon this year only weeks before the first anniversary of her husband’s death in Afghanistan….

And there are more special runners for the MCM. Go to Assoluta Tranquillita here and meet some of our precious Gold Star Families.

Source: kneedeepinthehooah.com

fidelity national information services: Fidelity National Information to buy Metavante

2009-04-01T09:36:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Fidelity National Information Services Inc. (FIS: 17.23, -0.97, -5.3%) said Wednesday it will buy Metavante Technologies Inc. (MV: 22.35, +2.39, +12.0%) to create at $10 billion financial-transactions company. According to the deal, Metavante stakeholders will receive 1.35 shares of Fidelity for each common share they own. "The combined scale, complementary product capabilities and market breadth of these two great companies will drive significant competitive advantages in the increasingly dynamic marketplace," stated William Foley, chairman of Fidelity. The deal is expected to be accretive in 2010 with $1.3 billion in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. The companies also expect to trim out about $260 million in savings. Shares of Fidelity closed Tuesday at $18.20, up 2%, while shares of Metavante were up 2.8% to close at $19.96.

Source: marketwatch.com

Ted Stevens off the hook for good

2009-04-01T09:34:00.000-07:00

Attorney General Eric Holder has decided to drop all charges against former Senator Ted Stevens, after a series of allegations of prosecutorial misconduct put the conviction in jeopardy. The decision means that Stevens will not face prosecution again and will collect his Senate retirement benefits. Holder cited his age as part of his determination, but Holder obviously didn’t want to defend the conduct of DoJ prosecutors in the case:

The U.S. Justice Department has decided to drop all charges against former Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens amid accusations of prosecutorial misconduct, NPR reported on Wednesday, citing Justice officials.

Stevens, a Republican who served longer than any other U.S. senator before losing a November re-election race, was convicted in October of seven counts of lying on a Senate disclosure form to conceal $250,000 in gifts and home renovations from an oil industry executive and other friends. Allegations of prosecutorial misconduct have delayed his sentencing.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder reviewed the case himself and decided not to continue to defend the conviction in the face of questions about prosecutors” actions, NPR reported on its website.

Holder also was influenced by the age of Stevens, 85, and the fact that he is no longer in the Senate, NPR reported.

The government will move to dismiss the conviction today, presumably with prejudice, meaning that Stevens will be able to claim double jeopardy if the charges got refiled later.

I wrote earlier about the allegations of misconduct. The most recent involved allegations of a sexual affair between an FBI agent and a witness that didn’t get disclosed to the defense. The most serious charged prosecutors with deliberately withholding exculpatory evidence, including lying to the judge. Those allegations came from an FBI whistleblower, not the defense, which made the charges much more credible — and very, very damaging to the conviction prosecutors won.

Holder did nothing more than bow to the inevitable. After that came to light, no appeals court would have upheld his conviction. If that misconduct gets established, prosecutors involved will probably get disbarred.

Of course, none of this changes the fact that Stevens had oil-company lobbyists remodeling his house and hid that fact from the Senate. The fact that prosecutors engaged in serious misconduct does not make Stevens clean. It just makes him free.

Source: hotair.com

army ten miler: Registration for the 25th annual Army Ten Miler opens April 1st

2009-04-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

Registration for the 25th Army Ten-Miler opens tomorrow, April 1st. This year, in honor of the 25th anniversary, the field has been increased to 30,000 runners. Last year's race filled up in 21 days; race organizers expect this year's race to fill up by mid-May. Be sure to register early, you do not want to miss out on one of the best races DC has to offer.

With the field size of the race increased, there will be some other changes that come along. The pre-race expo will be moved to the DC Armory to allow for more exhibitors and vendors, as well as longer hours for packet pick-up. The GEICO pasta dinner will move to a larger ballroom at the Gateway Crystal Marriott, allowing for an additional 300 seats.

This year's race will be held October 4th, starting and finishing at the Pentagon. The atmosphere at the start is truly electric with the exciting opening ceremonies which include Blackhawk flyovers and the Golden Knights parachute team. This is a race that cannot be missed!

You can register at the race website. Good luck.

Source: mediahangout.blogspot.com

Metavante To Be Bought by Fidelity National Info Services

2009-04-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

MILWAUKEE - Fidelity National Information Services (NYSE: FIS) has agreed to buy Milwaukee-based banking technology company Metavante Technologies.

In a news release, the companies say they will save $260 million because of cost synergies.

There is no word on the number of job losses that may come from the integration of the two companies, including losses in Milwaukee.

Frank Martire, current Metavante chairman and CEO, will act as the president and CEO of the integrated FIS.

Fidelity provides processing for financial institutions, card issuing and transaction processing , and outsourcing for financial institutions.

Metavante gives banking and payment technologies to around 8,000 financial service firms and businesses.

Source: todaystmj4.com

Coach Calipari Press Conference

2009-04-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

Many great quotes from the press conference introducing Coach Calipari to the media. My favorite was when Cal said, in response to what he could bring to the program and why he was hired, “I recruit THE BEST of THE BEST”! Another great one was when asked about the Dribble Drive Motion offense he said it’s an offense that “Can’t hide you”, and “If you can’t play, I’m sorry.

On a side note, Calipari said he has already met with the team and will further once he arrives back from Memphis where he will be doing a send away press conference at 12:00 PM CT. Noted the roster could be shaken up a bit as well.

Further news will be reported as it comes.

Source: ukmadness.wordpress.com

Doug Stanhope Standup promo NSFW

2009-04-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

Amanda Alexis Lee PHOTOS!

2009-03-31T10:46:00.000-07:00

More Photo >>

PHOTOS! Here are pictures of today’s LALATE hottie, Amanda Alexis Lee. Amanda Alexis Lee was a Maxim Hometown Hottie representing Dallas Texas. You have to love Southern Girls.

Here are Amanda’s stats then for Maxim:
Height: 5′6″
Weight: 118 lbs.
Measurements: 34-24-35
Profession: Model
Favorite Sports Team: Dallas Cowboys

Amanda takes poll dancing lessons. Drool:

“What fun fact, talent, or mutant superpower of yours should guys know about?: I take pole dancing classes. I heard Carmen Electra talkin about it and decided to give it a try. It’s sexy, eccentric and a great workout. I just love it!”

Any Piercings or tattoos?:

“A dancer on my back, a little mistake in college. I’m going to put a cross over it.”

Check her out online here and here

Source: news.lalate.com

Pistachio Recall: Setton Pistachio Sends Out Information

2009-03-31T10:44:00.000-07:00

Setton Pistachio sent out this press release Tuesday, announcing its recall of pistachio bags over Salmonella fears. Scroll down for the press release.

According to The Associated Press, the company knew about the tainted pistachios last week:

The FDA learned about the problem last Tuesday, when Kraft Foods Inc. notified the agency that routine product testing had detected salmonella in roasted pistachios. Kraft and the Georgia Nut Co. recalled their Back to Nature Nantucket Blend trail mix the next day.

The FDA contacted Setton Pistachio and California health officials shortly afterward, in what Acheson called a "proactive move."

The Press Release from Setton Pistachio:

TERRA BELLA, Calif., March 31, 2009 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ ----Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. announced today that it is voluntarily recalling from nationwide distribution specific lots of bulk roasted shelled pistachios and 2,000 lbs., 1,700 lbs., 1,800 lbs. and 1,000 lbs. tote bags of roasted inshell pistachios sold to wholesale customers due to potential contamination with the Salmonella organism.

This voluntary recall affects certain bulk roasted inshell and roasted shelled pistachios shipped on or after September 1, 2008. The bulk product was distributed throughout the United States. The Company is voluntarily taking this precautionary measure after learning that a small amount of roasted shelled pistachios processed by Setton Pistachio and received by a commercial customer in late 2008 recently tested positive for Salmonella. This voluntary recall is not in any way related to the recent recalls associated with peanuts or peanut butter.

The Company is asking those firms who received bulk product and have further processed, repackaged, or distributed the affected products to recall those products and contact FDA.

In addition, the company is voluntarily recalling the following retail product: Setton Farms brand roasted salted shelled pistachios in 9 oz. film bags, UPC Code: 034325020252 with a "Best Before" date between 01/06/10 and 01/19/10. This product was distributed in the following states: SC, GA, FL, NC, VA, TN, KY. Consumers should not consume this product and should return what they may have to the place of purchase for a full refund. Setton has established a toll free number, (888) 228-3717 for consumers to call for further information.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

This is the first ever pistachio recall for Setton Pistachio, which has been selling pistachios for more than 13 years. Setton Pistachio is committed to quality products and consumer safety, and is taking aggressive action to prevent the need for any future recalls of its products.

SOURCE Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc.

Compiled by Katharine Zaleski

Source: huffingtonpost.com

Gary Sheffield Released by Tigers

2009-03-31T10:42:00.000-07:00

It didn't take long for the dominoes to start falling, in lieu of yesterday's trade for Josh Anderson. The Detroit Tigers released Gary Sheffield this morning, telling him they preferred a roster with more versatile players that could switch between positions.

Sheff, as we know all too well, is pretty much restricted to playing DH, though he insisted all along he could still play the outfield. The Tigers are on the hook for the $14 million owed to Sheffield for this season.

I have to say, I'm pretty stunned by this and didn't see it coming. A tip of the cap goes to Scott Warheit, who speculated such a move might occur (linked in today's Morning Prowl). This certainly allows the Tigers more lineup flexibility in terms of shuffling players around the outfield and DH spot. Sheffield looked to me like an immovable object at DH, anchored by that $14 million contract and a manager that seemed to be exceedingly loyal to him.

But apparently, Jim Leyland meant it when he said that players had to earn their opportunities. And Sheffield certainly hadn't done that this spring. Despite coming into camp presumably healthy, Sheff only hit .178/.378/.387 with three homers and five RBIs in 58 plate appearances. He struck out 10 times, while also drawing 13 walks.

Sheffield ends his Tigers career with a .247/.352/.431 average, adding 44 home runs and 132 RBIs in 247 games. It just never quite clicked as everyone had hoped when he was acquired from the Yankees before the 2007 season, largely because Sheff just couldn't stay healthy. And now, he'll have to hit that 500th career home run someplace else.

Where does this leave the Tigers, as their final roster needs to be determined? Well, it appears that Marcus Thames will remain in Detroit (we'll have to change that poll, eh?), now that he can toggle between the outfield and designated hitter. Jeff Larish will also likely find himself with the team as it heads to Toronto for Opening Day. Left field and DH probably once again become kind of a carousel, with opportunities to also give Miguel Cabrera and Magglio Ordonez a rest when needed.

Thanks to Sean and Trumbull and Michigan, who sent me a text message when the big news broke, everyone who commented on the news in this morning's first post, and to BennieBladesFan for posting a very timely note in the FanPosts.

