Dinner For Schmucks, the new Jay Roach comedy is funny, but it doesn’t live up to the trailers... meaning that, do not expect the entire movie to be as funny as the previews that we saw. We have seen Steve Carrell and Paul Rudd together before in the modern classic, “Anchorman,” but in “Dinner For Schmucks” both men are the main characters in the movie. Dinner For Schmucks plot is centered on the corporate culture - it is Darwinian, where in a fleeting moment, company colleagues are bemoaning the sacking of one their own and the next moment they are fighting for the fired colleague’s vacant office.
Paul Rudd is one of the employees who is dreaming to move up to where the big boys play, but to do so, he must impress the boss… played with serpent like aplomb by Bruce Greenwood. There big boys’ idea of fun is to invite ordinary people they deem idiots for dinner and award the winner the dubious prize. Paul Rudd’s character is uneasy to do this, but he covets the perks of the big boys; it doesn’t help matters that Mr. Rudd thinks that his girlfriend wants him to climb the corporate ladder to attain the perks afforded those who do. Mr. Rudd then inadvertently comes across the Steve Carrell’s character, who fits the idiot’s criteria and promptly invites him to the dinner.
From the get go, Mr. Rudd’s character is queasy about subjecting the Steve Carrell’s character to be the butt of jokes for the slimy corporate bigwigs. But the strong Steve Carrell character is so deep into his laughable stupidity that it seems that it doesn’t matter if there are those who are laughing at him. There are indeed laugh-out loud moments in “Schmucks,” but the script doesn’t give Mr. Carrell and Mr. Rudd much to work with. Mr. Rudd is the perfect straight guy, but Carrell invokes a little of Steve Martin’s, “The Jerk” character; Leslie Nielsen in “Police Squad” and Don Adams in, “Get Smart.” The scenes at the dinner table are hilarious, especially the bit about mind control versus brain control. Another great aspect of “Schmucks” is how Carell makes the normally icky rodent lovable… where they are place in historical and cultural settings emulating epochal moments in our history.
The worst part of the movie, “Dinner For Schmucks,” is the constant cowardice of the Hollywood writers, who have no qualms in offending Christians, but have reverence for other religions – if they were equal opportunity offenders like the writers of South Park and The Simpsons, then it wouldn’t be so offensively conspicuous. I spent thirteen dollars to see “Schmucks,” but if you cannot afford to see it, wait for it on DVD or pay per view.
السبت، 31 يوليو 2010
Chelsea Clinton’s Wedding Dress Designed by Vera Wang
Chelsea Clinton is now a married woman. Today she said yes to Marc Mezvinsky, 32, in Rhinebeck, N.Y. Chelsea Clinton did probably wear a beautiful wedding dress designed by Vera Wang. It was a classic white dress with a flower-like ornament on the belt. As far as the wedding jewelry is concerned: She was wearing beautiful earrings, with pearls. A picture of Chelsea in her dress can be seen here.
After the wedding ceremony, Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton released a statement, as reported by people.com: "Today, we watched with great pride and overwhelming emotion as Chelsea and Marc wed in a beautiful ceremony at Astor Courts, surrounded by family and their close friends. We could not have asked for a more perfect day to celebrate the beginning of their life together, and we are so happy to welcome Marc into our family. On behalf of the newlyweds, we want to give special thanks to the people of Rhinebeck for welcoming us and to everyone for their well-wishes on this special day."
Even tough a lot of stars were expected among the guests, it turned out that more friends than celebrities appeared. There was no Oprah or Obama, but the attendess included Mary Steenburgen, former secretary of state Madeleine Albright, actor Ted Danson, film producer Steven Bing, a couple congressmen and other Politicians, mainly Democrats.
Further details from the wedding ceremony seem to be kept secret at this time.
After the wedding ceremony, Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton released a statement, as reported by people.com: "Today, we watched with great pride and overwhelming emotion as Chelsea and Marc wed in a beautiful ceremony at Astor Courts, surrounded by family and their close friends. We could not have asked for a more perfect day to celebrate the beginning of their life together, and we are so happy to welcome Marc into our family. On behalf of the newlyweds, we want to give special thanks to the people of Rhinebeck for welcoming us and to everyone for their well-wishes on this special day."
Even tough a lot of stars were expected among the guests, it turned out that more friends than celebrities appeared. There was no Oprah or Obama, but the attendess included Mary Steenburgen, former secretary of state Madeleine Albright, actor Ted Danson, film producer Steven Bing, a couple congressmen and other Politicians, mainly Democrats.
Further details from the wedding ceremony seem to be kept secret at this time.
Chelsea Clinton's Wedding
[caption id="attachment_5425" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Cars Approching for Chelsea Clinton's Wedding, Photo Credit: Globovision"]
[/caption]
Today is the big day for Chelsea Clinton. She is going to be married to her longtime boyfriend Marc Mezvinsky in the sleepy little town of Rhinebeck, NY.The whole town is glowing from excitement. Hundreds are lining the streets and hoping to get a glimpse on Chelsea or one of her prominent guests.
The event will take place at an exclusive estate along New York's Hudson River, the Astor Courts. This upscale mansion has been built by John Jacob Astor IV, a wealthy industrialist. The estate sits on a 50,000 acres areal overlooking the banks of the Hudson river.
As reported by nydailynews.com, the actor Ted Danson and his wife Mary Steenburgen have been seen already in Rhinebeck, N.Y. and are expected to attend Chelsea Clinton's wedding. There are many celebrities expected. Among them Oprah Winfrey, Barbra Streisand, Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw, Ted Turner,Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild and many others. A total of 400 to 500 guests are expected.
Since about before noon crowds started to line the streets in the hopes to maybe talk to one of the high profile guest, or at least see them from the distance.
The airspace over the whole town had been declared a restricted area until Sunday afternoon in order to guarantee security. Many roads are also blocked, making the little town somewhat quite.
Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky know each other since they were teenagers in Washington DC. They both graduated from Stanford University and now live in Manhattan, where Mezvinsky works at G3 Capital, a secretive hedge fund. Before joining G3 Capital, Mezvinsky worked at Goldman Sachs as an investment banker.
Update: Daddy is coming.
Bill Clinton Arriving at Chelsea's Wedding. Etonline.com reports, that a procession of vehicles is on its way to the Astor Courts, where Chelsea Clinton's nuptials are going to take place. The V.I.P. passenger aboard is none other than Chelsea's dad, the former US President Bill Clinton. Hillary Clinton had arrived at the wedding site around 5:10 p.m. EST, while the bride Chelsea is there since earlier today.
You can watch Chelsea Clinton's Wedding online: At the time of this writing no Photos or videos of the actual Chelsea Clinton wedding were available. We will keep you posted.
[/caption]Today is the big day for Chelsea Clinton. She is going to be married to her longtime boyfriend Marc Mezvinsky in the sleepy little town of Rhinebeck, NY.The whole town is glowing from excitement. Hundreds are lining the streets and hoping to get a glimpse on Chelsea or one of her prominent guests.
The event will take place at an exclusive estate along New York's Hudson River, the Astor Courts. This upscale mansion has been built by John Jacob Astor IV, a wealthy industrialist. The estate sits on a 50,000 acres areal overlooking the banks of the Hudson river.
As reported by nydailynews.com, the actor Ted Danson and his wife Mary Steenburgen have been seen already in Rhinebeck, N.Y. and are expected to attend Chelsea Clinton's wedding. There are many celebrities expected. Among them Oprah Winfrey, Barbra Streisand, Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw, Ted Turner,Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild and many others. A total of 400 to 500 guests are expected.
Since about before noon crowds started to line the streets in the hopes to maybe talk to one of the high profile guest, or at least see them from the distance.
The airspace over the whole town had been declared a restricted area until Sunday afternoon in order to guarantee security. Many roads are also blocked, making the little town somewhat quite.
Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky know each other since they were teenagers in Washington DC. They both graduated from Stanford University and now live in Manhattan, where Mezvinsky works at G3 Capital, a secretive hedge fund. Before joining G3 Capital, Mezvinsky worked at Goldman Sachs as an investment banker.
Update: Daddy is coming.
Bill Clinton Arriving at Chelsea's Wedding. Etonline.com reports, that a procession of vehicles is on its way to the Astor Courts, where Chelsea Clinton's nuptials are going to take place. The V.I.P. passenger aboard is none other than Chelsea's dad, the former US President Bill Clinton. Hillary Clinton had arrived at the wedding site around 5:10 p.m. EST, while the bride Chelsea is there since earlier today.
You can watch Chelsea Clinton's Wedding online: At the time of this writing no Photos or videos of the actual Chelsea Clinton wedding were available. We will keep you posted.
All The Facts: Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky Wedding
The Guardian calls it a not quite royal wedding and talks about estimated cost of $3 million for the event. Chelsea Clinton marries the investment banker Marc Mezvinsky. Here are all the facts of the Chelsea Clinton wedding or as close to facts as possible.
Who
The former First Daughter, 30, Chelsea Clinton. The is the daughter of former US president Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Marc Mezvinsky, the groom is employed by G3 Capital, hedge fund located in Manhattan. Mezvinsky started his investment banking career at Goldman Sachs. Marc's parents are the former US Representative Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky from Pennsylvania and Edward "Ed" Mezvinsky is a former congressman.
Where will Chelsea Clinton's Wedding take place?
The wedding is going to take place in the charming village of Rhinebeck, NY. It is about 90 miles North from New York City,in the beautiful Hudson river valley. It will be held at the Astor Courts, a beaux-arts mansion hidden by thick stands of trees and 50,000 acres of land. The huge mansion with excellent views of the Hudson River was designed by Stanford White. The building resembles the Grand Trianon at Versailles. It was originally built for John Jacob Astor IV, who also built the Astoria Hotel. Here you can see an excellent picture of the Astor Courts.
[caption id="attachment_5379" align="alignright" width="96" caption="Astor Courts from Above (Spencer Ainsley/Poughkeepsie Journal)"]
[/caption]
What about the bride's dress?
There are different opinions on that one. Vera Wang seems to be one option, but Oscar de la Rent seems to be possible too. Chelsea and Hillary were seen when they were both entering the New York store of Vera Wang. That makes it somewhat believable. On the other hand, Hillary Clinton was also spotted at Oscar de la Renta's store. That could mean that she was buying herself a new dress or that she gave instructions for daughter's outfit. We will know more once we see the wedding pictures. The wedding is scheduled to start at about 6 p.m. EST. and pictures of Chelsea's wedding should be available around that time. The huffingtonpost.com has some pictures that were taken before the wedding. And there are more pictures of the wedding on Yahoo and here are more photos of Chelsea's wedding preparations.
