iPad App Review: X-Plane for iPad

[caption id="attachment_2064" align="alignleft" width="187" caption="X-Plane for iPad, Image Credit: Laminar Research"][/caption]

The iPad's screen is beautiful, large, colorful, crisp etc. It is perfect for the applications that were and are being developed for it. One of the best apps to really bring out the detail and graphic abilities of the iPad is the newly developed iPad version of the X-Plane flight simulator.

X-Plane has long since been dominating the flight simulator market. There is a huge choice of X-15's, F-22's, airliners, light planes, aircraft carriers, fighter jets, and a lot more in their flight simulators. The iPad versions has all these and more.

The iPad version of X-Plane has new scenery terrain data that is at a much higher resolution than X-Plane for the iPhone. The terrain textures are four times as detailed in this app then in their previous mobile simulations.

The iPad's power and accelerometer allow for a flying interface to the cockpit that is amazing. The flight control is simple and easy to use.

The iPad's incredible processors allow 3D buildings to dot the terrain and the stunning graphics and new instrument panels make your virtual flight almost real.

In the iPad version, there is even background Air Traffic Control radio chatter that gives you the sense of being in a real cockpit.

There are airport terminal buildings as Seattle, San Francisco, and Innsbruk, Austria. Landing and take-offs are just so realistic.

This version of X-Plane uses less memory by optimizing memory usage more precisely. This allows you to run the app for longer periods of time, even if you haven't restarted your iPad to reset memory!

X-Plane for iPad is compatible with the iPad only, as there is a separate version for the iPhone, and requires iPhone OS 3.2 or later.

It is rated ages 4+. This rating can only be explained by the fact that someone younger than 4 years of age is probably not going to be interested in the app, however, don't take that for a fact... you never know. One day you may come home to your toddler flying an F-22 perfectly and just as you arrive he or she lands the airplane perfectly and shuts down the app. :)

[rating: 5/5]

This apps excellent graphics, sound, resolution, user experience and popularity show that this is clearly a much loved and very well developed application.

Tropical Storm Hit Most of Central America

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="A Tropical Storm, Photo Credit: NASA"][/caption]

This past weekend, a tropical storm hit Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, leaving at least one-hundred-fifteen people dead.

On Sunday, Honduras's President Porfirio Lobo declared a State of Emergency. Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes and an equal amount of people are living in shelters.

According to reports, thousands of people have ben evacuated from Guatemala, along with over fifty people still missing. Mudslides are scouring through the land, destroying buildings, multiple rivers have raised and thirteen bridges have collapsed.

A tropical cyclone is characterized by thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy rain, among other things. Tropical Storm Agatha was a tropical cyclone that flooded much of Central America. The first storm of the 2010 Pacific hurricane season, it was the deadliest tropical cyclone in the eastern Pacific since the 1997 Hurricane Pauline. Guatemala was hit the worst, adding to the disturbance and chaos that had been caused by the eruption of the volcano Pacaya, one of the most active volcanoes in Guatemala.

Pacaya has erupted at least twenty-three times since the Spanish conquest of Guatemala in the 1500s. It erupted in 1965, after a century of remaining dormant, and since then has been continuously erupting, the last major eruption being in January 2000. Despite that, Pacaya remains as a popular tourist attraction.

On Thursday, it began ejecting lava, rocks and debris. The volcano covered much of Guatemala City in ash, which resulted in the closing of the country's main international airport. President Alvaro Colom had declared a state of emergency in surrounding areas of the capital.

In addition to the thousands of people who have been evacuated from their homes in Guatemala because of the tropical storm that hit much of Central America, nearly two-thousand people have been evacuated because of the volcano's eruption.

Even though all of this happened there can be something done about it.  Yes, people lost their lives but there are still those that didn't and there are volunteer groups that will and can help clean up the mess. The people that lost homes due to the storm will be provided for. No matter how bad things get, something can always be done about it.

Nu-dot iPhone App Review: Hilarious Guaranteed Office Hit

[caption id="attachment_2053" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Nu-dot iPhone App, Photo Credit: Manshiro Ogikubo"][/caption]

There is a new application available for your iPhone: Nu-dot. This hilarious app's description? "Just hide her clothes. It looks like she is naked. Outrageous!!"

I must agree, it is rather outrageous, however, it's very funny as well. It takes an interesting mind to get the idea for something like this.

The concept is simple, you take a photo of a girl and you put a color over the whole photo on another layer and then you take out circles of the color exposing only the areas that are not covered by clothing. This gives the illusion that underneath the color the person is naked. This application is very funny and you can have a lot of fun with it. (Just don't let your girlfriend catch you undressing her.)

If you are sitting around a table in a restaurant with a group of your friends and you have nothing to talk about snap a photo of one of the girls that are around and try this app out. I'm sure you'll have something to talk about then! I don't know the legality of this so don't take my word for it.

This may not have such a big use, however it is sure to be an office hit! After all, what could be better than being at a boring day at work and then pulling out your iPhone and "undressing" a girl. ;)

This application is available for the iPhone and iPod touch 2nd generation+.

I would rate this app ages 13+ for border-line indecent exposure.

[rating: 3/5]

This app is outrageously funny, however, it's not as useful as it is funny.

iPad/iPhone App Review: Pocket God, an All Time Favorite

[caption id="attachment_2046" align="alignleft" width="190" caption="Pocket God Episode 32: Crack is Wack, Photo Credit: Bolt Creative "][/caption]

An all time favorite iPhone/iPad application or app is Pocket God. This app is very lovable and easy to use. Basically the user is the all-powerfull god that rules over primitive islanders, called pygmies.

Pygmies are very funny primitive little people who live on the peaceful island of your choosing. (You could also make it not-so-peaceful if you want.)

When you first pick up the app you may wonder whether you should be a benevolent god or a vengeful one. Either way, the game will guide you to your choice. You may pick up the app with the intention of being benevolent, however, when you realize that with a flick of a finger you can send a pygmy flying into a volcano you might change your mind.

You can bring new life and take it away just as quickly on this remote island. You can lift the pygmies into the air, alter gravity, hit them with lightening, give them a fish to fry etc. You can decide. After all, you are the island god!

One of the great things about Pocket God is the face that it is episodic, new episodes are constantly coming in with new updates, increased powers and things that you can do to the pygmies. The updates are free so that means you only have to pay for the app and you are free to be god.

There are sharks, birds, palm trees, ants, magnifying glasses, bats, volcanoes, vampires, a tyrannosaurus rex, fire and lava. This app is filled with anything you can imagine. If it isn't there, you will probably see it in the next updates! The developers keep thinking of new things to add.

The application is compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch and the iPad. It requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later.

It is rated ages 9+ for mild/infrequent cartoon violence/fantasy violence.

The price of the app is only $0.99 so you get a lot for your money.

[rating: 5/5]

This app is excellently made with frequent updates, excellent graphics, sound and a very comprehensive help guide. User experience is excellent and you can always find a good time to be god for a little while...

Celine Dion To Have Twins

Celine Dion has been through quite a lot to get to the status of being pregnant. And now she is finally pregnant with twins. She has one child already and had been pregnant again after that child, but had a miscarriage.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="138" caption="Celine Dion, Photo Credit: Anirudh Koul"][/caption]

She is now pregnant again after undergoing several treatments for fertilization, which were very hard, on her body. Getting pregnant this time wasn’t an easy thing for her. But now that she is, she is so happy and is willing to do anything that the doctors say until the day the twins arrive. She wasn’t only blessed with one child, but two, she is having twins.

Celine Dion definitely knows what accomplishment is and what it feels like. With her amazing music career and all the success and fame resulting from it, she knows what it takes to be accomplished and have a product that one can be proud of. But to her there is no bigger accomplishment in life than being a mom. True happiness to Celine, is becoming a mom.

I can only imagine the happiness that Celine and her husband feel knowing that they have two beautiful kids on the way. They are going to have so much fun with their new babies.

Celine is having kids at a great time, since now she has everything set up and can just calmly raise her twins. She has money and doesn’t have to worry about it running out anytime soon. She can just enjoy raising her two babies in peace and really relish the feeling of being a mother. She does already have a kid but it is always a beautiful feeling when you become a mother again to more children.

Source: www.people.com

Top 5 Must-Have iPhone Apps for Photographers

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Hipstamatic iPhone App, Photo Credit: Hipstamatic "][/caption]

There are many photographers out there, or people who are interested in photography who own an iPhone. So, if you are one of those people you should definitely have a look at my top 5 list of must have photography applications to say it correctly, but you and me can call them photo apps.