Source: blessyouboys.com

Eagle Industries Photography Contest

2009-03-31T10:37:00.000-07:00

Eagle Industries has launched a year long contest to identify high quality photographs of Eagle equipment in action. Each month, from now until February 2010, a “First Prize Monthly Winner” and a “Second Prize Monthly Winner” will be selected from all eligible entries. First Prize Winners will be awarded an Eagle gift certificate in the amount of $200. Each Monthly Second Prize Winner will receive an Eagle gift certificate in the amount of $100

Be sure to read the rules before entering. To enter visit eagletaketheshot.com. Good Luck!

Source: soldiersystems.net

Pistachio Recall: what you need to know

2009-03-31T01:48:00.000-07:00

A salmonella scare traced back to a pistachio supplier in California has led to a US wide recall of certain brands of pistachio nuts.

Nuts from Setton Farms’ plant in rural Tulare County, California are currently under investigation. The company is the second largest supplier of pistachio nuts in the United States.

The Georgia Nut Company has recalled Kraft Back to Nature Nantucket Blend trail mix after some samples tested positive for salmonella. The Georgia Nut Company has also recalled its Bulk Deluxe Mixed Nuts and Dry Roasted Shelled Pistachios. Setton Farms has started a separate recall of roasted pistachios, and grocery operator Kroger also has recalled some pistachio products.

The pistachio’s were sold to three dozen wholesalers, who repackaged and resold them. As a result, the FDA said the recall was likely to expand as the pistachios were traced to processed foods like ice cream and cake mixes. We’ll keep on top of the story and offer updates when available.

Source: inquisitr.com

Tony Bennett Leaves Washington State for Virginia

2009-03-31T01:45:00.000-07:00

Have to admit that this was a move on the coaching carousel that was not expected. Tony Bennett turned down opportunities at Indiana and Marquette last year to stay in Pullman.

He did that, despite knowing he was heading for a rebuilding year at Washington State. A year later, after his Cougars steadily improved and he showed once more why he is considered a rising star in the coaching ranks, Bennett chose to move across the country to take the Virginia head coaching job.This is not to knock Virginia (though I'm sure some will take it as such): The Hoos hit at least a triple in their coaching hire, but Virginia is not on the same level as Indiana is or even what Marquette had become, following the job by Tom Crean to build that program.

Virginia has to compete in the ACC, and must recruit not only against UNC and Duke, but Maryland, Wake Forest, NC State and even in-state rival Virginia Tech. That's to say nothing of competition from Georgetown in nearby DC. The Cavaliers are in a fertile recruiting area, but also a highly competitive area. Add in the stricter academic standards at Virginia, along with the need to win quickly because of a shiny new arena, and this is not an easy job or anywhere like a laid-back situation without pressure.

Source: ncaatournament.fanhouse.com

Man Beheads Sister

2009-03-31T01:38:00.000-07:00

Kerby Revelus, 23, of Milton, MA, beheaded his 5-year-old sister after stabbing his 17-year-old sister, Samantha, to death. Another sister, 9-year-old Serafina, suffered stab wounds.

Police arrived at the Revelus home less than one minute after receiving a 911 call from Sarafina. They kicked in an upstairs door where Kerby Revelus, armed with a kitchen knife, grabbed his 5-year-old sister, Bianca, and decapitated her. He then turned the knife on 9-year-old Saraphina and began stabbing her. 17-year-old Samantha had already been stabbed to death in the same room.

Police are heard on phone tapes of their arrival ordering Kerby Revelus to “Stop!” and “Get down!”

Revelus didn’t listen.

Police shot and killed Revelus, and one of the officers rushed Saraphina out of the house, bloody and crying for her mother, but alive.

Police attempts to resuscitate Samantha were unsuccessful.

The killings took place the day after Bianca’s 5th birthday. Neighbors report that Revelus had been depressed in recent weeks after getting out of jail for the second time on a weapons charge and having trouble finding a job. He got into a fist fight with a neighbor the night of Bianca’s birthday party, and investigators are trying to determine if the dispute somehow triggered the violent attack on his sisters.

View video below.

Source: bittenandbound.com

Dan Hicks Is NBC Sportscaster

2009-03-31T01:34:00.000-07:00

Meet Dan Hicks, an American play-by-play sports anchor and sportscaster for NBC who primarily does commentary for golf. See a video and a biography of Dan Hicks here.

Hicks is currently the NBC commentator for the on-going Arnold Palmer Invitational which was played at Bay Hill Club in Orlando, Florida. The tournament is special in the sense that Tiger Woods played in it. It’s not his comeback (it’s the second after he returned on the tour), but this tournament is something in which he’s been playing up to his reputation and he recently pulled off an exciting win to lift the title.

Going into commercial breaks, Hicks said, “One of the greatest things on a golf course, a Tiger Sunday Charge,” and “Tiger Woods, just one stroke behind.” co-commentator Johnny Miller uttered.

As a biography, Dan Hicks was born on June 2, 1962 in Tucson, Arizona so his age is 46. He attended University of Arizona in 1984 and has already worked for CNN as a sports reporter.

Hicks joined NBC to fill in the space left empty by Dick Enberg as the primary golf commentator. He also does play-by-play commentary for The AFL on NBC and Notre Dame football. His other duties include reporting for The NBA and The NFL on NBC.

Hicks became widely known after his commendable work as a special Olympics reporter. He has been involved in the coverage of many Olympics sports, specially swimming. He called for the network during their broadcasts of every Summer and Winter Olympics since 2000.

Dan has been married to Hannah Storm for 14 years, a sportscaster he met during his CNN days. She is now an anchor on ESPN’s SportsCenter.

Source: sports.rightpundits.com

Bay Area Earthquake Today!

2009-03-31T01:29:00.000-07:00

MAPS! Here again are maps of the Bay Area San Jose earthquake today March 30 2009 magnitude 4.3. Earthquakes in excess of 3.0 have been ripping through the Salinas Valley and San Jose since Sunday.

As of noon today, no reports of injury. The quake could be felt as far as:

Napa in the North
Soledad on the south
Groveland in the east

The 4.3 quake hit at 10:49 am, 18 miles north of Morgan Hill.

Source: news.lalate.com

phantomalert.com: It's a great business idea... that could kill

2009-03-31T01:24:00.000-07:00

I was torn between delight and dismay when I stumbled across PhantomAlert.com, the service that warns drivers about the location of speed cameras.

On the one hand, it's a great business idea. PhantomAlert.com is a service-cum-social network. Users register the locations of speed cameras and sign up for alerts. It's a subscription model - $9.99 per month - and plugs into your GPS system, beeping when a traffic camera is coming up.

The revenue model is solid. Users have to stay plugged into Phantom Alert as the service is constantly evolving. New speed cameras are added to the network hourly, and if old cameras move, you are kept in the loop. PhantomAlert.com also warns drivers about impending red light cameras, speed traps and DUI checkpoints.

But is this new service slowing people down? Or helping them get away with breaking the law?

Here's a scary thought: what happens to the areas with fewest speed cameras and checkpoints? Will they become death-traps as drivers routinely speed their way around without fear of being caught?

Or is this the revenge of the motorist? Sticking two fingers up at speed cameras and the unfair persecution of the humble driver?

This service is only available in the US currently but RB bets its bottom dollar that sooner or later, British boy racers are going to be subscribing to a copycat service over here.

This video shows how the service works.
Scroll down to post any comments or opinions.

Source: realbusiness.co.uk

One Tree Hill Series Finale Season 7 On May 16 09

2009-03-31T01:10:00.000-07:00

One Tree Hill’s season finale will be on May 16, 2009. There is still no for sure confirmation that the show will be returning for a 7th season. One Tree Hill (TV series) One Tree Hill is a teen television drama
which takes place in a small fictional North Carolina town. It was created by Mark Schwahn and premiered on September 23, 2003 on The WB Television Network. On September 1, 2008, The CW started airing the sixth season of One Tree Hill. The show's interiors are filmed at the EUE/Screen Gems studios in Wilmington, NC and exteriors are filmed in and around Wilmington.

One Tree Hill Streaming episodes on theWB

YouTube - One Tree Hill Series Finale Promo - OC Style
OC series finale promo with One Tree Hill mixed in.Hope you like it!~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If THE OC was ONE TREE HILL I think this is ...
www.youtube.com

watch todays episode online at The CW TV
watch Season 6 Episode 17 - You And Me And The Bottle Makes Three Tonight

Related searches:
one tree hill, one tree hill finale, is one tree hill ending, one tree hill season 7, one tree hill final season

Source: bolmamabol.blogspot.com

Nebbish?

2009-03-31T01:08:00.000-07:00

More than one reader has asked if the little guy in my profile is a Nebbish--one of those winsome curiosities created by the late Herb Gardner: as cartoons, later a comic strip, here as dolls (evidently a doll version came first (link)).

The answer is, I think, "no." I pinched it off the (apparently home made) inter office memo stationery at a law firm where I worked in the 70s and early 80s. While it does indeed bear a resemblance to the famous Gardner creations, I think I can spot some telling differences. For one, as I recall Nebbishes always had their eyes closed; here, the eyes are pointy and piercing.

But funny you should ask. As it happens, I knew Herb Gardner, and I was an observer (entirely accidental) at the incubation of the Nebbishes. Herb used to doodle them in his notebook as he sat next to me in Louis Filler's American History class at Antioch College in --oh, perhaps 1955. They had what may have been their first publication in an Antioch College literary magazine. Only later did they get exposure in ash trays, cocktail napkins and suchlike. The NYT reports that there were 750,000 copies of the cartoon ''Next week we've got to get organized," but I think the number must have been 100 million. We at Antioch took it as our class motto.

I don't wish to mislead here: Herb was BMOC at Antioch in those days and I was pretty much of a zero (I eventually flamed out and fled). As a brush with greatness, I suppose this about equals the time that Adlai Stevenson stepped on my toe.

Source: underbelly-buce.blogspot.com

yfz ranch: One-sided YFZ Ranch redux: Paul Anthony falls for West Texas CASA anniversary propaganda

2009-03-31T01:02:00.000-07:00

I keep hoping the folks at the San Angelo Standard Times will get the hang of writing a balanced story on the YFZ affair. It would have been so easy for Paul Anthony to do just as the SPJ Code of Ethics requires: “Diligently seek out subjects of news stories to give them the opportunity to respond to allegations of wrongdoing.” But he didn’t.

It is likewise inexplicable that the Salt Lake Tribune would reprint Anthony’s story, so clearly slanted against the FLDS and in favor of empowering the government to intervene in private lives, without bothering to talk with anyone in the FLDS community or with advocates of less government interference in family life. Anthony had a great “teachable moment” and fumbled it away.

Among the more remarkable excerpts from Anthony’s account is this, in which he reports how CASA Debra Brown still manages to rationalize her participation in the government’s assault on the YFZ Ranch nearly one year ago:

The [Sarah] story may have been false, Brown and her staff say, but it had basis in truth.

“I could give you 20 different girls off the top of my head where that scenario fits,” Brown said. “The only things that have changed from before this happened are the children have been exposed to the outside world a little bit. The mothers and daughters have been educated in the law.

“Are they safe?” she continued. “Well, I don’t know. I still have doubts about that.”