Wedding Guests
There is quite some speculation on who will be attending. Here are some of the about 500 expected guest, many of them celebrities:
Oprah Winfrey, singer Barbra Streisand, filmmaker Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw, Ted Turner, former British Prime Minister John Major, former deputy chief of staff Harold Ickes, former DNC chairman Terry McAuliffe, historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, Democratic donor Denise Rich,Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild, Hillary Clinton's brothers, Hugh and Tony Rodham, broker Vernon Jordan and his wife, Ann, Elizabeth Bagley, a former ambassador to Portugal, Melanne Verveer, congressman Anthony Weiner. President Obama had been on the list, but stated a few days ago on The View, that he was not invited.
Cost
The lavish ceremony is somewhat pricey. While it is difficult to get exact figures here some estimates:
$750,000 has been spend for food and catering
$11,000 for the wedding cake, which is supposedly vegetarian and gluten-free
$250,000 is the total value of jewelry for Chelsea Clinton
$25,000 for the wedding dress
$40,000 has been spend on Photographer/Videographer
$40,000 for music and the band
$30,000 for wine, spirits and such
$200,000 for the Wedding Planner
$109,000 for the tables, tableware and silverware for about 400 to 500 guets
$600,000 is the price tag for the air-conditioned tents, that also sport glass walls
$200,000 have been spend for security
$15,000 for Porta-Potties, with real porcelain toilets that flush, according to TMZ
$500,000 were spend on flowers that were arranged by Jeff Leatham, a celebrity florist
If you add up these figures, you come to $2.77 Million. There are estimates floating around saying it could be up to $5million. Whatever. If you have it, why not spend it and have fun.
Hundreds line the streets and are hoping of seeing Chelsea or one of her guests in town for Chelsea Clinton's wedding, as reported by midhudsonnews.com, the Hudson valley’s only green ”newspaper”. The Telegraph has a nice video about the Chelsea Wedding with a lovely British speaker, which they dub America's Royal Wedding.
The actor Ted Danson and his wife Mary Steenburgen arrive in Rhinebeck, N.Y. for Chelsea Clinton's wedding, reports nydailynews.com.
Sources for facts (or rumors) on Chelsea Clinton's wedding:
Fox News CBS News TMZ The Guardian USA Today Washington Post
Who
The former First Daughter, 30, Chelsea Clinton. The is the daughter of former US president Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Marc Mezvinsky, the groom is employed by G3 Capital, hedge fund located in Manhattan. Mezvinsky started his investment banking career at Goldman Sachs. Marc's parents are the former US Representative Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky from Pennsylvania and Edward "Ed" Mezvinsky is a former congressman.
Where will Chelsea Clinton's Wedding take place?
The wedding is going to take place in the charming village of Rhinebeck, NY. It is about 90 miles North from New York City,in the beautiful Hudson river valley. It will be held at the Astor Courts, a beaux-arts mansion hidden by thick stands of trees and 50,000 acres of land. The huge mansion with excellent views of the Hudson River was designed by Stanford White. The building resembles the Grand Trianon at Versailles. It was originally built for John Jacob Astor IV, who also built the Astoria Hotel. Here you can see an excellent picture of the Astor Courts.
[caption id="attachment_5379" align="alignright" width="96" caption="Astor Courts from Above (Spencer Ainsley/Poughkeepsie Journal)"]
[/caption]What about the bride's dress?
There are different opinions on that one. Vera Wang seems to be one option, but Oscar de la Rent seems to be possible too. Chelsea and Hillary were seen when they were both entering the New York store of Vera Wang. That makes it somewhat believable. On the other hand, Hillary Clinton was also spotted at Oscar de la Renta's store. That could mean that she was buying herself a new dress or that she gave instructions for daughter's outfit. We will know more once we see the wedding pictures. The wedding is scheduled to start at about 6 p.m. EST. and pictures of Chelsea's wedding should be available around that time. The huffingtonpost.com has some pictures that were taken before the wedding. And there are more pictures of the wedding on Yahoo and here are more photos of Chelsea's wedding preparations.
Wedding Guests
There is quite some speculation on who will be attending. Here are some of the about 500 expected guest, many of them celebrities:
Oprah Winfrey, singer Barbra Streisand, filmmaker Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw, Ted Turner, former British Prime Minister John Major, former deputy chief of staff Harold Ickes, former DNC chairman Terry McAuliffe, historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, Democratic donor Denise Rich,Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild, Hillary Clinton's brothers, Hugh and Tony Rodham, broker Vernon Jordan and his wife, Ann, Elizabeth Bagley, a former ambassador to Portugal, Melanne Verveer, congressman Anthony Weiner. President Obama had been on the list, but stated a few days ago on The View, that he was not invited.
Cost
The lavish ceremony is somewhat pricey. While it is difficult to get exact figures here some estimates:
$750,000 has been spend for food and catering
$11,000 for the wedding cake, which is supposedly vegetarian and gluten-free
$250,000 is the total value of jewelry for Chelsea Clinton
$25,000 for the wedding dress
$40,000 has been spend on Photographer/Videographer
$40,000 for music and the band
$30,000 for wine, spirits and such
$200,000 for the Wedding Planner
$109,000 for the tables, tableware and silverware for about 400 to 500 guets
$600,000 is the price tag for the air-conditioned tents, that also sport glass walls
$200,000 have been spend for security
$15,000 for Porta-Potties, with real porcelain toilets that flush, according to TMZ
$500,000 were spend on flowers that were arranged by Jeff Leatham, a celebrity florist
If you add up these figures, you come to $2.77 Million. There are estimates floating around saying it could be up to $5million. Whatever. If you have it, why not spend it and have fun.
Hundreds line the streets and are hoping of seeing Chelsea or one of her guests in town for Chelsea Clinton's wedding, as reported by midhudsonnews.com, the Hudson valley’s only green ”newspaper”. The Telegraph has a nice video about the Chelsea Wedding with a lovely British speaker, which they dub America's Royal Wedding.
The actor Ted Danson and his wife Mary Steenburgen arrive in Rhinebeck, N.Y. for Chelsea Clinton's wedding, reports nydailynews.com.
Sources for facts (or rumors) on Chelsea Clinton's wedding:
Fox News CBS News TMZ The Guardian USA Today Washington Post
الجمعة، 30 يوليو 2010
Chelsea Clinton’s Wedding Day Is Finally Here
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="The Clintons"]
photo credit: jurvetson[/caption]
It is indeed the wedding of the year if not the decade and the tabloids and the regular news media have been buzzing about the pending nuptials of Chelsea Clinton, the only daughter of former President Clinton and current Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. Chelsea is betrothed to Marc Mezvinski, an investment banker and they have been together for quite sometime. The groom comes from good pedigree too: his mother is a former congress woman who once represented a district in Pennsylvania.
There are some mysteries surrounding the nuptials because no one knows who, among the top designers, received the coveted task of making the former first daughter’s wedding dress. The nuptials will take place in the Hudson Valley and many from the A-list denizens from all walks of life are rumored to be invited to Chelsea’s wedding. The father of the bride, President Clinton, has reportedly told friends that Chelsea requested that he lose some fifteen pounds before he walk her down the aisle.
The wedding guess is said to number 400 to 500, and as stated above, they will run the gamut from celebrities to politicians: rumored to attend are Bono, The Edge, Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, Vernon Jordan, Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild, and Elizabeth Bagley, the former Ambassador to Portugal. Those who were not invited to the wedding are just as notable as those who were invited – those, apparently, not having enough “juice” with the Clintons include: President Obama; Al and Tipper Gore (for obvious reasons); and former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. No one knows for sure if Oprah Winfrey was invited… there are speculations that because Oprah was a supporter of President Obama during the heated primaries - where the President bested the former first lady - might be the reason why Oprah might not have been invited to Chelsea’s wedding.
Not everyone is happy to have the nuptial in Hudson Valley – there are those who are complaining about the cars, guests, and the invasion of privacy by the media. It is reported that the air space surrounding the wedding area will be restricted, so that it will become essentially a no-fly-zone. I wish Chelsea a long marriage and all the attendant blessings thereof – it seems like only yesterday when I used to see the freckled face, denture wearing, young girl in the White House.
Via washingtonpost.com
photo credit: jurvetson[/caption]It is indeed the wedding of the year if not the decade and the tabloids and the regular news media have been buzzing about the pending nuptials of Chelsea Clinton, the only daughter of former President Clinton and current Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. Chelsea is betrothed to Marc Mezvinski, an investment banker and they have been together for quite sometime. The groom comes from good pedigree too: his mother is a former congress woman who once represented a district in Pennsylvania.
There are some mysteries surrounding the nuptials because no one knows who, among the top designers, received the coveted task of making the former first daughter’s wedding dress. The nuptials will take place in the Hudson Valley and many from the A-list denizens from all walks of life are rumored to be invited to Chelsea’s wedding. The father of the bride, President Clinton, has reportedly told friends that Chelsea requested that he lose some fifteen pounds before he walk her down the aisle.
The wedding guess is said to number 400 to 500, and as stated above, they will run the gamut from celebrities to politicians: rumored to attend are Bono, The Edge, Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, Vernon Jordan, Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild, and Elizabeth Bagley, the former Ambassador to Portugal. Those who were not invited to the wedding are just as notable as those who were invited – those, apparently, not having enough “juice” with the Clintons include: President Obama; Al and Tipper Gore (for obvious reasons); and former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. No one knows for sure if Oprah Winfrey was invited… there are speculations that because Oprah was a supporter of President Obama during the heated primaries - where the President bested the former first lady - might be the reason why Oprah might not have been invited to Chelsea’s wedding.
Not everyone is happy to have the nuptial in Hudson Valley – there are those who are complaining about the cars, guests, and the invasion of privacy by the media. It is reported that the air space surrounding the wedding area will be restricted, so that it will become essentially a no-fly-zone. I wish Chelsea a long marriage and all the attendant blessings thereof – it seems like only yesterday when I used to see the freckled face, denture wearing, young girl in the White House.
Via washingtonpost.com
Philippine Airlines Runs Out Of Pilots
With Us You're always No.1. That's the motto of PAL, the Philippine airlines, or better that was. PAL had to ground its flights because the pilots ran away.
As PAL states it on their web site:
"Philippine Airlines regrets the decision of some of its pilots to accept job offers abroad, causing the disruption of PAL's flight schedules due to inadequate flight deck crew to fly the Airbus A320 airplanes".
Instead of just offering a competitive salary the airline preferred to argue with their ex-pilots and tell them that they are violating their contracts. PAL threatened to file charges against their former pilots.
In the meantime they are adjusting their schedule by merging some flights or upgrading the machines to larger aircraft lessen the inconvenience to affected passengers.
Here is how they prefer to state it:
The Philippine Airlines seem to learn from some of the airlines in the US: "The customers comes first when it's about paying and last when receiving service".
As PAL states it on their web site:
"Philippine Airlines regrets the decision of some of its pilots to accept job offers abroad, causing the disruption of PAL's flight schedules due to inadequate flight deck crew to fly the Airbus A320 airplanes".
Instead of just offering a competitive salary the airline preferred to argue with their ex-pilots and tell them that they are violating their contracts. PAL threatened to file charges against their former pilots.
In the meantime they are adjusting their schedule by merging some flights or upgrading the machines to larger aircraft lessen the inconvenience to affected passengers.