1. Photoshop.com Mobile

This application lets you quickly and easily edit your photos. If you love photography or you just happen to have a small interest in it, this application will be very useful to you. The cool thing about this application is that you can make a photoshop.com free account and store up to 2GB of photos and video online so that you have access to your photos at anytime. With this app you can do cropping, straightening, exposure adjustments, black and white etc. There are many different things that you can do with this app. The app is free to download.

2. Hipstamatic

The only reason that his app is number 2 instead of number 1 is that it is not free. Besides that, I think it's the best app out there for photographers of all ages and of all skill levels. With this app, you swap virtual lenses and film and flash settings all with the swipe of a finger. This app turns your iPhone into an analog camera. At $1.99 this application is priced really well.

3. Camera Plus

This application allows you to take better photos with more camera features. You can zoom in up to 4x, tap to focus, there is a large button to take a photo - the whole screen 0 and you can edit your photos from within the application. Also, you can share your photos on Facebook or through email from within the application and you can record video with it. The developer also promises more features to come soon. Price: free, this app leaves you with nothing to lose.

4. Color Splash

This application lets you easily do selective coloring. For those of you who don't know what that is - selective coloring is a photo editing technique where you have a black and white photograph but certain parts are still colored. This effect draws the viewer's attention to the colored part of the photo. Priced at $1.99 this app is not without its cost, however I think it's worth it.

5. SneakyPix

I chose this app to be number 5 because it's fun and kind of exciting. Basically, what it does is you start the application and then you can hold your iPhone up to your ear and it will look like you are talking on the phone, but it's really taking a photo every 4 seconds. This application is great when you see a celebrity but you don't want to be "that guy" pulling out their camera phone, or when you want to take a photo but it might be awkward so this app saves you the trouble. It is currently free, but according to the developer it's going to cost money soon.

By the way, this post was written by a photographer :) and you can see my work (yes, that's bragging now) on www.cjeschke.com and www.cmjstock.com.

Happy 80th Birthday Clint Eastwood

It is hard to believe that actor/director Clint Eastwood is eighty years old, but he is. Long before there was a Jack Bauer (24), there was Clint Eastwood portraying the character, “Dirty Harry.” The seminal difference between Kiefer Sutherland’s Jack Bauer and Eastwood’s Dirty Harry is that the former took on international bad guys, while the latter concentrated on domestic scumbags. Clint Eastwood started out on television but migrated to the big screen to star in what they called then, Spaghetti Westerns, so named because they were shot in Italy and helmed by mostly Italian directors. Eastwood’s character in the Dirty Harry movies was the common guy’s hero, who did not place any credence into the social scientists’ reasons why criminal killed… Eastwood solution was to wipe out the infections in our society with extreme prejudice by way of a 44 magnum.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Clint Eastwood"]
photo credit: Yann de la marne[/caption]

As a boy growing up in the hamlet of St. Paul, St. Kitts, is where I was first introduced to Clint Eastwood by way of these Spaghetti Westerns; The steel blue eyes of Eastwood doling out frontier justice or vengeance in movies such as “Hang Em High;” and “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” are but a few of the movies that Eastwood made in this genre. Later, Eastwood would go on to win the golden statue for directing the Western, Unforgiven. Lest you think that Eastwood’s characters remained one dimensional, like his early acting days, Unforgiven broke that mold.

In Unforgiven, Eastwood was the retired bad guy who had sought a quiet life of farming and animal husbandry, a marked change from his outlaw years of robbing and killing everything, even women and children. When Gene Hackman’s character murdered Eastwood’s friend, played by the venerable Morgan Freeman, Eastwood went on a rampage of Old Testament vengeance, acknowledging that he was the former outlaw who indeed once killed women and children.

Mr. Eastwood is just as renown in front of the camera - as he is behind of it. In movies  he has helmed, such as The Million Dollar Baby, he has helped to garner an Oscar for Hillary Swank and in his latest project, Invictus, this too has garnered an Oscar for Morgan Freeman’s portrayal of Nelson Mandela. Mr. Eastwood’s artistic endeavors also include his love for music, specifically classic Jazz; he has even contributed to scoring some of his movies and has even dabbled in recording. Eastwood’s love of Jazz has even been part of his movie making - who could forget Forest Whitaker’s portrayal of Charlie Parker (Bird), which depicted the brilliant, pioneering jazz musician’s decent in heroin abuse and subsequent death.

Even at the tender age of eighty, Mr. Eastwood is not slowing down; he has admitted that he will defer to the younger generation of actors in front of the cameras, but will concentrate on directing. If the hit, Gran Torino is a manifestation of Eastwood’s latest auteur work, we look forward to what is coming from him – happy birthday, Mr. Eastwood.

Quebec Fires Causing Very Poor Air Quality

As you may or may not know, there have been raging forest fires burning in central Quebec, Canada. These forest fires are causing the air quality in Ottawa to be very low.

The air quality is measured with the AQI (Air Quality Index) which basically a number that tells you how dangerous or unhealthy the air is.

The in Canada is as follows:

0 - 25 = Good
26 - 50 = Fair
51 - 100 = Poor
100 + = Very Poor

Downtown Ottawa had an index of 103 while central Ottawa was at 106. This was lower than the earlier measurement of 115 and 122 from an hour earlier.

So far, the smoke is causing some trouble in the city as it is very smoky and hard to see. It is like a huge fog blanket, only instead of being wet it is hazardous to your health.

Jacques Delasablonniere, a spokesperson for Environment Canada, said that over the weekend, the smoke had been blown away from Montreal and toward Vermont, but the winds changed overnight so the smoke has blown back toward Montreal and across the Ottawa Valley.

All outdoor physical education programs have been cancelled for the day at the Ottawa-Carleton English public schools. However, students are still going out for recess. They can choose to stay inside, though they may choose to stay indoors if they wish.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="512" caption="Montreal Twilight, Photo Credit: Diliff"][/caption]

Residents have complained of heavy smoke that turns the skies yellow and the sun red. Also, there has been ash floating down on their city.

Paramedics spokesperson J.P. Trottier said Monday morning that the smoky haze would certainly affect residents, but the paramedic service hadn't really gotten a higher volume of respiratory-related calls. This is good news.

He said that those who would have a problem with the low air quality generally know what they are supposed to do when the air quality is low.

However, this doesn't mean that the general population is immune to the affects of poor air quality. Residents should refrain from strenuous outdoor activities.

Memorial Day 2010 Sales: Up to 50% Off

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Memorial Day 2010 Sales: Up to 50% Off"] photo credit: TheTruthAbout...[/caption]

Memorial Day 2010 Sales are a big deal: You can get as much as 50% off. If you have a mall or shopping center in your area, you can save a lot by going shopping today. Well, you can spend a lot too. If you don't feel like driving around, you can often get the same or sometimes even better deals online.

Here are some stores that offer good Memorial Day sale:

Abercrombie & Fitch: offers 20% off entire purchase in-store and online with code 1531
Gap: on Memmorial day 25% off $75 + Free Shipping on $100 Order w/ code GAPSUMMER
Guess: Memmorial day sale 40% off Women's and Men's clothes for this weekend!
Hollister: Memmorial day offer is 20% off entire purchase in-store or online with code 3606
Forever 21: Memorial Day Blowout Sale
Macy's: Macys Memorial Day Sale + Free Shipping on $99 with promo code KICKOFF (up to 50% off)

Other stores with good Memorial Day are: Anaheim Patio and Fireside, Ann Taylor Loft, Armstrong Garden Center, Big Lots, Bloomingdale’s, The Children’s Place, Costco, Fashion Bug, Disney, The Body Shop, Gamestop, JC Penney, Joann, Justice for Girls, Kohls, Lane Bryant, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Pac Sun, Radio Shack, Rite Aid, Saks, Sears, St Vincent de Paul, Target, Walgreens, and Zales Jewelers.

So, if you don't have friends over for barbecue, why not head over to the mall and see what you can snatch up today?

Sex and the City 2 Makes Less in Box Office Than Shrek Forever After

Shrek Forever After wins the number one movie all over the country for the second weekend in a row. Not even Sex and the City 2 beat it out this past weekend in the box office. Shrek made $43.3 million gross this weekend from Friday to Saturday whereas Sex and the City 2 made $46.3 million, which includes the $14.2 million that it made on Thursday night.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="134" caption="Sex and the City 2, Photo Credit: IMP Awards"][/caption]

When the first Sex and the City came out two years ago there were a lot more people that watched that than people who watched the sequel.

The sequel has gotten some bad reviews and has been said to be either "too long", or "tasteles". I personally think that it definitely wasn’t "tasteless" but it could have been a little bit shorter.

If you have been a Sex and the City fan from the start than I think you will like the sequel. It has that same funny and fun style that we so loved on the show and in the first Sex and the City movie.