Debra, honey, we all have doubts. It leaves me speechless (almost) that any CASA could possibly say, “The only things that have changed” are a bit of outside exposure and legal education. First, I would have thought that after being spanked repeatedly by the Texas Third Court of Appeals and the Texas Supreme Court, you might admit to having learned a bit of law yourself. And then there’s the unspeakable, irredeemable trauma that you and your CPS cohorts inflicted on hundreds of children and parents over the past year. The only things? What a laugh!

If that whacky Rozita Swinton scenario really fit any of the girls at YFZ, wouldn’t ya think that one year of being pawed and poked all over by Texas Rangers and CPS goons would have made it apparent?

Bottom line, as long as there is a Texas CPS with people like Patrick Crimmins in charge . . .

as long as CASAs exist run by people like Debra Brown who seem incapable of understanding — despite being roundly lectured by their very own Supreme Court on due process and following the law — why no government should be able to do what Texas CPS did in Eldorado, Texas, on April 3-4, 2008 . . .

no child is safe in Texas.

Source: iperceive.net

Rob Reiner - Great Director #89: Rob Reiner

2009-03-31T00:57:00.000-07:00

Rob Reiner

* Born: 1947
* Rank: 89
* Score: 500.15
* Nominations: 3 DGA / 4 Golden Globes
* Feature Films: 14
* Best: The Princess Bride
* Worst: North

Top 5 Films:

1. The Princess Bride - 1987
2. Stand by Me - 1986
3. When Harry Met Sally - 1989
4. This is Spinal Tap - 1984
5. A Few Good Men - 1992

Top 10 Director Finishes (Nighthawk Awards):

* 1984 -9th - This is Spinal Tap
* 1986 - 6th - Stand by Me
* 1987 - 6th - The Princess Bride
* 1989 - 8th - When Harry Met Sally

Most of what I can possibly say about Rob Reiner was already said here. Of course, once you read that you’ll wonder how he still managed to make the list. Of course I wrote that post before I came up with my current point system. And once you get certain kinds of points (for top 5 films or for awards), you can’t ever lose those points. So while Reiner has been moving steadily down (if I did the point system just after his first 5 films he would have scored a 624 and would be ranked in the top 40), he has not quite yet managed to fall off the list.

The Princess Bride - #1 film of 1987 (and #2 of the 80’s)

The Princess Bride is all things. They even let you know that in the film. It’s got fencing, excitement, revenge, true love. Is it a kissing book? Yes, and a kissing film. Because it’s a fantasy, a comedy, an action film, an adventure film, a romance filled with suspense.

Of course it began life as a book, not an actual book by S. Morgenstern as the film would lead you to believe (or William Goldman would lead you to believe), but a brilliant post-modern book that purports to just be the good parts of an old stuffy classic. From the start it falls on the short-list of greatest opening lines of a novel (”This is my favorite book in all the world though I have never read it.”), but with its closing lines it lands on the very short list with Catcher in the Rye, A Tale of Two Cities and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas for brilliant openings and closings (”I just want to say for the umpty umpth time that life isn’t fair. It’s just fairer than death, that’s all.”).

But then it became a film and Goldman brilliantly kept the framing motif that he had used in the novel, bringing in the grandfather to read the book and make many of the same comments that Goldman’s father supposedly would say when reading it to Goldman as a child. And in the end we have a film that rivals Monty Python and the Holy Grail as the most quotable film ever made (I have seen it at the Baghdad theater in Portland, OR with a full crowd of people who all know every single line), and there are so very many (”My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” “Is this a kissing book?” “It’s inconceivable!” “Unless I am wrong, and I am never wrong, they are headed directly into the fire swamp.” ” ‘We’ll never survive.’ ‘Nonsense. You’re only saying that because no one ever has.’ “ “Life is pain, highness. Anyone who says otherwise is selling something.” “Who said life is fair? Where is that written?”). And those are just the lines that immediately spring to mind as I write this.

And of course, perhaps the single best line. The line that sums up all the love between a beauty and a farm boy. The line that comes back in hilarious fashion as a man rolls down a hill. The line that defines every moment of the film when said with loving care from a grandfather to a grandson.

“As you wish.”

Source: nighthawknews.wordpress.com

US Geological Survey Earthquake

2009-03-31T00:50:00.000-07:00

What is this US Geological Survey Earthquake? Well, it is said that earthquakes today will hit certain parts of America. And included therein is San Jose earthquake that is specifically an earthquake in California.

This is the USGS earthquake report. The calamity hit the Bay Area today. The Earthquake 4.3 magnitude data is said to occur at 10:49 AM, Depth 6.2 km (3.9 miles)
Region at Northern California. According to the San Jose mercury news magnitude will not result into a Tsunami. At least there is one positive news.

Please be aware of this incident and be informed regularly by listening to radios and if possible watching televisions. It is important to be vigilant in moments like these. Safeguarding your family is very important. And be able to know the basic necessities in calamities similar to this.

Source: videos-online-watch.blogspot.com

Phantom Alert: Speed Trap Warning System For Your GPS

2009-03-31T00:44:00.000-07:00

A new piece of software called Phantom Alert claims to add warnings for hidden police cameras and DUI checkpoints right into your GPS system. Phantom Alert provides 100,000 “enforcement locations,” its maker says, then sends you a warning before you hit any of those areas.
Phantom Alert: How It Works

Phantom Alert works by using user-submitted notes of enforcement sites, then uploading them into your car’s system. “You will see them before they see you,” the company promises.

The software runs about $10 a month or is also available for a $40/year or $100/lifetime subscription.
Phantom Alert Videos

Not surprisingly, Phantom Alert is creating some controversy. The following two videos discuss the program, how it works, and what concerns are being expressed about its functionality.

Source: inquisitr.com

Bright Automotive Hybrids

2009-03-31T00:40:00.000-07:00

Bright Automotive is only one year old but creating a flutter world around. Part of the reason is its fancy origin in RMI and the aura of its celebrity CEO John Waters.

John Waters for the tech wizard who invented the battery pack system for General Motors electric vehicle which met an unfortunate end in 1999.

From my sources inside the company, I have come to know that the machine has been designed and built from scratch.

The components used are light weight, conform to aerodynamic shapes, low weight tires etc. But the icing on the cake is the sophisticated state of the art battery and drive train systems.

The whole package has been designed such that every component has an efficient effective reasoning behind it. Like for instance, using state of the art innovative tires in themselves can reduce the fuel usage. Similarly they are working on material to replace the body of the car which is at present being built by steel. Using the light weight high tech material would further improve the efficiency of the car.

As far as the car battery is concerned, they are still looking around for the best viable option. And by looking around, I mean not just US or Canada, but all over the world. Some of those Koreans or Indian engineers have done fantastic work from which the Americans can learn from.

But its a shame that we are living through times where Americans can afford to make such a statement. We need America to be the powerhouse of R&D and design and technology. We certainly don’t want this country to be looking elsewhere for cutting edge technology needs.

Source: techbanyan.com

usgs earthquake: San Jose Earthquake Today Youtube Video usgs.gov Map

2009-03-31T00:34:00.000-07:00

earthquake, san jose earthquake today, san jose news, earthquake san jose, san jose earthquakes
US Geological Survey, gives some stats on the San Jose quake today:
Magnitude: 4.3 - regional moment magnitude (Mw)
Time: Monday, March 30, 2009 at 10:40:29 AM (PDT)
Distance from: Morgan Hill, CA - 18 km (11 miles) N (7 degrees)
Seven Trees, CA - 19 km (12 miles) E (91 degrees)
Alum Rock, CA - 20 km (13 miles) ESE (117 degrees)
San Jose City Hall, CA - 25 km (16 miles) ESE (104 degrees)
http://quake.wr.usgs.gov/recenteqs/Quakes/nc40234037.htm
San Jose Earthquake: 4.3 Magnitude Temblor Strikes California

usgs earthquake map, usgs, earthquake, earthquake in san jose ca, earthquake activity
Earthquake Information from the USGS
USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, responsible for monitoring, reporting, and researching earthquakes and earthquake hazards.
earthquake.usgs.gov
Maps of Recent Earthquake Activity in California-Nevada
Maps and detailed information about recent earthquakes from the US Geological Survey.
quake.usgs.gov

Previous update us geological survey earthquake
The official count of confirmed deaths grew to 15 Friday afternoon, one day after a 6.1-magnitude earthquake shook north central Costa Rica, a government emergency official said. reports CNN
Youtube Video of a 6.1 Earthquake in San Jose, Costa Rica - 2009-01-08

Source: bolmamabol.blogspot.com

San Jose earthquake- how singles can protect themselves in the event of a natural disaster

2009-03-31T00:29:00.000-07:00

When you're single, you generally look to three resources for advice:

* Your mom
* Google
* Chelsea Handler (I like to ask myself WWCD) no judging.

But what happens in the case of a natural disaster and you can't contact your family, have no access to the internet, and you've seen the episode of "Chelsea Lately" where Chelsea walks out of her apartment during a fire drill topless one two many times to trust her with a life or death issue?

In Seattle, earthquakes are few and far between, but we have had a few minor tremors in the past ten years, and I hate to break it to you- but there happens to be an active volcano closer than the end of Ted Danson's acting career.

Being prepared and knowing what to do is the best way to survive any disaster- natural or otherwise, and the below tips will help you prepare in the event of a catastrophe.

This is just one of those instances when being single kind of just sucks.

* If you live alone, talk to one of your neighbors about possibly buddying up with them during a disaster. That way, if you have to evacuate your home, you can make sure someone will make sure you got out okay.
* Keep your purse or wallet and any medications in a designated location in your house to make sure you can grab them quickly.
* Make sure your car gets a "check-up" routinely. If you need to use it during an emergency, it won't help if it won't start.
* If there is an earthquake an you are outside, drop to the ground and make sure your face is covered. Stay away from any power lines.

Hopefully you'll never need to use these tips, but its better to be safe than sorry!

Source: examiner.com

shuttle landing: Red River threat may be easing...Shuttle landing delayed...London...

2009-03-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

River threat may be easing...Shuttle landing delayed...London protests

FARGO, N.D. (AP) The National Weather Service says the flooding outlook for the Red River at Fargo, N.D., may be improving. Forecasters say the river may have crested around midnight and is now expected to remain below 41 feet. The levees protecting the city stand 43 feet high. However, a winter storm is expected to hit the region in the coming days and the chance remains that the river could rise.

BILOXI, Miss. (AP) Spring storms are bringing heavy rains, baseball-size hail and blizzard conditions to different parts of the country. Across the Southeast, communities are dealing with flooded roads and tornado warnings. In the Southern Plains, it's snow, with parts of Kansas reporting drifts up to six feet high.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) Clouds and wind have forced NASA to send the shuttle Discovery back around the globe. Mission Control ordered the seven astronauts to skip their first landing opportunity, but they'll have one more chance to touch down this afternoon if conditions improve. Tomorrow's forecast looks worse, with a cold front expected to bring thunderstorms to the Florida spaceport.

