Important Articles

CAT exam preparation tips

2009-11-22T00:41:00.001-08:00

CAT exam preparation tips

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How to prapare for CAT exam

2009-11-22T00:39:00.001-08:00

How to prapare for CAT exam

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How to select right Coaching for CAT or MBA exams

2009-11-22T00:37:00.001-08:00

How to select right Coaching for CAT or MBA exams

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Top training institutes, coaching classes for CAT in India

2009-11-22T00:36:00.001-08:00

Top training institutes, coaching classes for CAT in India

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CAT Sample Question Paper - SET 2

2009-11-21T22:32:00.001-08:00

CAT Sample Question Paper - SET 2

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CAT Sample Question Paper - SET 3

2009-11-21T22:29:00.001-08:00

CAT Sample Question Paper - SET 3

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CAT Sample Question Paper - Set 1

2009-11-21T22:11:00.001-08:00

CAT Sample Question Paper - Set 1

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IIIFT 2008 Question Paper - Download

2009-11-19T23:48:00.003-08:00

IIIFT 2008 Question Paper - Download

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IIIFT 2008 Question Paper - Download

2009-11-19T23:48:00.001-08:00

IIIFT 2008 Question Paper - Download

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IIFT Sample Paper Download

2009-11-19T23:27:00.001-08:00

IIFT Sample Paper Download

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When will America take responsibility for slavery ?

2008-07-07T22:57:00.000-07:00

If white people aren’t responsible for slavery, then who is? I’m not sure what some white people want. Is it some white people’s contention that white people are not responsible for slavery? Is it some white people’s contention that they have done enough to undo all the damage done to the black community during , the same damage that continues to manifest itself in the black community today, that they no longer deserve a finger pointed in their direction?

A lot of people make shortsighted statements like no white person alive ever owned a black person and no black person alive has ever been a slave. That little statement might be true. But nevertheless, the black community has never been properly compensated for the unequal treatment that it suffered through America’s institutionalized slavery or through the era of blatant racism that continued long after a law was passed to subject the black community to its substandard status.

Slavery ended years ago. But the conditions that were caused by institutionalized slavery, where the white community enriched itself by not compensating black people for their labor, where the white community could establish programs to educate its population while the education of the black population was neglected, where members of the white community were allowed to accumulate wealth and pass that wealth down from one generation to another, where the black community in general was not allowed to participate in the accumulation of wealth and had nothing to pass down through its generations, continue to exist today.

When will black people stop blaming white people for slavery? I’m sorry but white people are solely responsible for America’s era of institutionalized slavery. I know some people like to promote the idea that black people were capturing other black people and putting them on those slave ships. But it was white people who established that trade with black people and it was white people who sailed those ships across the middle passage. It was white people who enriched themselves in the trade of black people. It was white people who packed black people like sardines into the bowels of slave ships, where black people had to defecate on themselves and each other, making it easier for disease to spread and infect everyone within the hold. It was white people who would toss black people over the rail like a sack of dirt, into the waiting arms of the ocean, when one of the pieces of cargo got sick.

It was white people who created the market of supply and demand that led to America’s institutionalized slavery. It was white people paying for black people at auction. It was white people who kept black people in rickety shacks and on sustenance unfit for white people’s consumption. It was white people that kept black people from learning. It was white people who broke up black families.

It was white people who put laws in government books that made it legal to consider black people nothing more than white people’s property. It was white people who passed laws making it legal to consider black people only three fifths human. It was white people who stood idly by while other white people would whip an enslave black a person within an inch of his or her life. It was white people who were willing to look the other way as black women were raped at the white man’s whim. It was white people who invited other white people like Willy Lynch to develop processes to separate black people from their land, from their families, from their community, from each other, from their culture, from their spirituality, and from any hope that they would ever return home and any hope to be made whole again.

I know there are many who would prefer to absolve the racially generic dominant community that just so happens to be predominantly white of any and all responsibilities for the condition of the black community. But the simple fact is that the white community worked for generations to destroy black people, the black family unit, and the black community. And after America came to its senses and realized that this blatant form of racial discrimination was in fact cruel and intolerable, it was white people who spread the myth that just passing a law to make slavery and racial subjugation illegal was all it took to make restitution to the black community. White people who worked so hard to subject black people did nothing to restore black people. Slavery was white people’s fault and no one else’s. White people were the ones who benefited the most from slavery. Black people were the ones who suffered the most under slavery.

Hey, everybody who was alive during that time is now dead so no one is obligated to do anything to repair the damage that white people have caused. More of the dominant community’s propaganda. The hijackers of the planes that terrorized America on September 11, 2001 died with their passengers and with all the other people who were killed. But that didn’t stop America from taking her wrath out on the Taliban and the rest of Afghanistan. America even held Iraq partially responsible even though the evidence against Saddam Hussein was transparent to a blind man. The perpetrators and the victims were both dead. Yet, America is still there, six years later with four thousand dead troops and a trillion dollar bill for war to show for it.

White people will hold fast to the idea that they’ve done enough to repair the damage to the black community. Black people have welfare, isn’t that enough? If anyone were to ever take an honest look at what race benefits the most from welfare he or she will see that white people are, once again, the biggest benefactors of the various welfare programs. Trust me, if black people were the ones benefiting the most from the welfare programs they would have been terminated a long time ago.

When will black people stop blaming white people for slavery? I’m sorry but white people are responsible for those pages in the America’s history book. The idea that we can change the history of slavery if we stop looking at it is a popular one among many who wish to protect the status quo. The proper question a lot of people should be asking is, when will America take responsibility for the damage it caused, and continues to cause, the black community?

America’s top ten weirdest sex laws

2008-07-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

1. Oral sex is illegal in 18 states, including Arizona.

2. In Virginia, it is illegal to have sex with the lights on.

3. It is illegal for husbands in Willowdale, Oregon, to talk dirty during intercourse.

4. Sexual intercourse between unmarried couples is illegal in Georgia.

5. Engaging in any sexual position other than missionary is illegal in Washington, DC.

6. In Connorsville, Wisconsin, it is illegal for a man to shoot off a gun when his female partner is having an orgasm.

7. In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, it is illegal to have sex with a truck driver inside a toll booth.

8. Having sexual relations with a porcupine is illegal in Florida.

9. It is illegal in Utah to marry your first cousin before the age of 65.

10. Sex with animals is perfectly legal for men in Washington state, as long as the animal weighs less than 40 pounds.

BBC America: You Are What You Eat

2008-07-05T23:20:00.000-07:00

I don’t remember how or why I started watching BBC’s You Are What You Eat, but I find it to be a very entertaining show.

Here’s the deal — someone nominates a person who is overweight. Then this holistic nutritionist, Gillian McKeith comes in and detoxes that person.

But since some of the people don’t think they really are overweight, she uses “shock” treatment to snap them into reality. This means showing the person a table of everything they’ve eaten — and let me tell you, wow. It’s quite shocking (and I didn’t eat it!).

Then she gets a poo sample to see where the person is deficient in vitamins and minerals. Eww.

Then the person starts on the detox diet. She gives them 8 weeks of recipes and exercise plans. Oh, and they refer to the person as X stones, which means 14 lbs.

While I find the show entertaining, I’m not a fan of her veggie drink she makes people drink. Gross. At the same time, I realize she combating people who haven’t eaten a vegetable or fruit in years. But, I don’t think healthy food has to taste bad either!

I like the show and find it motivating to keep healthy! And they also offer a “how healthy are you” quiz.

McKeith is a tough cookie and she can definitely be a bit harsh to folks. But is it just me or does “You are fat” sound better with a British accent than no accent?

The show airs on BBC America weekdays at 4 PM EST. I hope they plan on bringing this show to the US soon!

American can't and won't change

2008-07-05T23:17:00.001-07:00

Change? Change how economics, society, foreign policy, form of government, diplomacy, or change our bad attitude towards the world? Well certainly none of these are going to change in the near future, and all McCain & Obama will do is base their decision’s off fear & personal interests. Americans are to busy to be bothered by such futile decisions (to them) and would rather be in good favor with community, state, and Federal government to receive their toys & money, and would gladly give up a few civil liberties here and there. Were such wimps, pussies, lazybones, and self indulging glutens who can’t perform simple tasks cause were to glued to the TV or self fun desirable activities. Man is becoming weaker, to self indulging, disgusting, no honor, no self decency, lack of knowledge, weaker minded, and way to dependent on an entity that’s only bringing us down. Government……

Men are tough, mean, aggresive, ambitious, courages, strong, stubborn, greatness, we are crumbling into women being reliant all the time and not thinking we can make it on our own. The only kind of change that could change something is people’s philosophy changing on life, the moral aspects of it, and why we are really on this earth.

37 injured in Iowa fireworks misfire

2008-07-05T23:14:00.000-07:00

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- A Fourth of July fireworks shell misfired in a northern Iowa town, sending a fireball skidding down a street into a crowd of spectators and injuring 37 people, officials said Saturday.
A fireball from a misfired shell fills a street Friday night in Charles City, Iowa.

Most of the people treated after the Friday night accident in Charles City suffered minor injuries, city Fire Department spokesman Eric Whipple said.

It appears there was a misfire involving 13 racks of firework tubes during the finale of the city-sponsored show, Assistant Fire Chief Dave Boehmer said Saturday.

Officials didn't yet know why the fireworks malfunctioned, Boehmer said. Inspectors from the state fire marshal's office in Des Moines visited Charles City on Saturday.

"It appears they went horizontally across the ground, some of them," Boehmer said of the fireworks.

Witnesses told the Charles City Press that a large fireball veered toward the crowd gathered downtown on lawn chairs and blankets.

"It was like a bunch of little fireworks just coming toward us," said spectator Emily Watson. "They started to explode. It was just like skating right across the street and then I saw them exploding right in the street here. ... In a split second, it started coming at me."

Brenda Schweiger said she feared for her life.

"My exact thought was, 'This is it, we're going to die,' " she said.

The city of about 7,800 people is 125 miles northeast of Des Moines, near the Minnesota state line.

Police in Riverside, Ohio, said a man lost part of his leg when fireworks went off inside his parked sport-utility vehicle, blowing the windows out.

A 6-year-old girl in Bayville, New York, suffered second-degree burns when fireworks landed in her lap, police said. Investigators said it wasn't immediately clear who launched the fireworks but said the child wasn't at a public pyrotechnics display.

A 3-year-old boy in Leominster, Massachusetts, suffered serious burns after his father shot off fireworks that went awry, authorities said. The 37-year-old man will probably be charged with illegal possession of fireworks, police said.

In Port Huron, Michigan, a 51-year-old man was critically injured when he was struck in the face by a mortar-type firework, the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department said. Officers said the man was placing the firework in a tube when it ignited

America Needs Truth Commission..oh and Bush Is Immoral!

2008-07-05T23:10:00.000-07:00

Komrade Kristof, of the NY Times, has now deemed we need an “American Truth Commission” to investigate the ‘crimes’ of the Bush Administration after 9-11. Week after week, day after day, we are subjected to the treasonous and seditionist rantings of the left, cheerleaded by the Times and the response we get is the sound of crickets.

Kristof laments:

When a distinguished American military commander accuses the United States of committing war crimes in its handling of detainees, you know that we need a new way forward.

“There is no longer any doubt as to whether the current administration has committed war crimes,” Antonio Taguba, the retired major general who investigated abuses in Iraq, declares in a powerful new report on American torture from Physicians for Human Rights. “The only question that remains to be answered is whether those who ordered the use of torture will be held to account.”
The first step of accountability isn’t prosecutions. Rather, we need a national Truth Commission to lead a process of soul searching and national cleansing.

He continues on with his weeping over what the United States has done to the so called innocent in Gitmo, calling the Bush Administration if not the President himself immoral - then calls upon the nation to close Gitmo and turn it into a center to rid the world of global poverty! Clearly the NY Times has proven time and time again that they are nothing more than a mouthpiece of the marxist global community, that America is the enemy, they hate all she stands for and terrorism and dare I say 9-11 was just a blip in the grand scheme of things.
I wonder, does he realize that if he had his way, the NYTimes building would be burnt, he and his cohorts most likely beheaded and freedom of the press, let alone freedom of speech would be granted only while facing toward Mecca to the melodious sounds of the call to prayer?

No more Komrade Kristof..or should I say NO MAS, I know you would understand that..

Get the Facts: Why a Drill Here, Drill Now Approach Will Help America Pay Less at the Pump

2008-07-05T23:08:00.001-07:00

Is more drilling for American oil an essential part of lowering energy costs and freeing us from dependence on foreign sources of energy? The typical response of critics is a resounding “NO!” and includes several common arguments, which are not supported by the facts.

* MYTH: Oil companies currently have 68 million acres of leased public lands that contain large amounts of economically recoverable oil available. Drilling in these areas could generate 4.8 million barrels a day so opening up more land is not necessary.
* MYTH: Drilling will not provide any short-term relief in the price of oil because it will take many years before new drilling will lead to new supplies.
* MYTH: The U.S. only has a small percentage (from 2-6%) of the world’s oil supplies, and since oil is a global commodity, our increased production won’t affect prices much if at all.
* MYTH: Drilling offshore will lead to ocean spillage, damaging wildlife and beaches.
* MYTH: The price of oil has increased due to “over-speculation” by energy commodities traders and outlawing or heavily regulating energy trading is the best way to dramatically reduce the price of oil.
* MYTH: Drilling for unconventional sources, such as tar sands or shale oil, is too costly and creates a large carbon footprint, among other environmental problems.

Sanford, FL Wastewater Treatment Plant First in North America to Use “Gasifier”

2008-07-05T23:06:00.001-07:00

A small wastewater treatment plant in Sanford will become the first in North America to use a new “gasifier” to convert biosolids into clean energy that will help power the facility.

Houston-based MaxWest Environmental Energy is spending $1.7 million to install equipment at the new plant off State Road 417 near Orlando Sanford International Airport. MaxWest chose the Sanford facility, says William Baker, vice president of marketing for MaxWest, because the plant was already using cutting-edge technology.

In many municipalities, sludge that’s produced during wastewater treatment is trucked to landfills or to remote farmland, where it’s spread over the soil to dry. But sludge carries phosphorus and nitrogen, which can pollute groundwater, and methane gas, identified as a contributor to global warming.

Earlier this year, the Sanford plant installed a drier to treat its sludge. Starting in September, the gasifier will use sludge processed by the drier to produce thermal energy to heat the drier, replacing the natural gas the city now buys. “So we have a closed-loop system, and we can turn off the natural gas,” Baker says.

MaxWest will own and operate the gasifier, and the city will pay the company $258,000 a year for 20 years for the power it produces.

Initially, the power generated will be used to operate only the drier. Paul Moore, the city’s utilities director, says if everything works well, the city and MaxWest will consider other options, such as using the gasifier to produce power for the entire plant; selling off excess capacity in the gasifier to other municipalities; and selling excess power produced in processing the dried sludge.

The city estimates a savings of $9 million over the life of the contract. MaxWest is working with eight other Florida municipalities to set up similar gasifiers.

America’s new greatest generation, 1,215 servicemembers re-up in Iraq

2008-07-05T23:03:00.000-07:00

Service members from all over Iraq gathered in the Al Faw Palace rotunda at Camp Victory, Baghdad, to reenlist and celebrate Independence Day.

All 1,215 service members celebrated by raising their right hands and pledging to continue defending the “land of the free” in what is the largest reenlistment ceremony since the all-volunteer force began in 1973 according to Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin L. Hill, command sergeant major, Multi-National Forces - Iraq.

“Volunteering to continue to serve our nation, while deployed - is both noble and inspiring,” said Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general, Multi-National Forces - Iraq. “It is, as award citations often state, in keeping with the finest traditions of our military services.”

Petraeus presided over the ceremony and led the airmen, Marines, sailors, and Soldiers in their oath to defend their country against all enemies both foreign and domestic on this day of celebration of America winning its independence.

“We recognize the sacrifices they make and the sacrifices their families and communities make as they serve in Iraq,” Hill said. “These servicemembers know the cost of war and they are still reenlisting.”

Accumulatively servicemembers pledged more than 5,500 years of additional service to their country.

“It makes me feel proud to serve this great nation,” said Spc. Zackary Cunningham, mechanic, 602nd Maintenance Battalion, Tactical Base Balad, who plans on making the Army a career.

The reenlistees have every right to feel proud according to Petraeus.

“You and your comrades here have been described as America’s new greatest generation, and, in my view, you have more than earned that description,” Petraeus said. “It is the greatest of honors to soldier here with you.”

Professional sports in North America vs The World

2008-07-05T23:00:00.000-07:00

Here’s how high-profile, spectator baseball works in the USA:

Everything revolves around Major League Baseball, which is has a permanent, closed-door membership. There are 30 teams and they play exclusively within the league, i.e. the Chicago Cubs do not compete in some outside tournament in the Major League offeason. Each Major League team also runs a multi-tiered system of smaller teams within Minor League Baseball, where younger players are tested. So, how many championships do Major League teams compete for? ONE: the World Series.