Shrek did end up bringing in more than Sex and the City 2 but that could be since Shrek is a movie that is available for everyone to see. Kids can go see Shrek whereas Sex and the City 2 is rated R and you have to be 17 or over to see it.

So if you are still wondering whether you should or shouldn’t see Sex and the City 2, you should go see it. Even though you might have heard bad reviews I think you should go see it yourself if you like a good, funny romantic comedy with a bit of a twist to it.

Source: www.usmagazine.com

The Flow of Oil Into the Gulf May Have a 20% Increase Until Next Operation is Complete

[caption id="attachment_2002" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Barack Obama Getting Briefed, Photo Credit: White House"][/caption]

“Today, the President was briefed by the National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen and Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change Policy Carol Browner regarding the ongoing efforts to contain the BP oil spill.

He was informed that skimming, dispersing, and burn operations continue with eight controlled burns yesterday.

He was also updated on BP's efforts to begin to put cutting machines into place that will be used to cut the riser pipe for placement of an alternate containment device. According to BP, the riser cutting will likely start Monday, or Tuesday.

They also discussed the fact that the flow rate could increase as much as 20% until the containment device is applied over the leak.

Adm. Allen indicated that, as per the President's direction, government and contractor resources in areas affected by oil will be tripled. He also indicated that officials on the ground have increased efforts to be more responsive to needs identified by local communities.”

This is a Statement of the Press Secretary on the President's Briefing Call Today with National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen and Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change Policy Carol Browner

This sounds both good and bad. Good thing is the President is being briefed and that there has been a lot of skimming, dispersing and burn operations is also good. However, the fact that the flow rate could increase as much as 20% until the containment device is applied over the leak, is definitely not good. This means that if the operation fails we just have more oil coming out than before.

My thoughts on the containment device are:

1. It should have a sort of flange with which it can be later bolted down.

2. It should have valves that can be remotely opened and closed. This way, it would let oil come out of the valves while it is being placed on the damaged riser. Then, when it has been bolted down the valves can be shut and the oil is contained.

If a solution could be found that doesn't involve increasing the flow of the oil, I think that it would be a good idea to try that first. This way everything has been tried before they go and open the hole bigger.

The current estimated size of the spill is about 2-4 times the size of the Exxon Valdez spill. That means there is a lot of oil in the Gulf right now. I am of the opinion that BP and the government need to increase the amount of people working to clean up the spill. Hurricane season starts later this week. If a hurricane came along while there is so much oil in the Gulf, there would be no telling what would happen.

If you can, help do something about it.

What You Can Do

• Request volunteer information and register to volunteer: (866)-448-5816


• Submit your vessel as a vessel of opportunity skimming system or submit alternative response technology, services or products:
  (281) 366-5511


• Report oiled or injured wildlife: 1-866-557-1401


• Report oil on land: 1-866-448-5816

State specific volunteer opportunities:

• Louisiana


• Mississippi


• Florida


• Alabama

I Miss Creativity in Hollywood: Where Are The "Wow" Movies?

Perhaps, I am an elitist when it comes to the movies I like to see; and I am even more conscious now of what I see because of the cost now for a movie ticket in New York City. The price is not so much the issue – it’s the “crap” that Hollywood keeps putting out. Where are the actors that played the good bad guys (oxymoron intended): Samuel L Jackson’s quoting of Ezekiel in Pulp Fiction before his victim met his demise? Sir Antony Hopkins in Silence of The Lambs? Lena Olin in Romeo Is Bleeding? Darth Maul (not-with-standing his truncated appearance in the movie)? And the venerable Darth Vader? Where are the movies that rocked instead of the repetitive nonsense we are now being subjected to?

I remember how I came to see some of the movies I consider great: I remembered in grad school my roommates talking me into seeing the first Final Destination movie; or my brother nagging me to see Clint Eastwood’s, Unforgiven; watching One False Move on the recommendation of Siskel and Ebert; and my then girlfriend talking me into seeing, The Unbearable Lightness of Being.

Ad to the list anything from the Cohen brothers; and The Usual Suspects (with lines like I don’t believe in God, but I fear Him). What about being scared by an actor without the benefit of wearing scary make-up? See Ed Harris in a bad movie name Just Cause; Jeffrey Combs as the mad scientist in Re-animator; Jack Nicholson in the Shinning; Geoffrey Rush in Quills; and Gary Oldman in Bram Stoker’s Dracula; and Christopher Walken in At Close Range; The Prophecy; or basically anything he does.

As for the comedies: when are we going to see the young new Bill Murray in Ground Hog Day… a young Eddie Murphy in Beverly Cops… or a young Jim Belushi in The Blues Brothers? How many times are we going to be subjected to fart jokes; the musings of the angry black man; the cool grandmother who curse and enjoy a toke on the pipe? And while we are on the subject of comedy, someone please tell me how is it that Jack Black still gets work in Hollywood? And incidentally, I hope that Will Ferrell do not put out any more stinkers like his last two movies.

I find myself enjoying episodic television because many of these shows are superior to movies that spent millions to be made: Look at current shows like Super Natural; Fringe; V; Battle Star Galactica (latest version); True Blood; and Spartacus. Even some past television series rocked: any one remembered Buffy; Angel (the episode where Angel is transformed into a cartoon – classic); Babylon 5; and Farscape (the bad guy was awesome).

I know I have left out many worthy candidates for the genres covered above but feel free to include your favorites or those you would consider stinkers on my lists. By the way, don't even get me started on the current state of music - that is for another day.

Skype iPhone App for iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPod Touch and iPad

[caption id="attachment_1997" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Skype for iPhone App"][/caption]

Skype has always been popular due to his great functions such as ability to call other landline and mobile phones at cheaper rates, but now for the first time Skype users will be using 3G for their calls. Skype app for iPhone has been released and it can be downloaded from App Store.

At the current stage, you can make Skype-to-Skype calls on 3G free until the end of 2010. As for Skype to Skype calls over WiFi they will remain free. Many iPhone uses have been waiting for Skype application because it provides them low cost calls wherever they go not only with WiFi but will 3G as well. Skype for iPhone has a lot more to offer to its users. It offers near CD quality sound for Skype to Skype calls using wideband audio on iPhone 3GS or 2nd generation iPod. Skype app comes with enchanted call quality indicator so you can easily choose the best time to call. In addition, this app has improved startup time and quick access to the dial pad from the home screen. In order to use this application you’ll need at least iPhone OS 3 on newer, and as for the compatibility Skype works on iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPod Touch and iPad. If you want to use it on your iPod Touch you’ll need a compatible headset with microphone.

With the great compatibility and low call rates this application will be more that useful if you’re travelling a lot and you want to stay in touch with your loved ones. Apple and Skype, that’s always the winning combination.

More information: Skype
Download the iPhone app or iPod touch app:
App for iPhone and iPod touch

DICK'S Sporting Goods BolderBOULDER - 32nd Memorial Day 10K Road Race

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="BolderBOULDER"] photo credit: UHLMAN[/caption]

As usual, on Memorial Day, which in 2010 is Monday, May 31 Dick's sporting goods BolderBOULDER starts, with the first wave going off at 7:00 in the morning.

The street race was first held in 1998 and is an invetion of Dick's Sporting Goods. It is the largest road race that is held annually with participants from all over the world. Each international team consists of three runners per gender.

This race is the one with the highest prize purse in the world paid for non marathon distances. With only 10 kilometers the Bolder Boulder is much shorter than the Marathon with 42.195 kilometers.

The 2010 Prize Purse for the BolderBOULDER is $110,600. This is before counting any bonuses.

The University of Colorado and the Boulder Chamber of Commerce did a calculation and came up with an estimate for the total economic impact of this race for the city of Boulder, Colorado, which amounts to $10 million every year. About 80,000 to 100,000 spectators, participants come into the city for the Memorial Day weekend to participate in one form or another in the race.

This year there are teams from 11 countries registered: USA, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Ethiopia, United Kingdom, Peru, Australia, Ecuador, Colombia and Colorado.

More information on the race can be found here.

Memorial Day Tribute

To honor the men and women who have served our country during peace and war and who have given their lives fighting for our freedom is an integral part of the BolderBOULDER 10K road race. BolderBOULDER's Memorial Day Tribute includes a flyover by four military jets in formation, A 21-gun salute and presentation of the Nation's Colors by members of the University of Colorado ROTC program and the recognition of Medal of Honor recipients.

Franchitti Wins 2nd Indianapolis 500

[caption id="attachment_1967" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Dario Franchitti"][/caption]

Dario Franchitti won both of his second Indianapolis 500 Mile Races leading 155 of the 200 laps.

“Up until 10 laps to go, I was pretty relaxed,” said Franchitti, who made his final pit stop on Lap 163. “Then all hell broke loose with fuel savings and all. I just needed to know what the other guys were doing. If they were saving more than me, they were doing something special here.”