LONDON (AP) Police estimate some 35,000 demonstrators are packing the streets of central London today. They are marching to demand jobs, economic justice and environmental accountability ahead of next week's G20 summit.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) 1987 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Alysheba has died. The champion stallion was euthanized last night at a medical center in Lexington, Ky., and buried today at The Kentucky Horse Park's Hall of Champions. Known on the track as "America's Horse," Alysheba was 25.

Source: kxmc.com

annual credit report: Don't Pay for Your Free Annual Credit Report

2009-03-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

The Federal Trade Commission is fighting back against advertisements that trick consumers into spending money on services they don't need or want when they're trying to get their free annual credit report. There is only one site that offers the annual credit report at no charge, and that is www.annualcreditreport.com.

Eileen Harrington, acting director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, says the FTC has received complaints about the website www.freecreditreport.com, which provides credit reports only if customers sign up for additional services that cost money. "Consumers are confused," says Harrington, despite the FTC's lawsuit and settlement with the website that now requires its advertisements to carry disclosures. She wouldn't comment on whether any further enforcement actions were pending.

Check out the FTC's new public service announcement -- do you think it's as catchy as Ed McMahon's rap spot for www.freecreditreport.com, which helped to popularize the site?

Source: usnews.com

better world books: ARC at the Colorado Antiquarian Book Seminars

2009-03-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

Two members of Better World Books’ growing Antiquarian, Rare, and Collectable Department (ARC), Ryan van Plew-Cid and Rudy Reyes Jr., along with Dustin Holland, Director of the Library Division, recently attended the 29th Annual Antiquarian Book Seminars in Colorado Springs , Colorado , directed by Rob Rulon-Miller Jr., proprietor of Rulon-Miller Books and internationally acclaimed rare book dealer.

The Seminar, begun in 1978, featured experts from every aspect of the booktrade, from internet selling to accounting, from bookmaking and preservation to shipping, and from database management to bibliography and cataloguing. In addition to Rulon-Miller, the faculty included Prof. Terry Belanger, Honorary Curator of Special Collections and Director of the Rare Book School at the University of Virginia and Daniel De Simone, Curator of the Lessing Collection at the Library of Congress.

Highlights of the week included Old Books and New Technology: The View from Here, the keynote presentation by former labour under-secretary Marty Manley, Chairman and CEO of Alibris. Manley’s presentation focused the week around the promise of books in general for society and the place of booksellers in the social and economic landscape. Also, an interesting workshop on book preservation and conservation was led by Angela Scott of Fine Binding & Custom Design in the District of Columbia . Scott had numerous exempla of raw materials for book making and demonstrated the techniques for binding and covering books.

Future professional development opportunities for ARC include an upcoming visit to the University of Notre Dame Libraries ’ Special Collections Department, Rare Book Room, and Reyniers Preservation Facility.

For more information on Better World’s ARC Department, please contact us at ARC@BetterWorldBooks.com or see our ARC FAQs.

Source: blog.betterworldbooks.com

Jonas Brothers tickets to be sold at New Orleans Arena via lottery system

2009-03-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

If you intend to buy a ticket to the Aug. 15 Jonas Brothers concert at the New Orleans Arena the old-fashioned way -- at the arena box office -- then you need to visit the arena the evening of Friday, March 27.

From 5 to 8 p.m., arena officials will distribute a limited number of wristbands and lottery tickets to those who want to buy tickets in person when they go on sale Saturday, March 28 at 10 a.m. At 9:30 a.m. Saturday, a random number will be drawn to determine who is first in line, and in what order the rest will line up.

Anticipaiting high demand, the arena instituted this policy to prevent young fans from camping overnight for a place in line, and to eliminate conflict over line positions on the morning tickets go on sale. A similar system was used for last year's Miley Cyrus concert.

Wristbands are available on a first-come, first-serve basis from 5 to 8 p.m at the New Orleans Arena East Lobby Entrance to patrons aged 18 and over; a photo ID is required for proof of age. Only one wristband and lottery ticket may be obtained by each person. Parking will be available in Lot 3 across from the East Arena Entrance on the corner of Girod Street and LeRouge Street.

Patrons who receive wristbands and lottery tickets on Friday will also receive an information sheet with specific lottery instructions.

The lottery will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, in front of the Main Arena Box Office located on Girod Street. The lottery will determine the order in which patrons with wristbands will line up to purchase tickets. Patrons are encouraged to arrive no later than 9 a.m. A maximum of four tickets may be purchased. Parking will be available in Lot 3 across from the East Arena Entrance on the corner of Girod Street and LeRouge Street.

But a wristband and a place in line does not guarantee you'll be able to buy a ticket, much less a good seat. Most tickets will be sold online and via telephone, and at other Ticketmaster outlets, within minutes of going on sale.

Purchases at the Arena Ticket Office will be made in order set forth by the outcome of the lottery drawing.

Ticket prices are $87.00, $71.50, $51.00 and $30.50 plus service charges. A discount of 3% is given to those patrons paying in cash. Tickets may be paid for with MC/VISA/AMX or cash. Checks of any kind are not accepted.

Source: blog.nola.com

Wagville - We Mean Business: Wagville

2009-03-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

Wagville is a Los Angeles doggie boarding and day care facility founded and run by Harvard grad and former lawyer Julie Shine. Like the other WMB subjects, Wagville isn’t making enough money. We quickly learn that:

* The company does little to no retail business, despite having a large (and cluttered) storefront
* Check-in takes minutes on a slow system
* There are no facilities for people, just for the dogs
* Employees are unmotivated and ill-tempered
* Julie cannot motivate staff and may be a micromanager
* There are 27 employees in a business that’s caring for no more than 60 dogs at any time, and the costs add up - in one month, Wagville did $90,000 in sales but had $65,000 in payroll and so couldn’t make a profit
* Julie is focused on providing a service to dogs, not on making profit
* Julie is carrying crushing credit card debt in order to keep the place running

Their Solution

The team moves aggressively to make over the facilities, and designer Peter Gurski redesigns the front of house to better serve the paying customers - the people. With a new seating lounge in the lobby, inventory moved from the cluttered sales area to a storage room (converted from a doggy lounge!), and even an uncluttered office for Julie, it looks a nicer place. Tech maven Katie Linendoll helps punch things up with new self-serve check-in kiosks and a laptop for Julie. Unfortunately, she also slaps in the digital menu and the digital photo display that she gives to everyone. Our host, Bill Rancic, tries to have a little come-to-Jesus with Julie, to get her to prioritize serving the paying customers and earning a profit. Rancic also tries to inspire the staff into contributing meaningfully, offering a commission program to encourage retail sales and even browbeating the man whose job is to scoop up all the poop and who clearly has a limited grasp of the English language.
My Recommendation

The biggest problem is the founder, Julie. It’s not that she’s wrong for the company - her love of dogs is clearly real and meaningful - it’s that she seems to be poorly-matched to day-to-day management. Rancic was on-target to try to get her to think about profit, but she really needs to be exposed to how every organization needs to bring in more than it spends, even non-profits. She also needs to think about whether or not this is the right position for her. It seems that she lacks management experience, and is coming off negatively to her staff. She also seems inflexible - a bad trait in an entrepreneur. In fact, she seems more of a small business owner than an entrepreneur: she’s created a job for herself, not a business (and she’s clearly happy to do that job, working with the dogs rather than managing). This makes me ask if she should bring in a manager from a pet store or vet’s office with some experience in the area. In fact, with money as tight as it is, she should consider taking her Berkeley JD and getting a job as a lawyer again, participating in strategic planning for Wagville and coming in on weekends to spend time with the staff, customers, and, most of all, the dogs, rather than avoiding doing a job she’s bad at all week long.

I have to really disagree with Rancic’s focus on increasing revenue through retail sales. While the numbers seem compelling - he said a 10% increase in retail could make Wagville profitable - retail is a tough business. Is 10% a realistic number, given that big chains like Petco almost certainly have lower prices on everything? And what will Wagville’s customers really want to buy? It strikes me that a focus on regular but small impulse sales, like a special treat or a new small toy to make up for leaving your dog for a weekend, is likely to pay off, but when will Wagville’s customers choose to pay more for everyday food, outfits, or equipment like leashes and bowls? No effort to increase sales will succeed if the product mix is wrong. And getting rid of some highly-valued boarding facilities - the doggie lounge they turned into a storage facility - in order to provide more room for retail sales, which don’t make a ton of money and aren’t the focus of Wagville, seems like a silly idea.

Instead, I’d concentrate on upselling services they already offer, like grooming and night boarding. Why not sell the concept of a “date night” where you don’t need to worry about your dog, featuring pick-up and drop-off? Would they get more overnight customers that way? How about periodic baths and trims, on a set schedule, for regular boarders? Baths and grooming could be sold at a discount if bought up-front with bulk boarding purchases. I’d also look to get more boarders by partnering with vets and pet stores that don’t have the facilities to provide boarding. Wagville could offer discounts to customers referred by these places and even refer customers back - something they can’t do if Wagville is a retail-focused organization.

Wagville should also consider raising its prices. They have 60 dogs around at most times and Rancic even mentions a month in which they grossed $90,000, so they’re doing some business. Could they raise rates 10%? Many companies undercharge, and Wagville’s facilities are clearly super-premium, so I suspect their customers would see value even at a higher rate.

Finally, I’d like to see a real breakdown of headcount. If monthly payroll is really at the $65,000 level, some quick math suggests to me that they have at least 7 staff in the facility at all times - even at night. Could they cut down some? There’s premium care, and then there’s people who aren’t doing much, and Julie needs to figure out the line and be clear about it. For instance, they probably don’t need someone sleeping with the dogs at night, because dogs are probably about as happy sleeping with other dogs as they are with strangers, and, either way, the dogs get a nice, comfy bed to sleep in.
More Thoughts on the Show

I was really happy to see another show that wasn’t about a restaurant. I even found Linendoll less annoying than in the past. And we saw her configuring computers - she’s not just a pretty face! But some problems continue; for instance, it’s time to quit with the digital monitors. Are monitors actually cheaper than chalkboards or pre-printed plastic? The monitor solution has become too cookie-cutter and automatic, and just cheapens the idea of the Dell makeovers.

My TV producer girlfriend is also particularly (and justifiably) annoyed by the camerawork. The cameraman is fine when he’s locked onto a tripod, but, when he’s working handheld, he’s all over the place. This isn’t The Shield - the style here should match the host, and Bill Rancic is a button-down man.

And we’ve seen some disdain towards poorly-motivated hourly workers in a number of shows. Why was Wagville’s poop-scooper unmotivated? Probably because he scoops poop for a living! But someone’s got to scoop all that from 60 dogs! They probably doesn’t pay him enough to care or to have a good attitude, and, guess what, if he got really involved, he probably wouldn’t have time to scoop poop anymore. Let’s appreciate the poop scoopers for the poop they scoop.

Source: wadearmstrong.com

Honey I Shrunk the Kids, New iPod Shuffle…

2009-03-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

Apple have just announced a third generation Shuffle, that’s smaller, that has a larger memory capacity, and less moving parts than ever before, with some intriguing new features. The scariest thing here is that this little device will talk to you, hopefully though it’s not a little HAL from “2001 a Space Odyssey”, I can’t do that Dave!