Here is how they prefer to state it:
"The indiscriminate resignation of the A320 pilots for flying jobs whose salaries PAL is unable to match, is in violation of their contracts with PAL as well as with pertinent government regulations that require resigning pilots to give PAL six months to train their replacements.
PAL will soon be filing appropriate charges against those pilots who chose not to report for work immediately after submitting resignation letters. Most of the pilots still owe PAL the cost of their aviation school training, which run into millions of pesos per pilot. "
The Philippine Airlines seem to learn from some of the airlines in the US: "The customers comes first when it's about paying and last when receiving service".
Michael Jackson - This Coming November Will Bring Us One Of The Many Posthumous Albums From The King Of Pop
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Michael Jackson's Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame"]
photo credit: prayitno
[/caption]
We have seen that death doesn’t stop an artist from cashing in: Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, and Tupac have all padded their loved ones coffers from the grave. Now comes word that Michael Jackson will be releasing an album in November – Sony knows that this phenomenon is a lucrative venture because it signed a seven year deal with the King of Pop’s estate for some 250 million – the November album will be the first in this endeavor between Sony and Michael’s estate.
ContactMusic.com is reporting that the late King of Pop left over 100 unreleased finished songs – some that were left off his record breaking album, Thriller. The album scheduled for a November release is said to contain collaborations from such stars as Akon, Will.i.am, and Ne-Yo. With such an avid fan base, the King of Pop’s November release should be a great seller and many are curious about how the King of Pop hook up with the hip-hop artists will fare.
I have recently seen the Michael Jackson final footage of his rehearsals for the concerts he was scheduled to perform in England before his untimely death – and one can objectively see that he was in top form. MJ’s voice still had the strength and his honeysuckle voice still thrilled and bear in mind that this was live.
I can only imagine Michael’s voice with an assist, not that he ever needed any, from the producing skills of Will. i.am. I was not a fan of MJ, but I recognize that he was one in a million talent and if Tupac can rule the airways from the grave, I have no doubt that Michael will do the same.
Until November then, when our ears will be tickled again by the King of Pop’s mellifluous voice.
photo credit: prayitno[/caption]
We have seen that death doesn’t stop an artist from cashing in: Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, and Tupac have all padded their loved ones coffers from the grave. Now comes word that Michael Jackson will be releasing an album in November – Sony knows that this phenomenon is a lucrative venture because it signed a seven year deal with the King of Pop’s estate for some 250 million – the November album will be the first in this endeavor between Sony and Michael’s estate.
ContactMusic.com is reporting that the late King of Pop left over 100 unreleased finished songs – some that were left off his record breaking album, Thriller. The album scheduled for a November release is said to contain collaborations from such stars as Akon, Will.i.am, and Ne-Yo. With such an avid fan base, the King of Pop’s November release should be a great seller and many are curious about how the King of Pop hook up with the hip-hop artists will fare.
I have recently seen the Michael Jackson final footage of his rehearsals for the concerts he was scheduled to perform in England before his untimely death – and one can objectively see that he was in top form. MJ’s voice still had the strength and his honeysuckle voice still thrilled and bear in mind that this was live.
I can only imagine Michael’s voice with an assist, not that he ever needed any, from the producing skills of Will. i.am. I was not a fan of MJ, but I recognize that he was one in a million talent and if Tupac can rule the airways from the grave, I have no doubt that Michael will do the same.
Until November then, when our ears will be tickled again by the King of Pop’s mellifluous voice.
Yankees Supposedly Making Deal For Houston’s Berkman
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Yankee Stadium"]
photo credit: jcasabona[/caption]
It is almost unfair, but it seems that year after year, the Yankees are in the running for the baseball championship. I, personally enjoy this because I am a Yankee’s fan, but it kills my father. I have to listen to my father’s wining about the so called “purity” of the game and how the Yankees buys championship – I always say to him, who doesn’t? The Yankees are at it again – USA Today is reporting that, although the deal isn’t completed, the Yankees are in negotiation for the services of first baseman Lance Berkman.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Berkman Strike"]
photo credit: Michael (mx5tx)[/caption]
Even if the Yankees have the loot to lure good talent, it is not automatic that they are going to win the championship - were it the case, they would have more than twenty seven championships. In Boston, the Yankees are known as the “Evil Empire,” but they too have won two championships in the eras of the Yankee spending sprees. Mr. Berkman's stats so far this year: 245 batting average; 49 RBIs; and 13 home runs. If Mr. Berkman comes to the Yankees, he will be filling the designated hitter’s slot.
photo credit: jcasabona[/caption]It is almost unfair, but it seems that year after year, the Yankees are in the running for the baseball championship. I, personally enjoy this because I am a Yankee’s fan, but it kills my father. I have to listen to my father’s wining about the so called “purity” of the game and how the Yankees buys championship – I always say to him, who doesn’t? The Yankees are at it again – USA Today is reporting that, although the deal isn’t completed, the Yankees are in negotiation for the services of first baseman Lance Berkman.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Berkman Strike"]
photo credit: Michael (mx5tx)[/caption]USA Today says there is further proof that the Berkman trade is in the works because he was kept out of the Houston lineup Friday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. Everyone is making moves: the Phillies shored up their pitching by acquiring Roy Oswalt; Miguel Tejada went to the Padres and the other teams like the Rays are looking to compete down the stretch – so why not the Yankees? To the Yankee haters like my father, what do you say about those years when the Marlins and the Rays went far into the playoffs and even reach the promise land without the Yankee payroll?
Even if the Yankees have the loot to lure good talent, it is not automatic that they are going to win the championship - were it the case, they would have more than twenty seven championships. In Boston, the Yankees are known as the “Evil Empire,” but they too have won two championships in the eras of the Yankee spending sprees. Mr. Berkman's stats so far this year: 245 batting average; 49 RBIs; and 13 home runs. If Mr. Berkman comes to the Yankees, he will be filling the designated hitter’s slot.
JLo For American Idol – What, Milli Vanilli Not Available?
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Jennifer Lopez - Living Mermaid "]
photo credit: Daniel Suarez™[/caption]
I must confess that most of my blogs on current pop culture, I have do a lot of research or get an assist from my wife or little sister – however, American Idol is a show that I actually watch because my daughter and wife love it. With that said, I feel that I am more than qualified to chime in the contestants rumored to be vying to be part of the Idol’s judge’s panel. I have heard, via the Los Angeles Times, that the Idol producers are looking at Stephen Tyler, the raspy voice gifted front man of Aerosmith - that I could live with, but Jennifer Lopez (JLo)? What?! That’s like having Paris Hilton visiting James Lipton at “Inside The Actor’s Studio” or OJ Simpson teaching anger management.
The fans should have the producers of American Idol insist that the new judges for American Idol be musicians: have JLo sing a song without the benefit of lip syncing. If indeed JLo is negotiating with the Idol’s producers for one of the open judge’s vacancy, I say, nyet. “What makes “Jenny From The Block” qualify to be an Idol judge? Yes, she has “nough back,” but what about a voice?
And what about being able to mentor the kids on pitch, range, cadence, etc.? I suppose that the water was muddied when they chose past judges like Paula Abdul and Ellen DeGeneres, but at least Abdul knows the craft by theory and that she was the perfect foil for the less than charming Cowell. I would be remiss not to convey that Simon Cowell is an accomplished music producer.
I know one of the members of Milli Vanilli is dead, but you might as well choose the surviving member to fill one of Idol’s vacancies. I mean he lip syncs, but he does it better than JLo’s actual singing. Let’s be honest, JLo is only negotiating for this gig because her career trajectory is going south - it is rumored that Jessica Simpson wanted the position too and the Idol producers eighty-sixed that suggestion.
For God’s sake, do the same to JLo’s inquiries, if indeed she is interested in one of the American Idol’s vacant judgeships. There are great and seasoned artists out there to be added: Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Steven Tyler, Steve Perry, David Bowie: Diana Ross, Katy Lang, Sined O’Connor, Pat Benatar, Cyndi Lauper– I could go on and on – but please, not JLo!
photo credit: Daniel Suarez™[/caption]I must confess that most of my blogs on current pop culture, I have do a lot of research or get an assist from my wife or little sister – however, American Idol is a show that I actually watch because my daughter and wife love it. With that said, I feel that I am more than qualified to chime in the contestants rumored to be vying to be part of the Idol’s judge’s panel. I have heard, via the Los Angeles Times, that the Idol producers are looking at Stephen Tyler, the raspy voice gifted front man of Aerosmith - that I could live with, but Jennifer Lopez (JLo)? What?! That’s like having Paris Hilton visiting James Lipton at “Inside The Actor’s Studio” or OJ Simpson teaching anger management.
The fans should have the producers of American Idol insist that the new judges for American Idol be musicians: have JLo sing a song without the benefit of lip syncing. If indeed JLo is negotiating with the Idol’s producers for one of the open judge’s vacancy, I say, nyet. “What makes “Jenny From The Block” qualify to be an Idol judge? Yes, she has “nough back,” but what about a voice?
And what about being able to mentor the kids on pitch, range, cadence, etc.? I suppose that the water was muddied when they chose past judges like Paula Abdul and Ellen DeGeneres, but at least Abdul knows the craft by theory and that she was the perfect foil for the less than charming Cowell. I would be remiss not to convey that Simon Cowell is an accomplished music producer.
I know one of the members of Milli Vanilli is dead, but you might as well choose the surviving member to fill one of Idol’s vacancies. I mean he lip syncs, but he does it better than JLo’s actual singing. Let’s be honest, JLo is only negotiating for this gig because her career trajectory is going south - it is rumored that Jessica Simpson wanted the position too and the Idol producers eighty-sixed that suggestion.
For God’s sake, do the same to JLo’s inquiries, if indeed she is interested in one of the American Idol’s vacant judgeships. There are great and seasoned artists out there to be added: Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Steven Tyler, Steve Perry, David Bowie: Diana Ross, Katy Lang, Sined O’Connor, Pat Benatar, Cyndi Lauper– I could go on and on – but please, not JLo!
Aspartame Makes Chewing Gum Deadly and Other Food Secrets Exposed
On prisonplanet.com two very revealing videos with the title "Food: The Ultimate Secret Exposed", were released today. Alex Jones explains, how our food has been altered and poisoned. He talks about Aspartame that is very addictive and causes all kinds of diseases.
Another chemical that has been added mainly to our water is Sodium Fluoride. That substance, as proven by the Nuremberg trials, has been used by the Nazis to keep the population of prison camps in check. Today it is added to drinking water, in a pretended effort to "prevent teeth decay".
He talks about how all kinds of deadly and very dangerous toxins have silently been added to our diet. Some of them are GMO, Mercury-tainting, pesticides, cross-species chimeras, plastic compounds in chicken, high fructose corn syrup, cloned meat, rBGH and new aggressive GM species of salmon.
Even 100% organic orange juice for example contains lead in alarming quantities.