Franchitti, who lead 155 of the 200 laps, took the twin checkered flags for the second time in his IZOD IndyCar Series career. Dan Wheldon was runner-up for the second consecutive year and Alex Lloyd finished a career-high third.

“It became a fuel race toward the end and I had no idea how much I had left in the tank, and it came down into Turn 3 and it just died,” Hunter-Reay said. “The car died and that’s when Mike latched over me. That’s probably one of the toughest races I’ve ever had.”

[caption id="attachment_1970" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Ashley Judd celebrates her husband's win, Photographer: Dave Edelstein"][/caption]

Scott Dixon was fourth and Danica Patrick -- after starting the race a disappointing 23rd -- finished fifth.

Franchitti, low of fuel, was heading to the Yard of Bricks when the Nos. 37 and 24 cars of Ryan Hunter-Reay and Mike Conway made contact betweens Turns 3 and 4. Conway's car went airborne and made contact with the catch fence. He walked away from the incident.

“It was a great day,” Target Chip Ganassi Racing managing director Mike Hull said. “It's what race teams work to achieve, to win this race. This is the biggest race in the world. Today we had great race drivers and great race teams. I don't know what the head count is (at the Speedway), but I think they were treated to a great show.

“What we had to employ today was everything we do as a race team. We had to employ setup, speed, strategy, and understanding fuel after different times during the race. That's what we do well as a team. We just try to be consistent in being able to do that.”

Mark your calendar for the next race:

• 05 Jun
  
  
  

  Firestone 550K

  
  

  Fort Worth, TX

  
  Texas Motor Speedway
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  »Tickets
  
  8:00 PM Sat on VERSUS
  
  

Happy Memorial Day to Our Heroes

Today, I want to take time out to simply thank those who’ve made Memorial Day possible. To the Veterans, including my father who served in Vietnam and special kudos to those whose graves adorn Western Europe, I sincerely thank you for your service and sacrifice.

You have brought freedom and the benisons of Democracy to many across this globe… representing and serving a country which, if and when she falls, God forbid, her enemies will weep, if not out in the open in secret.

This is so because the country you’ve so bravely represented has been rather lenient and noble with its hegemony. Notwithstanding some of the modern day ungratefulness in vogue today… in the many who’ve quickly and conveniently forgotten when Hitler’s Nazis were goose-stepping across Europe and the sacrifices you paid on the beaches of Normandy… where over forty thousands of you made the ultimate sacrifice.

The bond among soldiers is difficult to fathom to wives, parents, and generally those who did not serve.  It transcends race, religion, and all the “isms” which keep us apart in civilian life.

During the first Iraqi war, I was placed on standby down at Fort Ord in California - I remembered how somber it was when we were signing insurance documents… designating our respective beneficiaries, if we were to fall in battle. But there was one other aspect that was even more sobering for me: contemplating being a casualty of chemical weapons.

I recalled telling my buddy, Scot Nelson, that if I were hit with chemical weapons and survived, and he had been lucky to have donned his chemical gear, that he should put me out of my misery because I couldn’t take my own life due to my religious beliefs. Scot didn’t verbally reply, but I saw it in his eyes that if that eventuality presented itself, that he would have mercifully euthanized me.

In closing, I also ask forgiveness of you Memorial Day heroes for those us who’ve callously allocated the status of “hero” or “shero” to the like of athletes and even more grating, actors.

We have equated throwing a ball in a hoop or knocking it over a barrier to that of your dying for the potential of Democracy… martyring yourselves by falling on grenades… for your standing in the gap for children threatened by their own people, sacrificing your food, water, and lives.  

Happy Memorial Day… honored living and dead.

Watch the Indianapolis 500 Race Live Streaming Online Free

Do you love racing? Do you love watching cars zooming by with roaring engines? Well, if you do, then when the Indianapolis 500 comes around you are probably very excited and you really want to watch the race.

If this is true, you will probably be interested in how you can watch the race from anywhere you go: Online.

I will explain how you can get live streaming HD video from the official site.

First, Click Here and sign up by filling in the form.

[caption id="attachment_1957" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Step 1"][/caption]

Then, once you are registered it will automatically take you to where you can watch the race! There is a short advertisement before the live feed begins, but it's only like 15 seconds so I'm sure you can sit through it. The race is shown in HD and you can select all different angles. I think this is excellent for watching the race on the go.

[caption id="attachment_1958" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Step 2"][/caption]

If you love watching racing, or if you love cars this is for you! The Indianapolis 500 is the most awaited and watched car race of the year and finding a good place to watch it is very important. The High Definition video stream is easy to watch and the quality far surpasses anything else on the internet.

If you don't want to wait until you get home to watch the race recorded, you can just watch it online simply, and easily.

You can also view race statistics, interview etc. at the above site. The best part? It's all free! It's not often that you come by something like this so I wanted to make sure that everyone knows about it. Enjoy!

Heidi Montag And Spencer Pratt Have Split

The rumors are true; Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt have split up.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="134" caption="Spencer Pratt, Photo Credit: Toglenn"][/caption]

They haven’t gotten a divorce, but they are separated for now.

Heidi and Spencer have had quite an interesting year this year. With Heidi getting all her plastic surgery done and all the family drama occurring after, it’s been one not too easy year for both of them.

Since Heidi has pushed away her whole family due to problems with Spencer and her family and her family not liking that she got all the surgeries done, its hard to say to where Heidi will turn to for support.

Her and Spencer also have recently stopped filming on the MTV series The Hills.

I think the future for Heidi will brighten up as she gets some time to herself and to really just get a break from everything.

Sometimes we all need a break from our lives and to reevaluate the things that have happened to really see what to do next.

In this case, her and Spencer will both have some time to really think about their relationship and to see if they should continue or split up for good.

Sometimes just taking a breather and a good break from something to give the other person some space makes you realize that a) you want them in your life or b) you don’t and whatever Heidi and Spencer decide to do, their decision will be easier if they just get some space from each other for a while.

Source: www.starmagazine.com

Is The Bloom Off Danica Patrick? Indy 500

[caption id="attachment_1954" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="E.J. Viso and Danica Patrick talk during the driver's meeting, Photo Courtesy of Indianapolismotorspeedway.com"][/caption]

There is no doubt that Danica Patrick is the blossoming rose on the Indy car racing circuit, but many are wondering if her rose is losing some of its bloom. For those who do not follow Indy car racing, Danica is the first female with the skills to compete and win on its race tracks and she has the beauty and fan base, which gives her the street creditability.

No doubt that the blessings that Danica has received - countless commercials; spreads in major, notable magazines; and exposure on many late night talk shows – are not consonant to her winning on the race track. Danica has had one race win and a half dozen top ten placements on the Indy car circuit, but because she is pioneer… coupled with natural beauty, the public loves her.

Danica is not perfect and she has her detractors and some say that they are growing.

Some see Danica as sometimes being petulant, especially when she gets into a wreck and exits her car… stomping like a spoil child; others see her as not taking on any responsibility when something goes wrong during a race, but always blaming her race team. During a race last week, Danica did not do well and she publicly blamed her mechanical team… the Indy audience booed her loudly for not sharing the responsibility - Danica was stunned because she thought that she was above such criticism.

Danica still bring the fans to her chosen sports, if not because of her winnings… on her beauty and being a pioneering ambassador in a sports dominated by men.

We hope that these minor set backs will not affect Danica’s resolve and that she will continue to be a shining example for all those little girls out there who have ambition to take part in a given sport, supposedly, only men should take part in.

People Are Still Standing in Line Waiting to Buy Their iPad: What is Behind the World Wide Success

[caption id="attachment_1938" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Apple iPad, Photo Credit: Apple Inc. "][/caption]

The Apple iPad was greeted with open arms in the United States. It sold over 1 million devices before being internationally released.

Not what it has been released all over the world, lines continue to grow in front of stores around the world. There has been so much excitement over the iPad that it is wondered if it will ever stop.

As of May 28, the iPad was available in nine more countries across the globe, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. This is an astounding success on behalf of Apple Inc.

The iPad is indeed a revolutionary device. There have been tablets before, however, the iPad is different. It's technology is completely different from whatever came before it.

Apple is famous for its innovative and revolutionary devices. Why, they shocked the world many years ago with the Apple II, and then reinvented the personal computer with the Macintosh. Apple continues to lead the industry with award winning applications and devices.

Apple has a history of innovation and reinvention. The invention of the iPod left the world at their feet and iTunes has given a new meaning to the music industry.

They have redefined "mobile device" with their iPhone and now, the "magical" iPad.