The new device is smaller than a AA battery yet holds up to 1,000 songs, Apple said. The preshrunk Shuffle also adds a new VoiceOver feature that can recite song titles, artists, and playlist names, as well as provide status information, such as battery life. Speaking of which, Apple said the gadget’s battery life clocks in at 10 hours

The biggest innovation for the new Shuffle seems to be that the controls are actually on the native headphones, no click wheel, D-pad on the device itself. Hopefully the included ones are robust enough to handle the every day rigours of your shuffling!

Apple shrinks its iPod Shuffle | Apple - CNET News

Source: justanothermobilemonday.com

Wolf Trap's Summer Lineup: Favorites and Some Surprises

2009-03-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

As part of its upcoming summer season, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts has booked Elvis Costello, the British musical shape-shifter who is apparently planning to spend much of 2009 getting in touch with his inner-Appalachian.

His newest project, Elvis Costello and the Sugarcanes, is an all-star country-bluegrass band that seems to be mining the same rich, rootsy musical hills where Robert Plant and Alison Krauss struck gold together. The band even includes Plant-Krauss sidemen Stuart Duncan and Dennis Crouch (along with Jerry Douglas, the Dobro ace who has played with Krauss for more than a decade in Union Station) and has as its producer T-Bone Burnett, who guided Plant and Krauss to a big Grammy haul with their "Raising Sand" album.

Costello and the Sugarcanes, who perform at Wolf Trap on June 11, are among the highlights on the venue's summer season schedule announced yesterday. The lineup also features another Plant-Krauss collaborator, Buddy Miller, performing with Americana stars Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin and Shawn Colvin (May 31), plus the great country-folk musician-songwriter John Prine (June 5), who popularized "Killing the Blues," a song later covered by -- yep -- Plant and Krauss. (Costello's wife, the jazz chanteuse Diana Krall, visits Wolf Trap on June 17.)

Other highlights of the summer schedule include David Byrne performing some of the electro-pop music he's made with Brian Eno; country diva LeAnn Rimes singing her hits backed by the National Symphony Orchestra; and Bill Cosby telling PG-rated jokes.

Wolf Trap first-timers include Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jackson Browne, the Merce Cunningham Dance Company and former teen dance sensation Rasta Thomas. A current teen phenomenon, Disney's "High School Musical," will stop by in September. Other musical performers include the Indigo Girls, Gipsy Kings, Huey Lewis and the News, Tony Bennett, the Steve Miller Band, the Brian Wilson-less Beach Boys and B.B. King.

Although Wolf Trap's music offerings are mostly predictable, the same can't be said about the dance that has been scheduled -- that is, once you overlook the inevitable Riverdance visit. The centerpiece is the debut appearance by the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, performing "Split Sides," a whimsical 2003 collaboration between the cerebral modern dance master and hot art-rock bands Radiohead and Sigur Rós. Less well-known groups fill out the rest of the season, which includes the youngish 11-member Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and Rasta Thomas's hip-hop and Broadway-influenced Bad Boys of Dance.

A new installment of Wolf Trap's occasional "Face of America" series focusing on national parks spotlights Montana's Glacier National Park with the premiere of "The Sun Road," a site-specific dance by the Trey McIntyre Project, based in Idaho.

Wolf Trap's excellent opera company has cut back this summer to two staged productions -- Mozart's "Così Fan Tutte" and Monteverdi's "Il Ritorno d'Ulisse in Patria" -- in addition to its multimedia concert opera with the NSO under Stephen Lord, which will be, this year, the evergreen "La Bohème." Perhaps by way of compensation, the company is offering two song recital programs masterminded by the ever-wonderful pianist Steven Blier, who will both lead and accompany the young professional singers in programs called "Road Trip" and "The Pursuit of Love."

Further staged musical offerings come courtesy of the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players (fondly known as NY GASP), who will offer "The Pirates of Penzance" in May. The NSO's core audience can hear performances of "Carmina Burana" and, in July, a program combining Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto, with Sarah Chang, with Beethoven's "Pastoral."

Rock, tap and pop set the beat for Wolf Trap's theater offerings. On June 19 and 20, "Rain" is forecast -- it's a tribute show to the music of the Beatles. A touring version of "42nd Street" -- the crowd-pleasing Tony winner, based on the movie musical of the same title -- is also on tap. And just in time for the kids' acquisitions of all those new loose-leaf binders and gym uniforms, Disney's very silly "High School Musical" will pay a visit to the venue as the summer season comes to a close during the first week of September.

Staff writers Sarah Kaufman, Anne Midgette and Peter Marks contributed to this report.

Source: washingtonpost.com

Gillispie Press Conference Transcript

2009-03-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

After careful consideration - realizing there are people who might enjoy reading this - I've decided to post the transcript from Mitch Barnhart's Press Conference. The following is the press release from John Hayden, Asst. Director Athletic Media Relations for UK:

University of Kentucky
Press Conference Transcript
March 27, 2009

UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart
Opening Comments

“Hello everyone, thanks for coming on short notice. During my tenure here at Kentucky, I have watched and appreciated the passion Kentucky fans have for our basketball program. This is a cradle-to-grave love; it is deeply rooted and creates a sense of pride across the Commonwealth. Kentucky basketball influences when weddings are held and causes its followers to get in a car and drive 12 hours to Omaha on a Monday night. I also understand this rich and proud basketball program belongs to the people of Kentucky and its millions of fans around the world. Coach (Adolph) Rupp started something that is now bigger than any one person. Coaches, players and administrators get the privilege of serving this program simply as caretakers for a brief moment in its history. I will continue to maintain the principles we have established since coming here, most importantly ensuring the quality of the student-athlete experience. It is my responsibility to ensure that the University of Kentucky continues to be a special place in the hearts and minds of our fans across the nation, and that the right pieces are in place to return the basketball program to a championship level and continue those proud traditions of success.

“This is not a place I thought we would be at this point, or one that I would want to be. However, after long and deliberate discussions, President (Lee T.) Todd and I have decided we must charter a new direction for the University of Kentucky men’s basketball program. Unfortunately there are times when a situation and the people involved do not create the right chemistry or right fit. It is our belief that is where we are and where we find ourselves with Kentucky basketball today. For that reason, we decided to not bring Coach Gillispie back to lead our men’s basketball program. We firmly believe that moving in a different direction will be in the best interest of everyone involved with this program. It is my responsibility, and I understand that, to hire the coaches, a coach that embraces the fans and the national attention at Kentucky and is committed to the principles of our program. The University of Kentucky and its dedicated and passionate fans deserve a coach that understands that this is not just another coaching job. We obviously did not achieve the results we all desired on the floor this season. Those results can occur when you are trying to grow a program, we clearly understand that. However, it is as important to represent the Kentucky program and the basketball program, more specifically, in a manner which best utilizes our incredible tradition, assets and platform.

“It is my evaluation that we have not done all we can to manage the entire scope of the program and all that we expect. There is a clear difference in how the rules and responsibilities overseeing the program are viewed. It is a gap that I do not believe can be solved by just winning games. It is a philosophical disparity that I do not believe can be repaired and again, the chemistry is just not right. These situations are always very difficult and individuals and their families are traumatically impacted. I’m sorry for that. I would like to thank Coach Gillispie and his staff for the effort they gave the last two years. Billy has a great passion for the game of basketball and I truly wish him and his staff the best in the future.

“So now we must move forward. We will share some of the details of the search process as they develop and as we can. We understand the challenge and importance of finding our next caretaker for this very special basketball program. It is to be done with great concern for the welfare and image of the student-athletes, administration and students of the University of Kentucky, its fans and the people of the Commonwealth. Like everyone else who loves this program, we desire for Kentucky basketball to be a part of the championship picture every year; that is our goal. We will work to that end while representing the University of Kentucky with pride and professionalism. Thanks and I’d be glad to answer a few questions…”

John Hayden
Asst. Director Athletic Media Relations
University of Kentucky
859.257.8429
www.ukathletics.com
GO BIG BLUE!!
GOD BLESS THE USA!!

Source: rightmyerrants.blogspot.com

shamwow guy - OMFG: Shamwow Guy Shampows A Prostitute In The Face

2009-03-27T23:17:00.000-07:00

Recognize this guy? Look closer. No… it’s not Benicio Del Toro… nope, not Thomas Haden Church either (good guess though.) Picture the guy above in a neon polo, talking into a headset while wiping things up with a glorified rag… YES. THIS IS A MUGSHOT OF THE SHAMWOW GUY.

Vince Shlomi — THE SHAMWOW GUY — was arrested last month in Miami. See what had happened was he had paid a prostie $1,000 rag-bucks for sex. They started making out — apparently, they had never seen Pretty Woman — and that’s when the hooker in question bit his tongue and wouldn’t let go. Vince had no other choice but to punch a prostitute in the face. Repeatedly. Both were arrested.

What kind of a world are we living in where an infomercial legend wearing pajamas and a Kohl’s bomber jacket has to pay for sex? You know who probably never pays for sex? Billy Mays, that’s who. That guy is all class.

On a separate note, we wonder if Mr. Shlomi used a Shamwow to wipe away any blood/fingerprints/prostitute stains. Yet another great use for a fantastic product!

View Vince’s best work ahead…

Source: bestweekever.tv

Indicted Senator May Get Help

2009-03-27T23:14:00.000-07:00

ALBANY — Colleagues of State Senator Hiram Monserrate, who has been indicted on six counts of assaulting his companion, have discussed setting up a fund to aid his legal defense, senators said on Thursday.

The idea of helping Mr. Monserrate cover his legal expenses came up during a closed-door meeting of Senate Democrats this week. Though senators were not directly asked to contribute, Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith told them he would not stand in their way if they wanted to assist Mr. Monserrate, who is accused of slashing his companion in the face with a drinking glass.

“He said, ‘If you want to help out a colleague, you should feel free to do so,’ ” Austin Shafran, a spokesman for Mr. Smith, said on Thursday. He said Mr. Smith also told the senators that he had contributed to the legal defense of another senator, Efraín González Jr., who was charged in 2006 with stealing more than $400,000 in state money.

Mr. Shafran had no further comment and declined to say whether Mr. Smith planned to give money to Mr. Monserrate’s legal defense.

A spokesman for Mr. Monserrate, Davidson Goldin, could not say how Mr. Monserrate is paying his legal bills.

“Senator Monserrate is complying with the advice of his election law attorney in paying his bills,” Mr. Goldin said, adding that he could not elaborate.

The State Board of Elections has ruled that public officials can spend campaign funds to defend themselves, but it has limited such use to cases in which the charges arise from the official’s campaigning or “office holding.” The board’s position has allowed indicted public officials like former Senator Guy J. Velella to use their campaign accounts to pay their lawyers.

Mr. Monserrate’s case is different; he is accused of crimes that have no obvious connection to his role as a public official.