Here is the first part: Food: The Ultimate Secret Exposed - PT 1/2
And here is part two of the series: Food: The Ultimate Secret Exposed - PT 2/2
Many of these chemicals are linked with sterility, cancer, brain tumors, low birth weight, miscarriages, smaller or deformed offsprings, as well as organ failure and Death itself. It can prove very healthy is you would go ahead and watch these videos and then read the labels and stop buying all the products that poison your body.
Please share these very important videos with everyone you know or not know, so that the truth about these substances can be known and things can be changed for the better.
After watching these videos, you will agree that food is the ultimate secret. It is great that somebody went ahead and exposed all the secrets about our food and shows what we can do about it.
On a positive note: more and more consumers are waking up and demanding real food. Since 15 years the demand and the availability for organic food has increased tremendously. Or look at tooth paste: fluoride free toothpaste is selling like hotcakes. Even Colgate has a fluoride free toothpaste now and the other will follow.
Update:
The Ultimate Secret was a #1 Google trend. Then suddenly after 2 hours it disappears... .
Maybe there were other things that people were looking for, or did somebody fiddle with the controls here?
Another chemical that has been added mainly to our water is Sodium Fluoride. That substance, as proven by the Nuremberg trials, has been used by the Nazis to keep the population of prison camps in check. Today it is added to drinking water, in a pretended effort to "prevent teeth decay".
He talks about how all kinds of deadly and very dangerous toxins have silently been added to our diet. Some of them are GMO, Mercury-tainting, pesticides, cross-species chimeras, plastic compounds in chicken, high fructose corn syrup, cloned meat, rBGH and new aggressive GM species of salmon.
Even 100% organic orange juice for example contains lead in alarming quantities.
Here is the first part: Food: The Ultimate Secret Exposed - PT 1/2
And here is part two of the series: Food: The Ultimate Secret Exposed - PT 2/2
Many of these chemicals are linked with sterility, cancer, brain tumors, low birth weight, miscarriages, smaller or deformed offsprings, as well as organ failure and Death itself. It can prove very healthy is you would go ahead and watch these videos and then read the labels and stop buying all the products that poison your body.
Please share these very important videos with everyone you know or not know, so that the truth about these substances can be known and things can be changed for the better.
After watching these videos, you will agree that food is the ultimate secret. It is great that somebody went ahead and exposed all the secrets about our food and shows what we can do about it.
On a positive note: more and more consumers are waking up and demanding real food. Since 15 years the demand and the availability for organic food has increased tremendously. Or look at tooth paste: fluoride free toothpaste is selling like hotcakes. Even Colgate has a fluoride free toothpaste now and the other will follow.
Update:
The Ultimate Secret was a #1 Google trend. Then suddenly after 2 hours it disappears... .
Maybe there were other things that people were looking for, or did somebody fiddle with the controls here?
Inception is Making Money: Grosses of $251M After Two Weeks in Theaters
[caption id="attachment_5310" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Inception Movie Poster, Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc."]
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Inception, the summer movie to see more than once, grosses $251,539,000 after being in theaters since two weeks. $165 million were brought in nationwide, while $85 Million were earned in other countries. Distributed by Warner Bros., Inception was released on July 16, 2010. You can watch the Inception Trailer here.
The production budget of this Sci-Fi Action movie was about $160 million. Inception has a run-time: 2 hrs. 28 min and is rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action throughout. The gross of $251 million adds up to a profit of $91 million, which is not bad after only two weeks. The figures are based on data released by boxofficemojo.com.
The main character of this movie, which was written, directed and produced by Christopher Nolan, is played by Leonardo DiCaprio. Co-producer of Inception was Emma Thomas.
The actors are: Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Tom Berenger, Michael Caine and Lukas Haas.
The New York Times writes, that Inception exceeded the box-office dreams. Inception grossed over $60 million in it's first week and with that topped the highly successful Titanic movie which put Leonardo DiCaprio on the map. Titanic made $38 million in its first week and grossed over $1.8 billion total and with that was one of the highest grossing movies ever. Titanic was only surpassed by Avatar with $2.7 billion.
Will Inception beat Titanic and maybe even Avatar? What do you think?
[/caption]Inception, the summer movie to see more than once, grosses $251,539,000 after being in theaters since two weeks. $165 million were brought in nationwide, while $85 Million were earned in other countries. Distributed by Warner Bros., Inception was released on July 16, 2010. You can watch the Inception Trailer here.
The production budget of this Sci-Fi Action movie was about $160 million. Inception has a run-time: 2 hrs. 28 min and is rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action throughout. The gross of $251 million adds up to a profit of $91 million, which is not bad after only two weeks. The figures are based on data released by boxofficemojo.com.
The main character of this movie, which was written, directed and produced by Christopher Nolan, is played by Leonardo DiCaprio. Co-producer of Inception was Emma Thomas.
The actors are: Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Tom Berenger, Michael Caine and Lukas Haas.
The New York Times writes, that Inception exceeded the box-office dreams. Inception grossed over $60 million in it's first week and with that topped the highly successful Titanic movie which put Leonardo DiCaprio on the map. Titanic made $38 million in its first week and grossed over $1.8 billion total and with that was one of the highest grossing movies ever. Titanic was only surpassed by Avatar with $2.7 billion.
Will Inception beat Titanic and maybe even Avatar? What do you think?
Gold is Going Back Up After 2Q GDP Growth Slows and Dow Jones Falls
The spot price for Gold is trading above $1,175, which is the high for the week. Gold price were declining since the end of June. Today there are signs that the down trend might be reversing.
The Dow Jones Industrial Index showed that stocks prices fell today after the US government announces that the GDP was slower than expected. The GDP economic growth is the lowest in a year. The GDP growth came out to 2.4%, while it was expected to be GDP 3.7% based on the projected growth published earlier this year.
The Wallstreet Journal comments on the GDP, that companies cut inventory levels sharply during the recession, reducing GDP because businesses were depleting stockpiles they already had on hand rather than producing more goods.
The Dow Jones feel over 50 points in early Friday trading, but recovered most of it during the day. The Nasdaq and the S&P 500 behaved in a similar way: In the early trading hours they were deep in the valley, while they were able to recover ground through out the day. Overall stocks look a little weak.
All this seems to be enough fire to rekindle the buying interest for Gold. As the price chart form today shows Gold opened with $1,168.20 and advanced steadily to $1,177.60 as of this writing.
The Dow Jones Industrial Index showed that stocks prices fell today after the US government announces that the GDP was slower than expected. The GDP economic growth is the lowest in a year. The GDP growth came out to 2.4%, while it was expected to be GDP 3.7% based on the projected growth published earlier this year.
The Wallstreet Journal comments on the GDP, that companies cut inventory levels sharply during the recession, reducing GDP because businesses were depleting stockpiles they already had on hand rather than producing more goods.
The Dow Jones feel over 50 points in early Friday trading, but recovered most of it during the day. The Nasdaq and the S&P 500 behaved in a similar way: In the early trading hours they were deep in the valley, while they were able to recover ground through out the day. Overall stocks look a little weak.
All this seems to be enough fire to rekindle the buying interest for Gold. As the price chart form today shows Gold opened with $1,168.20 and advanced steadily to $1,177.60 as of this writing.
White House Requests Discretion From Wikileaks, Begs 'No More'
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Julian Assange (left) is the creator of website Wikileaks; photo credit: andygee1"]
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Wikileaks has been releasing documents for years that relate to secretive government agencies from all over the world, among uncovering other scandals, and providing information that may or may not be useful. But their most recent release of tens of thousands of documents on the Afghanistan war, along with video tapes of civilians being killed by American soldiers in incidents that were largely covered up, have unleashed a slew of problems.
The latest set of top secret documents don't tell us much more than what we already knew to be true, much of which has been admitted - more or less - by the military. Mistakes are often made in war, and civilians fall to 'friendly fire', as do fellow soldiers. It is tragic, but not unheard of.
You could argue that some of the information uncovered recently show a much deeper problem of disorganization and perhaps lack of training in the modern incarnation of the Army, and with the necessity of supporting two costly, deadly wars, this is probably true. The number of casualties have been extreme, and the many scandals, from secret prisons to the gunning down of unarmed civilians, is a dark part of our history that we will have to face for generations to come.
Whatever mistakes may or may not have been made, the release of the documents talking about them could have been in the same thread of error.
I have the utmost respect for those who run Wikileaks, and Julian Assange in particular. The Australian-born website owner has put himself at risk many times for the sake of providing proof to the public. Transparency is a major issue, especially in a time that is full of secrecy from all sides.
But, as White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs has pointed out, there are major risks now involved for both international and U.S. soldiers, and informants who have come forward to assist in military operations against the Taliban.
"You have Taliban spokesmen in the region today saying they're combing through those documents to find people that are cooperating with American and international forces," Gibbs was quoted by CBS.
"They're looking through those for names, they said they know how to punish those people."
They are now all but begging Wikileaks not to release the remaining 15,000 documents, and they might be wise to listen. That doesn't mean they can't be released in the future, to show the facts of a war that has been very much operated on the fringe, like most. But if they put it off until the eventual end, they could save many lives while still exposing the truth.
[/caption]Wikileaks has been releasing documents for years that relate to secretive government agencies from all over the world, among uncovering other scandals, and providing information that may or may not be useful. But their most recent release of tens of thousands of documents on the Afghanistan war, along with video tapes of civilians being killed by American soldiers in incidents that were largely covered up, have unleashed a slew of problems.
The latest set of top secret documents don't tell us much more than what we already knew to be true, much of which has been admitted - more or less - by the military. Mistakes are often made in war, and civilians fall to 'friendly fire', as do fellow soldiers. It is tragic, but not unheard of.
You could argue that some of the information uncovered recently show a much deeper problem of disorganization and perhaps lack of training in the modern incarnation of the Army, and with the necessity of supporting two costly, deadly wars, this is probably true. The number of casualties have been extreme, and the many scandals, from secret prisons to the gunning down of unarmed civilians, is a dark part of our history that we will have to face for generations to come.
Whatever mistakes may or may not have been made, the release of the documents talking about them could have been in the same thread of error.
I have the utmost respect for those who run Wikileaks, and Julian Assange in particular. The Australian-born website owner has put himself at risk many times for the sake of providing proof to the public. Transparency is a major issue, especially in a time that is full of secrecy from all sides.
But, as White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs has pointed out, there are major risks now involved for both international and U.S. soldiers, and informants who have come forward to assist in military operations against the Taliban.
"You have Taliban spokesmen in the region today saying they're combing through those documents to find people that are cooperating with American and international forces," Gibbs was quoted by CBS.
"They're looking through those for names, they said they know how to punish those people."
They are now all but begging Wikileaks not to release the remaining 15,000 documents, and they might be wise to listen. That doesn't mean they can't be released in the future, to show the facts of a war that has been very much operated on the fringe, like most. But if they put it off until the eventual end, they could save many lives while still exposing the truth.