Apple seems to know one very important piece of information: people like simple. Crowded desktops and stickers all over the computer telling about its internal devices are unnecessary.

Apple's computers and, in fact, all their devices are built with the museum principle. When you go to a museum the walls are usually white and very big. There is a small painting along a single wall. All the focus goes on the painting, not on any clutter around it. That is how Apple products are, distraction free and a focus on the beauty.

Apple plans to release iPad in Austria, Belgium, Hong Kong, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand and Singapore in July. Apple will announce availability, local pricing and pre-order plans for these nine additional countries at a later date. These countries are bound to welcome the iPad with open arms as well.

Apple had to post pone the international release because the demand was greater than their supply. This proves at least one point: People want iPads!

2010 Indianapolis 500 Race: IZOD Red Carpet Celebrity Quotes

[caption id="attachment_1947" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Kim Kardashian Interviewed before Indiana 500 Race, Photo Credit: Courtesy of indycar.com"][/caption]

Before the start of the famous Indianapolis 500 Race several Celebrities that attended the opening were interviewed at the IZOD Red Carpet. Here their Quotes as reported by indianapolismotorspeedway.com

RUPERT BONEHAM (Reality TV personality, Indianapolis resident): “Walking up the red carpet has been an amazing event. I've been the guy who stood outside of the fence (of IMS), then finally got inside back in 1977. Now I'm a celebrity on the red carpet, and I can come inside and play around. It's been a great adventure for a little Hoosier boy.”

LAURA BELL BUNDY (Country music singer): “This is my first time at the ‘500.’ I did the parade yesterday, and, all those people, my arms are tired from waving. It’s very exciting to be involved in all the festivities and to get this amazing treatment. I’m really excited. People are telling me the start of the ‘500’ is the most incredible event you’ll ever experience. Being from Kentucky, I’m big into the Derby. Everybody is excited about everything leading up to the Derby. Here we will see more horsepower. I’m rooting for Dario (Franchitti) because he is Ashley Judd’s husband, and she is from Kentucky. So I have to keep it all Big Blue now.”

JIM BURT (Former NFL star): “I have never done this before. I played golf yesterday. My golf game is good, and I had a fun time. Love it here and get the feeling this is like home. I’m looking around today, and this is four times the event when I played in the Super Bowl in Pasadena. This is four times the people. I’m looking forward to seeing all the people and feeling the adrenaline of all the cars. I’m an adrenaline guy. I was an undersized player when I played, so I played on adrenaline. I was 260 pounds playing against guys 310. I like the adrenaline rush.”

ERIC CLOSE (Actor, “Without a Trace”): “I have been here before for time trials, but this is the first time to be here for the actual race. I went on the track yesterday in the two-seater going 190 miles per hour, and I can’t even imagine what it will be like for those cars and drivers going full-out at 225. It’s going to be pretty exciting. I can’t wait for the race today.” (Favorite to win?): “Helio. I figure he’s going to be hungry to defend and he will give it a good go.”

NATHAN FILLION (Actor, “Castle”): “It’s my first time here. So far, so good. I’m a racing fan now.”

BRUCE JENNER (Olympic gold medalist, television personality): "It's very exciting. I raced cars for years and really enjoy racing. But I've never been to the Indianapolis 500. For me, it's a lot of fun to be here. I mean, this is the big grandaddy of them all here in the United States. To have a car in there with our company, QuickTrim, with Graham Rahal even makes it more exciting because now we have somebody to cheer for.”

JEWEL (Singer/songwriter, will perform national anthem): "I'm so excited. It's really an honor to get to sing the national anthem. It's a touching song, and I couldn't think of a better crowd to sing it with and for. I just hope I don't cry through the thing.”

PAUL KRAUSE (NFL Hall of Famer): “Yes, this is my first time here, and I love it, absolutely love it. I rode in the two-seater (Saturday), and I'd like to do that more. I love the racing. I was at St. Petersburg this year (for the IZOD Indy Car Series race) and enjoyed it immensely. I think this is just fabulous. This is (the race fan's) the Super Bowl. For a driver to win the ‘500’ is like winning the Super Bowl.”

ANTHONY MUNOZ (NFL Hall of Famer): “It’s my first time at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and I’m pumped. I’m really excited about it. When I first got here I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, this is huge’. I’m used to 60,000- and 80,000-seat football stadiums, and this is something else. It’s great that so many people can come to one place and experience an event like this.” (On the Indianapolis 500): “This is the first Indy car race that I’ll see in person, so I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a great event. I’m looking forward to seeing the skill of the drivers and the speed of the cars. I’m all about speed. I mean, it’s something I didn’t know about as an offensive lineman, so I’m looking to see a lot of speed out here.” (You’ve been to many big events. Where does this rank?): "Well, this is my first one (Indy 500) and so far the atmosphere is unbelievable. I've been to Super Bowls. I've been to Final Fours, NBA All-Star Games and golf tournaments. But this is starting to move real close to being at the top."

TY MURRAY (Rodeo legend): “Oh, it's exciting. It's something we've heard about our whole lives. But we've never had the chance to be here and witness it for ourselves. I've heard about it from people who have been everywhere and done everything. And they say it's a day that you have to experience. We're looking forward to it.”

JACK NICHOLSON (Academy Award-winning actor, honorary starter): “It's good to be here.”

RON PERLMAN (Actor, “Sons of Anarchy”): “There are not many things that here in 2010 that have the exact same value and meaning as an American icon and institution as the Indy 500. It is every bit as exciting in 2010 as it was when I was a kid growing up in the 1950s. And if you have an opportunity to come as I did, you have to come, you have to experience it at least once. I'm pretty excited, and I don't get that excited anymore.”

JEREMY RENNER (Actor, "The Hurt Locker"): "Yes, this is my first time here at Indy, and it's a real blast. I love it. Took the ride in the two-seater (Saturday), and what a thrill that was. I love the speed, and I can't wait to see the race in person."

NDAMKONG SUH (Detroit Lions’ No. 1 draft pick in 2010 NFL Draft): “This is my first time here, and it is exciting to come out and try something new. I came out here with my friend Cody Glenn, who plays for the Indianapolis Colts. So I had a place to stay, so I wanted to come out here and enjoy it.” (On the upcoming NFL season): “I'm excited. I had a blast playing at Nebraska, but I'm moving on, I have a lot of good teammates who I have gotten to know through the last few weeks of OTA, and I am looking forward to playing in Detroit.” (Are there similarities between football and racing?): “There are big differences, but there is also camaraderie, as well. Pit crews and everyone have to band together and make there one guy be the best and take home the crown.”

LYNN SWANN (NFL Hall of Famer): “The ‘500’ is a tremendous event. This is my second time here. The drivers are tremendous athletes. You talk about getting in a car doing 200 laps over 200 miles per hour . The wear and tear on the body and mentally the kind of focus you need, it’s kind of like a golfer. You make a good shot here and there, but you got to keep doing it and keep doing it. Sometimes it seems monotonous, but if you lose your focus or lose your concentration, it’s a bad shot. And a bad shot at the Indy 500 can mean someone gets really hurt, really bad.” (On the spectator experience): “It is a great experience. There is something for everyone. You’ve got people rolling up in limousines, people rolling up in chartered buses; you’ve got people rolling up with backpacks on and camping out in RVs. It’s all something for everybody.” (Do you have a favorite driver or team?): “I don’t have a favorite. I’m hoping for a great race, a safe race, I want to see a fantastic finish!”

KRISTA WHITE (“America’s Top Model”): “It’s my first time here. It’s awesome. I’ve never seen so many people in one area in my life. Driving in it was just crazy. I’m rooting for Danica. I want a woman to win.”

The Indianapolis 500 is the world’s most famous and prestigious auto race. It has taken place annually since 1911 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway except for 1917-18 and 1942-45 during America’s participation in world wars.

Top Kill Procedure, Why it Didn't Work, How it Can Work and A New Operation Begins

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Beach Clean Up, Photo © BP p.l.c."][/caption]BP started the "top kill" operations to stop the flow of oil from the MC252 well in the Gulf of Mexico at 1300 CDT on May 26, 2010.

The procedure was intended to stem the flow of oil and gas and ultimately kill the well by injecting heavy drilling fluids through the blow-out preventer on the seabed, down into the well.

Despite successfully pumping a total of over 30,000 barrels of heavy mud, in three attempts at rates of up to 80 barrels a minute, and deploying a wide range of different bridging materials, the operation did not overcome the flow from the well.

The top kill procedure is a viable solution, it was only done wrong. What I don't understand is how engineers who have spent years in the oil business and other scientist and such working for BP don't seem to know how to make the top kill procedure work. It is simple.