Source: nytimes.com

Ralph Wilson, 90 years old, and Alive

2009-03-27T23:03:00.000-07:00

The Buffalo rumor mill has been running full throttle for the past 60 minutes as rumors of Ralph Wilson's death have spread across the region. Using the best new medium to track breaking news - Twitter - we asked if others had heard the same rumor and could actually confirm the veracity of the claim.

From a reporter at the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle with the Twitter handle @nrusso came this response: @BuffaloRising i work at the rochester paper. we confirmed he is alive and laughing about this. She followed up with this: sounds like Ralph is alive and well. Channel 2 in Buffalo called his house and he answered :)

And from a desk reporter at CNN with the handle @GLBcnn came this follow-up: @BuffaloRising rumors at the moment.. He followed up moments later: The Buffalo Bills tell CNN "it's a false rumor" with regards to rumors of Ralph Wilson's death

If you hear this rumor at the local bars tonight, kindly deliver the news that Ralph Wilson is alive.

Source: buffalorising.com

Bo Burnham!

2009-03-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

If you don't know Bo Burnham, you have been missing out on life.
Seriously. You have been deprived.
Before you do anything else, watch this. Now.

Love it?! Genius. And if you want to know the exact lyrics, just go to youtube and search the video.

I love Bo Burnham. He is so smart with his jokes! Yes, he may be vulgar at times, but seriously, its so clever. Some of my favorite videos are:

New Math

His Cd is on iTunes and in stores. Its so great. There are a couple songs on there that aren't on Youtube, which makes it all the better. Also, he has a Comedy Central Special coming up. Its on March 27th! So damnn excited.

Look him up on his Youtube channel! (:

Source: thatonegirlemily.blogspot.com

Josh Blue on Comedy Central

2009-03-27T22:17:00.000-07:00

U.S. Paralympian Josh Blue, who three years ago was the winner of Season Four of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, will once again bring his standup to the network as Comedy Central presents Josh Blue, at 10 p.m. ET on Friday, March 27. In 2006, Blue was selected over hundreds of comics to make the show and joined 11 other comedians to live on the cruise ship Queen Mary, where they competed in various contests to determine the top six. Once he made his way to the final six, the public voted to see who would stay and who would go home and Blue won over his audience to win the fourth season of the NBC comedy competition. Fans can check out more about Blue at www.joshblue.com. ussoccer.com spoke to Josh prior to his Comedy Central appearance (listen now to the full podcast).

Source: mnt-ussoccer.blogspot.com

magee mississippi: At Least 17 Injured After Twister Hits Miss. Town

2009-03-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

MAGEE, Miss. (AP) ― Severe weather across the South unleashed tornadoes in rural Mississippi, including one that shattered dozens of homes, flattened a church and injured at least 17 people, authorities said Thursday.

There were no immediate reports of fatalities, Magee Mayor Jimmy Clyde said. The most seriously injured were hospitalized, but most others had minor injuries.

The twister was reported around 1:30 a.m., and swept through Mississippi's pine-covered hill country as severe thunderstorms rumbled across several Southeast states. Power blackouts affected tens of thousands of Louisiana residents, and authorities reported damage to some Alabama homes. Georgia residents also braced for potentially heavy rains.

"This is like reliving Hurricane Katrina all over again and that's no fun," Clyde told The Associated Press. "We're getting a lot of help in here. That's the thing about Mississippi, everybody just helps each other in times like this."

Clyde said authorities were attempting to restore power after utility lines toppled on roads littered with tree branches and metal scrap. Magee's 16-member police force fanned out before dawn and kept up the work after daylight. He said homes in some areas were "basically leveled" and there was extensive damage just outside the city limits.

Jeff Giachelli, 48, said he and his wife Cappy were asleep when the storm hit. He said he called to his wife when the windows of their red-brick home shattered. His roof also had been sheared off.

"We got in the closet and it just collapsed," he said.

Giachelli, his black Harley Davidson cap at an angle as he picked up tree limbs from his yard, said one of his neighbors was taken by helicopter to a hospital. He said it took rescuers nearly an hour to dig the neighbor out of the rubble.

In a nearby neighborhood, several brick duplex apartments were smashed, and cars were flipped upside down.

Stephanie Malley, 35, cried as she looked at what was left of her home. The red brick structure was nothing but a shell with its roof gone. She awoke when something flew through her window and hit her in the back. She grabbed her 11- and 13-year-old sons and pulled them into the bathroom.

"We stayed in the bathroom for a long time until everything started coming down," Malley said.

Her 11-year-old needed nine stitches for a cut on his leg, but otherwise the family was fine. Nearby houses were marked with red spray paint to show that emergency workers who dug through the rubble didn't find any injured or dead residents.

"I lost everything," she said, wiping away tears.

At least 60 homes suffered damage, said Katherine Gunby, spokeswoman for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. The nearby Corinth Baptist Church was so shattered that "only the doors to its sanctuary were left standing," she said.

Members of the 100-year-old church stepped around the rubble of the red brick building perched on a hilltop overlooking pine forests, consoling one another. Others walked through a nearby cemetery littered with broken tree limbs and tombstones knocked to the ground. Pieces of artificial flowers from the graves were strewn all about and a white church van was overturned.

A tearful Maegan Errington, 23, said Thursday was her birthday and she was to be married in the church on Saturday. Church member Charlene Loyd, 58, hugged her and patted her on the back.

"Our church is still here, because our church is the people, but the building is gone," Loyd said.

Another reported tornado touched down in Mississippi's Lauderdale County around midday Wednesday, heavily damaging nine homes and a business, but no injuries were reported, emergency officials said.

Source: cbs11tv.com

Valerie Bertinelli Bikini

2009-03-26T10:38:00.000-07:00

Valerie Bertinelli in a bikini is the latest cover of People magazine. So, what do you think, Valerie Bertinelli in a bikini – hot or overexposed? Sure, Valerie Bertinelli’s weight loss of about 50 pounds is a big deal, but how hard could it be to lose weight on Jenny Craig?

Do not get me wrong; clearly, Valerie Bertinelli in a bikini looks superb for any age – given the fact that she is 48, she looks unbelievably great. Still, the question remains, is she overexposed? I mean, over the past year, there was so much talk about her weight loss that the whole thing gets a little old, don’t you think?

It is not as if she has lost 50 pounds on her own, she lost weight on Jenny Craig, and she probably had a personal trainer, too. She deserves credit for her effort, but the whole thing seems like a promo for Jenny Craig.

The bottom line on Valerie Bertinelli in a bikini If you think about it, at the end, it boils down to this: Does she know how to eat healthy without Jenny Craig? Is she going to maintain the lost weight five years from now?

Source: ifitandhealthy.com

Dancing With The Stars Stalker: Shawn Johnson's Stalker Arrested!

2009-03-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

The stalker of Shawn Johnson of Dancing with the Stars has been arrested. He is Robert O'Ryan, 34 years old and is alleged to be stalking Olympic Gymnast and DWTS contestant Shawn Johnson, 17 years old. According to reports, police arrested Robert O'Ryan last monday after he tried to gain entry into a closed set taping of DWTS.

When O'Ryan was apprehended police found two loaded guns, duct tape, love letter to Johnson,and fan memorabilia. Robert O'Ryan is charged with illegal possession of firearms with bond of $35,000.

O'Ryan thinks and believes that Shawn is "speaking to him personally through the television and via ESP and he will be with her no matter what.”

Related terms: Shawn Johnson's stalker, sean johnson, dancing with the stars Shawn Johnson stalker

Johnson's Performance in Dancing with the Stars

Source: inday-stories.blogspot.com

Kelly Clarkson On Oprah

2009-03-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

Interview (Pt. 2)

Kelly Clarkson was a guest on today's Oprah, where she performed a medley of "Because Of You," "Behind These Hazel Eyes," & "My Life Would Suck Without You." "BTHE" is my favorite song from her Breakaway album, so I really enjoyed the performance. "They keep gettin' stuff!" I love Kelly. All I Ever Wanted is available now!

Source: bringdabeatback.blogspot.com

Denver International Airport Weather!

2009-03-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

Poor weather conditions are causing delays at Denver International Airport today. Denver International Airport weather for today is the following:

Delays by Destination [DENVER]:

* Due to WEATHER / LOW CEILINGS, departure traffic destined to Newark International Airport, Newark, NJ (EWR) is currently experiencing delays averaging 1 hour and 27 minutes.
* Due to WEATHER / LOW CEILINGS, departure traffic destined to La Guardia Airport, New York, NY (LGA) is currently experiencing delays averaging 55 minutes.
* Due to WEATHER / LOW CEILINGS, departure traffic destined to Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia, PA (PHL) is currently experiencing delays averaging 2 hours and 32 minutes.

General Departure Delays: Traffic is experiencing gate hold and taxi delays lasting 15 minutes or less.

The National Weather Service is reporting the following conditions:

Conditions at

2009.03.26 1601 UTC
Wind from the ENE (070 degrees) at 24 MPH (21 KT) gusting to 29 MPH (25 KT)
Visibility 1 mile(s)
Sky conditions overcast
Weather Light snow
Mist
Precipitation last hour A trace
Temperature 26 F (-3 C)
Windchill 10 F (-12 C)
Dew Point 24 F (-4 C)
Relative Humidity 92%
Pressure (altimeter) 29.7 in. Hg (1005 hPa)

For updates, click here

Source: news.lalate.com

whitehouse.gov: Grading WhiteHouse.gov

2009-03-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

By Jose Antonio Vargas
So is WhiteHouse.gov making the grade?

A few weeks ago we wrote that WhiteHouse.gov, under the direction of Obama campaign veteran Macon Phillips, had hit
a few technical and bureaucratic bumps. Today, we begin a monthly feature that invites five thinkers across the online political and cultural spectrum to grade President Obama's WhiteHouse.gov.

The panel includes: Craig Newmark, the Craig of Craigslist.org, the online bulletin board; Andrew Rasiej, founder of the bipartisan Personal Democracy Forum, which covers the hub of politics and technology; Ellen Miller, head of the Sunlight Foundation, a major power-player in open government circles; Jon Henke, a consultant for Arts+Labs, a technology policy coalition, and a blogger at the conservative blog The Next Right; and David Weinberger, a fellow at the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School and co-author of the prescient book "The Cluetrain Manifesto," which was published in 2000. Weinberg's work foresaw how the social, networked Web would change human relationships.

As the group sees it, WhiteHouse.gov has several goals. "The mission of WhiteHouse.gov is to act as a primary vehicle for the public to understand what the President is doing on behalf of the country," explained Rasiej. Added Weinberger: "Whitehouse.gov is the central online presence of the President. It should inform and engage: Inform us about the President's actions, policies, and person, and engage us in sharing and developing ideas." To Newmark, who prides himself as a customer service representative for the very site he created, the role of WhiteHouse.gov is to serve its citizens.

And a "citizen," Newmark noted, "is a customer of government."

Their marks are based on three criteria, each a buzzword in online politics:

* Transparency. Save for genuinely sensitive information and activities -- say, nuclear weapons design -- is WhiteHouse.gov serving as an X-ray of the inner workings of the White House?

* Accessibility. Is the site, for all age groups, functionally and visually easy to navigate?