The English soccer system represents a very different model that is much more common around the world. There is a multi-tiered system in which teams move up and down. At the top of this system is the Premier League. The worst Premier teams at the end of the season are demoted to the next level down, the Championship, and so on. There are other competitions held on the side. The FA Cup is open to EVERY MEN’S TEAM IN THE COUNTRY, even local amateur squads. The similar League Cup is open to teams within the professional heirarchy. Additionally, the best teams from the Premier League and FA Cup get to play in pan-European competitions, namely the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Cup. The winner of the Champions League moves on to the FIFA Club World Cup. So, in review, how many championships can a Premier League team compete for in a season? At the minimum, three: the Premiership, FA Cup and League Cup and if they were good enough in the previous season, the Champions League OR UEFA Cup, plus the Club World Cup.

In closing, the World model is much more complicated than our own, much more dynamic, and creates many more opportunities for David vs Goliath style confrontations.

Dear America, Are you really going to Eat That ?

2008-07-05T22:57:00.000-07:00

While much of the globe is constantly faced with scarcity, disease and starvation, the Western world insists on self-inflicted suffering via those American Dreams we’ve got our chubby fingers so tightly wrapped around. As strange as it may be to comprehend, many Americans are literally starving themselves through gluttonous over-indulgence. Author John Robbins (Diet for a New America, The Food Revolution) has noted that there are equal numbers of people in the world (roughly 1.2 billion of each group) suffering from diseases related to poverty and from diseases of affluence like heart disease, obesity and diabetes. There are different ways to skin a rabbit, as the saying goes — and leave it to Americans to discover that apparently even stuffing it works.

Unprecedented calls to action to “be green” are sending mixed messages and leaving consumers confused about their choices. Hybrid cars, energy credits, and recycling are mainstream topics while perhaps the biggest way we can make a difference for ourselves, our families and our community is in the foods we eat — or don’t eat. Many people in the world still grow and harvest their own food, and they have an innately organic relationship with what they put inside their bodies, yet Americans need a decoder ring for navigation through super market aisles (which can be found at the bottom of a box of Lucky Charms cereal oddly enough…).

The packaged product revolution has made a lot of people rich and a lot more seriously unhealthy. Corn syrup and refined sugars have had such an obvious, gross effect on humans, yet we as a nation seem stunned, paralyzed by the trend that’s feeding on our children like a parasite. And while the Whole Foods Revolution is sweeping the nation, it’s catering to an obvious audience and creating more questions about what’s really safe to eat in this country.

Big Oil's lates contribution of America

2008-07-05T22:53:00.001-07:00

An article on the New York Times website today talked about elderly losing aid because of the high fuel prices government agencies and volunteers face. Meals On Wheels, transportation assistance, and home care all suffer. Over 90% of agencies contacted stated they will make even more cuts in 2009.

But hey, as long as Exxon Mobil, and the other bigs can make record profits, so what if tens of thousands of elderly Americans suffer? I guess we are supposed to be impressed by Exxon’s investment of $20 billion or so on exploration and development. But unless I don’t understand how accounting works, isn’t R & D an expense? So the net profit is still nearly $40 billion after R & D. Talk about robber barons.

And what do the oil companies do with their obscene profits? Well, at least some of it is spent buying back stock, so next year’s profits can be even more obscene. Much of it goes back to stock holders. Yes, some of the stock holders might be you and me through our pension or 401(K) programs. I suspect that a lot more of the dividend goes to the limo riding executives of the big oil firms, than funnels into my retirement program, or into your retirement program.

Do big oil firms actually make large donations to charity? Of course they do. Should they do more? Given that much of the economic turmoil is a result of high energy prices, I would think that appropriate. Maybe a billion or two less could be spent on buying back stock, or on dividends. Actually that seems almost like chump change to the oil companies.

But that amount given to agencies throughout the U.S. would help elderly diabetics get the regular meals they need, and now aren’t receiving because volunteers can’t afford gasoline to deliver them. And maybe rural cancer patients could be transported to big city hospitals to receive necessary treatment.

We are celebrating 4th of July this weekend, the birth of an ideal that formed the greatest country in the world. I am proud of Americans who work hard, and try to do right for their families. The America of greed and huge gaps between the haves and have nots saddens me.

30 Great Things about America

2008-07-05T22:50:00.000-07:00

It’s in vogue to hate on America these days and to pretend not to be proud to be an American, but this is just silly. On this Independence Day weekend, I think it’s important to take stock of the good things we have in this country… and here are just a few authentically American things that I’m thankful for:

* Apple pie ala mode

* Visits to an ice cream parlor on hot summer evening

* The Kansas prairie… especially in the hours between a late afternoon thunderstorm and a humid sunset.

* Sweet Iowa corn

* Drive-in movies: combining two American favorites—movies and cars.

* Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Boston, actually most all of the old colonial cities…

* Barbecues: dad at the grill, mom pouring lemonade, kids playing with water balloons

* Mount Rushmore: how deliciously kitschy and American to turn a mountain into a postcard

* Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Harrison Ford: between the three of them we have Saving Private Ryan, Forrest Gump, Apollo Thirteen, Band of Brothers, Indiana Jones, Air Force One, Patriot Games, and countless other quintessentially American films.

* Baseball. Whether a little league game in rural Idaho or a sold out game at Wrigley Field, baseball is a gorgeous articulation of the American spirit.

* Disneyland and Disneyworld: the crowds, the idealistic nostalgia, the capitalism, the innocence…

* Extreme diversity. Living in L.A. has driven the point home: America is truly the most diverse country in the world, and it’s a great thing.

* The National Park System. There’s nothing like it in the world.

* College sports: do other countries even have something so great as the NCAA?

* Ken Burns documentaries: Baseball, Jazz, The Civil War, The War… they’re all so exceedingly American.

* The Oregon Trail: the computer game AND the actual trail.

* Wilderness: there actually is some left, in remote corners of the American West.

* Cowboys and Indians

* Our great poets: Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Langston Hughes, Edgar Allen Poe, etc

* Our great novelists: Flannery O’Connor, William Faulkner, John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway, Jack Kerouac, Walker Percy, etc.

* Western films: John Ford, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Monument Valley.

* The Gold Rush

* The Gilded Age

* Woodstock: the lasting iconic moment of that most iconic of all American decades, the 60s.

* Prohibition and the Jazz Age: if only because it gave birth to the best American book of the 20th century (see next item).

* The Great Gatsby: No words have ever captured the complex beauty and dream of America as Fitzgerald’s in this book.

* New York and Chicago-style pizza

* Art deco skyscrapers

* Our shared national love of kitsch (see towns like Las Vegas, Pigeon Forge, and Branson)

* The Super Bowl

* Charlie Brown

Are you agree with all or not ?

Angry conservatives and Republicans hate America

2008-07-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

Having grown up in the South, I am well aware of the bigotry and hatred that someone can have for another, when they believe that they are a follower of the correct faith, from the correct race, and that they somehow are the only ones who love America. And all others from different churches, or different races, hate America and are frankly not even really true Americans anyway.

If you take the time to read any of the comments on right wing websites, and on the websites of Southern mainstream newspapers, you will see a sea of hatred and anger. People are “concerned” about Senator Obama’s background. They don’t believe him when he says he is a Christian. To them, he is obviously lying.

From this I have learned that no matter what the truth is, and no matter what you say to correct a misconception about the truth, these angry Americans will simply choose to not believe the truth. And instead they will believe what they want. And what they want to believe is the worst.

The people who still believe that Senator Obama is a Muslim (which is not a crime by the way), would have never voted for him anyway. They would have found something else instead. Look at John Kerry, a war hero. The angry Americans said he wasn’t a war hero, despite the evidence to the contrary.

So I am not going to worry about people who say that Senator Obama is a Muslim. Because, they are angry Americans who hate blacks, gays, compassion, acceptance, truth, hope, fairness, and justice. They embrace bigotry and hate, and they will be bitter until they die.

They will miss out on a lifetime of being proud of our country for correcting the wrongs of our past, and for accepting responsibility for what is wrong with America and then fixing it. They want to return to the “good ole days” of Jim Crow, gays in the closet, and a world where a mixed race child with a funny name and diverse background could never become President.

this could never happen in America?

2008-07-05T22:43:00.000-07:00

Schoolboys Punished with Detention for Refusing to Kneel in Class and Pray to Allah

The Daily Mail
UK - Two schoolboys were given detention after refusing to kneel down and ‘pray to Allah’ during a religious education lesson. Parents were outraged that the two boys from year seven (11 to 12-year-olds) were punished for not wanting to take part in the practical demonstration of how Allah is worshipped. They said forcing their children to take part in the exercise at Alsager High School, near Stoke-on-Trent - which included wearing Muslim headgear - was a breach of their human rights.
One parent, Sharon Luinen, said: “This isn’t right, it’s taking things too far.
“I understand that they have to learn about other religions. I can live with that but it is taking it a step too far to be punished because they wouldn’t join in Muslim prayer. “Making them pray to Allah, who isn’t who they worship, is wrong and what got me is that they were told they were being disrespectful. “I don’t want this to look as if I have a problem with the school because I am generally very happy with it.”
Another parent Karen Williams said: “I am absolutely furious my daughter was made to take part in it and I don’t find it acceptable. “I haven’t got a problem with them teaching my child other religions and a small amount of information doesn’t do any harm. “But not only did they have to pray, the teacher had gone into the class and made them watch a short film and then said ‘we are now going out to pray to Allah’. “Then two boys got detention and all the other children missed their refreshment break because of the teacher. “Not only was it forced upon them, my daughter was told off for not doing it right. “They’d never done it before and they were supposed to do it in another language.”
“My child has been forced to pray to Allah in a school lesson.” The grandfather of one of the pupils in the class said: “It’s absolutely disgusting, there’s no other way of putting it. “My daughter and a lot of other mothers are furious about their children being made to kneel on the floor and pray to Islam. If they didn’t do it they were given detention. “I am not racist, I’ve been friendly with an Indian for 30 years. I’ve also been to a Muslim wedding where it was explained to me that alcohol would not be served and I respected that. “But if Muslims were asked to go to church on Sunday and take Holy Communion there would be war.”
Parents said that their children were made to bend down on their knees on prayer mats which the RE teacher had got out of her cupboard and they were also told to wear Islamic headgear during the lesson on Tuesday afternoon. Deputy headmaster Keith Plant said: “It’s difficult to know at the moment whether this was part of the curriculum or not. I am not an RE teacher, I am an English teacher. “At the moment it is our enterprise week and many of our members of staff are away. “The particular member of staff you need to speak to isn’t around. I think that it is a shame that so many parents have got in touch with the Press before coming to me. “I have spoken to the teacher and she has articulately given me her version of events, but that is all I can give you at the moment.”
A statement from Cheshire County Council on behalf of the school read: “The headteacher David Black contacted this authority immediately complaints were received. “Enquiries are being made into the circumstances as a matter of urgency and all parents will be informed accordingly. “Educating children in the beliefs of different faith is part of the diversity curriculum on the basis that knowledge is essential to understanding. “We accept that such teaching is to be conducted with some sense of sensitivity.”

Is America a new Roman Empire ?

2008-07-05T22:40:00.000-07:00

In answer to a “Thought of the Day” (below), read my essay (further below):
“Is America the new Roman Empire? .. and as such, what will eventually be its undoing?
(this is the first in what i hope to be a bi/tri/trans-daily pondering… just trying to see what type of response i get [if any])”

Hopefully it will educate and amuse. If you have no interest in history/politics, or are just a dullard in general, read it anyway!

America is NOT the new Roman Empire. It is actually only the OLD Zenatropian Empire, which crumbled in the year 3826 ABG (”After tha BG”, a member of the rap-group turned fanatical cult ‘Cash Money Millionaires,’ which was en vogue around the turn of the 21st century AD.) The empire reached it’s zenith around 3500 ABG with it’s scientist’s discovery of “Stone Cold Fusion,” developed by professors at the Steve Austin Univeristy of Science, Industry, and Professional Wrestling. This gave Zenatrops access to seemingly endless energy to fuel their economy, most notably their literally explosive sex-toy industry, whose products were said to produce in it’s clients orgasms so intense that some users actually spontaneously combusted.
Unfortunately for that nation’s inhabitants, all this prosperity came to a crashing halt starting in 3800 ABG, when a fanatical sect of what came to be known as “BGism” encouraged large portions of society to accept the prophets teachings and “drop outta hiii schoo’ and git into that rap thang!” This resulted in a huge drop in the level of average education that manifested itself in the election of a chimpanzee as President in the year 3812.
(To be fair to the voters, and the chimp himself, the population’s average IQ was so low at this point, that the chimp had only slightly below-average intelligence, a far cry from the smarts gap between ordinary citizens and their mentally-handicapped elected officials in, for example, the 21st century, the era of tha BG.)
This foolish failure of democracy was unable to right itself because the chimp, nearly mad with the fear that this position usually reserved for homo sapiens would soon be taken away from him, quickly consolidated military power and media ownership and created a totalitarian state practically overnight. Binky the Howling then employed the Teamster’s Union (whose membership now consisted solely of gorillas, recently freed from city zoos under an act rammed through a legislature comprised solely of banana slugs) to crush any human demonstrations of opposition.
With insects controlling the legislature and 9 cardboard boxes on the supreme court (all appointed by President Binky, despite the fact that none of the 9 human judges currently serving had yet retired), Binky was free to pass any such bill he wished. This absolutism was ultimately his downfall when, on a lark, he passed a measure allowing himself to be fired out of a cannon a la a circus stunt he had seen his great uncle, Chimpazarius Monkeyshines, whom Binky had always admired greatly, perform while drunk on Absolut Banana.
The cannon, instead of being directed onto a net above a pool of water as directed by Binky’s aids, was shot directly into the side of the Washington monument by a subversive group of anti-Simian students. Following this assassination (know afterwards as “Splatty Sunday”), the country split into civil war between rival factions who had previously been supressed under Binky’s rule. Eventually, peace was made between the human HOH (”Homos for Homos”) party and the simian PLO (Primate Liberation Organization) group, and a joint coalition government was formed.
However, this would not last long as both groups cited political differences and in-fighting began. The apes wanted to lower fruit import tariffs, abolish zoos, legalize same-sex lice grooming, and were antagonized by the humans unwillingness to take their party as a serious political force. The humans were virulently anti-same-sex lice grooming, had pressure from local farmers to keep foreign produce out, and would make mocking whooping noises anytime an ape leader stood up to speak.
These opposing viewpoints ultimately led to a coalition rift out of which arose a brutal gorilla general by the name of Gorito Muscellini. His thugs, know as “brown-backs”, with force, quieted those protesting his fascist methods of governance. With increasingly bellicose statements of gorilla genetic superiority, Muscellini invaded New Canada which he claimed, ironically to history students of the 20th century ‘Cold War’, to be full of “commie pinko homos” because of the human system of socialized medicine in New Canada.
Unfortunately for the fledging dictator, Muscellini forgot that 1) New Canada was seperated from Zenatropia by a good 8000 miles of ocean and that 2) gorillas laden with army supplies don’t swim very well. This disastrous military campaign, which resulted in the drowning deaths of some 300,000 gorilla troops, was followed by no reprisal from New Canada (who had no idea that it was even being invaded, so quickly was Muscellini’s plan foiled by the Atlantic Ocean), so that Muscellini’s control of the country was not totally lost.
However, emotionally distraught due to his failure, Muscellini went insane and, with a kidnapped blond human woman under his arm, scaled a miniature replica of New York’s Empire State building that had been installed on his vacation complex, and then fell 8 feet to his death after imagining that World War II aircraft were attacking him. Only his buxom kidnapping victim attending his funeral, so low was Muscellini’s current popularity.
At this time, New Canada finally received word of its invasion (or lack thereof) through an anonymous e-mail sent by a New Canadian sympathizer know by the pseudonym “Sheep Coat.” This treasonous scandal, known as “Muscellini-should’ve-never-tried-to-cross-the-Watergate”, resulted in 86 nuclear strikes on Zenatropian soil which completely obliterated every living thing on it’s surface. When asked by the press for comment on why such an unforgiving attack was warranted, New Canadian Prime Minister Calvin America Jr. replied that New Canada was simply “tired of always getting picked on” by more powerful nations. Thus ends the tragic history of a nation whose rise to such Olympian heights was rivaled only by its staggering fall from grace and its penchant for yellow fruit.

Brandon Fahey is America

2008-07-05T22:37:00.001-07:00

As we celebrated our independence on July 4th, one scrappy little waif mustered out some gutsy play and showed us what the game of baseball, America’s game, was all about. It’s not about being the biggest guy on the field with the biggest muscles. Its not about being the most known player. It’s not about being that guy who everyone wants on your team.

Sometimes, its the littlest guy on the field who plays a great game. That’s spirit of America. Anybody can come out and have a big game. It might by their only huge game. There’s plenty of players who had one big game (see Ryan O’Malley for the Cubs, that kid who threw the no-hitter a few years ago for the Rockies) and that might their only big game.

But the Spirit of America IS BRANDON FAHEY. He looks like the kid who plays on the sandlot, gets into a bunch of crazy madcap neighborhood misadventures, and in the evening all the gang stops by Old Mrs. Fletcher’s house for a big piece of apple pie and a big glass of whole milk.

Brandon Fahey is America

Brandon Fahey went 2-4 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI yesterday. Chew on that David Eckstein. Oddly, I don’t know if I’m being sarcastic or not. Seriously. The spirit of America stuff, yeah, but at the moment…I’d rather stick with Fahey and Cintron rather than Eckstein.