Microsoft To Launch Its Version Of The Tablet Later In The Year
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="The iPad has been incredible popular, selling millions; photo credit: Marc van der Chijs"]
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PCWorld is reporting that Microsoft’s CEO Steve Balmer told analysts that his company will be competing in the ever growing crowded tablet space, to provide a windows based version tablet to that of Apple’s popular iPad.
Among those assisting Microsoft in its tablet endeavor are Hewlett Packard, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, and Toshiba. Balmer underscored how serious Microsoft is in manufacturing a tablet by telling analysts that no one is sleeping . He was surprised that its main rival, Apple, has sold over 3 million of its' iPads.
Balmer gave a little insight on his company’s tablet by revealing that Intel processors and Windows 7 will be part of the inner workings of the coming gadget, but he did not speak on the tablet’s name or its' cost.
The irony is that Microsoft, who first saw the potential for a tablet like book way back in 2003, launched its' Windows XP Tablet Edition years ago, but apparently it didn’t take with the buying public.
Microsoft has had a terrible start in making inroads into the tablet space; case in point, it was only a few weeks ago that they pulled their “Courier” dual screen tablet.
Even when Microsoft thought that it would be at least tangentially linked to Hewlett Packard’s tablet, the latter cuts ties with the former by replacing its' Windows 7 with Palm’s OS. Hewlett Packard’s choice made good business sense because of its' recent purchased of Palm.
[/caption]PCWorld is reporting that Microsoft’s CEO Steve Balmer told analysts that his company will be competing in the ever growing crowded tablet space, to provide a windows based version tablet to that of Apple’s popular iPad.
Among those assisting Microsoft in its tablet endeavor are Hewlett Packard, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, and Toshiba. Balmer underscored how serious Microsoft is in manufacturing a tablet by telling analysts that no one is sleeping . He was surprised that its main rival, Apple, has sold over 3 million of its' iPads.
Balmer gave a little insight on his company’s tablet by revealing that Intel processors and Windows 7 will be part of the inner workings of the coming gadget, but he did not speak on the tablet’s name or its' cost.
The irony is that Microsoft, who first saw the potential for a tablet like book way back in 2003, launched its' Windows XP Tablet Edition years ago, but apparently it didn’t take with the buying public.
Microsoft has had a terrible start in making inroads into the tablet space; case in point, it was only a few weeks ago that they pulled their “Courier” dual screen tablet.
Even when Microsoft thought that it would be at least tangentially linked to Hewlett Packard’s tablet, the latter cuts ties with the former by replacing its' Windows 7 with Palm’s OS. Hewlett Packard’s choice made good business sense because of its' recent purchased of Palm.
GDP Economic Growth Lowest In A Year
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="The GDP is once again falling; photo credit: bionicteaching"]
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The news out today on our tattered economy is not good – the Washington Post is reporting that due to the lack of consumer spending and soaring imports, our economy grew at a less than a stellar pace.
The anemic GDP growth, 2.4%, was revised from the projected GDP 3.7%. This rate of the GDP is not high enough to put a dent into the unemployment numbers, and the lack of consumer spending does not help.
The short term prospects for economic growth doesn’t look good either, because several growth indicators are predicted to falter in the second half of the year.
The biggest catalyst affecting the GDP growth was the almost 30% increase in imports, as compared to the 10.3% gains in exports – most economists will tell you that the import/ export numbers should be reversed for ideal economic growth. There was growth from the federal government, which rose by some 9.2% annual rate… with a 13% rise in non-defense spending.
This government rise in growth was due in part to the stimulus, but it is scheduled to taper off later in the year. Growth also came from businesses replenishing their inventories.
The news wasn’t all bad; business investment is soaring to the tune of 21.9 % - much done on software and equipment, but this growth too is expected to be on the wane later in the
[/caption]The news out today on our tattered economy is not good – the Washington Post is reporting that due to the lack of consumer spending and soaring imports, our economy grew at a less than a stellar pace.
The anemic GDP growth, 2.4%, was revised from the projected GDP 3.7%. This rate of the GDP is not high enough to put a dent into the unemployment numbers, and the lack of consumer spending does not help.
The short term prospects for economic growth doesn’t look good either, because several growth indicators are predicted to falter in the second half of the year.
The biggest catalyst affecting the GDP growth was the almost 30% increase in imports, as compared to the 10.3% gains in exports – most economists will tell you that the import/ export numbers should be reversed for ideal economic growth. There was growth from the federal government, which rose by some 9.2% annual rate… with a 13% rise in non-defense spending.
This government rise in growth was due in part to the stimulus, but it is scheduled to taper off later in the year. Growth also came from businesses replenishing their inventories.
The news wasn’t all bad; business investment is soaring to the tune of 21.9 % - much done on software and equipment, but this growth too is expected to be on the wane later in the
Sara Gilbert Speaks About Life as a Gay Parent
[caption id="attachment_5284" align="alignleft" width="226" caption="Sara Gilbert has come out 'officially' for the first time; Photo credit: watchwithkristin via Wikimedia Commons"]
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Pop Eater is reporting that Sara Gilbert, best known for her longtime role as Darlene on the hit sitcom 'Roseanne', has spoken about her sexuality, and about being a lesbian mother in a committed relationship, for the first time.
Those of us who have followed Gilbert's career and occasional press cuttings will not be surprised by her official - albeit quiet - confirmation this week about her sexual preference. She has been widely known as a homosexual for many years, though she never said anything about it.
It really never mattered; a celebrity isn't required to make a huge entrance into the gay world, with full fanfare and an live audience watching the moment occur with bated breath -- though this does seem to be the standard practice lately.
Instead, she came out to the world in a casual moment during a press conference for the Television Critics Association, where she said she had been living with her partner, television producer Allison Adler, for eight years, and they had had two children together, Levi who is five, and Sawyer who is three.
Her small announcement was followed by a discussion on her new show "The Talk", where she was a little more open about what it was like to come out.
I don't ever really think of things as being out or in ... I just think I am who I am, and when topics come up that are appropriate, I'll talk about them and share when it seems right.
"I've been acting my whole life, and I've never really discussed my personal life. This is a talk show, so obviously, I'm going to be discussing my life more, and I felt that the first place I wanted to do it wasn't in a CBS press release. It just seemed impersonal, and I felt like I'd rather come in person and talk to you about all that stuff here."
[/caption]Pop Eater is reporting that Sara Gilbert, best known for her longtime role as Darlene on the hit sitcom 'Roseanne', has spoken about her sexuality, and about being a lesbian mother in a committed relationship, for the first time.
Those of us who have followed Gilbert's career and occasional press cuttings will not be surprised by her official - albeit quiet - confirmation this week about her sexual preference. She has been widely known as a homosexual for many years, though she never said anything about it.
It really never mattered; a celebrity isn't required to make a huge entrance into the gay world, with full fanfare and an live audience watching the moment occur with bated breath -- though this does seem to be the standard practice lately.
Instead, she came out to the world in a casual moment during a press conference for the Television Critics Association, where she said she had been living with her partner, television producer Allison Adler, for eight years, and they had had two children together, Levi who is five, and Sawyer who is three.
Her small announcement was followed by a discussion on her new show "The Talk", where she was a little more open about what it was like to come out.
I don't ever really think of things as being out or in ... I just think I am who I am, and when topics come up that are appropriate, I'll talk about them and share when it seems right.
"I've been acting my whole life, and I've never really discussed my personal life. This is a talk show, so obviously, I'm going to be discussing my life more, and I felt that the first place I wanted to do it wasn't in a CBS press release. It just seemed impersonal, and I felt like I'd rather come in person and talk to you about all that stuff here."
French Mother Claims 'Relief' Over Truth About Infanticide
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="154" caption="Nord, France; photo credit: Giåm"]
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By now you will probably have heard about the French couple arrested yesterday, after the current tenant of a home owned by their family members found a baby's corpse while digging in the garden. Police searched the premises and found eight corpses in all, each newborn infants that had been killed after the birth.
The investigation, being held in Villers-au-Tertre in the Nord region, was helped by Dominique Cottrez, the alleged murderer, assisting police in finding six out of the eight bodies, after two of them were discovered. The eight bodies make this the worst case to infanticide in the history of the country, after Celine Lesage was convicted of killing six of her children.
Now, all of this is horrific enough, but it is possibly the woman's reaction to the killings that span back to the late 80's, and her reasons for allowing them to happen at all, that are the most disturbing part of this entire case.
According to Cottrez's attorney, she killed the innocent children because she didn't want anymore kids, and yet she didn't want the stigma of asking a doctor for contraception, or to pop down to the drug store for a box of condoms. The woman is in her 40's, married, and killed 8 babies to avoid going on birth control, or having her tubes ties...unbelievable.
When asked how she was feeling about having been caught, her lawyer told BBC News that, "she doesn't have to carry this on her conscience any more, and that's a kind of relief."
As a mother of two myself, I find it difficult to listen to a woman who began pregnant over and over again for the selfish reason of not wanting to go on birth control speak of being 'relieved' when she is caught out as the worst perpetrator of infanticide in the history of France.
This is especially true now that it turns out that she may not be tried for all of the killings...the statute of limitations has run out on five or six of them.
Cottrez is facing psychological testing to establish whether or not she was responsible for her actions. But she claims she was fully aware of her pregnancies and had specific reasons for doing what she did, i.e. not wanting any more children (she has two in their 20's). It seems she knew just what she did, and knew at the time.
Her husband, Pierre-Marie Cottrez, has been released after initially being arrested for aiding in disposing of the bodies. He is not being charged, and he may not have known about the crimes.
[/caption]By now you will probably have heard about the French couple arrested yesterday, after the current tenant of a home owned by their family members found a baby's corpse while digging in the garden. Police searched the premises and found eight corpses in all, each newborn infants that had been killed after the birth.
The investigation, being held in Villers-au-Tertre in the Nord region, was helped by Dominique Cottrez, the alleged murderer, assisting police in finding six out of the eight bodies, after two of them were discovered. The eight bodies make this the worst case to infanticide in the history of the country, after Celine Lesage was convicted of killing six of her children.
Now, all of this is horrific enough, but it is possibly the woman's reaction to the killings that span back to the late 80's, and her reasons for allowing them to happen at all, that are the most disturbing part of this entire case.
According to Cottrez's attorney, she killed the innocent children because she didn't want anymore kids, and yet she didn't want the stigma of asking a doctor for contraception, or to pop down to the drug store for a box of condoms. The woman is in her 40's, married, and killed 8 babies to avoid going on birth control, or having her tubes ties...unbelievable.
When asked how she was feeling about having been caught, her lawyer told BBC News that, "she doesn't have to carry this on her conscience any more, and that's a kind of relief."
As a mother of two myself, I find it difficult to listen to a woman who began pregnant over and over again for the selfish reason of not wanting to go on birth control speak of being 'relieved' when she is caught out as the worst perpetrator of infanticide in the history of France.
This is especially true now that it turns out that she may not be tried for all of the killings...the statute of limitations has run out on five or six of them.