* Engagement. Is WhiteHouse.gov offering a two-way street? In other words, is the site talking at us, or with us? There's a key difference.

So far, the grades for WhiteHouse.gov range from a C to a B+. The average is a C+.

Newmark, an early Obama supporter, gave the highest grade. "They're off to a great start," he said, "particularly considering the anti-transparency bias of earlier White House technology. Also, they have to overcome a lot of bureaucratic inertia, that's the hard part."

The rest of the group, however, was only marginally impressed. Rasiej offered a ploaio old C, and Miller marked it a C+. "In the same way FDR was able to use radio 'Fireside Chats' to talk to the American public to understand his decisions and his vision leaving them inspired to subscribe to it and adjust their expectations accordingly, this President has the same opportunity with an exponentially more powerful medium to not only lead us to achieve his vision, but to invite us to help get us all there faster," said Rasiej, who served as an adviser to the Obama transition's technology, innovation and government reform group. In a way, Obama's innovative use of the Internet during his campaign set a high bar for what he would do once he occupied the Oval Office. As Miller explained, "When it comes to transparency and citizen engagement, it still has a long way to go to meet the expectations that the President himself set during the campaign."

Henke and Weinberger were torn, giving the site two grades -- the first grade for what the site is, what it currently offers, and for what the WhiteHouse.gov under Obama could be. That's a running theme among many technologists who've been following the site. Henke gave the site a D for what it could be and B for what it is. Look at the blog, Henke said. Though WhiteHouse.gov should be heralded for having a blog -- a first for the site -- it's "more of a White House PR Feed that what we generally think of as a blog," Henke said. Weinberger gave it C and a B. It's a B, he said, because Obama's WhiteHouse.gov is significantly better than Pres. Bush's WhiteHouse.gov. But it's also a C because "compared to what Obama's WhiteHouse.gov wants to be, it needs room to grow."

For all the innovations of Obama's WhiteHouse.gov -- yesterday, officials announced that it will distribute tickets to the Easter Egg Roll
online -- online observers, a sometimes prickly, often exacting, let's-get-ahead-of-the-curve bunch, are left wanting for more. Take the issue of generating comments. Allowing comments on blogs is a given, nothing more than an online SOP. BarackObama.comand Change.gov allowed comments. But WhiteHouse.gov doesn't--at least not yet.

Anxious to have some of kind of bottom-up, grassroots participation come out of the White House, Ari Melber, a writer for The Nation, has spearheaded "Ask the President," an online-based effort that allows users to post questions and vote for their favorite questions they would like to be able to ask Obama. Voting on the posted questions will stop a few hours before the president's scheduled news conference tonight, and credentialed journalists are free borrow the most-voted questions from the site.

A site called White House 2-- created in late October, before Obama won -- doesn't just invite comments and questions but brings public participation on a mock WhiteHouse.gov to another level. Jim Gilliam, a Los Angeles resident and Obama supporter, designed White House 2 as it if were run by the online masses. Users can create an account, post priorities for the country (such as "Replace the federal income tax with the FairTax," "Improve the quality and competitiveness of our students" and "Have the IRS audit all Politicians every year") and endorse a list of priorities.

Perhaps Phillips and his new media team -- which now includes Katie Jacobs Stanton, a former Google exec who joined the White House earlier this month as director of citizen participation -- are paying attention. As Phillips himself said, Obama's WhiteHouse.gov is "an ongoing experiment."

And it's only been two months and three days since it was launched.

What grade would you give WhiteHouse.gov?

Source: voices.washingtonpost.com

cherry creek school district: Freedom From Religion Foundation Challenges Cherry Creek School District

2009-03-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

Tim Baily of Humanist of Colorado is circulating the following message regarding a lawsuit filed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) against the Cherry Creek School district and their endorsement of the 40 Developmental Asests.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) has a very important challenge regarding the separation of church and state in the Cherry Creek School District in Denver. The lawsuit challenges the District adoption of the “40 Developmental Assets,” of which number 19 is a recommendation of a “religious community” for children. The school district is recommending that children spend at least an hour a week in a church or other religious setting.

In a document specifically written for children, the endorsement reads: “I spend time with my religion.” A poster of a praying child next to this wording is displayed in various ways. The asset appears on a master calendar at the District website and various District documents.

FFRF has uncovered a religious agenda of the “40 Developmental Assets” program (in which the Lutheran Brotherhood, which developed it, cites bible verses which inspire each “asset,” even the secular-sounding assets).

Due to a child of a plaintiff graduating, FFRF is down to a single plaintiff. We are requesting anyone having a child in the school system who supports the separation of church and state to join the suit.

If you have a child in the Cherry Creek School system (or sympathetic friends or relatives with children in the District) and you might be interested in joining our action against this establishment of religion by the school district, then please let me know. Plaintiffs must have children who use the Cherry Creek public schools.

If we are to add additional plaintiffs, they need to be added before 2009. There is no cost involved and very little time required, and you would be helping to ensure we can challenge a violation that is occurring nationwide. The Court has a protective order which keeps parent (and child) names out of the court documents and newspapers. If interested contact me ASAP

Tim Bailey 303.921.0641
Tcsgrv@mindspring.com
Humanists of Colorado

Source: metrostateatheists.wordpress.com

White House Easter Egg Roll 2009 Tickets Online

2009-03-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

The White House Easter Egg Roll will be held on April 13, 2009, and for the first time, tickets are available online.

Tickets will be available online for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll beginning Thursday, March 26, 2009. In previous years the only way to obtain tickets for the event was standing in a very long line at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. the weekend before the event.

The White House Easter Egg Roll dates back to 1878 and is an event designed to encourage children and their families to come outdoors and celebrate the start of the spring season. This year’s theme, ‘Let’s go play’, encourages America’s youth to lead healthy and active lives. The White House will open the South Lawn to children age ten and under, along with their families, to enjoy sports, cooking classes, live musical performances, storytelling and, of course, the traditional Easter egg roll. Please come dressed to be active and participate in all of the events.

The White House isn’t saying how many tickets will be available. Tickets will be available at various times throughout the day. They advise checking the website throughout the day.

Each person will be limited to six tickets. It is open to children 10 years old or younger and their families, with a limit of two adults.

Get your tickets at www.whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll.

Source: bittenandbound.com

Thea Vidale PHOTOS!

2009-03-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

More Photo >>

PHOTOS! Here are pictures of the hilarious Thea Vidale who stopped by Howard Stern this morning. Thea Vidale is known for “THEA”, the short run sitcom.

Thea has appeared also in Ellen, The Wayans Bros., The Drew Carey Show, and My Wife and Kids.

Vidale is now earning fans as Mamma Benjamin, mother to Shelton Benjamin, on the WWE. Hilarious.

Catch rebroadcasts of her appearance today on The Howard Stern Show on Sirius XM channel Howard 100.

Source: news.lalate.com

ugadi greetings: Best Ugadi Greetings 2009 To Those Celebrating

2009-03-26T06:03:00.000-07:00

First of all I wish a Happy Ugadi festival to all those who will celebrate the Ugadi festival on the coming Friday 27 March in advance. In this post are some links to free Ugadi Greetings cards and Recipes that you can use to send to your family. Update: Get Your Free Flash Ugadi Ecards here before you continue to read.

Free Ugadi Greeting Cards

Check 123 Greetings for some very good Ugadi greeting cards that you can send by email to your friends and family here.

For the best flash Ugadi greeting ecards check 365 Greetings. All cards are free and also are available for bloggers and website administrators to use on their own website. Sample below. Click here for more. The cards can also be customised.

What Is Ugadi?

The word Ugadi is infact from the word Yug which mean era and Adi which mean start. In other word this mean start of an era or of a new year. It marks the start of the Hindu year which is base on the lunar calendar.

The festival is famous for its recipe of the day which is called the “Ugadi Pachhadi” which is a mixture of 6 tastes namely, bitterness, tang, salty, sweet, sourness and chili. These 6 tastes ought to represent the different parts of life which are sadness, happiness, anger, fear, disgust, and surprise. The symbolic aspect of this recipe is to show that in life people must accept to live with all the parts of it. Before ending this post here is a site with recipes for the festival.

Well Happy Ugadi to everyone in advance.

Source: islandcrisis.net

alan rosenberg: Marg Helgenberger Alan Rosenberg Divorce!

2009-03-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

Marg Helgenberger has filed for divorce from Alan Rosenberg. Alan Rosenberg is the SAG president, Marg the CSI star.

Helgenberger cited irreconcilable differences. The divorce was filed yesterday, reveals press late today. The couple have been married since 1989 and have one son. She’s 50, he’s 58. Rosenberg is still battling over a new SAG labor contract for actors with Hollywood producers.

No comment by either to the divorce. The two’s split had been reported here by LALATE several weeks back.

Source: news.lalate.com

‘Taking Woodstock’ Trailer Debuts! Do You Buy Demetri Martin As A Leading Man?

2009-03-26T05:52:00.000-07:00

Ang Lee’s ensemble flick, “Taking Woodstock,” boasts an impressive assortment of actors — from Liev Schrieber and Paul Dano to Emile Hirsch. But at its center is one big question mark, Demitri Martin. Honestly I never cared all that much for Martin’s schtick on “The Daily Show.” A little too precious for my taste. BUT I am a fan of his new show, “Important Things” over on Comedy Central. So I’m more than a little curious to see if he can carry a film from as revered a director (and notorious taskmaster) as Lee.

The big question is of course, will this decision to bank on Martin look like genius (ie. Lee’s casting of undiscovered talents like Katie Holmes and Tobey Maguire in “The Ice Storm”) or insanity (ahem, anyone remember Jewel in “Ride with the Devil”?). Here’s the trailer. Tell us what you think.