Anyway, Fahey filled in for Brian Roberts, who wasn’t feeling too hot yesterday. Freddie Bynum returned to play short and had 3 RBI, which was an offensive explosion from a guy who had previously mustered only 5 RBI.

Couple of other things:

* Ryan Bukvich should be sent back to Norfolk
* Aubrey Huff got RBI number 53 yesterday
* I think its time Trembley and company thinks about moving Adam Jones up in the order. He went 2-4 yesterday with 2 RBI. His average is up to .279 now. Jones in the 2 spot would sound good. Markakis could go to third in the order, and Huff in the 4 hole.
* Melvin Mora’s woes at the plate march on. His average is down to .227.

Gas Price surge in America

2008-07-05T22:34:00.001-07:00

Gas Price Surge In America

Gasoline consumption in America has fallen by an average of 1.1% This in combination with the economy today, has made a dramatic after effect on American behavior, overall American consumer behavior, driving habits and lifestyle changes. Since February of 1994, gasoline prices have been on the rise. Costing Americans on average around $3.00 to $3.59 per the gallon rising to almost $4 potentially per the gallon, it is no wonder that we are pushing the “green movement” for an eco-friendlier economy of today. With the continuing rise of oil prices that are pulling gasoline higher in the current economy, American consumers are more likely to hold back on buying gas prices. Today’s weak economy has led Americans to cut back on driving, instead taking public transportation to avoid rising costs of fuel. As a result, the demand for gasoline has slowed with Americans becoming more fuel-efficient.

As consumers are wise spending decisions as result of economy downturn on where to live, what kind of car, what kind of “eco friendly” car, they begin to factor in more intelligently fuel costs, typical consumer spending behavior on goods and services as well as overall impact in every day cost expenses. We are beginning to see hybrid cars, compact cars pushed to market. Automotive changes in choice of car, have a significant impact on the obvious level of gasoline consumption rates which we have seen over the past years however significantly more so as we move toward a more “fuel efficient”, “eco-friendly” lifestyle. Behaviors such as consumer shopping at Wal-Mart, trading in the automobile rides for bicycle rides has left American’s concerned now with an impact on consumer behaviors due to gas price rates rising high, how the American people will be living in the future. Examining the downturn of the economy, the decline in the real estate market has also made significant impact on how we are living today. Real estate developers are building more walkable neighborhoods closer to public transportation and public shopping centers. It’s all about saving in the new economy. Rising gas costs, concerns of commuting, real estate market impacts and retail consumer behavior have certainly made its mark in today’s world.

Convenience is key. 0% The outlook of the future of today’s economy has impact on how much money individuals earn. If earnings stay high, then consumers will obviously keep spending and keep the economy growing. Consumer spending effects 70% of today’s economic output. The recession of 2001 did not impact consumer spending slowdown even through income growth had declined.

Bank of America Gets It! Hallelujah!!

2008-07-05T22:27:00.001-07:00

As I browsed the newspapers at my local Barnes & Noble, I had to do a double check and make sure I was reading what I thought I was reading. Right there, in the Atlanta Business Chronicle, on the front page, in big letters read: Bank of America Launches Telecommuting Program. I let out a hardly stifled “It’s about time!!!”.

If you’ve been reading my blog, you would know I am an advocate of remote work/telecommuting. Especially in a time when gas and cost of living prices are on the rise, I have been shouting to the roof top about the virtues of virtual work. Bank of America has heard the masses. The program is called “My Work” and it calls for employees to voluntarily stay at home to work. Yeah, like that’s going to be tough sell! It’s not for just any employee. The employee has to be qualified (as well they should) and not necessary to have face to face contact with clients (ie; Tellers, Back Office Operators, etc). (I have my opinions on that but I’ll share later). B of A employees participating in the program will be asked to forfeit their cubicle and office space. The program was initiated in 2004 but hadn’t received much emphasis until now. To date, 5,500 of their 157,000 employees are enrolled in the program and a majority of them were in the Charlotte market (where the company is headquartered). Well they’ve introduced it to the Atlanta market and as many as 1,000 employees were invited to participate in My Work but only 172 have elected to participate. Shame on the rest of them!

I hope, no I pray, that other employers will follow suit with B of A’s lead. Let’s not only look at the cost of living, but taking advantage of technology gives companies a clear advantage in this global economy. I have to give B of A a “Hues Seal of Approval”. Yes, they are still embroiled in the financial crisis threatening to cripple our economy. But implementing telework can work to their advantage to save them in the end. B of A’s stock may be garbage right now, but they are alright with me!

Happy Belated Birthday dear America

2008-07-05T21:29:00.001-07:00

I hope everyone enjoyed their Independence Day and took the time to reflect on it’s meaning instead of just taking at for what it’s worth: aday off of work spent bumming around the house and getting ready for a night of partying and boom-boom fireworks.

It seems like these days people are so against the war that they lack patriotism, but I do feel that I was lucky to be born an American and given all the rights that come with an American citizenship. I’ve done absolutely nothing to deserve those rights other than the being born here in America, but am thankful for the freedom that I have been granted and the amazing opportunities that come along with it.

And now, a passage from The Declaration of Independence…I hope you can take the time to read it and take to heart the words of our Founding Fathers. J Though I may not always agree with some of the acts of our government, I do feel an “egotistical” sense of pride in being granted these rights after doing nothing extraordinary to deserve these. Maybe all Americans should be required to take a citizenship test…?

At the same time, to contradict myself, I have a sense of shame for feeling even a little bit of pride in being American, because once again what astonishing deed did I do to deserve it. In short, Americans have no right to brag and say/believe they are better than others simply because of our American citizenship.

Ok, now really, here’s a passage from the Declaration of Independence:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. –Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.”

Happy belated birthday my dear America!

Australian iPhone pricing announced

2008-07-05T21:13:00.000-07:00

Optus has released information on iPhone plan pricing for Australia. There are two options: post-paid and pre-paid.

The post-paid option includes what they’re calling a “Cap Plan” and a “Yes Plan.” The Cap Plan (all prices are Australian dollars) starts at $19 and offers 100MB of mobile internet data and $50 of calls and text, and maxes out at 1GB of data and $1500 of calls for $179.

All Cap Plans include free 20-minute voice calls to other Optus GSM mobiles in Australia (within hourly restrictions), and free 5-minute voice calls to phones on the same account, 24/7.

The Yes Plans start at $19 for 100MB of data and $14 of calls, and maxes out at 1GB of data and $144 of calls for $149. There are several text and rollover options for both.

The pre-paid options offer an 8GB iPhone for $729 and a 16GB phone for $849. These phones can be unlocked free of charge after six months, or for a $60 fee any time before then (including the time of purchase). So, totally unlocked iPhone 3G will be sold in Australia for $789 (the 8GB model) or $929 (16GB).

Renew your old iPhone with Flipswap

2008-07-05T21:10:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, we asked iPhone owners who intend to upgrade just what they’ll do with their 1st generation iPhones. Thousands of you answered, with Ebay drawing the top score.

Of course, Ebay will be flooded with iPhones soon, so consider alternatives like Flipswap. They offer cash for iPhones (and other model phones) and even pay for shipping. Once they’ve gotten your phone, they put it back in use.

If you’re the environmentally consicous type, you’ll appreciate this. Phones that cannot be put back into use are disposed of, piece by piece, in “…the greenest methods available today.” Also, in lieu of cash, you can trade in your dead phone for a tree as part of their reLeaf Program. Flipswaps estimates they’ll plant up to 25,000 trees this year (they take old iPods, too!).

It’s free, easy and definitely worth the consideration.

Telia Sonera changes iPhone plans in response to customer outrage

2008-07-05T21:06:00.000-07:00

Potential iPhone customers in Canada have been up in arms over the plans presented by Rogers/Fido (and rightfully so). They’ve been trying every avenue possible to let Rogers know that they aren’t happy, but just how much is it really going to do? Well this story from Sweden might give you some hope.

Last month Telia Sonera announced their iPhone 3G plans, and they too were outrageous. The people of Sweden rose up and let the company know that they didn’t want to pay these ludicrous prices (smallest plan was $50 and included 100 minutes, 100 SMS and 100MB of data), and apparently it worked.

Telia Sonera has changed their ways and announced that customers can choose any of their currently available voice+SMS plans, and tack on an unlimited data plan for around $34. Lets just hope that Rogers decides to listen too.

50,000 S. Koreans protest 'unsafe' U.S. beef

2008-07-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- Tens of thousands of South Koreans were demonstrating Saturday on the streets of the capital to protest the government's decision to import what they say is unsafe U.S. beef.
South Korean protesters protest against government's policy on U.S. beef imports on Saturday.

South Korean protesters protest against government's policy on U.S. beef imports on Saturday.

South Korean police estimate that the crowd in Seoul is about 50,000. No clashes were reported between the protesters and riot police, although ongoing protests have at times turned violent.

South Koreans have protested regularly since April when the government announced it would resume importing beef from the United States after a five-year ban. That ban was instituted over a case of mad cow disease in the United States in 2003.

The widespread public protests essentially paralyzed the government of President Lee Myung-bak, who replaced seven top aides this month and plans to reshuffle his Cabinet.

Tens of thousands of auto workers in South Korea went on strike Wednesday to oppose the government's lifting of the ban.

After a series of negotiations, Seoul and Washington came up with a revised agreement on June 21 -- one that limits imports to cattle younger than 30 months old.

Animals older than 30 months old are considered at a greater risk for mad cow disease, which can be transmitted to humans.

The revised agreement also excludes the import of certain parts believed more susceptible to mad cow disease. The initial deal would have allowed the import of all U.S. beef imports.

Scientists believe mad cow disease spreads when farmers feed cattle recycled meat and bones from infected animals. The U.S. banned recycled feeds in 1997.

Eating meat products contaminated with the illness has been linked to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare and fatal malady in humans.

Until the 2003 ban, South Korea was the third-largest market for U.S. beef exporters.

South Korea's new pro-U.S. president agreed to lift the import ban in April before a summit with U.S. President George W. Bush.

But the move provoked a backlash over health concerns spurred in part by false media reports about risks, along with a sense that South Korea had backed down too easily to American pressure.

The government has vowed to get tough with the rallies.

In Washington, the White House announced that Bush would visit South Korea on August 5-6 before heading to the Beijing Olympics.

Bush had originally been expected to go to Seoul next week when he visits Japan for the G-8 summit, but the trip did not materialize amid the protests

University given huge collection of 78 rpm records

2008-07-05T09:51:00.000-07:00

SYRACUSE, New York (AP) -- A vast collection of 78 rpm records is being donated to Syracuse University by the estate of a prominent New York City record shop owner.
Customers go through bins of 78 rpm records at a collectibles show last year in Wayne, New Jersey.

Customers go through bins of 78 rpm records at a collectibles show last year in Wayne, New Jersey.

The more than 200,000 records represented the entire inventory of "Records Revisited," a landmark Manhattan store owned by Morton Savada, who died in February of lung cancer at age 85.

The collection, valued at $1 million, weighs 50 tons and represents more than a half-century of American music history.

Included are recordings from 1895 to the 1950s, with big band, jazz, country, blues, gospel, polka, folk, Broadway, Hawaiian and Latin among the genres. The collection also contains spoken-word, comedy and broadcast recordings, and "V-disks," which were distributed as entertainment to the U.S. military during World War II.

"It's a treasure trove of that era," said Joe Lauro, founder of Historic Film Archive, whose holdings include more than 40,000 musical performance clips and which holds exclusive rights to such famous shows as "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert."

"In terms of individual records at high prices ... there's not a lot of that in there. The value is that it's the largest massing of recordings from one particular era," said Lauro, who was befriended by Savada as a teenager and visited his store often during their 35-year-long friendship.

Even though they don't yet know what gems await them in Savada's collection, university officials were ecstatic about the donation, which boosts the Belfer Audio Laboratory and Archive's collection of 78 rpm records to about 400,000 -- second in the United States only to the Library of Congress collection. His family also donated Savada's collection of catalogs, discographies and other materials.

Sound recordings are a rich resource for researchers, faculty and students in a variety of disciplines -- musicology, history, filmmaking, journalism and political science -- said University Librarian and Dean of Libraries Suzanne Thorin.

Besides documenting the musical styles and performance practices of the day, these sound recordings provide a glimpse into social, political and cultural history, she said.

"The Savada collection is truly an archival wonder," said Theo Cateforis, assistant professor in Syracuse's Department of Fine Arts, who also makes extensive use of sound recordings in teaching.

"For students whose relationship with music and technology rarely extends beyond the confines of the iPod, it is always eye-opening to see and hear the original 78s that were the mainstay of the recording industry for many decades," he said.

Savada did not attend Syracuse, but wanted to donate his collection to a major institution that would maintain it and make the recordings available for research and teaching, said his son, Elias Savada, who runs a film research company based in Bethesda, Maryland.

Morton Savada was familiar with Syracuse's audio laboratory and archive from meetings of the Association for Recorded Sound Collections, said Savada, whose daughter graduated from Syracuse in 2005.

With its collection of more than 340,000 items, Belfer is the fourth-largest sound archive in the country and includes formats from the earliest experimental recordings on tinfoil to modern digital media. Its collection of 22,000 cylinder records is the largest held by any private institution in North America, and one of the largest in the world.

The Savada collection has been packed into about 1,300 boxes and will be taken to Syracuse next week on six 20-foot-long Federal Express trucks, Elias Savada said.

The records are thicker and heavier than the later standard 33 1/3 rpm albums, which were in vogue before they were supplanted by cassette tapes and then compact discs. The 10-inch, 78 rpm albums have one song to a side, and weigh about a half pound each.

Morton Savada took over his father's shirt business, Savada Bros., in the 1950s and ran it until opening the record store in 1977. He began collecting 78 rpms as a teen in the 1930s.

Savada would often bring collectors together at his shop, where the narrow aisles were flanked floor to ceiling with shelving holding his records.

Records Revisited was the last store exclusively selling 78 rpm recordings and was a frequent haunt for those in the film and music industries, including actor/directors Woody Allen and Matt Dillon.

Savada often lent his 78s to movie and music producers rather than selling them, and never sold the last copy of a recording because he regarded his collection as an archive, not an inventory.

"He was more interested in making you a $5 copy on tape than selling you a record. He considered himself a keeper of history more than a collector," Lauro said

Man beheads Hitler waxwork

2008-07-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

BERLIN, Germany (CNN) -- A man raced into Berlin's Madame Tussauds wax museum Saturday and ripped the head off a waxwork of Adolf Hitler, police said.
A wax likeness of Adolf Hitler sits in Berlin's Madame Tussaud's wax museum before Saturday's attack.

A wax likeness of Adolf Hitler sits in Berlin's Madame Tussaud's wax museum before Saturday's attack.

Police said the 41-year-old entered the exhibit shortly after the museum doors opened and "made for the Hitler figure," scuffling with a guard assigned to protect it and the manager before tearing the head off the life-size statue.

The man was arrested and is now in custody, Berlin police spokeswoman Uwe Kozelnik said. He told officers he wanted to protest the figure being included in the museum.

Museum official Nathalie Ruoss said organizers would decide Monday what to do about the figure.

Saturday was the opening day of the Berlin branch of the famous Madame Tussauds wax museum.

The presence of the waxwork, which depicted the Nazi dictator sitting at his desk in his bunker shortly before he committed suicide in 1945, in the new museum led to criticism in German media over recent weeks. But the museum's defenders argued Hitler's role in German history must not be ignored.

Hitler was shown with a sullen expression, his head slightly down, and one hand on the desk.

Police said the man is now being investigated for causing damages and bodily harm -- the manager was slightly injured in the leg -- but that he would probably be released later in the day.

Berlin is the eighth wax museum for London-based Madame Tussauds, known for its lifelike waxworks depicting famous people including celebrities, politicians, sports stars, artists, and scientists.

Famous Germans included in the exhibits are Chancellor Angela Merkel, scientist Albert Einstein, composer Johann Sebastian Bach, and tennis champion Boris Becker.

Two fires roar across California national forest

2008-07-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

BIG SUR, California (AP) -- Weary firefighters got no rest during the holiday weekend as a pair of out-of-control wildfires roared across the landscape along California's central coast at opposite ends of the arid Los Padres National Forest.
Firefighter Lou Sturtevant walks back up to the road after starting a backfire Friday in Big Sur, California.

Firefighter Lou Sturtevant walks back up to the road after starting a backfire Friday in Big Sur, California.

Despite lower temperatures and lighter wind, one stubborn fire that already had forced the evacuation of Big Sur inched closer to historic vacation retreats.

Farther south in the national forest, wind up to 40 mph fanned a wildfire near Goleta in Santa Barbara County. About 5,000 homes were under evacuation orders, while residents of 1,400 other homes were warned to pack up and be ready to leave on short notice, said county spokesman Jim McClure.

"The fire is expanding and presenting some very complex challenges because of the terrain and the fact that it hasn't burned in over 50 years," said Capt. Eli Iskow of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department. "And it's close to all the valuables like homes and people."

Authorities planned an aggressive air attack on the Goleta fire Saturday, including drops from a huge DC-10 air tanker that made a single pass over the blaze on Friday. iReport.com: Watch helicopters fill up with water just off the coast

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was set to visit a command center near Goleta on Saturday.