BP says that about 5,000 barrels of oil are leaking out of the ruptured pipe per day. The federal government's estimate is 19,000 barrels daily. Personally, I think that both estimates are too low. BP want's to keep their face so they down play it. The government doesn't want to risk an exaggeration so they say less then they probably think. I wouldn't be surprised if there is up to 100,000 barrels flowing out daily. Why do I say this? The rig that sunk costed no less than $1 million per day for BP to operate. If there are only 5,000 barrels coming out daily at $100 per barrel, BP would be losing $500,000 daily. I think that it is highly unlikely that a company like BP would continue an operation if it wasn't profitable.

To break even, BP would need at least 10,000 barrels coming out daily. To make a nice profit they would need 20,000 barrels, to become the industry giant that they are it is very likely that they would need a lot more than that. This is all a rough estimate, however according to my calculations it would not make sense any other way.

Now that this is understood, we come to why the top kill procedure didn't work. It is simple, there was not enough pressure on the "mud" that they were trying to push into the well.

An example to clear up any confusions:

Let's say you have a hose, you turn on the water and hold the hose so the nozzle is pointing up. Water gushes out. You want to stop that water so you take an empty water bottle and fill it with mud. You take bottle with the mud to your gushing "water spill" and you pour the mud over the water. The water continues to flow and the mud just gets pushed out of the way of the gushing water. If, however, you took that mud bottle and put in some dry ice and closed the lid gradually you would get that bottle under some serious pressure. Now, you would take that bottle and face it in the direction of the gushing water hose and open it. The mud would force the water back with its pressure. Your make-believe "top kill" procedure was a success. (Don't actually try this. It could be dangerous and I assume no responsibilities for what may happen.)

There, if anyone can tell me that I am wrong, feel free to do it. I am certain, however that it would work. You need to get the mud coming out at a higher pressure than the oil is and then it would over come the oil.

For example, if you were racing someone in a car, you are going 50 mph and the other guy that you are racing is going at 100 mph, how do you think you can win? You can't, its physics. You have to have more speed than the opposing person.

Now, on the new operation that is going to be tried.

The Government, together with BP, have therefore decided to move to the next step in the subsea operations, the deployment of the Lower Marine Riser Package (LMRP) Cap Containment System.

The operational plan first involves cutting and then removing the damaged riser from the top of the failed Blow-Out Preventer (BOP) to leave a cleanly-cut pipe at the top of the BOP’s LMRP. The cap is designed to be connected to a riser from the Discoverer Enterprise drillship and placed over the LMRP with the intention of capturing most of the oil and gas flowing from the well. The LMRP cap is already on site and it is currently anticipated that it will be connected in about four days.

This operation has never before been tried out at such a deep level as 5,000 feet so success cannot be assured.

Drilling of the first relief well continues and is currently at 12,090 feet. Drilling of the second relief well is temporarily suspended and is expected to recommence shortly from 8,576 feet.

Powermat Wireless Charging System for iPhone

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Powermat 1XA, Photo Credit: Powermat"][/caption]

Charging has always been a huge bother due to all the wires. Often it can happen that your charger cable loses its contact so your charger  becomes unusable. Now you can prevent all of that with new wireless charger from Powermat.

Powermat has designed a new wireless charger that will recharge your iPhone or iPod Touch simpler than before. Powermat Wireless Charging System is all in one solution that will recharge your iPhone or iPod in 3 simple steps. All that you have to do is to plug in Powermat 1XA and place the receiver case on your iPhone and that’s it.

1XA mat is compatible with both iPhone and iPhone 3GS and thanks to its low-profile design it will fit perfectly with your phone. This charger consists out of three devices. Fist one is the 1XA Wireless Charging Mat that is used as charging station and it the device you place your iPhone on to. Second device is Receiver Case for iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G and it is used to protect your phone while you’re charging it on Charging Mat. In addition, Receiver Case comes with micro USB port and mirco USB cable that is used for data synchronizing. Last part is the Power Adapter that works with wide range of voltages from 100V to 240V AC. Power adapter meets Energy Start level 5 requirements and built it cord keeps your charging area clean.

If you’re tired from those cables and constant recharging give Powermat Wireless Charging System a chance, enjoy with wireless recharging, and make recharging a lot easier than it already is.

Source: Powermat

Mionix Naos 3200: Ergomic mouse for gamers

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Mionix Naos 3200, Photo Credite: Mionix"][/caption]

Many people are experiencing pain due to long hours spent in front of the PC. Many input devices aren’t even ergonomic so they might cause serious injury. In order to prevent that many manufactures are developing input devices that follow ergonomic standards.

One of these devices comes from company named Mionix. Even if you’re experienced gamer or just an average PC user you can experience injuries from time to time. Therefore Mionix has released their new mouse that is indented for gamers but it can be used by standard users as well. Company from Sweden claims that their mouse named Naos 3200 is providing high performance with great ergonomics. This mouse is using LED-optical sensor technology that is quite popular with gamers that require fast and precise mouse. Monix Naos 3200 is using the same ergonomic concept that his bigger brother Naos 5000 is using.

The new model is using optical LED sensor that provides accuracy and long-term durability. This mouse besides great ergonomic design and accuracy has a lot more to offer. It’s is completely plug and play compatible which means that it doesn’t require any additional drivers, only software for configuration. With the 3200 dpi optical sensor Naos 3200 should provide great accuracy but that’s not all. You can even change LED color on it so you can personalize it a bit and thanks to built in memory you can make your own macros that you’ll use later. It has 7 programmable buttons which can be assigned to mouse commands or macros. You can even make three own dpi adjustments and switch quickly between them.

If you’re a gamer or average user you’re going to be thrilled with this mouse. Beautiful, ergonomic, accurate and with all sorts of additional features this mouse has it all and according to Mionix it will be available in July with the price of 54.99 €.

Source: Mionix

BP Launches New Procedure Stop The Oil Leak

British Petroleum reported today that the "top kill" operations that were started on May 26, 2010 did not work out as hoped.

The flow from the well could not be stopped so far. Over 30,000 barrels of heavy mud has been pumped with speeds of up to 80,000 barrels per minute. Still the pressure from the well was higher and the flow could not be stopped. A wide range of different bridging materials had been used, but nothing seemed to work.

The top kill procedure was designed to stop the flow of oil and gas from the under water well and finally kill the well by injecting heavy drilling fluids through the blow-out preventer on the seabed, down into the well.

Now it has been decided to take next step in the subsea operations, which is the deployment of the Lower Marine Riser Package (LMRP) Cap Containment System. This was done by BP after they received orders from the governmet.

The plan is to cut off the top of the failed Blow-Out Preventer (BOP)and then removing the damaged riser. This should leave a cleanly-cut pipe at the top of the BOP’s LMRP. The cap is designed to be connected to a riser from the Discoverer Enterprise drillship and placed over the LMRP with the intention of capturing most of the oil and gas flowing from the well. The LMRP cap is already on site. The scheduled time frame for this operation is about four days.

An operation like this has never been done under conditions like this. This mean that it is an attempt, with calculated risk, but not a guarantee of a successful outcome, as it is being done 5,000 feet under water.

While all this is going on the drilling of a relief well in steadily progressing. The drilling of the second relief well has temporarily been stopped but is expected to be continued soon from 8,576 feet.

President Obama gave the following statement today:

"Today, I’ve spoken with National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen, as well as Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, and senior White House advisors John Brennan and Carol Browner regarding the ongoing efforts to stop the BP oil spill. From the beginning, our concern has been that the surest way to stop the flow of oil – the drilling of relief wells – would take several months to complete. So engineers and experts have explored a variety of alternatives to stop the leak now. They had hoped that the top kill approach attempted this week would halt the flow of oil and gas currently escaping from the seafloor. But while we initially received optimistic reports about the procedure, it is now clear that it has not worked. Rear Admiral Mary Landry today directed BP to launch a new procedure whereby the riser pipe will be cut and a containment structure fitted over the leak.

This approach is not without risk and has never been attempted before at this depth. That is why it was not activated until other methods had been exhausted.  It will be difficult and will take several days.  It is also important to note that while we were hopeful that the top kill would succeed, we were also mindful that there was a significant chance it would not.  And we will continue to pursue any and all responsible means of stopping this leak until the completion of the two relief wells currently being drilled.

As I said yesterday, every day that this leak continues is an assault on the people of the Gulf Coast region, their livelihoods, and the natural bounty that belongs to all of us.  It is as enraging as it is heartbreaking, and we will not relent until this leak is contained, until the waters and shores are cleaned up, and until the people unjustly victimized by this manmade disaster are made whole."