Source: moviesblog.mtv.com

How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You Lyrics Youtube Video

2009-03-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

"How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" is a 1964 hit song
written and produced by the Motown songwriting team of Holland-Dozier-Holland. It was originally recorded by American soul singer Marvin Gaye and became one of his most popular songs.
It has been covered on many occasions, including by fellow Motown artist Jr. Walker & the All Stars. It was a #5 pop and #1 adult contemporary hit for James Taylor in the summer of 1975.
Here Marvin performs a very laid back version of his huge 1965 hit "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved by You". Written and produced by those tune-meisters, Holland-Dozier-Holland,

Marvin Gaye - How Sweet It Is To Be Loved by You (1965)

one of my favorite james taylor song is how sweet it is (to be loved by you)
how sweet it is, let s get it on, marvin gaye, how sweet it is to be loved by you lyrics, james taylor
James Taylor - How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) lyrics

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

I needed the shelter of someone's arms and there you were
I needed someone to understand my ups and downs and there you were
With sweet love and devotion
Deeply touching my emotion
I want to stop and thank you baby
I just want to stop and thank you baby

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

I close my eyes at night
Wondering where would I be without you in my life
Everything I did was just a bore
Everywhere I went it seems I'd been there before
But you brighten up for me all of my days
With a love so sweet in so many ways
I want to stop and thank you baby
I just want to stop and thank you baby

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

You were better for me than I was for myself
For me, there's you and there ain't nobody else
I want to stop and thank you baby
I just want to stop and thank you baby

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

James Taylor - How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) Lyrics for mp3
James Taylor - How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) Lyric
James Taylor - How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) Letras
James Taylor - How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) Songtexte
James Taylor - How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) Lyrique
James Taylor - How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) Testo

Source: bolmamabol.blogspot.com

How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You (Artist : James Taylor)

2009-03-26T00:53:00.000-07:00

Song : How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You
Artist : James Taylor

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

I needed the shelter of someone’s arms and there you were
I needed someone to understand my ups and downs and there you were
With sweet love and devotion
Deeply touching my emotion
I want to stop and thank you baby
I just want to stop and thank you baby

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

I close my eyes at night
Wondering where would I be without you in my life
Everything I did was just a bore
Everywhere I went it seems I’d been there before
But you brighten up for me all of my days
With a love so sweet in so many ways
I want to stop and thank you baby
I just want to stop and thank you baby

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

You were better for me than I was for myself
For me, there’s you and there ain’t nobody else
I want to stop and thank you baby
I just want to stop and thank you baby

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

Maybe you are looking for:

James Taylor - How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You MP3
James Taylor - How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You Ringtone
James Taylor - How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You Lyric
James Taylor - How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You Letras
James Taylor - How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You Lyrique
James Taylor - How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You Testo
James Taylor - How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You Referencias

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f 22a

2009-03-26T00:49:00.000-07:00

F 22a
Acer ferrari f-22 black-red 22& 34 2ms hdmi widescreen lcd monitor 300 cd& 47 m2 20000& 58 1 built in ac adapter - lcd monitors with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Think progress congress pressures obama to extend officials with bethesda-based lockheed martin aeronautics co paid a last-minute visit to linthicum in february to drum up support for continuation of its f-22 raptor fighter jet. F 22a lockheed s f-22 raptor is the most advanced fighter in the world with its stealth capabilities, advanced radar, state of the art weapons systems and ultra-efficient turbofans. Acer ferrari f-22 22 lcd (limited edition) villman computers snarky commentary on global military affairs it appears that robert gates will continue on as secretary of defense for our locay fly boys (and girls) this has one major. Six lockheed f-22 raptors have y2k-esque glitch of their own over the blue-collar workers typically get hit hardest during a lousy economy, and this recession plays true to form more than 1 1 million manufacturing jobs have been lost since the.F-22 raptor - a set on flickr building on the ferrari tradition of uncompromising innovation, the acer f-22 is a showcase of technological and design excellence the latest lcd monitor line from acer. Newegg.com - acer ferrari f-22 black-red 22″ 2ms hdmi widescreen lcd the lockheed martin f/a-22 raptor v2 3 2 / 01 jan 09 / greg goebel / public domain the current first-line fighter aircraft of the us military, such as the f-15 and f-16, are. Executive decision on f-22 program will affect state economic impact drc (via its hj ford subsidiary) provides the f-22 systems program office (spo) with mission-critical acquisition management and logistics, systems engineering, and production. The lockheed martin f/a-22 raptor congress pressures obama to extend unnecessary f-22 program, claims it s too big to fail boeing and lockheed martin have been pouring money into a publicity campaign.

Source: techfigure.com

You're Nothing But a Pack of Cards

2009-03-26T00:48:00.000-07:00

I had a bad day. My broadband connection did not work for a few hours. I so wanted to blog about what people are searching for. So anyway, on top of the searches today is "You're nothing but a Pack of Cards". What's with this phrase? Not much an Alice in Wonderland fan, I was for a while in confusion about what the sentence "You're Nothing But a Pack of Cards" is all about. Then I remember, thanks to some online blog posts that it's a quotation from Alice in Wonderland.

What I could not figure out is why people suddenly start to search for the phrase? Are they looking for the meaning or is there some other reason. If you know drop a comment here. Please don't spam. Let's share information about "You're Nothing but a pack of Cards", shall we?

Source: inday-stories.blogspot.com

Iliza Shlesinger, ‘Last Comic Standing,’ Gets Personal with Howard Stern

2009-03-26T00:34:00.000-07:00

More Photo >>

Iliza Shlesinger, the sharp-tongued comedian who won NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” winner, appeared on “The Howard Stern Show” Wednesday morning. The comedian talked about her life on the road, the challenges of being the winner, and — of course — some slightly less PG subjects.
Iliza Shlesinger: ‘Last Comic Standing’

Iliza Shlesinger has recently toured with the other top finalists from the “Last Comic Standing” show. She told Stern the other four comedians — all men — don’t really talk to her much on the road and seem to resent her victory. (She received $250,000 for winning the show.)

Stern asked if people fell in love with her backstage. Shlesinger said people don’t really hit on her and she doesn’t have a boyfriend, which prompted Stern to ask if she liked girls. Shlesinger knocked that notion down, saying she doesn’t even like to hug her girlfriends.
Iliza Shlesinger’s Strip Club Days

Iliza Shlesinger told Stern she worked for a strip club for a few days when she needed money before beginning college — but before you jump to any conclusions, she wasn’t doing the dancing. She checked coats, she said, and never took off her own clothes. Shlesinger did say, however, that she learned a few things from the girls on the stage.

Shlesinger also spoke about her loathe of mirrors in the bedroom and her problem with the common name for a certain sexual position. You can check out the NSFW details for yourself at this summary page of the show.

As for what’s next, Shlesinger told Stern she’s already doing her own online talk show at TheStream.tv and is hoping to move on to even bigger things.
Iliza Shlesinger Photos

Click Here >>

Iliza Shlesinger Video

The following video shows Iliza Shlesinger performing standup comedy.

Source: inquisitr.com

"Taking Woodstock" trailer

2009-03-26T00:31:00.000-07:00

A man working at his parents' motel in the Catskills inadvertently sets in motion the generation-defining concert in the summer of 1969. From 'Important Things with Demetri that aired on 3/25/09.

Directed by Ang Lee.

Release Date is August 14, 2009.

Source: jake-weird.blogspot.com

smokey robinson

2009-03-26T00:28:00.000-07:00

Smokey Robinson
Robinson, smokey orig william robinson (born feb 19, 1940, detroit, mich , u s ) u s singer and songwriter robinson formed a group while still in high school. Smokey robinson singer, songwriter, and record producer born on february 19, 1940, in detroit, michigan growing up in a rough neighborhood, robinson started out singing in local groups. Smokey robinson : rolling stone remembering 1950s, 1960s, 1970s rock and roll smokey robinson formed the matadors in 1954 at northern high school with friends warren moore, bobby rodgers, emerson rodgers, and. Smokey robinson definition of smokey robinson in the free online smokey robinson & the miracles whatever makes you happy: more of the best of smokey robinson & the miracles (1961-1971) $11 98 cd. Smokey robinson how to get smokey robinson tickets find cheap tickets, premium tickets, ticket auctions, and more.Smokey robinson tickets smokeyrobinsontickets.com rolling stone gives you total smokey robinson coverage including free music, videos, photos, music news and exclusive rolling stone articles. Smokey robinson listen free and discover music at last fm smokey robinson tickets - buy and sell smokey robinson tickets and other concert tickets at stubhub buy your smokey robinson concert ticket today. Smokey robinson - official ilike page - free music, pictures, videos smokey robinson - official ilike page - free music, pictures, videos. Smokey robinson & the miracles - whatever makes you happy: more of the listen free to smokey robinson (ooo baby baby, being with you and more) william “smokey” robinson, jr (born february 19, 1940) is an american r&b and soul singer and songwriter.

Source: techfigure.com

DANICA MCKELLAR "KISS MY MATH" (VIDEO) - DANICA Helps Young Girls to Conquer Math

2009-03-24T00:10:00.000-07:00

Danica Mckellar is more than actress who shunned being uneducated because she went to school after starring in a string of hit TV series. Now, Danica Mckellar who went from the girl-next-door in Wonder Years to become the wonder educator. Danica is particularly focusing her efforts for young girls aged 10 to 14 to help them conquer Math. Danica Mckellar is now discussing her two best-selling books Math Doesn't Suck and Kiss My Math.

This is a refreshing innovation by Danica Mckellar. Because usually girls are stereotypically attuned to fail in Math and Science, Danica started up helping young girls online and she realized the need to encourage them to eliminate their fears in Math. Here is Danica Mckellar's interview in MyFox NY about her books Math Doesn't Suck and Kiss My Math:

Source: bashhh.blogspot.com

mike verta: Danica McKellar and Mike Verta Marries

2009-03-24T00:06:00.000-07:00

Danica McKellar and Mike Verta tied the knot last Sunday. The wedding was held in an ocean-side church at sunset in La Jolla, California. The bride wore a mermaid-style wedding gown and a tiara by Renee Strauss while the groom wore a tuxedo with tails and white gloves.

Source

Regina Lasko PHOTO!

2009-03-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

PHOTO! Here is a reported picture of Regina Lasko, David Letterman’s wife. Regina Lasko and David Letterman have married, confirms Letterman during Monday’s show taped earlier today.

Lasko and Letterman have dated for two decades and have one son. The two got married last Thursday but tonight on the Late Show Letterman reportedly made the revelation on national tv.

“I had avoided getting married pretty good for, like, 23 years. I secretly felt that men who were married admired me - like I was the last of the real gunslingers.”

Letterman says he headed to court to get married and then the three (Letterman, Lasko and son Harry) got stuck in the mud!

“So now we think, ‘Well, somebody’ll come. No, nobody comes along. Nobody comes along - it’s Thursday afternoon, who’s coming along, Zorro?

“So I get out of the truck and I walk two miles back to the house into a 50-mile-an-hour wind. It’s not Beverly Hills, it’s Montana, for God’s sakes. And the whole way, I’m thinking, ‘See, smart ass, see, see, you try to get married, this is what happens. See, well, you’ve got nobody to blame but yourself…

“So then we get in the car and Harry says, ‘Are we still going into town?’ and I said, ‘Yes, we are,’ and he gets very upset because mom had told him if I wasn’t back in an hour, the deal was off.”

Return to LALATE for the video later tonight!

Source: news.lalate.com

Bulletproof clothing

2009-03-23T23:56:00.000-07:00

Miami-based bulletproof clothing.

For exhibit 3,862 that our world is accelerating toward apocalypse, witness the launch of Anxo, the Miami-based line of bulletproof clothing for civilians. Its slogan (and we can't make this shit up): "Our promise: You won't be a victim of fashion."
At the same time Barack Obama had more than the Presidential 'beast' limo taking care of his safety yesterday.

According to some reports, he wore a suit made by a clothier specializing in bullet-resistant clothing during the inauguration ceremonies.

According to Caballero, many of his garments offer more than three levels of ballistic protection and they are about seven times more flexible than the Kevlar vests that are usually worn. Designers that use Kevlar tie together dense strands of the material (500 to 1,500 filaments per strand of yarn, according to Slate), which is then weaved into the clothing.

Source: bolmamabol.blogspot.com