Big Sur was eerily empty under a thick blanket of fog and smoke at the start of the long holiday weekend as the nearly two-week-old wildfire advanced on the storied tourist town. As the flames approached scenic Highway 1, forest animals ran toward the Pacific Ocean for safety.

Hundreds of firefighters lit controlled fires along Highway 1 in a final effort to stop the Big Sur fire from crossing the highway and threatening many more homes and businesses.

"We're fighting the fire on our terms," said U.S. Forest Service fire engineer Hector Sanchez. "We're lighting it slowly, and if we see it get out of hand we'll slow it down. It's perfect conditions; we don't have winds and we have cool temperatures."
The Big Sur fire was still only 5 percent contained and had consumed more than 107 square miles and 20 homes, while the Goleta fire was 14 percent contained and had destroyed about a half-dozen outbuildings and had charred 10 square miles.

The two Los Padres blazes were among 335 active wildfires in California, down from a peak of roughly 1,500 fires a few days ago, but they were commanding the greatest share of equipment and personnel because of their locations near populated areas, said Daniel Berlant, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

"Any time we have structures threatened and lives at risk, it's a top priority," he said.

The governor ordered 200 more National Guard troops to report for firefighter training. After they complete the training, they will join 200 National Guard soldiers who already were deployed to build fire lines. More than 19,000 people were working to control blazes throughout the state.

Since a series of dry lightning strikes ignited more than 1,500 wildfires across central and Northern California on June 21, more than 814 square miles of trees, grass and brush has gone up in flames.

Along with the Goleta and Big Sur fires, another blaze generating concern was in the Sequoia National Forest east of Bakersfield. It had burned 28 square miles, destroyed one home and threatened 1,000 more in nearby communities. It was 18 percent contained.

In Arizona, officials said a blaze southeast of Prescott had burned four homes since it broke out June 28. The blaze has forced the evacuation of the mountain town of Crown King and was half contained Friday

Archaeologists find remains of Washington's boyhood home

2008-07-05T09:19:00.000-07:00

FREDERICKSBURG, Virginia (CNN) -- After nearly three years of excavation, archaeologists have confirmed the discovery of the site of George Washington's boyhood home near the banks of the Rappahannock River in northeast Virginia.
An artist's rendition of what the Ferry Farm may have looked like during the 18th century.

An artist's rendition of what the Ferry Farm may have looked like during the 18th century.

Digging into the red clay of Ferry Farm, a former plantation in Fredericksburg, has unearthed the footprint of the home of the nation's first president when he was a young boy.

The site of the plantation -- which would have included the main house and other structures including a slave quarters -- is nestled along 800 acres of rolling farmland, cherry trees and the banks of the Rappahannock River.

The George Washington Foundation, which announced the findings this week, thinks the Washington family moved to the site in 1738, when George was just 6 years old. Washington lived there until 1754 when, at the age of 20, he moved to Mount Vernon. The future president's mother, Mary Washington, lived at Ferry Farm until 1772.

Archaeologists hope the site will shed light on the gray areas in the life of America's most famous founding father. It was at the Fredericksburg farm where Washington, according to legend, could not lie to his father about chopping down a cherry tree.

But Paul Nasca, the foundation's staff archaeologist, said it was unlikely that any of the farm's cherry trees fell victim to the young Washington's ax.

"There's no doubt the Washingtons had cherry trees out here," Nasca said. "But we do believe the great tale of Washington chopping down the cherry tree is myth. We haven't found the cherry tree, and I don't think we'll ever find the cherry tree."

However, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, on hand for the official announcement of the find Wednesday, said the legend still speaks to Washington's honesty and integrity. "Even if they are myths, they portray what people thought of him," Kaine said.

The historic site is open for visitors. In five to seven years, the foundation hopes to build a replica of the house near where the original stood.

Nasca said researchers have uncovered everything from early Native American to Civil War-era human occupation on the site. Video Watch Nasca describe what was found. »

"We were very concerned all of this occupation may have obliterated the Washington home," Nasca said, "but, in fact, we were most pleased to find -- even though they are fragmentary -- [that] there are significant archaeological facts associated with the architectural footprint of the Washington family home."

The plantation house was modest by the standards of the time. It was 53 feet by 47 feet, stood a story and a half high, and had two chimneys. The house also had a limestone cellar. The carefully laid limestone blocks of the cellar can now be seen peeking out from the ground excavated by a team of experts, interns, and volunteers.

Nasca says the limestone blocks were probably quarried in Virginia and laid in place by slaves. He says the Washingtons owned slaves, and there is evidence of slave quarters near the main house.

The foundation is continuing to excavate the site for artifacts. After sifting through the dirt, one young archaeologist found a nail, some window glass and ceramic shards from what used to be the home's front yard.

As the team dug, they also uncovered a Civil War trench used by Union soldiers in the Battle of Fredericksburg. The Washington farmhouse would have been long gone by the fall of 1862, when the soldiers dug in for the winter on the Union side of the river.

It appears the the soldiers' trench ran into the foundation of the old house and took a 90-degree jog around what would have been the main chimney of the Washington home

GTalk hits the iPhone

2008-07-05T09:07:00.001-07:00

There’re more and more applications being developed for the iPhone and personally I’m not cribbing. Google has already firmly planted itself in the iPhone team with on-board Google Maps, but they’ve now decided that that’s not enough. Google fans will be pleased to know that they have released a version of Google Talk that will reportedly work perfectly in tandem with Safari on both the iPhone and the iPod Touch.

The only issue is that it’s a web-based feature so using it while you’re surfing the net might be a bit of a chore switching between screens. Even though the reports say that this version is going have a similar if not the same feel as your PC version with the capability to handle multiple conversations and alike, the window that has the GTalk version running will show the users as unavailable till they return to that page. Hey, it may not be perfect but it’s there.

To use the service go to www.google.com/talk on your iPhone or iPod Touch’s Safari Browser.

American Idol Season 8 Auditions Begin

2008-07-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

Fox Auditions for the eighth season of “American Idol” begin Thursday, July 17, at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, CA, and will continue in seven other cities. Once again, auditioners will have an extraordinary opportunity to perform before millions of TV viewers and become household names, with one winning the coveted American Idol title and a major recording contract.

Auditions will be held as follows:

San Francisco, CA Thursday, July 17 Cow Palace

Louisville, KY Monday, July 21 Freedom Hall

Phoenix, AZ Friday, July 25 Jobing.com Arena

Salt Lake City, UT Tuesday, July 29 EnergySolutions Arena

San Juan, Puerto Rico Saturday, Aug. 2 Coliseo de Puerto Rico

Kansas City, MO Friday, Aug. 8 Sprint Center

Jacksonville, FL Wednesday, Aug. 13 Veterans Memorial Arena

East Rutherford, NJ Tuesday, Aug. 19 IZOD Center at the Meadowlands Sports Complex

Specific information for the San Francisco auditions is below. More details for the additional audition cities will be announced shortly.

San Francisco “American Idol” Auditions

WHO: Men and women 16-28 years old as of July 15, 2008, who are eligible to work in the U.S. Some restrictions apply please visit americanidol.com for specific information.

WHERE: The Cow Palace
2600 Geneva Ave.
Daly City, CA 94014

WHEN: Thursday, July 17

HOW: Wristbands will be distributed from 7:00 AM on Tuesday, July 15 until 8:00 AM on Thursday, July 17. Auditioners will not be permitted to camp out; therefore, once they obtain their wristbands, they will be asked to return to the Cow Palace on Thursday, July 17.

Audition information, including forms and requirements, is available online at AmericanIdol.com.

“American Idol” is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Nigel Lythgoe, President, 19 Television; and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.

Top Ten (10) United States President's of All Time.

2008-07-05T02:16:00.000-07:00

The American Presidency is the most honored and revered political office in the world. Great Generals, Attorneys and even Actors have had the honor of being referred as the Chief Executive of the United States of America. The following list contains the best United States Presidents of all time. My determination and analysis was objective as I thoroughly reviewed each President’s historical influence and actions while in office.

1. Abraham Lincoln

"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts." - Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln, was elected as the 16th President and nearly single handedly saved the Union during the American Civil War. Lincoln's leadership during the Civil War was one of stern direction and no compromise however at the same time Lincoln clearly understood that he would have the task of Uniting the States once the North won the war. Lincoln's actions and vision kept the union together and eventually led to the abolition of slavery in the United States.

2. Franklin Delano Roosevelt

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." - FDR

FDR was elected as the 32nd President and is the only President to serve four terms as President. Throughout his four terms in office, FDR had an enormous impact on America. Roosevelt worked tirelessly to end the Great Depression, including the creation and establishment of the New Deal implemented to assist America's return to international prominence.

3. George Washington

"The nation which indulges towards another a habitual hatred, or an habitual fondness, is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest." - Washington

Washington served as our first President and because of such set forth many important precedents and actions that were later followed by his predecessors. His insistence on not to become a "monarch" was pivotal for American politics. This two term precedent was only eclipsed when FDR served four terms. The 22nd amendment has made certain that no Presiednet will ever serve more than two terms.

4. Thomas Jefferson

"I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever. . . the Almighty has no attribute that can take side with us in such a contest." - Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson, was elected as the third President of America and his decision to execute the Louisiana Purchase, nearly doubled the United States size overnight. Jefferson was known to be a strong state's rights activist who realized the need for consolidating power in the federal government when necessary.

5. Theodore Roosevelt

"No Man is justified in doing evil on the grounds of expedience." - Roosevelt"

Teddy made an enormous impact on America being known as the "Trust Buster" when he vigilantly conquered corrupt businesses. An avid outdoorsman, Teddy was deeply committed to conservation of American wildlife. Teddy established numerous national parks for preservation purposes and halted the rapid expansion of industrialization of his time.

6. Andrew Jackson

"It is to be regretted that the rich and powerful too often bend the acts of government to their selfish purposes." - Jackson

Jackson's election showcased the rise of the common man to the office of the president. Jackson was a man of humble beginnings and with his rise he became the epitome of the American dream. His fame and popularity was enormous. Jackson's actions as a strong nationalist are evidenced by his controversial decisions to move the Native Americans during the Trail of Tears east of the Mississippi and his strong fight against the national bank.

7. Woodrow Wilson

"The history of liberty is a history of the limitations of governmental power, not the increase of it." - Wilson

Wilson was at the helm of control when America was brought into the national stage. Wilson's decision to enter World War I and away from isolationism were seen by many as violating Washington's tenant of avoiding foreign entanglements. However this was unlike any war that Washington had experienced and Wilson's hope of bringing the US into the League of Nations, later the United Nations was realized.

8. Harry S. Truman

"When even one American - who has done nothing wrong -- is forced by fear to shut his mind and close his mouth, then all of Americans are in peril." - Truman

Truman, was elected as the 33rd President and Truman entered into office during one of the most difficult times in American history. Truman made the decision to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Truman then organized the end of World War II and established firm precedents for the beginning of the Cold War.

9. James K. Polk

"No president who performs his duties faithfully and conscientiously can have any leisure." - Polk

With the exception of Jefferson, no other President has increased the size of the United States more than Polk. Polk arranged for the acquisition of New Mexico and California through the Mexican American War. Polk also claimed Oregon Territory after a new treaty with England. Polk stands for and embodies the U.S. notion of manifest destiny. Polk was also an extremely effective leader during the Mexican American War. Many historians consistently refer to him as the best one term president.

10. Dwight Eisenhower

"Every gun that is made, every warship that is launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and not clothed" - Eisenhower

Eisenhower's time in office was full of American prosperity and great economic gain. Eisenhower also provided key leadership used during the Cold War.
Honorable Mention / Personal Favorites

John F. Kennedy

"And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." - Kennedy

Bill Clinton

"I did not have sexual relations with that woman." - Clinton

Who do you believe are the Best President's of All Time? Did I miss any??

10 Things NOT to do when you get arrested !

2008-07-05T02:14:00.000-07:00

PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THIS ADVICE. A wide variety of people are arrested every day and the majority of the individuals make the same mistakes which make there situation even worse. Many of these reactions are understandable, however some defy logic and reason. Nobody plans on being arrested, but you may be arrested for simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Share this with your colleagues, friends and family because it will come in handy for many of you. The basic rule is to simply listen to the officer and do as your told, "Put Your Hands Behind Your Back" and do NOT do any of these Ten Things:
1. Don't Talk.

Do not say a word to the officer. Shut the F. up! I cannot stress to you the importance of this rule. Do not talk! Do not attempt to convince the officer of your innocence. Everyone is innocent, no one should be arrested and no one should be in jail and that is all the officer hears all day every day. He / she does not care generally whether you are innocent or guilty and there is nothing that he / she can do at this point. Most times, when people speak to officers they say something that makes their situation far worse. Keep your mouth shut, there will be plenty of time to talk later.
2. Don't Run.

I said above to listen to the officer and follow his / her instructions. Do not be scared and do not let the liquid courage aka alcohol convince you that you can outrun the twelve officers and helicopter that will track you down. Also, police become highly suspicious that someone running has a weapon and may be quick to draw their weapon. Additionally when they do run you down expect much stronger force used to subdue a fleeing suspect.
3. Never Resist Arrest.

Perhaps the most important thing not to do is touch the police officer at all! Again, sober up quick and follow what the officer says. Many people attempt to bump the officer or swat an officers hands away. This often falls under the assault statutes and now a minor misdemeanor arrest becomes a FELONY. Thus a reckless driving charge leads to a year or more in state prison. Additionally, touching the officer in any way can lead to a batton in the mouth.
4. Don't Believe the Police.

It is perfectly legal for the police to lie to get you to make an admission. The police frequently separate two friends and tell one the other one ratted him / her out. Because of the lie, the other friend now rats the first friend out. Police and detectives also state that "it will be easier" to talk now...LIES!!! DON'T BELIEVE THIS BS! It will only be easier for the police to prove their case!
5. No Searching.

Do not allow the police to search anywhere! If the police officer asks, they do not have the right to search and must have your consent. If you are asked make sure you proclaim to any witnesses that "You (the police) do not have consent to search." If they perform the search anyway, that evidence may be thrown out later. Also, if you consent to a search, the officers may find something that you had no idea you had placed somewhere, ie: marijuana left by a friend.
6. Don't Look At Places Where You Don't Want Police to Search.

Police are trained to watch you and react to you. They know that you are nervous and scared and many people look to the areas that they don't want the police to search. Do not react to the search and do not answer any questions. LOOK DOWN AND KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!!!
7. Do Not Talk Shit to the Police.

I don't care if you have been wrongly arrested and the true culprit is standing in front of you. Don't talk shit! Police hear all day that my dad is the the Governor's Assistant's Intern and I will have your badge for this! Police have a lot of discretion in the upcoming charges brought. Police can add charges, change a misdemeanor to a felony, or even talk to the prosecutor that is ultimately prosecuting you.
8. If Police Come to Your Home, Do not Let Them In and Do Not Step Outside Your Home

If the police are confident you have committed a felony, they are coming in anyway, because they generally don't need an arrest warrant. Make it clear to the police by stating: "No you may not come in", or "I am comfortable talking right here", or "You need a search warrant to enter my home." If they return, your attorney can arrange for you to turn yourself in should that be necessary and you will spend no time in jail between the hearings.
9. Outside Your Home Arrested, Do Not Accept Offer to Go In Your Home for Anything.

The officer may say to you, how about you go inside and change, freshen up, talk to your wife, husband, get a jacket, or any other reason. The police will graciously escort you in and then tear your home apart searching through it. Also, do not let them secure your car. Your car is fine. Remember they are lying to you. They don't give a damn if you are really cold or if you need to talk to your wife or husband.
10. Don't say a word.

It's incredible how many people feel that they can convince the officer, the booking officer or a detective (if your case reaches that stature) that they are not guilty. YOUR CASE IS NOT DECIDED BY THESE PEOPLE. They have no affect on your records. Wait to speak to your lawyer! The courts give enormous weight to "confessions" during this stage. A suspect is almost NEVER released after being arrested.

Follow these ten simply rules religiously and many of your rights will remain intact. I don't care how nervous, scared or drunk you are, THESE RULES ARE VERY IMPORTANT, and will help you tremendously in the short and long run.
Quick Test Question

An altercation occurs with your live in girlfriend. When the police arrive they find you on the sidewalk, a few houses down the street. Your girlfriend points you out and the officers then arrest you for assault. During the arrest, they let you know that they do not intent to question you. They just need your name and address. What do you do?
Answer

Well the police are lying to you and rule number 1 is to keep your mouth shut, so you don't say anything. Your name is all you may need to give. If you give your address, that may indicate that you live together converting your alleged crime from a misdemeanor to a felony. An officer will attempt to get you to make an admission, especially when they have no evidence. KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!

Top Ten (10) Cities Of The World With The Most Beautiful Women

2008-07-05T01:59:00.000-07:00

We have researched the opinions of world travelers as well as the internet community in bringing you the Top Ten Cities of the World With The Most Beautiful Women. Each city on this list contains a copious supply of beautiful women you may want to urge your parents or your wife to visit for the next family vacation, just for the scenery of course. All cities throughout the world were considered and determinative factors included: 1) Quality of women, 2) Amount of Women per men ratio and 3) Ease of talking to women. Please enjoy the list and we look forward to your comments.