Actor Dennis Hopper Dies

[caption id="attachment_1903" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Dennis Hopper, Photo Credit: Angela George"][/caption]

There is an old superstition that the famous die in groups of three; I hope that is not so because we have lost another of the Hollywood denizens, Dennis Hopper. Mr. Hopper had many memorable roles in classic movies: Easy Rider; Blue Velvet; Apocalypse Now; Rebel Without A Cause; Speed and Hoosiers.

Mr Hopper succumbed to Prostrate Cancer after a fairly long battle; he was seventy four years old. It was recently that Mr. Hopper was bequeathed with a star on the Walk of Fame and although he looked frail… he managed to make the best of it; close friends, including Jack Nicholson, whom he co-starred with in Easy Rider, was there to support him. Mr. Hopper was currently an integral cast member on the television series, Crash.

Mr. Hopper has battled personal demons and was very candid about his drug use and his subsequent recovery. No one will forget Mr. Hopper’s tour de force performance in Blue Velvet, which garnered critical praise. The maniacal performance in Blue Velvet… marked with one of his many quirks of breathing into a mask tethered to an oxygen tank scared the “bejesus” out of me.

In addition, Mr. Hopper has been lauded and nominated twice for Oscars: as a writer for Easy Rider and for his performance in Hoosiers. You do not have to take my word that Mr. Hopper was a great actor – simply check out those movies listed above and see for yourself. Even in the terrible movies like Water World, Mr. Hopper, playing the heavy, made the best of his role. Rest in peace Mr. Hopper and our condolences to your extended family.

Actor Dennis Hopper Dies at age 74

Actor Dennis Hopper died Saturday, May 29th, in Venice, California. According to reports, he died from complications due to prostate cancer.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Dennis Hopper, Photo Credit: antje verena"][/caption]

Dennis Hopper was an actor and filmmaker. Born in Kansas in 1936, his family moved to California when he was thirteen and he began his acting career in 1955, with a television appearance and roles in "Rebel Without a Cause" and "Giant".

He appeared in many movies and television shows throughout the years, including the television show "Crash" and "24", and  was also a skilled photographer and painter, his works displayed in various galleries across the world.

Hopper was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2009 and past away today due to complications from it. Married five times, he left behind four children and two grandchildren.

Dennis Hooper was also a very good photographer, painter and sculptor.

Dennis Lee Hopper was born May 17, 1936 and died on May 29. He was an American actor, filmmaker and artist.  When Dennis was a young boy, he suddenly became interested in acting. This resulted finally in him joining the Actors Studio as a scholar.

Dennis Hopper appeared on television for the first time in 1955. He was also a co-actor of James Dean in the Rebel Without a Cause (1955) and also in the film Giant (1956).

Over the next ten years, Hopper appeared frequently on television in guest roles, and by the end of the 1960s had played supporting roles in several films. He directed and starred in Easy Rider (1969), winning an award at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay as co-writer of the film's script.

On the BP Oil Spill, To the people of the Gulf Coast, A Message from your President

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Barack Obama at the Gulf Coast, Photo Credit: White House "][/caption]For those of you who are getting worried about the oil spill disaster in the Gulf, I think that it is high time for an inspiring speech by our President. Well, here is something that he said in a speech yesterday. I think that everyone out there deserves the know his resolve in the crisis.

"As I’ve said before, BP is the responsible party for this disaster.  What that means is they’re legally responsible for stopping the leak and they’re financially responsible for the enormous damage that they’ve created.  And we’re going to hold them accountable, along with any other party responsible for the initial explosion and loss of life on that platform.

But as I said yesterday, and as I repeated in the meeting that we just left, I ultimately take responsibility for solving this crisis.  I’m the President and the buck stops with me.  So I give the people of this community and the entire Gulf my word that we’re going to hold ourselves accountable to do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to stop this catastrophe, to defend our natural resources, to repair the damage, and to keep this region on its feet.  Justice will be done for those whose lives have been upended by this disaster, for the families of those whose lives have been lost -- that is a solemn pledge that I am making."

"To the people of the Gulf Coast: I know that you’ve weathered your fair share of trials and tragedy. I know there have been times where you’ve wondered if you were being asked to face them alone. I am here to tell you that you’re not alone. You will not be abandoned. You will not be left behind. The cameras at some point may leave; the media may get tired of the story; but we will not. We are on your side and we will see this through. We’re going to keep at this every day until the leak has stopped, until this coastline is clean, and your communities are made whole again. That’s my promise to you. And that is a promise on behalf of a nation. It is one that we will keep.

And I will make one last point -- and I said this to every leader who is here: If something is not going right down here, then they need to talk to Thad Allen. And if they’re not getting satisfaction from Thad Allen, then they can talk to me. There’s nobody here who can’t get in touch with me directly if there is an idea, a suggestion, or a logjam that needs to be dealt with.

So we’re in this together. And it’s going to be a difficult time, and obviously the folks down here are going to be feeling the brunt of it, but we’re going to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to get this solved as quickly as possible.

And I want to again think everybody here for the extraordinary work that they’re putting in. You shouldn’t underestimate how hard these folks are working, day in, day out, on behalf of their constituencies." United States President, Barack Obama, May 28, 2010, U.S. Coast Guard Station Grande Isle, Grande Isle, Louisiana

You can view the video of this speech here.

I don't know what your opinion is, however I personally admire Barack Obama. He has dedicated himself to getting the oil spill cleaned up. He has promised the world that he will find a solution. That is not a promise made lightly.

Right now, I think that what is really needed is support. You can complain later. Help now.

What You Can Do

• Request volunteer information and register to volunteer: (866)-448-5816


• Submit your vessel as a vessel of opportunity skimming system or submit alternative response technology, services or products:
  (281) 366-5511


• Report oiled or injured wildlife: 1-866-557-1401


• Report oil on land: 1-866-448-5816

State specific volunteer opportunities:

• Louisiana


• Mississippi


• Florida


• Alabama

BP Oil Spill, Do You Know What is Happening at the Surface?

[caption id="attachment_1870" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Barack Obama Gives a Speech on the Oil Spill, Photo Credit: White House "][/caption]

As you have probably heard by now, there is a major oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Being a "migrated Floridian" this is not pleasant for me as I know it is a matter of time until oil starts washing up on "my" beaches. It is good to know what is going on under the surface at the leak itself however, it is also nice to know that someone is doing something about the huge sticky mass floating around in the middle of the Gulf.

Work continues to collect and disperse oil that has reached the surface of the sea, to protect the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico, and to collect and clean up any oil that has reached shore.

According to BP, almost 1,300 vessels are involved in the response effort, this includes skimmers, tugs, barges, and recovery vessels.

There have been efforts to skim the oil from the surface of the water. These operations have now recovered an approximate 274,000 barrels (11.5 million gallons) of oily liquid.

The total length of containment boom deployed as part of efforts to prevent oil reaching the coast is now almost 1.9 million feet, and an additional 1.25 million feet of sorbent boom has also been deployed.

So far 26,000 claims have been filed and 11,650 payments have already been made. BP has received over 96,000 calls into its help lines to date.

This means that BP is making an effort to clean up their mess. However, it is obvious that they are not doing enough yet. Hurricane season is coming and if even a minor tropical storm came through the Gulf, there is no telling what would happen to the oil and were it might end up. It might stir it in with water so there is even more of it, it might even wash up on Cuba's shores.

The cost of the response to date amounts to about $930 million, including the cost of the spill response, containment, relief well drilling, grants to the Gulf states, claims paid and federal costs. It is too early to quantify other potential costs and liabilities associated with the incident.

What You Can Do

• Request volunteer information and register to volunteer: (866)-448-5816


• Submit your vessel as a vessel of opportunity skimming system or submit alternative response technology, services or products:
  (281) 366-5511


• Report oiled or injured wildlife: 1-866-557-1401


• Report oil on land: 1-866-448-5816

That said, let's end on a lighter note with a message from our President, Barack Obama,

"Now, our mission remains the same as it has since this disaster began, since the day I visited Louisiana nearly four weeks ago: We want to stop the leak; we want to contain and clean up the oil; and we want to help the people of this region return to their lives and their livelihoods as soon as possible."



Source, White House

Fleet Week In New York City, A Memorial Day Message

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="New York City, Photo Credit: Massimo Catarinella"][/caption]I will write a more fitting and formal salute to Memorial Day later, but for now I am basking in the New York ambiance and seeing my fellow soldiers enjoy New York city. It is always a treat to see those who have place their lives on the line in the service of their country. Veterans from another era, like my father, didn’t receive the accolades that are obvious by the express and tacit welcome that New Yorkers have shown the members of our armed forces.  We see the awe in the eyes of many… perhaps never being to the big city and the constant flashes from cameras; we also witness the businesses catering to the heroes… and moreover, a respite from the cynical nature known to be part of the New York culture. 