Cottrez is facing psychological testing to establish whether or not she was responsible for her actions. But she claims she was fully aware of her pregnancies and had specific reasons for doing what she did, i.e. not wanting any more children (she has two in their 20's). It seems she knew just what she did, and knew at the time.
Her husband, Pierre-Marie Cottrez, has been released after initially being arrested for aiding in disposing of the bodies. He is not being charged, and he may not have known about the crimes.
Ellen Degeneres Bails On American Idol
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Ellen has announced that she will be leaving American Idol; Creative Commons License photo credit: ronpaulrevolt2008"]
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The Los Angeles Times is reporting that once mighty power house show 'American Idol' is finding it difficult to recruit and maintain hosts. First, the obvious star of the show, Simon Cowell, made an exit to start his own venture, and now Ellen Ellen Degeneres, who joined with such fanfare, is leaving.
From the beginning, it seemed a bad fit with the enthusiasm and seamless fit incompatible and off-kilter. Could it be that Paula Abdul was more integral to the team than first recognized? Just once, I would like stars to come out and say it didn’t work out, instead of resorting to the typical PR blather.
In the case of Ellen, we are told that she has "other commitments", and that she did not enjoy breaking would-be Idol hearts in telling them that they were not moving on, etc.
Let’s be honest, if there were no criticism of Ellen’s choice as the replacement of Abdul, does anyone think that Mrs. Degeneres would be leaving? The same commitments were there last year when she came on to the show with much fanfare.
Paula Abdul must be secretly smiling… getting the last laugh, and moreover, being rewarded with her own gig, with the added bonus of being one of her shows' producers.
What many do not want to acknowledge is how much a formidable competitor that “Dancing With The Stars” has become; it literally has more buzz. Especially when it showcases stars trying to maneuver around the dance floor – sometimes in sheer horror ala Kate Gosselin’s tenure on the show.
But that is what is appealing about Dancing With The Stars, even for macho guys like myself. I want to see my former or current football stars burning up the dance floor - and there is always the added drama of who is and will be hooking up. Tell the truth, how many of us wait with baited breath to know who are going to be chosen for Dancing With The Stars?
Earlier in the week, the Internet was abuzz about the producers of Idol courting Justin Timberlake and Sir Elton John – we were told that Timberlake was not interested, and that Sir Elton would cost too much. As recently as yesterday, P. Diddy let known his wish and desire to be part of the judges on American Idol.
I think the producers should give the winner of Idol a million dollars, because many of them seldom live up to the hype, at least by their album sales. Any show that could afford to pay Cowell some reported $50 million can take care of the winners financially, just in case the recording thing doesn’t work out.
[/caption]The Los Angeles Times is reporting that once mighty power house show 'American Idol' is finding it difficult to recruit and maintain hosts. First, the obvious star of the show, Simon Cowell, made an exit to start his own venture, and now Ellen Ellen Degeneres, who joined with such fanfare, is leaving.
From the beginning, it seemed a bad fit with the enthusiasm and seamless fit incompatible and off-kilter. Could it be that Paula Abdul was more integral to the team than first recognized? Just once, I would like stars to come out and say it didn’t work out, instead of resorting to the typical PR blather.
In the case of Ellen, we are told that she has "other commitments", and that she did not enjoy breaking would-be Idol hearts in telling them that they were not moving on, etc.
Let’s be honest, if there were no criticism of Ellen’s choice as the replacement of Abdul, does anyone think that Mrs. Degeneres would be leaving? The same commitments were there last year when she came on to the show with much fanfare.
Paula Abdul must be secretly smiling… getting the last laugh, and moreover, being rewarded with her own gig, with the added bonus of being one of her shows' producers.
What many do not want to acknowledge is how much a formidable competitor that “Dancing With The Stars” has become; it literally has more buzz. Especially when it showcases stars trying to maneuver around the dance floor – sometimes in sheer horror ala Kate Gosselin’s tenure on the show.
But that is what is appealing about Dancing With The Stars, even for macho guys like myself. I want to see my former or current football stars burning up the dance floor - and there is always the added drama of who is and will be hooking up. Tell the truth, how many of us wait with baited breath to know who are going to be chosen for Dancing With The Stars?
Earlier in the week, the Internet was abuzz about the producers of Idol courting Justin Timberlake and Sir Elton John – we were told that Timberlake was not interested, and that Sir Elton would cost too much. As recently as yesterday, P. Diddy let known his wish and desire to be part of the judges on American Idol.
I think the producers should give the winner of Idol a million dollars, because many of them seldom live up to the hype, at least by their album sales. Any show that could afford to pay Cowell some reported $50 million can take care of the winners financially, just in case the recording thing doesn’t work out.
الخميس، 29 يوليو 2010
MetLife and Prudential – There Are Those Who Want To Jump The Line To Go To The Burning Hell
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="U.S. soldiers who die in combat may be having their life insurance siphoned by insurance companies; photo credit: The U.S. Army"]
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Long ago, I sneaked and listened to one of my dad’s Eddie Murphy comedy albums and I remembered Murphy saying that there are those who engage in certain nefarious behavior, who did so to jump the head of the line for all those destined for Hell. If what the New York State Attorney General, Andrew Cuomo, is alleging about some insurance companies is true, then these guys too want to jump the line.
CNN is reporting that the New York Attorney General is investigating insurance companies for fraud, specifically looking to see if they denied grieving military families of needed life insurance proceeds. The fraud alleges that these insurance companies placed the life insurance proceeds into interest bearing accounts, without doling out those interests to the aggrieved families. To complicate matters for these military families, these interest bearing accounts were not insured by the FDIC.
How outrageous that these men and women go off to die for country and insurance “scum” steal from their suffering families. The companies allegedly involved in this fraud are MetLife and Prudential, and both are denying the Attorney General’s claims of fraud.
Prudential CEO, John Stangfeld said that, "Prudential does not in any way take money from beneficiaries." MetLife spokesman, John Calagna, said that he hadn’t seen the subpoena and… had no comment.
The news of the alleged fraud has reached the desk of the Pentagon; Secretary of Defense Gates said that he thought that deceased families were getting their loved one's benefits in the full amounts, but that wasn’t the case. Gates went to say that he is interested to see the outcome of Attorney General Cuomo’s investigation. I truly hope that this is not so, because such alleged greed would indeed warrant being at the head of the line for the biblical burning Hell.
[/caption]Long ago, I sneaked and listened to one of my dad’s Eddie Murphy comedy albums and I remembered Murphy saying that there are those who engage in certain nefarious behavior, who did so to jump the head of the line for all those destined for Hell. If what the New York State Attorney General, Andrew Cuomo, is alleging about some insurance companies is true, then these guys too want to jump the line.
CNN is reporting that the New York Attorney General is investigating insurance companies for fraud, specifically looking to see if they denied grieving military families of needed life insurance proceeds. The fraud alleges that these insurance companies placed the life insurance proceeds into interest bearing accounts, without doling out those interests to the aggrieved families. To complicate matters for these military families, these interest bearing accounts were not insured by the FDIC.
How outrageous that these men and women go off to die for country and insurance “scum” steal from their suffering families. The companies allegedly involved in this fraud are MetLife and Prudential, and both are denying the Attorney General’s claims of fraud.
Prudential CEO, John Stangfeld said that, "Prudential does not in any way take money from beneficiaries." MetLife spokesman, John Calagna, said that he hadn’t seen the subpoena and… had no comment.
The news of the alleged fraud has reached the desk of the Pentagon; Secretary of Defense Gates said that he thought that deceased families were getting their loved one's benefits in the full amounts, but that wasn’t the case. Gates went to say that he is interested to see the outcome of Attorney General Cuomo’s investigation. I truly hope that this is not so, because such alleged greed would indeed warrant being at the head of the line for the biblical burning Hell.
Who is Matt Hoffman - Panem et Circenses
What a wonderful world. Wednesday night and what is all America doing? Wondering who the heck Matt Hoffman is. At least, based on Google Trends that was what was going through the minds of many people in the US.
Matt Hoffman is one of the contestants in the reality TV series Big Brother. The 12th episode of Big Brother starts on Friday and the night before a lot of people want to find out what might be going on the next day.
Here is what Matt says about himself: "I have what it takes. I'm smart, charismatic and housebroken so I won't pee on the carpet." I can's see the smart part. With colored Tattoos all over, he might revise that "smart" in a few years when his kidneys or other organs fails. All that paint in the body ain't no good.
What strikes me is how little reality people really have. Who cares who plays in what show? Are there not more important issues than debased reality shows?
Reminds me on the old Romans. They were kept in check with "panem et circenses". That's Latin and means Bread and Games. At that time the players were really eaten alive. Not by their opponents, more so by the lions. Reality shows are also about being eaten alive. Especially Big Brother as far as I heard. I have to admit, that I have never seen that show.
There are several wars going on on this planet, the Gulf of Mexico is turning into a tar mess, millions are on street drugs or prescription drugs. And what is being researched one of 13 wannabe actors from TV show. That the show is being watched, that I can understand. But that one of the "stars" is the number one trend on Google News, throws a rather dim light on America.
Matt Hoffman is one of the contestants in the reality TV series Big Brother. The 12th episode of Big Brother starts on Friday and the night before a lot of people want to find out what might be going on the next day.
Here is what Matt says about himself: "I have what it takes. I'm smart, charismatic and housebroken so I won't pee on the carpet." I can's see the smart part. With colored Tattoos all over, he might revise that "smart" in a few years when his kidneys or other organs fails. All that paint in the body ain't no good.
What strikes me is how little reality people really have. Who cares who plays in what show? Are there not more important issues than debased reality shows?
Reminds me on the old Romans. They were kept in check with "panem et circenses". That's Latin and means Bread and Games. At that time the players were really eaten alive. Not by their opponents, more so by the lions. Reality shows are also about being eaten alive. Especially Big Brother as far as I heard. I have to admit, that I have never seen that show.
There are several wars going on on this planet, the Gulf of Mexico is turning into a tar mess, millions are on street drugs or prescription drugs. And what is being researched one of 13 wannabe actors from TV show. That the show is being watched, that I can understand. But that one of the "stars" is the number one trend on Google News, throws a rather dim light on America.
Blue Jays Make Trade Moves For The Future: Send Brett Wallace To Houston For Anthony Gose
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="192" caption="The Orioles vs. Blue Jays; photo credit: Garyisajoke"]
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It is that time of year, when baseball contenders make trading moves with visions of playing in September and beyond. But for the life of me, I do not get the Jays’ trade of their top prospect, Brett Wallace to Houston for Anthony Gose.
Perhaps, it is a trade for the future, and the Jays were grabbing prospects available out there in the market. This then would make sense, because the Jays seem to be assembling quite a team for now and the future, and the prospects are young too.
The baseball logic of the trade is obvious, because Gose, is barely nineteen, can be a tremendous southpaw hitter. However, the Jays are not concentrating on his hitting, which incidentally Gose hasn’t done that well in the minors.