10. Amsterdam, Holland

Of course Amsterdam must make the list. This city has women more beautiful riding past on bicycles than other cities have going by in chauffeured cars. Dutch girls are amazing in so many ways, they're trendy, as well as cool, they're fun, and they are exceptionally beautiful. They're the kind of girls that you just want to date for a very long time.

9. Tel Aviv, Israel

Israel has some of the best looking women in the world. Perhaps it is something about those green eyes that are just particularly attractive. It should be noted that in Israel women over the age of 18 are required to have been in the military, this of course means that if you hook up with an Israeli girl's best friend, she may very well kick your ass, while equipped with an Uzi. Sure it's a longshot, but it could happen.

8. Montreal, Canada

The exquisite taste of France but with the convenient location of Canada, Montreal is truly one of the world's best cities filled with beautiful women. So many universities and colleges and so many women with fashion sense and a desire to take care of their bodies. One of the best parts is that the women all speak French commonly known as the language of love. I highly recommend you take a trip to Montreal, and find a beautiful leather trench coat wearing beauty that will serenade you in French all night long.

7. Caracas, Venezuela

Caracas is the capital of Venezuela. For the record, Venezuela is the country with more Miss Universe Pageant titles than any other nation, therefore you know it's capital is going to be teeming full of beautiful women. The women of Caracas are so beautiful that they make Brazilian women look like trashier counterparts. I speak honestly when I tell you that these women are exceptionally easy to talk to you and know how to have a great time. I can also attest to the amount of fun you will have when you take a trip to Venezuela.

6. Moscow , Russia

Mother Russia is home to some of the world's finest women, the Moscow subway alone has more beauties than most of the United States alone. It's not only the regularity of tall, blonde hair, blue eyed women that make it so great, it's also the amazing level of friendliness that you will find. It's a definite unique experience when what seems like the world's most beautiful woman is staring your way only to find that she is staring your way, and yes at you! Then she approaches you! Sure the first time, you will mess up, but don't worry there will be many more on your trip!

5. Los Angeles, California

How much can be said about L.A. girls, well I think you will find upon arrival that so much can be said you'll find yourself at a lack of words. The women of L.A. are on a level unlike most any other kind you may have ever seen. All the beautiful people from across the United States flock to this mecca, this is where the cool people come to live, to work, & to try to "make it". This is what the Beach Boys had in mind when they sang the song California Dreamin'.

4. Varna, Bulgaria

Many of you may not have heard of Bulgaria, most of you may not know where to find Bulgaria on a map, but you have all experienced Bulgaria in day dreams, night dreams or just drifting off at work. Bulgaria is a land of no drug laws, cheap vodka, mechanical bulls on the beach, waterslide and some of the most uninhibited natural beauties in the world. This land has cafes with inflatable furniture, thongs and g-strings everywhere you turn your head, see through pants on every corner and topless sunbathing on every beach. What's more, these women retain a certain level of class and sophistication and take great care of their bodies. The most important part of Bulgaria is the charm and beauty that you will find in these stunning women. Plan your trip today!

3. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a city unlike any other. It is truly one of the most extraordinary cities in the Western Hemisphere. The city has an enormous wealth of beautiful women on a scale unlike nearly any other city. The women of Buenos Aires are beautiful, natural women who are comfortable in their amazing bodies. Nearly every women in Buenos Aires is a model waiting to be found, by you of course! The parties are legendary and the clubs and events are overloaded with beautiful, approachable, and fun women.

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen's women are probably some of the most approachable you will ever meet. Also, these women are much more liberated sexually than most other cities throughout the world. They are all over, working in all places and always ready to head to the local bar for a drink or two. The environment runs at a much slower pace and the women enjoy a wide variety of situations. In Copenhagen, during your trip, you will find yourself catching the eye of several women. Just remain cool, calm and collective and this will be a phenomenal trip.

1. Stockholm, Sweden

It seems like every woman in Stockholm is amazingly beautiful. You walk into 7-11 and the girl behind the counter easily would be an American model or Playboy Playmate. However this isn't just with 7-11, it's everywhere. Also, these women know how to party and enjoy each other. Per capita the women of Stockholm were the most beautiful. These women were also extremely educated and friendly. All of the women spoke English with English accents therefore there is no communication barrier. These women make you feel good in every way. Sweden is a must visit on a future vacation!

Top Ten (10) Most Expensive Paintings Of All Time

2008-07-05T01:40:00.000-07:00

Millions and Hundreds of Millions of dollars are spent every year by the wealthy seeking a highly sought after piece of art. Following is a list of the Top Ten Most Expensive Paintings of All Time and an explanation of what makes them so special and worth the exorbitant price.

Learn Beginning Drawing, Watercolor Painting, Sketching Outdoors and Picture Making like the great artists HERE!

1. Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer by Gustav Klimt ($135,000,000)

This record breaking sale was enabled by a court order by the Austrian government to return the painting to the Artist's rightful heir. The entire dispute lasted over a year and was necessary to return the painting that was looted by the Nazis during World War II.

Skillfully painted in 1907 by the art nouveau master Gustav Klimt, the painting was purchased by Ronald S. Lauder, the cosmetics heir, in 2006.

2. Garçon à la Pipe by Pablo Picasso ($104,100,000)

Created during the Rose Period, Garcon a la Pipe showcases Picasso's exceptional use of cheerful orange and pink palatte.
The oil on canvas painting, measuring 100 × 81.3 cm (slightly over 39 × 32 inches), displays a Parisian boy holding a pipe in his left hand.

The record price auction at the time on May 4, 2004 in Sotheby's was a bit of a surprise to the core art buyers, because it was painted in the style not usually associated with the pioneering Cubist artist.

3. Dora Maar with Cat by Pablo Picasso ($95,200,000)

Another enormous surprise followed in 2006, when this painting near doubled its inaccurate presale estimate and brought in new record $95,200,000 at auction at Sotheby's on May 3, 2006.

Painted in 1941, Picasso's controversial portrait (one of his last) is sometimes described as an unflattering depiction of his mistress, Dora Maar, who was an artist/photographer and mistress of Picasso whose relationship lasted ten years during the 1930s and 40s.

4. Portrait of Dr. Gachet by Vincent van Gogh ($82,500,000)

This painting by the Dutch Impressionist master Vincent van Gogh suddenly became world-famous when Japanese businessman Ryoei Saito paid $82.5 million for it at auction in Christie's, New York. Saito was so attached to the painting that he wanted it to be cremated with him when he died. Saito died in 1996 ... but the painting was saved.

Vincent van Gogh actually painted two versions of Dr Gachet's portrait. You can view the other version, with a slightly different color scheme, at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.

5. Bal Au Moulin de la Galette by Pierre-Auguste Renoir ($78,000,000)

Bal au moulin de la Galette, Montmartre was painted by French artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir in 1876. On May 17, 1990, it was sold for $ 78,000,000 at Sotheby's in New York City to Ryoei Saito, who bought it together with the Portrait of Dr Gachet (see above).

6. Massacre of the Innocents by Peter Paul Rubens ($76,700,000)

This painting by Peter Paul Rubens, painted in 1611, is the only painting in this list which was not painted in the 19th or 20th century. It was sold to Kenneth Thomson, 2nd Baron Thomson of Fleet for $ 76,700,000 at a 2002 Sotheby's auction.

7. Portrait de l'Artiste sans Barbe by Vincent van Gogh ($71,500,000)

Portrait de l'artiste sans barbe ("Self-portrait without beard") is one of many self-portraits by Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. He painted this one in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France in September 1889. The painting is a oil painting on canvas and is 40 cm x 31 cm (16" x 13").

This is an uncommon painting since his other self-portraits show him with a beard. The self-portrait became one of the most expensive paintings of all time when it was sold for $71.5 million in 1998 in New York.

8. Rideau, Cruchon et Compotier by Paul Cézanne ($60,500,000)

This painting by Paul Cézanne, painted in ca. 1893-1894, sold for $60,500,000 at Sotheby's New York on May 10, 1999 to "The Whitneys". Whitney, born into one of America's wealthiest families, was a venture capitalist, publisher, Broadway show and Hollywood film producer, and philanthropist.

9. Femme aux Bras Croisés by Pablo Picasso ($55,000,000)

This work, painted in 1901, was a part of Picasso's famous Blue Period, a dark, sad time in the artist's life. The beautiful & various tones of blue are typical. The painting depicts a woman with her arms crossed staring at the endless nothing.

Femme aux Bras Croisés was sold for $55,000,000 November 8, 2000, at Christie's Rockefeller in New York City.

10. Irises by Vincent Van Gogh ($53,900,000)

Vincent van Gogh painted this at Saint Paul-de-Mausole in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France in 1889, only one year before his death. In 1987, it became the most expensive painting to date. It was sold for $ 54,000,000 to Alan Bond and later resold to the Getty Museum.

Hillary Clinton Will Be The Next President in 2008 - Top 8 Reasons

2008-07-05T01:36:00.000-07:00

Hillary Clinton will win the 2008 presidential race and usher in a new era in the oval office. Here's why:

1. The Senate Experience

Six to seven years ago we heard the resounding "Hillary Can't Win!" statements over and over, from many political pundits and ardent Democrats alike. These people passionately stated that Hillary could not get elected to the Senate. Hillary dominated winning by 12 percentage points.

(Senator Hillary Clinton)

2. Strength is Extremely Important

Throughout the recent history Democrats have been made to look spineless, however Clinton frequently registers very high (well over 50%) in a variety of polls as being a strong leader. This perception of strength is well earned as she has spent numerous years under a microscope and in the national crossfire. People may not agree with her statements, but overwhelmingly people agree with her strength and resolve.

She understands and has seen presidential politics and in 2000 opponents spent over $60 million against her, however Hillary flourished and succeeded in an atmosphere that would have crushed most candidates.

3. Favorable Ratings After Republican Assaults

Examining the history clearly indicates that Hillary is the sole nationally known Democrat (other than Bill) who has been subject to Republican attacks and emerged with an extremely favorable rating which is always above 50 percent. Detractors may point out that on the reverse side she does have a negative rating in the 40's, however most nationally known Democrats do as well. Anyone, enduring that type of scrutiny would wind up with even higher negative ratings. Hillary is able to achieve this because of her ardent support and passionate intensity.

4. Women Voters

Critics often pontificate how Hillary has no chance of election, but Democratic voters, especially Democratic women and even independent women are excited about the possibilities.

The women's vote is extremely powerful and always will be. 54% of registered voters are female. Swing votes of women and minorities led to Bush's success in the last two elections. Hillary is more than capable of getting these swing voters to support her and the Democratic platform.

(Barrack Obama and Hillary Clinton)

5. Hillary Can Mobilize the Electoral Map

Hillary's appeal and support has the potential to mobilize people in each and every region of the country. Hillary is more than capable of winning the states won by John Kerry and she has the groundbreaking ability of mobilizing the entire female population of this country to vote for her. Therefore we will see outrageous amounts of female voters all voting Democratic. States that were close in previous elections could be swayed by this influx of women voters.

6. Position and Vision

Many people view Hillary's position and vision as something they firmly believe in, irrespective of her leadership qualities. Some believe she is too liberal, some too conservative however the overwhelming majority see her right within our position and vision of a leader. Her track record is impeccable with endless ours of work and advocacy for families and children. Hillary has been a proven fearless worker in the Senate, vigilantly fighting for our security post September 11. Also, Hillary is a strong advocate of the middle class family.

7. Change

To many Hillary Clinton represents the type of change that the United States is looking for: a strong, smart leader. Many believe and her track record indicates, that Hillary would close deficits, not widen them, expand health coverage, not reduce it. Also, Hillary seems as though she would fight terrorism without isolating the United States from the rest of the world.

8. Bill Clinton

Hillary has the ultimate trump card in Bill Clinton. He is a master persuader, motivator, fund raiser and smooth and all around cool political expert. When Hillary announces Bill will be her vice presidential running mate her popularity will soar and she will ride that tidal wave straight into the White House.

Arrogance And The Unindicted Co-Conspirators

2008-07-04T23:00:00.000-07:00

Recently, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) announced the launch of a “nationwide mosque census project, the first comprehensive survey of its kind.” In other words they will be mapping Muslim communities across the U.S.

Not surprisingly, CAIR was a vocal opponent when the LAPD announced a plan to do a census of sorts in California and map Muslim communities, so much so the LAPD was forced to scrap the plan. Even Dinesh D’souza didn’t have a problem with it (videos here of both here).

When the Mapping Sharia project kicked off in 2007, again, CAIR, well aware that this group would expose many of the ‘radical’ elements of Islam in America, complained again. To no avail. The projects first analysis uncovered 400-500 radical Islamic centers in the U.S. including one in Virginia that was teaching physical jihad.

Is there any doubt that the CAIR census results will be predictably positive? Check out blogroll for more info on CAIR.

Arrogance And The Unindicted Co-Conspirators
By David Tatosian (06/22/08)

Recently the CAIR website announced the formation of a coalition of Muslim groups to carry out a nationwide census project to collect “accurate data” concerning America’s mosques.

The coalition will contact every Mosque and Muslim community center so as to compile accurate statistics relating to Muslim population, infrastructure development, participation of women and youth and the degree of Muslim involvement in American society.

Strangel y, there is no mention of American prisons. A substantial number of violent, undereducated criminals convert to Islam inside the prison walls annually. Conversions that are sometimes facilitated by Wahhabi agents. A curious omission.

The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) will conduct the project and publish its findings in early 2009. That is, two organizations with terrorist connections that have been designated unindicted co-conspirators by the United States government, will supply us with everything we need to know about Muslims in America.

One might wonder why unindicted co-conspirators are more qualified to administer a census of Muslims then the U.S. Census Bureau. Until one remembers that post 9/11, governmental agencies from the FBI to Homeland Security dare not approach the Muslim Community without asking permission to do so. From the Muslim Community.

Dr.Ihsan Bagby, Board Member of unindicted co-conspirator CAIR says; “The vibrant diversity of our community is an asset to our nation, and understanding the American mosque is essential to understanding U.S. Muslims.”

Dr. Syed Sayeed, National Director of unindicted co-conspirator ISNA gushes, “Muslims in America are making an important contribution in enriching the mainstream of America”. Sayeed also insists the project is critical in “educating both Muslim and the mainstream community about Muslims and Islam.”

Certainly Bagby, Sayeed and other Muslims who constantly assure us that Islam is “enriching” American society have managed to convince some of us (the U.S. government and the media) that Muslim proselytizing and Muslim commitment to Islamic tribal loyalties are in the best interests of America, rather than the Muslims themselves.

But not all of us.

And just as one shouldn’t be surprised when a pig rolls in the mud or a dog eats his own vomit, so one shouldn’t be surprised at the duplicity and obfuscation exhibited by these co-conspirators in the furtherance of their goals.

And make no mistake; the goal of these co-conspirators is jihad.

Consider the efforts of CAIR and ISNA to present their own data to Americans within the context of the evidence presented at the Holy Land Foundation Trial. At that trial the co-conspirators were said to be engaged in a “Civilization-Jihadist Process” that states; “The Ikhwan [Brotherhood] must understand that their work in America is a kind of grand Jihad in eliminating and destroying the Western civilization from within and “sabotaging” its miserable house by their hands and the hands of the believers so that it is eliminated and God’s religion is made victorious over all other religions.”

Given all that, what sort of “accurate data” will these unindicted co-conspirators manufacture? And how will these unindicted co-conspirators spin that “accurate data”? And who, outside of our clock watching federal government (and the media) will buy any of it?

As for understanding Muslims or being educated about Muslims and Islam, well, that’s all backwards isn’t it? As a member of American society and a citizen of the United States, I am under no moral, cultural, legal or constitutional obligation to be educated by Muslims in the observance of Islamic rituals, rites, obligations or superstitions. Rather, it is incumbent upon the Muslims to educate themselves in American traditions and obligations so as to assimilate into my culture and my nation.

Interestingly, the very things these co-conspirators demand of us they deny Christian minorities in their Muslim homelands. According to the U.S. Copts Association there are no Christian governors, mayors, chief of police, presidents of City councils or college deans in Egypt. And unlike here, where Islam is foisted upon our children behind our backs, Coptic History (which predates Islamic history in Egypt), language and culture is not taught in Egyptian schools at all. The list of Islamic repressions visited upon their respective Christian minorities is endless.

And the unindicted co-conspirators presume to impose that intolerance here under the guise of delightful diversity?

These loons need to get with the program. Religion is a personal and private matter here. An elective if you will.

The co-conspirators problem is not the ignorance of the American people regarding Islam. We know what Islam is. Their problem is the arrogant presumption that their misguided beliefs grant them the right to ignore American cultural, societal and legal norms.

Our problem is the flaccid and pathetic government that allows these groups to continue to spread their poison.

An exceedingly fortunate Vietnam era Marine blessed with children and an innate and profound mistrust of all things governmental. Particularly the multicultural/politically correct boot forever in our face. I sometimes have trouble feeling other peoples pain. That doesn’t make me a bad person does it? God Bless The U S A

Sensational discovery in Buenos Aires: Lost scenes from “Metropolis” rediscovered

2008-07-04T22:56:00.001-07:00

Having not gone to bed after my long road trip back from Tampa, I discovered this news about Metropolis. I have seen both the original movie as well as the updated version by Giorgio Moroder back in 1984. While the purist will argue that the silent film was done right by Moroder, I still believe that his contribution should be appreciated on its own merits. Check at the end of this entry for the YouTube clips of Moroder’s version of Metropolis.