Fleet Week is an occasion for those of us who live in New York to enjoy the better angels of our nature… basking in the fleeting aberration. In addition, all the dignitaries come out to honor the soldiers - from the mayor to the local celebrities. The police are even more agreeable during this time… stepping back and recognizing that this week is special… with the public benefiting from the authorities leniency. To all the shows on Broadway, the taxi cabs, and the other businesses that cater to the Armed Forces – Thank You! I pray for the soldiers’ safety as they enjoy the Apple and like all New Yorkers, I thank them for their service.

A Final Thought On The Passing Of Gary Coleman

No one knows the formula for making the smooth transition from child star to adulthood; perhaps, we should inquire of the few who have made the transition and bottle their formula and sell it. Mr. Coleman, to his credit, didn’t have the substance abuse problems like so many who resort to that particular form of destructive behavior – but he seemed especially bitter toward the industry that made him famous.

This was understandable because of his chronic health problems; the betrayal of his adopted parents; and the fact that there weren’t many roles for a petite black former child star.

It must be brutal to be loved for so many years and to wake up one day realizing that the public has moved on to the other cute kid. I do not know what to say in such a situation to these child stars, but that those around them should prepare them for such an eventuality… when all the trappings and attributes of Hollywood fame are gone.

Mr. Coleman seemed to have accepted that too due to the fact he moved far away to Utah. It must be noted that the only son of Dana Plato, as recently as two weeks ago, committed suicide - Dana Plato, who committed suicide years ago, played Gary Coleman’s sister in the series Different Strokes.  As for the sole surviving child star from “Different Strokes,” Todd Bridges, I bid you a peaceful longevity.

iHome iP49: Alarm clock docking station for iPhone and iPod

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="iHome iP49, Photo Credit: iHome"][/caption]
There are all sorts of docking stations available both for iPod and iPhone, and this time this docking station comes with clock radio. It is called iP49BZC and it comes from company iHome.

iHome is already known by its high-end radio clocks that carry iHome’s unique design. The new model iP49 follows the trend of its predecessors as well. iP49 is a docking station on which you can place your iPhone or iPod and enjoy music from it. This docking station provides you support for almost all iPod models. As for the sound iP49 uses Bongiovi Acousitcs’ patented Digital Power Station technology that provides you the best sound quality. This model comes with remote control with menu navigation so you can have perfect stereo system while you’re on the go.

As for other features, iP49 is using rechargeable Lithium ion battery that is charged via AC cable. Also you can use this docking station as a charger because it will recharge your iPod or iPhone as long as it is docked. But don’t forget that this is also alarm clock which provides 12hour or 24hour time display. You can even use iP49 as alarm clock and wake up with your favorite music, or put yourself to sleep with it. Another interesting feature is Gradual Wake and Gradual Sleep volume that increases or decreases volume in equal intervals so it doesn’t startle the user. But that’s not all, you can even connect your MP3/CD players via line-in jack and enjoy music from them.

This is one multipractical device that has great features, great sound and compatibility with all sorts of iPods and iPhones. Therefore, if you want to wake up with your favorite music from your iPod or iPhone iP49 could be perfect for you with the price of $159.99.

Source: iHome

P-150 Scan-tini Compact Ccanner from Canon

[caption id="attachment_1839" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Canon P-150 Scan-tini"][/caption]

Scanning the documents is the fastest way to transfer them to your computer, but scanning doesn’t have to use big and rugged scanners. Canon has just released their new scanner, which is small and compact, and it’s intended to be used outside the office with your computer or laptop.

P-150 Scan-tini is a simple scanner that combines simplicity, small size, and sleek design. P-150 scanner, also known as Scan-tini is intended for the professionals that are always on the move. Imagine how hard and impractical it would be to carry big office scanner with you at all times. Therefore if you’re not seated in the office at all times and you need to scan all sorts of documents while you’re on the move Scan-tini is a perfect solution.

In order to use this compact scanner you just need to connect it to your USB port. It uses Plug and Scan method so no additional setup or cables are required, just plug it into USB and you’re ready to scan. Scan-tini is the first scanner on the market that uses only USB both for charging and for transferring data to your computer. It’s highly compact and convenient and you can carry it anywhere in your laptop bag. As for the simplicity, this scanner is using preprogrammed Scan Jobs to make your scanning even easier. In addition, this model has some of the advanced features such as Advanced Text Enhancement, Auto Color Detection, Auto Page Size Detection, and more.

Scan-tini is compact and simple and it will surely find its purpose, and since it is compatible with both Windows and Mac he’s going to have a bright future ahead of him. Price of this model is $295.00.

Source: Canon

Out of Magic: Celtics Advance to NBA Finals

[caption id="attachment_1831" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Celtics Center Kendrick Perkins, Photo Credit: 8-Hype at en.wikipedia.org"][/caption]

Don’t call it a comeback.

The Orlando Magic, who won the last two games to create a competitive series in the Eastern Conference Finals, were pummeled by the Boston Celtics in a convincing 96-84 margin Friday night. The Celtics, who won the series 4-2, move on to the NBA Finals, where they’ll await their opponent from the Western Conference. The Los Angeles Lakers hold a 3-2 series edge against the Phoenix Suns; game 6 of that series will be played Saturday night.

Before the game, Celtics Center Kendrick Perkins was his own story as his availability was in question following two more technical fouls in game 5. His seventh technical foul would have triggered an automatic suspension for game 6.  But the league rescinded one of them, making him eligible to play. Perkins scored just two points, but Nate Robinson came off the bench to contribute 13 points in just 13 minutes of work.

A familiar pattern of the series played out again: Boston took a commanding lead and dared Orlando to come back. But they weren’t able to muster much momentum in Boston, where a victory would have forced the series back home for a decisive game 7. Instead, the Celtics kept the pressure on all night long, taking a double-digit lead out of the first period and never relinquishing it.

If the Lakers defeat the Suns Saturday night, the 2010 Finals will be a rematch of the 2008 Finals, won by Boston 4-2. The Lakers won the 2009 Finals by a 4-1 margin over the Magic, so Orlando was also hoping for a chance at a rematch. Now they’ll return home and lick their wounds, and ponder their future in a competitive Eastern Conference that should see shifts in the balance of power. Big-name stars such as LeBron James and Dwayne Wade will be free agents and could change teams.

But for the Celtics, it’s a chance to prove that their 2008 title was no fluke and an opportunity to win their second title in three years. And after stumbling following a 3-0 series lead, Friday night’s win was not only a statement to the Magic, but to their Western Conference opponent: The Celtics are ready.

Google Chrome and Its Top 5 Must-Have Extensions

[caption id="attachment_1811" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Google Chrome Extensions, Image Credit: Google"][/caption]

The newest craze in Internet? Google Chrome! Google Chrome is the top internet browser currently. Many people may object to this and say no, Safari is better or Firefox is better or even Opera is better. This is fine, however, I happen to have thoroughly tested all the above named Internet browsers. I work with a Macintosh computer with very fast Internet. This means that I have a reliable source to prove my point.

Why do I say that Google Chrome is the best, most advanced browser of today? For one simple reason: the Google Chrome team started from scratch. They took all the old stuff and threw it away and started with a blank sheet. This means that they don't have any clunky functions that the older browsers might have.

Their framework is fresh and is built with the modern day web in mind. Safari is fast, but not quite as fast as Google Chrome. Firefox is an excellent browser but there are so many add-ons that make it kind of clunky. Opera is relatively fast but also pretty confusing. Don't get me wrong, they are all excellent browsers, just Google Chrome is new and fresh and their framework is not based on anything old.

There are some excellent extensions for Google Chrome. These do many things from making blogging easier to quickly snagging a full webpage screenshot.

1. Dictionary Lookup. This extension is very useful. Have you ever been reading a webpage and suddenly you didn't know what a word meant but you didn't want to close the window. Well, with this extension you can just use your pre-defined keyboard shortcut and define the word. It's simple and easy. Here is the extension page.

2. MeasureIt!. This extension allows you to draw out a ruler that tells you the pixel length and width of any area in your browser. This is extremely useful to web developers or webmaster looking to modify their websites. Here is the extension page.

3. Blog This!. This extension allows you to post something on the web to your blogger blog with one click. If you love collection things for your blog through browsing the Internet, this extension is for you. It is very easy to use as it is made by Google. Here is the extension page.

4. Chrome Access. Have you ever forgotten where your history is, or where the extensions page is or where the downloads pane is? If you have, this extension is for you. It provides easy access to all of the chrome:// and about pages with a single click. Here is the extension page.

5. Lorem Ipsum Generator. This extension give you easily generated dummy text at the click of a button. It is simple to use and is a must have for website builders. If you are looking for an easy way to fill empty space on a template or something like this, this extension is right for you. Here is the extension page.