But the Jays are seeking a talent in center field and Gose is said to be one of the top prospects out there – and again, he is only nineteen - with the added gift for speed, having stolen 76 of 96 bases in the minors.
The Jays’ choice of readily giving up on their equally talented first base prospect Wallace was made because it is easy to procure a first baseman than a talented center fielder.
Currently, the Jays are twelve games behind the first place Yankees and Rays, and Boston are ahead of the Jays for the Wild Card spot. Knowing their standings, we can surmise that the trade of Wallace was a move for next year and the future.
As for Houston getting the talented Wallace, this too is a move for the future because Houston is second to last in the Central Division. Mr. Wallace is expected to get ample playing time in Houston, unlike his time in a Blue Jay uniform. The proverbial writing should be on the wall for the Jays current center fielder, Vernon Wells - Gose is being groomed for his position.
Via bleacherreport.com
[/caption]It is that time of year, when baseball contenders make trading moves with visions of playing in September and beyond. But for the life of me, I do not get the Jays’ trade of their top prospect, Brett Wallace to Houston for Anthony Gose.
Perhaps, it is a trade for the future, and the Jays were grabbing prospects available out there in the market. This then would make sense, because the Jays seem to be assembling quite a team for now and the future, and the prospects are young too.
The baseball logic of the trade is obvious, because Gose, is barely nineteen, can be a tremendous southpaw hitter. However, the Jays are not concentrating on his hitting, which incidentally Gose hasn’t done that well in the minors.
But the Jays are seeking a talent in center field and Gose is said to be one of the top prospects out there – and again, he is only nineteen - with the added gift for speed, having stolen 76 of 96 bases in the minors.
The Jays’ choice of readily giving up on their equally talented first base prospect Wallace was made because it is easy to procure a first baseman than a talented center fielder.
Currently, the Jays are twelve games behind the first place Yankees and Rays, and Boston are ahead of the Jays for the Wild Card spot. Knowing their standings, we can surmise that the trade of Wallace was a move for next year and the future.
As for Houston getting the talented Wallace, this too is a move for the future because Houston is second to last in the Central Division. Mr. Wallace is expected to get ample playing time in Houston, unlike his time in a Blue Jay uniform. The proverbial writing should be on the wall for the Jays current center fielder, Vernon Wells - Gose is being groomed for his position.
Via bleacherreport.com
Weekend Sale at AT&T
If you are in the market for anew phone, probably a new iPhone, this might be the right time to go shopping. AT&T is having a weekend sale and is offering free overnight shipping on new cell phones and waived activation on all new customers and add a line AT&T Wireless orders.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="228" caption="HTC Aria - Black"]
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This offer is valid from 7.30.2010 to 8.2.2010. As usual with offers like this, some restrictions apply. One of the restrictions being that you have to sign a two year contract. But you have to sign that contract anyhow, unless you want to shell out some real cash for a new phone or two.
You can get your new phone faster and save on the activation fee. If you need a new iPhone (iPhone 4 or iPhone 3) or if you are looking to get an Android Phone (Motorola Backflip 3G, Motorola Backflip - Silver, HTC Aria 3G, HTC Aria Black, Samsung Captivate), this deal might be worth to take a a look.
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="228" caption="HTC Aria - Black"]
[/caption]This offer is valid from 7.30.2010 to 8.2.2010. As usual with offers like this, some restrictions apply. One of the restrictions being that you have to sign a two year contract. But you have to sign that contract anyhow, unless you want to shell out some real cash for a new phone or two.
You can get your new phone faster and save on the activation fee. If you need a new iPhone (iPhone 4 or iPhone 3) or if you are looking to get an Android Phone (Motorola Backflip 3G, Motorola Backflip - Silver, HTC Aria 3G, HTC Aria Black, Samsung Captivate), this deal might be worth to take a a look.
Thank God President Obama Doesn’t Know Who Snooki Is
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Snooki (right) is one of the "celebrities" of reality show 'Jersey Shore'; photo credit: elgin.jessica"]
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A couple days ago, I saw the cast of the “Jersey Shore” ringing the opening bell down at Wall Street. I am almost certain that if the old Soviet Union were still in existence, their intelligence would have come - after this travesty down at Wall Street - to the conclusion that America is finished.
Somebody honestly tell me, what does the “Jersey Shore” contribute to our pop culture? Truth be told, my little sister thinks it's all the rage, but then again, she once had dreams of grandeur of at least dating singer George Michael.
For those of us who grew up viewing actual shows like “Seinfeld” and “Cheers,” it is shocking, to say the least, that there are reality shows on the air contributing dross to the culture. I shudder to think what my daughter will be viewing when she is of age.
All is not lost though, because CNN is reporting that President Obama, who just appeared on the view, was ignorant of who Snooki was, and supposedly the cast of “Jersey Store”. Perhaps I am wrong about the show, because I would have never thought that President Obama would have seen fit to be on " The View.” Joy Behar makes a punched drunk boxer articulate - but then again, what do I know?
When I go on a rant like this on pop culture, my sister intimates that it’s because I am old. I don’t think so, I am simply berating the fact that there are legitimate actors out there – I see them all the time working at Applebees and the like – struggling to get a shot at fame, and to have the cast of “Jersey Shore” now making $25,000 an episode...
Then again, if MTV is making a killing, the cast should be compensated. I have the distinct feeling that I might be seeing future reality stars like Snooki being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
[/caption]A couple days ago, I saw the cast of the “Jersey Shore” ringing the opening bell down at Wall Street. I am almost certain that if the old Soviet Union were still in existence, their intelligence would have come - after this travesty down at Wall Street - to the conclusion that America is finished.
Somebody honestly tell me, what does the “Jersey Shore” contribute to our pop culture? Truth be told, my little sister thinks it's all the rage, but then again, she once had dreams of grandeur of at least dating singer George Michael.
For those of us who grew up viewing actual shows like “Seinfeld” and “Cheers,” it is shocking, to say the least, that there are reality shows on the air contributing dross to the culture. I shudder to think what my daughter will be viewing when she is of age.
All is not lost though, because CNN is reporting that President Obama, who just appeared on the view, was ignorant of who Snooki was, and supposedly the cast of “Jersey Store”. Perhaps I am wrong about the show, because I would have never thought that President Obama would have seen fit to be on " The View.” Joy Behar makes a punched drunk boxer articulate - but then again, what do I know?
When I go on a rant like this on pop culture, my sister intimates that it’s because I am old. I don’t think so, I am simply berating the fact that there are legitimate actors out there – I see them all the time working at Applebees and the like – struggling to get a shot at fame, and to have the cast of “Jersey Shore” now making $25,000 an episode...
Then again, if MTV is making a killing, the cast should be compensated. I have the distinct feeling that I might be seeing future reality stars like Snooki being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Almost 80, Robert Duvall Still A Master Of His Acting Craft
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="159" caption="Robert Duvall and Diane Lane; photo credit: Alan Light"]
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I am reminded by the New York Times that one of the most gifted actors, Robert Duvall, though almost 80, is still alive and doing stellar work. Anyone who reads this blog knows that I like the movies and every chance I get, I love to reference films. It goes back to my youth when the two hours or so I spent at the movies took me somewhere, and the actors made that movie real – Mr. Duvall has done that for me countless times.
As a boy, new to this country, and wanting to understand the Vietnam War, because, though my father is one of its veterans, he doesn’t speak of it. So when realistic movies, like “Apocalypse Now” come along, I would watch them over and over again.
“Apocalypse Now” is a Francis Ford Coppola movie, and although Mr. Duvall role is brief, he eats it up. Who could forget that scene on the beach where there is rapid gunfire and mortars are going off and death is all around Duvall, yet he is cavalier, spouting those immortal words: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning!”
I would be remiss if I did not address Mr. Duvall’s calm, cool, and collected performance in two “Godfather” movies, as the legal enforcer for the Corleone family.
It is not only the big budget movies that Mr. Duvall excels at...look at his brilliant performance in the movie, “The Apostle, ” where he played an evangelist with feet of clay, but who manned up to those frailties.
The mark of a good thespian is being able to convincingly play any role, and if you see Mr. Duvall as “The Great Santini,” those of us who served our country will recognize officers who most resembled Duvall’s character.
In an age of obsession with youth, it is good to see that Mr. Duvall still is respected and is gainfully employ in the art he obviously loves so much. I must convey a story to show what kind of man he is: about three years ago or so, the famous Jewish director, Steven Spielberg was lauding Cuban leader Fidel Castro. Around the same time, Castro had summarily executed two Cuban reporters for criticizing the Cuban regime.
Mr. Duvall took offense, starting out his critique by saying that he may not work again in Hollywood, but he had to take director Spielberg to task. He went on to say that Mr. Spielberg would have been outraged had some one of his stature lauded Adolf Hitler. Mr. Duvall is indeed an actor and a man with the courage of his conviction.
[/caption]I am reminded by the New York Times that one of the most gifted actors, Robert Duvall, though almost 80, is still alive and doing stellar work. Anyone who reads this blog knows that I like the movies and every chance I get, I love to reference films. It goes back to my youth when the two hours or so I spent at the movies took me somewhere, and the actors made that movie real – Mr. Duvall has done that for me countless times.
As a boy, new to this country, and wanting to understand the Vietnam War, because, though my father is one of its veterans, he doesn’t speak of it. So when realistic movies, like “Apocalypse Now” come along, I would watch them over and over again.
“Apocalypse Now” is a Francis Ford Coppola movie, and although Mr. Duvall role is brief, he eats it up. Who could forget that scene on the beach where there is rapid gunfire and mortars are going off and death is all around Duvall, yet he is cavalier, spouting those immortal words: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning!”
I would be remiss if I did not address Mr. Duvall’s calm, cool, and collected performance in two “Godfather” movies, as the legal enforcer for the Corleone family.
It is not only the big budget movies that Mr. Duvall excels at...look at his brilliant performance in the movie, “The Apostle, ” where he played an evangelist with feet of clay, but who manned up to those frailties.
The mark of a good thespian is being able to convincingly play any role, and if you see Mr. Duvall as “The Great Santini,” those of us who served our country will recognize officers who most resembled Duvall’s character.
In an age of obsession with youth, it is good to see that Mr. Duvall still is respected and is gainfully employ in the art he obviously loves so much. I must convey a story to show what kind of man he is: about three years ago or so, the famous Jewish director, Steven Spielberg was lauding Cuban leader Fidel Castro. Around the same time, Castro had summarily executed two Cuban reporters for criticizing the Cuban regime.
Mr. Duvall took offense, starting out his critique by saying that he may not work again in Hollywood, but he had to take director Spielberg to task. He went on to say that Mr. Spielberg would have been outraged had some one of his stature lauded Adolf Hitler. Mr. Duvall is indeed an actor and a man with the courage of his conviction.
China Demands Respect Afforded A Super Power
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Shanghai, China; photo credit: rickyqi"]
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I am not a pundit of Sino-American relations, but I thought that it was going well between the two countries.