Now, there is news about a lost scene that has surfaced in Buenos Aires. I am truly eager to see this as this movie by Fritz Lang really help set the tone and the vision for the science fiction movie genre.

The news is being reported by the AP as well as other sites. Rather than sending you off to another site, I am going to copy and paste on my blog. However, I will include the link just on the off chance you still want to go to the site; which you can click here.

Staff members of the Museo del Cine Pablo C. Ducros Hicken in Buenos Aires, found the missing scenes which had been considered lost up to now, in a 16mm Negative.

The tale of the concision of “Metropolis” is well-known. The film is renowned for the story of its restoration which began in the 1960s in the national Film archive of the German Democratic Republic, to the source critical reconstruction of the Film museum Munich (E. Patalas) in the 1980s, up until the film was digitally restored through Mr. Martin Koerber on behalf of the Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau-Stiftung, Wiesbaden in the year 2001. This restoration, which is based on the version of the Film museum Munich and on materials of the Bundesarchiv-Filmarchiv (Federal Archive / Filmarchive), Berlin, was completed not only with these two institutions but also with other partners of the Deutscher Kinematheksverbund (Association of German Film Archives)

In addition to this, Enno Patalas developed a study version of the film in collaboration with the University of Arts in Berlin. They supplemented the survived fragments in their original relation to the film in written form or with pictures and musical resources.
Because of these survived sources, the hiatuses which weren’t able to be found even after decades of research in national and international Film archives and private converts, were sorely cognizant.
Pictures gave us the impression of what was missing – the to a supernumerary reduced figure of Georgy, the man named Slim, Josaphat, the car journey through Metropolis, the observation of Georgy through Slim, Freders delirium of Slim in which he changes into a apocalypse preaching monk. With this discovery in Buenos Aires these scenes will finally come back to life. Even if the quality of the picture is in a deplorable condition, thanks to the Argentinean
material, the dream of the completion of “Metropolis” will finally come true.

According to Anke Wilkening, restorer of the Murnau Foundation “Hitherto incomprehensible is now intelligible, the sometimes puzzling relations of the figures among each other now make sense.” The story of the instauration can now come to an end.

Helmut Poßmann, managing director of the Murnau Foundation states that: “In continuance of the restoration from 2001, the Murnau Foundation would very much like to compile a complete version of the film together with the former partners and the Museo del Cine Pablo C. Ducros Hicken in Buenos Aires and to open it to the public, all the more because “Metropolis” is the first film which has been affiliated in this restored version from 2001 – safety lug Nr. 1 – to the Memory of the World register of the UNESCO.”
“This sensational discovery places the Murnau Foundation into a position being able to restore the film to a very large degree. That way it could be achieved to come as close to the masterwork of Fritz Lang as never before possible and present it to the world”, says Eberhard Junkersdorf, head of the board of trustees.

For the past 42 years the Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau Foundation has applied itself to save, preserve, restore and reconstruct a bulk of the German cinematic heritage of 2.000 silent films, 1.000 talkies and about 3.000 filmlets (commercials, documentaries, etc.) from the beginning of film up to the 1960s, trying to make these films accessible to the public.

Among films as “Metropolis”, German classics like “Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari”, “Nibelungen”, “Der blaue Engel”, “Die Drei von der Tankstelle”, “Münchhausen”, “Große Freiheit Nr. 7“ just as a multitude of productions of important German-speaking directors such as Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau, Fritz Lang, Ernst Lubitsch, Detlef Sierck, Helmut Käutner and Wolfgang Liebeneiner.

The current extensive restoration project is Fritz Lang’s monumental film “Die Nibelungen” which is planned to premiere with a new musical score at the Berlin Film Festival in 2010.

Britney still not capable to manage life

2008-07-04T22:52:00.001-07:00

The fucked up three-ring circus surrounding the erstwhile Princess of Pop has fascinated me for a long time. From the suggestion that she was causing her infant sons psychic damage by being naked in their presence to the horrifyingly absurd legal decision (made, interestingly, by a woman) to make her father her legal “conservator” this whole saga is misogynistic fudge-ripple flavouring the vanilla fantasy of an all-American dream girl.

Lo, it continues. Just a few days ago the (I can only assume insanely self-hating) female commission Reva Geotz ruled that Britney’s “health is ‘somewhat tenuous’ and that she is still incapable of making decisions for herself.”

Geez. You’d think Britney were a vegetable or at the very least staring at walls while rocking incessantly back and forth. Not the case though. According to any number of reports she’s been cruising around on a quad bike while on holiday, seeing her young sons regularly and hanging out at parties.

Does it strike anyone else as odd that a sentient, legal adult (not to mention global superstar) is still being kept under house arrest thanks to a conspiracy between her bum of an alcoholic dad who has lived off his daughter’s success for at least two decades of her young life and her “lawyer” who is busily representing to the court that it might be “harmful” for her to take part in her own legal proceedings?

Crazy-ass shit, but it starts to make sense when you read that Britney is working hard on her new album. As in shooting video, laying down vocals, meeting producers, working out, travelling. Isn’t it a little funny that someone who is “incapable” of making her own decisions is still capable of going to work? When even lunk-headed gossip rags like NOW grasp the point that: “Britney may not need a bank boost, but others around her could do with a cash fix – she gives Kevin and her dad Jamie weekly allowances” it seems pretty fucking shriekingly obvious something has gone very awry.

This is pure princess-in-the-tower shit. This isn’t just weird, or dodgy, or immoral. It’s illegal. There is something called coverture; the common-law tradition that a married woman was legally the chattel of her husband – she couldn’t work, get an education, hold property or even keep her own earnings from any job. It was last upheld by the US courts in 1873…. Until now….

Happy Fourth of July Present-Day Americans!

2008-07-04T22:51:00.001-07:00

Cue the hot dog eating contest.

Cue the excessive beer-drinking.

Cue the fireworks.

The Fourth of July is here, everybody. It’s time to celebrate America!

The weather is hot and uncomfortable and everybody is wearing tacky red, white, and blue patterns, but I don’t care. Believe it or not, Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays. I’m partial to any holiday that isn’t somber or forces you to buy gifts and instead only requires you to ‘party’ a little. Or a lot.

So basically today, Labor Day, and Memorial Day. I should like Halloween but my small fear of human beings in costumes kind of ruins that one for me.

The Fourth of July is the antithesis of 9-11. They’re both days we refer to solely by their date. 9-11 is the day we’re supposed to feel sad for being Americans, for suffering the blow of that day, and the Fourth is the day we’re supposed to feel happy to be American, for being born in a country so blessed and special as this one. They balance each other out in a way.

When we get to the Fourth, it’s inevitable you think about what it means to you. And lately it’s been easy to dwell on the negative. The wars. The sinking economy. The chatter of media.

I don’t know why we always talk about the founding fathers or world war two or some other irrelevant topic of yesteryear. That’s just propaganda to reinforce your brainwashing. You know, wash your brain, rinse, repeat.

But there are things about present-day America that are so goddamn amazing that I feel like taking a flag pin and stabbing it right into my flesh. (’These colors don’t bleed! I’ll scream while, actually, bleeding to death.)

For Fourth of July, 2008, this what I’m celebrating…

* San Francisco. The city.
* Sierra Nevada. The beer.
* Big Sur. The heartache.
* Bright Eyes. The band.
* Barack Obama. The man.
* The Cohen Brothers. The filmmakers.
* George Saunders. The writer.
* My wife. The Brazilian, now a U.S Citizen.
* Our Colleges. The great institutions of personal growth and Education.
* Italian Restaurants. The ability to co-opt the World’s treasures.
* Roadside Attractions. The compelling weirdness of America.

And last but not least, the Liberal Blogosphere. The million bloggers taking on Rush Limbaugh daily. Hey, it’s a fair fight, that guy is, like, a-pizza-a-day large!

There’s a whole lot more to be proud of. I just wanted to start the list.

If anyone wants to jump in, then heck, jump in! The water is perfect.

Self and Hubby See “Wanted!”

2008-07-04T22:44:00.000-07:00

Angelina rocks! James McAvoy rocks!

Self never laughed so much in a movie, not since watching — hmm, the first Austin Powers movie? “There’s Something About Mary”? “The Transporter”?

Truly, this was the action movie to end all action movies.

If you’ve ever longed to see a woman who looks like Angelina Jolie suddenly materialize at your elbow while you’re standing in line at Long’s, waiting for a prescription for anxiety medication to be filled, this movie is for you.

If you’ve ever longed to see Angelina on top of a train do a graceful backward bend (at the knees) to avoid having head chopped off while train enters a tunnel, this movie is for you.

If you’ve ever wanted to see James McAvoy’s gorgeous mug get beaten to a bloody pulp by a beefy Spaniard/Transylvanian who calls him “Pussy,” then this movie is for you.

If you’ve ever wanted to know what it feels like to be submerged in a vat of wax, then this movie is for you.

If you’ve ever wanted to see Morgan Freeman get — Nay, self will with-hold information about what lies in store for Morgan Freeman, just for the moment.

If you’ve ever wanted to see a movie directed by a guy whose first name is “Timur,” then this movie is for you.

Self cannot possibly enumerate all the delights of this movie: the ricocheting bullets, the bombs strapped on rats, the back nude shot of Angelina showing that she has thirty-plus tattoos on backside alone, and that’s not even counting the ones which (self learned from reading Vanity Fair ) represent the birth place coordinates of all her large brood.

When self left the theatre, she decided that she would never be able to see another action movie, not for at least another six months, not unless they can promise delights as many and as varied as all of the above.

Stay tuned, dear blog readers, stay tuned.

Kung Fu Panda could probably kick Wall-E’s Ass.

2008-07-04T22:40:00.001-07:00

I was not looking forward to Kung Fu Panda.

To be honest, I’ve had about enough of Jack Black’s shtick and it just did not strike me as something that I HAD to see. The characters were cute and all, but every picture I saw of Black and Angelina Jolie “yucking it up” at the premiere just sorta turned me off to it.

Well I was wrong.

I had the good fortune to see it in an IMAX theater today and it ROCKS. Really, really well done from start to finish. Laugh out loud funny and as succesful a Kung Fu homage as Kill Bill (albeit it in a much different way.)

It is visually stunning to look at and a whole lot of fun.

Jack Black gives Po the Dragon warrior Panda a soul from the minute you hear his voice.

Dustin Hoffman is AWESOME in this and it also has David Cross. Everything is better with David (Chicken Pot Pie) Cross.

If Dreamworks has a few more Kung Fu Panda quality movies on the way, Pixar/Disney should be nervous.

New Mexico accused of violating ‘free exercise’ of religion

2008-07-04T22:37:00.000-07:00

The state of New Mexico is being accused of violating the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of “free exercise” of religion because of a ruling that a Christian husband-and-wife photography team must pay a $6,600 penalty for refusing to shoot pictures at a same-sex “commitment” ceremony.

The accusation comes in legal action brought by the Alliance Defense Fund over the penalty announced for Elane Photography.

“Christians in the marketplace should not be penalized for abiding by their beliefs any more than anyone else should,” Jordan Lorence, a senior counsel for the organization, said. “The Constitution prohibits the state from forcing unwilling people to promote a message they disagree with and thereby violate their conscience. The commission’s decision demonstrates stunning disregard for our client’s First Amendment rights.”

The “commission” to which he was referring was the New Mexico Civil Rights Commission, which targeted Elane Photography with its state authority and ordered the penalty of $6,600 after a one-day “trial” over the beliefs of the Christian-owned business.

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Gayness

2008-07-04T22:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day!

It is with pride that most of America celebrates the 4th of July. While some have chosen to sit this one out (http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20080701_Chris_Satullo__A_not-so-glorious_Fourth.html), the vast majority of Americans will be sipping sodas and savoring the summer sun in social settings around a BBQ. It will be a gay time for all.

Beneath all of this though, is an underlying current of strain and divisiveness that the mainstream media loves to tout and expand (e.g. Red vs. Blue states, Hillary vs. Obama, McCain vs. conservatives, etc.). Core to this are the social and political movements that fuel politcal debate and speculation. Indeed, these movements are a proud part of American history, but as Thomas Paine frequently likes to point out to me, most movements get hijacked by radicals within their groups. Some cases in point include the labor movement in which the founding principles of a standard workweek, reasonable compensation, and fair working conditions have largely been replaced with demands for non-competitive legacy costs, unfounded rules, and benefits that simply are not sustainable in a global economy where worldwide labor couldn’t care less about whether they are changing batteries or cleaning toilets (see http://www.intheagora.com/archives/2008/04/ridiculous_work.html). Another example is the Libertarian movement that has not been able to produce an electable candidate because the party refuses to post a candidate that isn’t so far off base that 90% of America wouldn’t be afraid of them in power. Similar statements can be made for other credible parties including the Green Party as well as the Socialist and Communist parties in the US.

Mixed in with this however, is a politically correct movement that seeks to limit the speech that Americans engage in making words like “nigger” grounds for international criticism for some (http://www.tmz.com/2006/11/20/kramers-racist-tirade-caught-on-tape/) and sources of controversial, but acceptable, capitalism for others (http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1572287/20071018/nas.jhtml). Other words, such as “gay”, have been redefined in the latter half of the 20th Century to refer to homosexuals. Though it is largely rejected by the LGBT community (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay), it remains largely in the dominion of sexual preference. Can you imagine being named Gay (http://www.classmates.com/directory/public/memberprofile/list.htm?regId=228705661)? The connotations of the word - transformed in a few short decades - are amazing.

While it is sad that movements get hijacked, there is a subtle side-effect as well, where the language gets hijacked as well. The politically correct movement has not helped this. However, as part of a free country, whose Bill of Rights have not completely been shredded, we as individuals have the right to use the English language in modern contexts as well as antiquated meanings.

Therefore, let us be in gay spirits this 4th of July. Let us find find gayness in the right to free speech and let us celebrate independence with gay pride.

Indeed, I would like to begin exploring a list of words that have been hijacked to the point that their original meaning has been lost. To start the list…

1). Gay

2). Democrat - a proponent of democracy - generally these are founded upon equal access to power in government and universally recognized freedoms and liberties. However, modern democrats do not equal access to power frequently choosing selected access to power (e.g. affirmative action and special minority programs) as well as skewed liberties (Kramer can’t say “nigger”, but Kanye West can). (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy)

3). Liberal - One who supports classical liberalism including individual freedom AND limited government (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_liberalism). By in large, modern liberals are fierce opponents of laissez-faire and free market economies as well as largely supporters of big government solutions such as universal health care, social security, etc.

Please feel free to comment with additional words and why you believe their meanings have been hijacked.

The Shame of Africans and Asians

2008-07-04T22:32:00.001-07:00

It is sad that the outcome of the African leaders’ summit reflected anything but condemnation and shame on Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe.

Some African countries are ready to defend Mugabe, who rigged and stole the country’s general election held last week. It is amazing how some African leaders have the face to back a leader who suppresses his people and intimidates the opposition with violence, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. Last month, former South African president Nelson Mandela criticised Mugabe for his tragic failure of leadership. His comment should have paved the way for other leaders to take up similar positions. Unfortunately, not many African leaders can claim similar status to Mandela. Many are dictators who do not respect human rights and democratic values. Worse, they do not want to be labelled as allies of the West against Mugabe, who was also considered an African hero when he fought for independence of the former Rhodesia.

Since 2000 the African Union has done good work in peace-keeping and peace-building. AU troops have been dispatched to troubled countries throughout Africa with assistance from Western countries. Now the West is up in arms about African leaders who have failed to condemn Mugabe. France and the UK have issued strong words on Mugabe. France said the Mugabe government is illegitimate and British PM Gordon Brown urged AU members to reject the result. The UN Security Council is contemplating a resolution which would call for sanctions against the Mugabe regime. There are reports that Mugabe might consider a power-sharing government with opposition leader Morgan Tswangirai, who holed up in the Dutch Embassy in Harare after he withdrew from the election.

The AU leaders remind us of Asean leaders, who protect their pariah member, Burma. Since its admission in 1997, Burma has caused embarrassment and humiliation for the grouping, but Asean leaders always stand up for Gen Than Shwe’s junta. They prefer to suffer at the behest of their unruly member than take a moral stand on the international stage. It is the same AU rationale that Asean leaders continue to use to shore up support for Burma

#1 Club Hits 2008 (Best of Dance and Techno)

2008-07-04T22:28:00.001-07:00

Artist: VA
Title: #1 Club Hits 2008 (Best of Dance and Techno)
Label: BMG
Genre: Dance // House // Techno
Store Date: June 2008
Source: CDDA
# Tracks: 50
# CDs: 3
Lenght: 02.56.17
Encoder: Lame 3.97
Quality: 256 kbps / VBR
Channels: Joint Stereo / 44 khz
Tags: ID3 v1.0, ID3 v2.3
Nonstop mix: no
*.cue: no
Archive size: 326 mb
Recovery record: yes

cd 01:
01. Dave Sinclair - Self Control (the Annual Remake Edit)
02. Jackie B - Let the Music Play (Hard Candy Video Mix)
03. Retro - Fade to Grey (Let Me Think About it) (Bootleg Cut)
04. Demande Feat Lesley Scott - Tainted Love (Bleeding Love Club Edit)
05. Le Click - Call Me 08 (La Cascada Agua Ibiza Dance Mix)
06. Monika Jefferies - Bleeding Love (Vinylmoverz Hands Up Edit)
07. Magic Artists - Everytime We Touch 2008 (Twister Hard)
08. Idol Mani - All Together Now (American Euro Club Mix)
09. Donna M - Gimme Gimme Gimme (Dub Kontor Mix)
10. De Lorean - Lick it (Sunshine Live Salvation Edit)
11. Foundation Feat Que - Going Back to My Roots (Rich in Paradise Electro M
12. 54 Feat Nashi - Last Night A DJ Saved My Life (Wmc Miami Stido Club Mix)
13. Groove Jet - Billy Jean (Morales and Heller Electro War Mix)
14. Tropicana Club - Fresh (Disco Lies Mashup Remix)
15. Ammonia - Take on Me (De Lorean Radio Mix)
16. Bearshare Bros Feat Ray - Blue (Eurolectro Workout Version)
17. Royal Flush - Tell it to My Heart (Steven Levis Airplay Edit)

cd 02:
18. Bass and Heat Hunter - All Out of Love (Water Inc Hands Up Club Mix)
19. Royal Deejays - the Anthem (Mayday Mix)
20. DJ Brian Howe - Somebodys Watching Me (Freakmatique Cut)
21. Overdub Feat Sophia - Sweet Dreams (Doug Laurent Mix)
22. MIG28 - Wow Thats Now (World Edition Radio Edit)
23. DJ Wag - Feeling Good (No Apologize Radio Edit)
24. Dumonde - Gun (Jay Frogs 9mm Remix)
25. Risque Feat Le Foxx - My House (Playboy Mansion Creeps Remix Edit)
26. D and J Presents Glamour - After the Love is Gone (Ibizas All Fedde Up Down mix)
27. Tunnel Alliance - Sandstorm (DJ Cobra Vs Doug Laurent Mix)
28. Defcon 5 - Sonic Revolution (Knights of the Empire Edit)
29. De Lorean - Rapture (Twister Electro Edit)
30. Franca Morgano - No Limit (Steven Levis Electro Airplay Mix)
31. Ministry of Funk - Ladies Night (Misars Prelude Sound Edit)
32. Class and Style - Gypsy Woman (Johns Get Physical Short Edit)
33. Furtado - Carnaval De Paris (France Vs Italia Zidane Revenge Edit)
34. Phantastique - Samba De Janeiro (Rio Heater Edit)

cd 03:
35. Membrane - Why Dont You Dance with Me (Delirious Electro Rmx Cut)
36. Natalie Marchenko - Bakerstreet (Destination Calabria Edit)
37. Yana - Enjoy the Silence (Fearsome Foursome Video Rmx)
38. Die Elfen Feat Ork Cowboys - Boy (Ghia Video Edit)
39. Groovemagnet - Sunrize (Arjen Van Thijs Sensation White Edit)
40. Musical Roots - Da Vinci (Feel the Mighty High Nu School Mix)
41. Rihanna Johnson - by Satellite (Armada Tribe Dream Dance Mix)
42. Doug Laurent - the Dream 2010
43. Laydee Jane - Breaking the Spell (Matthew Kramer Vs Laydee Jane Edit)
44. Wittendoerfer - Beba 2 (DJ Sakin Short Rmx)
45. Tunnel Alliance - E 08 (Renegade Master Remix Edit)
46. Vinylmoverz - Rhythm is A Dancer Again (Again (Robb Math Copy Capp Mix)
47. Rob Hilton - Euro Dancer (One Night in Paris Radio Edit)
48. Alex Twister - We Will Rock You (Ultra Club Sounds Edit)
49. Willfire Feat Slash - Eye of the Tiger (Football Republic Number One Edit)
50. Nanou - Better Off Alone (Zombie Girl Vs Barbie Nation Mix)

Download: #1 Club Hits 2008 (Best of Dance and Techno)
http://rapidshare.com/files/127165965/_1_CH08__BODAT_-A2S.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/127187466/_1_CH08__BODAT_-A2S.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/127208722/_1_CH08__BODAT_-A2S.part3.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/127216199/_1_CH08__BODAT_-A2S.part4.rar

Amazing Catch taken by BallGirl ...don't dare to miss it !

2008-07-04T22:17:00.000-07:00

Video shows a ball girl making an amazing catch at a minor league baseball game.

Is this foul ball catch by a ball girl in a Triple 'A' baseball game between Fresno and Tacoma for real? It appears hard to believe. As she climbs what appears to be about 10 feet up the wall to make the catch, she's not even looking back at the ball... Amazing...

Origins: The video clip linked above was
purportedly taken during a minor league baseball game between the Fresno Grizzlies and the Tacoma Rainiers. When a Tacoma batter hits a foul drive into the left-field corner, a ball girl sprints down the line and, leaping and scaling the outfield wall, makes an amazing catch of the ball on the fly. She then casually tosses the ball to the stunned Fresno left-fielder and jogs back to her seat as if it were all no big deal, while the play-by-play announcer describes the event in breathless detail:
" ... Driven down the left-field line, and this ball is gonna be ... ohhh, it's caught! It's not Jake Wald ... it's the ball girl! Jake Wald in left field can't believe it! And look ... she shows him up; she sort of tosses him the ball, saying 'Take that, Jake, I don't see you making the effort.' Alfonzo the catcher, he can't believe it. Let's look at that replay. Oh, my! What an amazing play!"
Is it real game footage? No, it's a shelved commercial for Gatorade sports drink:
Gatorade ended its association with the agency that created the ad, Element 79, shortly after the video was completed and shelved the campaign.

"We were not planning to release the ball girl video," [Gatorade spokeswoman Jill] Kinney said. "However, now that it's out there, we're thrilled with the response it's getting."

Kinney said Gatorade doesn't know who posted the video, and Element 79 said on its website that it had nothing to do with posting the video.

There is no mention of Gatorade in the video, though there is a bottle by the chair where the ball girl sits near the end of the clip. And Gatorade has clearly become associated with it, to the company's delight.
The clip, produced by Element 79, combined footage taken during and after a game between the two minor league teams with some digital trickery to produce the illusion of a spectacular catch made by a hustling ball girl. ShootOnline talked to director Baker Smith, who explained how the effect was created:
"The big shot, the one that follows the ball out [from the plate to left field], was completely choreographed for lack of a better word," Smith said, explaining that a motion control shot followed what would have been the trajectory of the ball, and the artisans at New York's Framestore CFC later inserted a ball in post.

As for how the ball girl (played by stuntwoman Phoenix Brown) made the spectacular catch that is the highlight of the video, she got a little help from rigs and Framestore CFC.

Smith and his crew shot the big catch right after the game they were shooting concluded, attaching the ball girl to wires and having two stunt men off to the side literally yanking her up the wall.
Last updated: 3 July 2008

Hope You liked it !

100 Places to go for Online Answers

2008-07-04T22:05:00.001-07:00

While Wikipedia isn’t likely to lose its status as the first place people look for quick answers anytime soon, there are loads of other sites out there that can provide you with information, some of which may even be better and more accurate. Whether you’re researching for a paper or just settling a bet with a friend, here are 100 places you can find all the answers you need quickly and easily online.

General

Find answers to all kinds of questions through these sites.

1. InfoPlease: Visitors to this site will be treated to an almanac, atlas, encyclopedia, dictionary and much more, which should be more than enough to find information on just about anything you’d need.
2. Fact Monster: Run by Infoplease, this site is geared towards the younger crowd, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find some great information here. Find answers to basic math, science, history and sports questions.
3. About.com: This site provides articles on a huge variety of subjects, many of which provide useful information or can link you to sites that have what you’re looking for.
4. Refdesk.com: Billed as a "fact check for the Internet," this site provides a range of resources that make it easy to search the web, check an encyclopedia or dictionary, read the news and much more.
5. Reference.com: Part of the Dictionary.com site, this online resource provides access to many encyclopedia articles, as well as the accompanying dictionary and thesaurus.
6. Answers.com: Answers.com provides visitors with access to articles from sites and journals all over the Web.
7. Factbites: Called a cross between a search engine and an encyclopedia, this site is designed to make searching for information easier by filtering out information and only giving you the most relevant results.

Library and Reference

Search through library archives and do research through these sites.

8. Oxford Journals: Look through all the journals published by Oxford and find many articles that are free to read and download.
9. eBrary: Many libraries give full access to eBrary’s collections, but if you don’t have one near to you that does, you can use this page and still enjoy looking through loads of books and journals.
10. ibiblio: This site is full of public domain information including maps, books, pictures and much more that you can use in your next research project.
11. LibrarySpot: Find a myriad of library resources on this site as well as links to other authoritative sites and encyclopedias online.
12. WorldCat: Save yourself a trip to the library and find out if a library has the information you need before you go. This site allows users to find libraries in their area that have the books and materials they need.
13. Internet Public Library: This site puts together a great repository of links to authoritative sites all over the Web on topics like history, law, computers and more.

User Contributed

Like Wikipedia, these sites draw their information from user contributions.

14. Scholarpedia: This site looks and functions very similarly to Wikipedia with some major differences. Each article is written and edited by an expert in the field, and all articles must be approved before they become part of the site, helping to ensure the information you get is accurate.
15. WorldBrainBook: WorldBrainBook provides a means by which everyday people can share what they know on a wide range of topics, from arts and crafts to extreme sports.
16. Open-Site: Open-Site is a free online encyclopedia that is user contributed and monitored by editors, and can be a good alternative source of information to Wikipedia.
17. Duno: This site allows authors, amateur and professional, to write and publish articles and get paid for them through an advertising program. Visitors to the site can browse through the articles to find helpful information.
18. Internet Encyclopedia: Also called Wikinfo, this site provides a similar format to Wikipedia but with some different ideas when it comes to editing, often encouraging independent research and the mandate that articles represent the topic in a positive or objective manner.
19. Conservapedia: Feeling that Wikipedia had a liberal bias, this site was created, giving the conservative perspective on a wide range of topics.
20. Citizendium: Citizendium aims to create a user contributed encyclopedia that focuses on quality and readability rather than quantity, and it encourages visitors not only to read articles but to collaborate as well.
21. WikiHow: The Wikipedia of how-to manuals, this site provides step by step instructions from other users on how to do just about anything you could imagine.
22. Instructables: Taking the idea of a user-contributed how-to site one step further, Instructables provides visitors with a huge number of user-created instructional videos.
23. Veropedia: Want to only read the best of what Wikipedia has to offer? This site can help, filtering out the best articles from Wikipedia and placing them on this site.

Encyclopedias

Look up just about anything in these online encyclopedias.

24. Encyclopedia Britannica Online: Search through millions of entries in this large online encyclopedia or check out timelines, an atlas and more.
25. MSN Encarta: MSN provides this online reference site with loads of articles, an atlas, dictionary and most importantly, an encyclopedia.
26. Medical Encyclopedia: Find answers to all your medical questions through this large medical encyclopedia from MedlinePlus.
27. Encyclopedia Smithsonian: Browse through information related to all the of vast collections held by the Smithsonian on this informative and useful site.
28. Encyclopedia.com: This HighBeam site combines information from sources like the Oxford University Press, Britannica, and the Columbia Encyclopedia.
29. Classic Encyclopedia: Look through the articles from this 1911 version of an encyclopedia and get a historical perspective on your information.
30. Probert Encyclopedia: This free online encyclopedia contains over 235,000 cross-referenced and interlinked sites and 15000 illustrations, and it focuses on a few key topics.
31. OpenTopia: Browse through encyclopedia articles here or enjoy access to a variety of webcams, online tools and more.
32. Questia: While not entirely free, this site can prove to be a great research tool, with articles on hundreds of topics.

Science and Math

Find answers to all your math and science inquiries here.

33. HowStuffWorks: Whether you want to know how your toaster works or learn about nuclear power, you’ll find all the details on this highly informative site.
34. PhysLink.com: Answer all your questions about physics with a little help from this site.
35. NatureServe Explorer: Here you can look up information on all kinds of species of birds, butterflies, mammals and more.
36. Online Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences: Make sense of your math with this easy to search site.
37. Encyclopedia of Life: This site contains a huge archive of information on numerous plants, animals, fungi, bacteria and all other kinds of living things.
38. PlantCare.com: Find out why your houseplants are shriveling up and learn to take care of them with help and information from this site.
39. Encyclopedia of Earth: Find articles that relate to all the life, geological processes and much more that make up the environment of our planet in this great online resource.
40. Physics Encyclopedia: Look up physics terms and information through this helpful site.
41. The Internet Encyclopedia of Science: Astronomer David Darling maintains this site which is an A-Z reference for a wide range of science related topics.
42. Encyclopedia of Astronomy and Astrophysics: Look up astronomy terms and people of interest with this informative online encyclopedia.
43. Wolfram MathWorld: Find help with everything from number theory to basic geometry on this site.
44. PRIME Mathematics Encyclopedia: This site is a great reference for almost any question related to doing or teaching mathematics.
45. Scirus: This search engine will give you results related only to science, making it easier and faster to find the information you need from journals and science websites.
46. Botany.com: Not sure if that’s poison ivy growing in your backyard? This site provides loads of photos and information on plants from all over the world.

Social Studies

These reference sites deal with social studies and historical issues.

47. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Find the names of many philosophers and their ideas in this helpful encyclopedia from Stanford University.
48. glbtq: Look up information about the gay, lesbian, transgender and queer culture in this encyclopedia.
49. The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Here you can find everything you ever wanted to know about philosophy in one easy to search place.
50. Encyclopedia of Psychology: Learn all about mental illnesses, famous psychologists and theories through this online resource.
51. HyperHistory: This site attempts to cover 3,000 years of world history. Browse by people, places or events to find what you need.
52. LookLex: Formerly known as the Encyclopedia of the Orient, this resource specializes in information from North Africa and the Middle East.
53. Perseus: Find all you ever wanted to know about Greek history and Mythology on this site, loaded with articles and pictures.

Fine Art

Find information on all kinds of art through these sites.

54. The Artchive: This site provides an easy way to find out about numerous artists, their work and their time period as well as to browse images.
55. Oxford Music Online: This site provides a gateway into music research and a place to get new and forthcoming Oxford music reference articles.
56. Artcyclopedia: Search for a particular artist, painting, period and much more on this helpful and informative site.
57. Instrument Encyclopedia: Find out more about any kind of instrument on this University of Michigan site.
58. Garland Encyclopedia of World Music: Learn about music from all over the world through the information provided by this reference site.
59. ArtLex: Find out the meaning behind any art related word in this art dictionary.
60. DancePedia: Here you’ll be able to access all kinds of information on different styles of dance and famous dancers.
61. Musicals101: Lovers of musicals will appreciate this reference site, with hundreds of entries on stage and movie musicals.
62. Improv Encyclopedia: If you’re into improv yourself or just want to find out more about it, you’ll find games, a reference resource and an online glossary here.
63. Internet Movie Database: This site is the ultimate resource for those looking for information on anyone in the film business from directors to stunt doubles.
64. All Music Guide: Learn about new and old bands as well as information on all kinds of music-related issues on this site.

Language and Literature

Whether you need to know what a word means or want to look up a work of literature, you’ll find help with these links.

65. WordReference: Look up words in English, Spanish, Italian and French using this great online site.
66. Bartleby: This site provides loads of books to students and researchers with information on poetry, fiction and nonfiction at your fingertips.
67. AskOxford: Based off the Oxford English Dictionary, this site provides reference material as well as tips to improve writing and a chance to ask questions of experts.
68. BrainyQuote: Find out where those famous quotes came from with this great online quotation resource.
69. Merriam Webster: Look up just about any word in this free online dictionary.
70. Dictionary.com: This easy-to-use dictionary can help you find the meaning or spelling of any word. As a bonus you’ll get access to a crossword dictionary and fun games as well.
71. Urban Dictionary: Keep up with the slang the kids are using these days with this site which provides an easy reference point for looking up words.
72. Visual Thesaurus: Get a visual map of synonyms and antonyms using this different take on the thesaurus.
73. BookRags: Get study help and information on literature with the study guides, summaries, essays and biographies from this site.
74. Encyclopedia Mythica: If something has been written about mythology, religion or folklore, you’ll be able to find it here with this helpful online search engine and resource collection.

Technology

Tech jargon can be confusing, but you can find help through these sites.

75. WhatIs.com: Find definitions of thousands of technology and computer terms here, as well as helpful glossaries and cheat sheets.
76. TechEncylopedia: Find definitions and help on over 20,000 IT related terms on this TechWeb site.
77. Webopedia: Use this site the next time you’re feeling clueless as to what all those techie abbreviations mean.
78. Internet Archive: Learn about the history of the Internet and much more on this informative site.
79. WebReference: Web dwellers will enjoy the reference material from this site, which provides archives of news, advice and how-to articles.

Question and Answer

If you have a question that needs answering, you can ask it and get help on these sites.

80. Yahoo! Answers: Ask any question that comes to mind and get answers from others online using this Yahoo! sponsored site.
81. AllExperts: Ask your questions that need the help of an expert on this site.
82. The Straight Dope: Cecil Adams answers a weekly question on this site with topics that range from the reasons for hiccups to reality TV show inquiries.
83. wiseGEEK: This site provides a place to ask your tech related questions and find answers from over 24,000 articles.
84. Answerbag: Find answers to questions on social, medical, local and shopping questions on this user contributed site.
85. Microsoft Live QnA: Here you can ask any question, serious or silly, and get answers from other users.
86. Yedda: Yedda allows users to ask a question on any topic and "get personalized answers from relevant people."
87. Wondir: Ask questions and get the answers you need from other users on this site.
88. Askville: Sponsored by Amazon, this site allows users to ask a question on any topic and get and give answers to others.
89. Cornbrain: If you have a few bucks to spare, you can get researched and professional answers from this site.
90. Ask a Librarian: Have a question on research, literature or anything else a librarian could help you with? Find the answers you need using this site.

Miscellaneous

These sites are full of all kinds of information to help you.

91. Acronym Finder: Not sure what all those letters stand for? Figure it out using the information on this site.
92. eHow: Learn how to do just about anything on this instructive site from sewing in a zipper to putting up wallpaper.
93. FreeAdvice: If you’ve got a legal problem you need help with and want a little information first, you can find loads of it at this site.
94. Snopes: Find out whether or not that email your aunt sent you was for real or unravel a host of other urban legends through the information you’ll find here.
95. timeanddate: Want to know what happened today in history? Check out this site for information.
96. Symbols.com: Find information about thousands of symbols from their history to uses today through this informative site.
97. Catholic Encyclopedia: This site provides visitors with a wealth of information on the Catholic religion.
98. The Educator’s Reference Desk: Teachers can find thousands of reference materials here to help them plan lessons, manage classes and much more.
99. Physician’s Desktop Reference: This reference site will help you to find information on a wide range of medial conditions, medications and illnesses.
100. Baseball Reference: Find all kinds of baseball stats and historical information for players, teams and the sport as a whole using this reference.

What is an American

2008-07-04T22:01:00.001-07:00

A while back there was a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper that offered a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American!

So an Australian dentist wrote the following to let everyone know what an American is, so they would know when they found one:

An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek.

An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani, or Afghan.

An American may also be a Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, Seminole or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans.

An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan. The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses.

An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.

An American is from the most prosperous land in the history of the world. The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God given right of each person the pursuit of happiness.

An American is generous. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need. When Afghanistan was overrun by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country. As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan.

Americans welcome the best, the best products, the best books, the best music, the best food, the best athletes. But they also welcome the least...

The national symbol of America, The Statue of Liberty, welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed. These in fact are the people who built America. Some of them were working in the Twin Towers the morning of September 11, 2002 earning a better life for their families.

I've been told that the World Trade Center victims were from at least 30 other countries, cultures, and first languages, including those that aided and abetted the terrorists.

So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-Tung, and every bloodthirsty tyrant in the history of the world. But, in doing so you would just be killing yourself. Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American.

Ten Things You May Have Forgotten About The Declaration of Independence

2008-07-04T21:59:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Things You May Have Forgotten About The Declaration of Independence

1. It’s the “Declaration of Independence,” not the “Declaration of World Domination.”

Just in case anyone in the current White House forgot.

2. According to the signers of the Declaration, it’s okay to care about what the rest of the world thinks. The very rationale of the Declaration is that when folks do something as momentous as dissolve existing political bonds, “a decent respect as to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”

3. According to the signers of the Declaration, government is a Good Thing. It’s what enables us to “secure these rights” of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

4. The second paragraph of the Declaration is almost entirely inspired by John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government, especially the assertion of the right of revolution and the principle of justifying government by consent of the governed. That’s very important. Notably, however, the Declaration does not state that we have an “unalienable Right” to property.

5. Nor, related to this, do we have a right to be free from taxation as such. Instead, we have a moral right to be free from taxation “without our Consent.”

6. It turns out that the signers of the Declaration were big fans of the “benefits of Trial by Jury” and opposed to “transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences.” Fortunately, the federal appeals court which earlier this week ruled that the Bush Administration has wrongly held a Chinese Muslim in Guantanamo Bay for six years agrees. Many similar cases regarding Guantanamo prisoners are expected to be heard in coming months in the wake of last month’s restoration by the Supreme Court (over the Bush Administration’s protests) of the detainees’ habeas corpus rights.

7. The signers of the Declaration took it as a complaint that King George was “transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries” to fight against the colonists. Evidently they didn’t realize what a fine, upstanding job those Blackwater people are capable of.

8. The Declaration also complains of the use of “Cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages” by the crown. It’s hard to say exactly, but that sounds like the signers probably thought that torture and other forms of “Cruelty” were an unconditionally bad thing.

9. What’s not hard to say is that at the heart of the Declaration is an assertion of a universal right to self-determination. One nation should not dominate another, nor should it interfere in another’s affairs. The specific list of offenses in the Declaration is a reminder that occupation of one people by another is bound to lead to a series of abuses. This is an important thought to keep in mind as America enters its sixth year in Iraq. The Iraqis at this point probably could put together a pretty long list of abuses committed by occupying Americans if they wanted to, the most damning of which is our utter incompetence in assembling a functional new government.

10. Finally, and this may be heresy, by declaring the “self-evident” truth that “All men are created equal” did not in itself make it so. Equality and liberty are just words on paper if they are not realized in practice. Doing that in the American case required not just throwing off the British yoke, but also establishing a constitutional form of government, and then filling in a few “minor” details along the way….such as adding a Bill of Rights to the Constitution, ending slavery, enfranchising women, recognizing the rights of labor, ending Jim Crow and legal discrimination, starting to establish civil rights for gays and lesbians, making public spaces accessible to the disabled . . . None of those things would have happened-not even the Bill of Rights, as University of Richmond historian Woody Holton reminds us in his recent book Unruly Americans-without the loud, committed and engaged struggles of ordinary people willing to challenge elite groups and established customs.

That’s why discussions of the Declaration of Independence like that offered this week by neoconservative guru William Kristol (one of the geniuses who brought you the Iraq War) celebrating the Declaration as an exercise of leadership by brave elites are not so much wrong, as wrong-headed.

The bald statements of a right to self-determination, the assertion of human equality, and the assertion of fundamental rights which government must respect contained in the Declaration are all important for their own sake. But we don’t get self-government, the realization of equality, and the protection and the exercise of liberty simply by declaring it; we get it only through sustained civic engagement with and oversight of government.

So by all means, just as Kristol suggests, make it a 4th of July tradition to break out the Declaration and read with your friends and family what old TJ had to say 232 years ago. But don’t expect to find a document sanctioning a view of the world that so it’s okay for some countries to dominate others, by invasion and occupation if necessary, or okay to simply ignore what the rest of the world thinks. The entire theme of the document is anti-imperialistic to the core, repeatedly voicing the thought that it’s unnatural for one group of people to try to rule another (especially from a long distance).

And don’t take it for granted that the grand but imperfect political experiment set in motion 232 years ago-the idea that you could achieve meaningful self-government across an expansive territory-cannot yet fail. It might, if we let elites (especially deranged neoconservative elites) rule in our name, and if we forget that as soon as we fall into the belief that politics and the work of governance are someone else’s business, we cease to remain our own masters.

Top 5 Creepiest Pop Culture Foreshadowings of 9/11

2008-07-04T21:52:00.000-07:00

Twin Towers

Special to snarfd by Brian Clark Howard.

Although the deeply tragic, horrific events of 9/11 were shocking on many levels, they weren’t entirely unforeseen. The World Trade Center had been attacked by terrorists in 1993, and experts had long warned of various enemies of America.

And in hindsight, some elements of pop culture in the preceding decades (in some cases the preceding weeks) now take an eerie, seemingly prophetic nature. They appear to foreshadow some of the death and destruction that took place that fateful September.
1. Lyrics to Soul Coughing’s Song “Is Chicago, Is Not Chicago”

In the early and mid 90s, jazzy indy rockers Soul Coughing served up dadaesque, funky jams to New York City’s smoky clubs. They were darlings of the hip and ironic. In the critically lauded 1994 album Ruby Vroom, frontman (and now successful solo artist) Mike Doughty’s lyrics were often thoughtful and witty, if absurdist.

In a verse that now seems haunting and prophetic, Doughty begins “Is Chicago, Is Not Chicago” with the following lines:

A man
Drives a plane
Into the
Chrysler building …

Check a live version of the song

2. Passage from Jack Kerouac’s On The Road

On the Road

Written in April 1951, and first published in 1957, Jack Kerouac’s classic American novel of youth, travel and the Beat Generation contains a brief few lines that are now sure to leap from the page for any post 9/11 reader. Kerouac, a long-time resident of New York City, wrote in his largely autobiographical masterpiece:

When daybreak came we were zooming through New Jersey with the great cloud of Metropolitan New York rising before us in the snowy distance. Dean had a sweater wrapped around his ears to keep warm. He said we were a band of Arabs coming in to blow up New York. We swished through the Lincoln Tunnel and cut over to Times Square; Marylou wanted to see it.

3. 1979 Pakistan Airlines Ad

It’s now something of an Internet meme, but the vintage airline ad still startles with its bold imagery of an enormous airplane shadow on the doomed World Trade Center. The stark, black and white piece calls to mind Hitchcockian madness and gloom. What was originally meant to impress is now terrifying.

Twin Towers advert
4. Pilot Episode of “The Lone Gunmen”

The Lone GunmanThe pilot episode of Fox’s The Lone Gunmen, a spin-off from the conspiracy-rich The X-Files, depicted a secret U.S. government plot to crash a remote-controlled Boeing 727 headed for Boston into the World Trade Center. The apparent purpose was to increase the military defense budget and blame the attack on foreign “tin-pot dictators” who are “begging to be smart-bombed.”

The March 2001 pilot was aired in Australia on August 30, less than two weeks before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In the initial aftermath of 9/11, the show’s creators feared that their work was the inspiration.
5. The Mysterious $20 Bill

Although it is hardly something warranting a Congressional Commission, the $20 bill “conspiracy” has kept plenty of people up at night pondering – perhaps even a few who don’t own bongs. Post 1998 versions of the $20 note can be folded to reveal what resembles two smoking towers and a burning Pentagon. Folding the currency further spells the dreaded “Osama.”

The bill’s portrait subject, Andrew Jackson, is an anagram for “Jackson Warned.” Plus, 9 plus 11 equals 20.

Try it for yourself !

Revealed: the infighting that has hobbled hunt for Bin Laden

2008-07-04T21:39:00.000-07:00

Damaging details of infighting within the Bush administration and intelligence agencies are emerging, just months before George Bush leaves the White House.

A scathing assessment of US failures in its war with al-Qa'ida was published by The New York Times yesterday, containing the charge that the infighting has hobbled efforts to capture Osama bin Laden and his senior lieutenants.

The report coincides with revelations in The New Yorker about deep unease among congressional leaders over a secret directive issued by the Bush administration which significantly boosts the activities of Special Operations Forces inside Iran. The magazine also detected further disarray by highlighting concern within the US military about White House support for possible military strikes on Iran, which would aim to set back Iranian nuclear ambitions.

Mr Bush will now leave office with al-Qa'ida having successfully relocated its base of operations from Afghanistan to Pakistan's tribal areas. According to the report in The New York Times, there may be more than 2000 foreign recruits to al-Qa'ida. The newspaper describes how last year the Pentagon's Special Operations Forces were authorised to launch missions in the mountains of Pakistan. But they are still awaiting the green light to launch attacks on al-Qa'ida camps in the North West territories. There was "mounting frustration" at the delay, a senior defence source told the newspaper. There have been numerous American missile strikes in Pakistan since 2002, but militants have continued to flock to al-Qa'ida encampments it is reported.

The US failure to tackle the al-Qa'ida leadership comes at a time when Mr Bush is increasingly focused on projecting the US military into Iran. Operations in Iran have been expanded with the Central Intelligence Agency and the Joint Special Operations Command joining forces, according to current US officials. The New Yorker reported that undercover US operations inside Iran are undergoing a major expansion aimed at destabilising the religious leadership.

Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential candidate, is to travel to Afghanistan and Iraq as part of a seven-nation tour later this year to address what is seen as a weakness on foreign policy compared to his veteran Republican opponent, Senator John McCain. Mr Obama has said he wants to send up to 10,000 soldiers to Afghanistan, where violence has increased as the Taliban and al-Qa'ida regroup. Mr Obama has accused Mr Bush of neglecting the fight in Afghanistan to pursue an unnecessary war in Iraq.

Most damaging of all for President Bush's legacy may be a 700-page official history by the US Army. It points the finger of blame at US-based commanders who believed "in the euphoria of early 2003" that the goals in Iraq had been accomplished and failed to send enough troops to handle the occupation. The study specifically blames President Bush's declaration on board an aircraft carrier off San Diego on 1 May 2003, that major combat operations were over for reinforcing that view. The audacious conclusions of the official army history, On Point II, were defended in a foreword by General William Wallace, commanding general of US Army Training and Doctrine Command, who wrote: "One of the great and least understood qualities of the United States Army is its culture of introspection and self-examination."

The report blames civilian and military planning for the failures of post-Saddam Iraq. After Saddam was toppled, US commanders sat back and expected a peaceful transition much as they had experienced in Bosnia and Kosovo.

The report also said the administration of George Bush assumed incorrectly that the Saddam regime would collapse after the 1991 Gulf War. The army history points out that the coalition commander, General Tommy Franks, told his subordinates to prepare to move most of their forces out of Iraq by September 2003.

"In line with the ... general euphoria at the rapid crumbling of the Saddam regime, Franks continued to plan for a very limited role for US ground forces in Iraq," the report said.

It would take until July 16 2003 for his successor, General John Abizaid, to acknowledge that US forces were facing a classic guerrilla insurgency.

Some of the most scathing criticisms of the US military have come from within its own ranks.

Lt- Col Paul Yingling touched off the debate last year, complaining in public: "After going into Iraq with too few troops and no coherent plan for postwar stabilisation, America's general officer corps did not accurately portray the intensity of the insurgency to the American public."

McCain's YouTube Problem Just Became a Nightmare

2008-07-04T21:35:00.001-07:00

Go and see yourself,

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

Americans shouldn't be allowed to travel

2008-07-04T21:30:00.001-07:00

This is the real story reported by a travel agent

I asked for an aisle seats so that his or her hair wouldn't get messed up by being near the window.

A client called in inquiring about a package to Hawaii. After going over all the cost info, she asked, "Would it be cheaper to fly to California and then take the train to Hawaii?"

I got a call from a woman who wanted to go to Capetown. I started to explain the length of the flight and the passport information when she interrupted me with "I'm not trying to make you look stupid, but Capetown is in Massachusetts. "Without trying to make her look like the stupid one, I calmly explained, "Capecod is in Massachusetts, Capetown is in Africa." Her response ... click.

A man called, furious about a Florida package we did. I asked what was wrong with the vacation in Orlando. He said he was expecting an ocean-view room. I tried to explain that is not possible, since Orlando is in the middle of the state. He replied, "Don't lie to me. I looked on the map and Florida is a very thin state."

I got a call from a man who asked, "Is it possible to see England from Canada?" I said, "No." He said "But they look so close on the map."

Another man called and asked if he could rent a car in Dallas. When I pulled up the reservation, I noticed he had a 1-hour lay over in Dallas. When I asked him why he wanted to rent a car, he said, "I heard Dallas was a big airport, and I need a car to drive between the gates to save time."

A nice lady just called. She needed to know how it was possible that her flight from Detroit left at 8:20am and got into Chicago at 8:33am. I tried to explain that Michigan was an hour ahead of llinois, but she could not understand the concept of time zones. Finally I told her the plane went very fast, and she bought that!

A woman called and asked, "Do airlines put your physical description on your bag so they know who's luggage belongs to who?" I said, "No, why do you ask?" She replied, "Well, when I checked in with the airline, they put a tag on my luggage that said FAT, and I'm overweight, is there any connection?" After putting her on hold for a minute while I "looked into it" (I was actually laughing) I came back and explained the city code for Fresno is FAT, and that the airline was just putting a destination tag on her luggage.

I just got off the phone with a man who asked, "How do I know which plane to get on?" I asked him what exactly he meant, which he replied, "I was told my flight number is 823, but none of these darn planes have numbers on them."

A woman called and said, "I need to fly to Pepsi-cola on one of those computer planes." I asked if she meant to fly to Pensacola on a commuter plane. She said, "Yeah, whatever."

A businessman called and had a question about the documents he needed in order to fly to China. After a lengthy discussion about passports, I reminded him he needed a visa. "Oh no I don't, I've been to China many times and never had to have one of those." I double checked and sure enough, his stay required a visa. When I told him this he said, "Look, I've been to China four times and every time they have accepted my American Express."

A woman called to make reservations, "I want to go from Chicago to Hippopotamus, New York" The agent was at a loss for words. Finally, the agent: "Are you sure that's the name of the town?" "Yes, what flights do you have?" replied the customer. After some searching, the agent came back with, "I'm sorry, ma'am, I've looked up every airport code in the country and can't find a Hippopotamus anywhere." The customer retorted, "Oh don't be silly. Everyone knows where it is. Check your map!" The agent scoured a map of the state of New York and finally offered, "You don't mean Buffalo, do you?" "That's it! I knew it was a big animal!