Reuters is reporting that relations between China and the United States could be much better because the former thinks that the latter is not treating it as an equal partner. Plain meaning: we are now Hegemony and should be treated accordingly.
No one knows if the Chinese voiced these sentiments privately to the Obama Administration, but we are certain that these words were aired in one of its mouthpiece official newspapers.
At the heart of the Chinese griping is the first claim that Washington does not respect its' sovereignty, because we are interfering in its dispute over the South China Sea.
The Chinese also said that the United States “disses” them when we sell weapons to Taiwan, a territory China still claims as part of the Main Land; and in addition, the Chinese took umbrage to the United States criticism over the recent dispute with Google over censorship. Last, but not least, the ongoing dispute over the floating of its' currency.
The Chinese went on to say that instability between us and them is not good and that it will not only affect bilateral relations, but will affect the world in general. Notice that the threats were not blatant, but nonetheless threats as to who holds the aces.
There were no mentions of who funds our debts and who holds a disproportionate amount of our bonds – but the Chinese need not do so. The message was clear and the world must take note that China is the new Super Power on the block and the United States must and better recognize this.
[/caption]I am not a pundit of Sino-American relations, but I thought that it was going well between the two countries.
Reuters is reporting that relations between China and the United States could be much better because the former thinks that the latter is not treating it as an equal partner. Plain meaning: we are now Hegemony and should be treated accordingly.
No one knows if the Chinese voiced these sentiments privately to the Obama Administration, but we are certain that these words were aired in one of its mouthpiece official newspapers.
At the heart of the Chinese griping is the first claim that Washington does not respect its' sovereignty, because we are interfering in its dispute over the South China Sea.
The Chinese also said that the United States “disses” them when we sell weapons to Taiwan, a territory China still claims as part of the Main Land; and in addition, the Chinese took umbrage to the United States criticism over the recent dispute with Google over censorship. Last, but not least, the ongoing dispute over the floating of its' currency.
The Chinese went on to say that instability between us and them is not good and that it will not only affect bilateral relations, but will affect the world in general. Notice that the threats were not blatant, but nonetheless threats as to who holds the aces.
There were no mentions of who funds our debts and who holds a disproportionate amount of our bonds – but the Chinese need not do so. The message was clear and the world must take note that China is the new Super Power on the block and the United States must and better recognize this.
President Obama on 'The View': Who is Snookie
[caption id="attachment_5216" align="alignleft" width="252" caption="President Obama on "The View", Photo credit: ABC"]
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President Obama appeared on The View, a TV show hosted by five women. This was the third appearance on the show. Obama was on the show two times before he was elected, but he is the first president to visit a daytime during his term and Barbara Walters, one of the executive producers of The View, made a special appearance for this historic event.
The questions were hot and interesting. For example the President was asked what the hardest part of the past few months has been for him, as there were several challenges like the Gulf oil spill, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the economic rather unfortunate economic situation. His response, while comfortably sitting on the custard-colored couch, was :
"Obviously the country has gone through a tough stretch. When I was sworn in ... we were losing at that time 750,000 jobs per month, the economy was shrinking at a pace of about 6.5 percent — which is unheard of since the Great Depression — and so the last 20 months has been a non-stop effort to restart the economy, to stabilize the financial system, to make sure that we're creating jobs again instead of losing them, and in the midst of all that we've also had the oil spill, we've also had two wars, we've also had a pandemic, H1N1, that we had to manage, and a whole host of other issues."
"What has been gratifying is the fact that the economy now is starting to stabilize and grow again," he continued, "and what's been satisfying is seeing how resilient the American people are. As much as you said it's been tough for me, the truth is, it's not tough for me. ... You think about what the American people have gone through, losing jobs, seeing their home values go down, their 401Ks declining ... I don't spend a lot of time worrying about me. I spend a lot of time worrying about them."
When Obama was asked why he choose to appear on a show with five women that don't stop talking, he answered with a laugh: “Look, I was trying to find a show that Michelle actually watched, and so I thought this is it, right here. All those news shows, she’s like, ‘Eh, let me get the clicker.’”
Asked if "Jersey Shore" breakout star Snooki should run for mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, the president admitted, "I don't know who Snooki is". Obviously "Jersey Shore" is not as important for the country as the producers of it want to make it seem.
Another interesting question targeted the President's iPod and it's contents. The President admitted to being a Jay-Z fan. He also said that he had songs Jigga and Frank Sinatra, as well as opera legend Maria Callas, but not Justin Bieber. "I have Justin Bieber," he stated. "He came to sing at the White House ... he's a very nice young man."
After he got ridiculed for not being invited to Chelsea Clintons wedding, he explained, that is is probably not good to have two presidents at a wedding. He also fired back with: "Ya'll will not be invited to Malia and Sasha's weddings", talking about his two daughters, who currently have no boys yet calling his house.
Barbara Walters asks Obama: "Why we are still in Afghanistan?"
"We are ending combat operations in Iraq this month."
"We will start thinning out our troops in July 2011 in Afghanistan," Obama said.
[/caption]President Obama appeared on The View, a TV show hosted by five women. This was the third appearance on the show. Obama was on the show two times before he was elected, but he is the first president to visit a daytime during his term and Barbara Walters, one of the executive producers of The View, made a special appearance for this historic event.
The questions were hot and interesting. For example the President was asked what the hardest part of the past few months has been for him, as there were several challenges like the Gulf oil spill, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the economic rather unfortunate economic situation. His response, while comfortably sitting on the custard-colored couch, was :
"Obviously the country has gone through a tough stretch. When I was sworn in ... we were losing at that time 750,000 jobs per month, the economy was shrinking at a pace of about 6.5 percent — which is unheard of since the Great Depression — and so the last 20 months has been a non-stop effort to restart the economy, to stabilize the financial system, to make sure that we're creating jobs again instead of losing them, and in the midst of all that we've also had the oil spill, we've also had two wars, we've also had a pandemic, H1N1, that we had to manage, and a whole host of other issues."
"What has been gratifying is the fact that the economy now is starting to stabilize and grow again," he continued, "and what's been satisfying is seeing how resilient the American people are. As much as you said it's been tough for me, the truth is, it's not tough for me. ... You think about what the American people have gone through, losing jobs, seeing their home values go down, their 401Ks declining ... I don't spend a lot of time worrying about me. I spend a lot of time worrying about them."
When Obama was asked why he choose to appear on a show with five women that don't stop talking, he answered with a laugh: “Look, I was trying to find a show that Michelle actually watched, and so I thought this is it, right here. All those news shows, she’s like, ‘Eh, let me get the clicker.’”
Asked if "Jersey Shore" breakout star Snooki should run for mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, the president admitted, "I don't know who Snooki is". Obviously "Jersey Shore" is not as important for the country as the producers of it want to make it seem.
Another interesting question targeted the President's iPod and it's contents. The President admitted to being a Jay-Z fan. He also said that he had songs Jigga and Frank Sinatra, as well as opera legend Maria Callas, but not Justin Bieber. "I have Justin Bieber," he stated. "He came to sing at the White House ... he's a very nice young man."
After he got ridiculed for not being invited to Chelsea Clintons wedding, he explained, that is is probably not good to have two presidents at a wedding. He also fired back with: "Ya'll will not be invited to Malia and Sasha's weddings", talking about his two daughters, who currently have no boys yet calling his house.
Barbara Walters asks Obama: "Why we are still in Afghanistan?"
"We are ending combat operations in Iraq this month."
"We will start thinning out our troops in July 2011 in Afghanistan," Obama said.
Preliminary Litigation Over BP’s Gulf Spill Opens With Venue Dispute
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="The dispute over the Gulf Coast spill continues as cleanup moves slowly forward; photo credit: The Sierra Club"]
[/caption]
The first salvo over the gulf spill litigation involves a dispute over venue – basically, this is where both sides are petitioning the court where the case should be tried.
Bloomberg is reporting that the United States government prefers the cases to be tried in New Orleans, as the majority of those who suffered damage live in Louisiana. BP prefers Houston, mainly because it has its' US headquarters in Houston, Texas.
If I remember my Civil Procedure Law, venue is predicated on various factors, including where the civil wrong occurred. In this case, any of the Gulf States would suffice.
The venue process can get more complicated, but the gist of it is trying to procure a qualify presiding judge to manage the mine field of the complexities of a class action suit – this will hopefully result in a jury pool, which will listen objectively, weigh the evidence and adhere to the judge’s take on the governing rules of law, and comes back with a verdict from the confines of those prisms.
Perhaps BP’s thinking is that the people of Louisiana are too close to the civil wrong (spill) and that they may want to make BP pay too for “Katrina,” making the jury pool unable to be objective. The jurors in Houston might be seen as more sophisticated and more prone to give lesser monies in civil verdicts – whatever the two sides respective positions as to choice of Venue, both sides know their reasons for choosing one state or the other.
The bottom line is money – how much of it will BP have to payout to all the plaintiffs. The case claims against BP run the gamut from Wrongful Death, a case by survivors of those who died in the explosions, to losses of the businesses due to the spill. Another possible claim will be the loss of the market value of the BP stock holders because of the spill. BP expects some 300 plaintiffs from Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Mississippi and experts are predicting the payout might be close to $60 billion. It is a given that BP will be liable to billions – it is just a matter of how many billions.
In the initial process, the Plaintiffs’ lawyers are salivating over the process of Discovery, where BP will be compelled to turn over data, if said data shows that BP was privy to reports about faulty rig equipment, lack of adequate maintenance, and faulty operations protocols, all of which might have contributed to the explosion and subsequent spill.
Even now, as I write, the lawyers for BP and the board know what they want to shell out, but my guess is that the case will go to trial; but the trial will not reach a verdict stage before both sides will negotiate a settlement. This settlement outcome is especially more likely if there is a chance that BP might go under due to the financial burdens of a prolonged litigation process, and moreover, if there are inclinations of outrageous civil penalties being found against BP.
[/caption]The first salvo over the gulf spill litigation involves a dispute over venue – basically, this is where both sides are petitioning the court where the case should be tried.
Bloomberg is reporting that the United States government prefers the cases to be tried in New Orleans, as the majority of those who suffered damage live in Louisiana. BP prefers Houston, mainly because it has its' US headquarters in Houston, Texas.
If I remember my Civil Procedure Law, venue is predicated on various factors, including where the civil wrong occurred. In this case, any of the Gulf States would suffice.
The venue process can get more complicated, but the gist of it is trying to procure a qualify presiding judge to manage the mine field of the complexities of a class action suit – this will hopefully result in a jury pool, which will listen objectively, weigh the evidence and adhere to the judge’s take on the governing rules of law, and comes back with a verdict from the confines of those prisms.
Perhaps BP’s thinking is that the people of Louisiana are too close to the civil wrong (spill) and that they may want to make BP pay too for “Katrina,” making the jury pool unable to be objective. The jurors in Houston might be seen as more sophisticated and more prone to give lesser monies in civil verdicts – whatever the two sides respective positions as to choice of Venue, both sides know their reasons for choosing one state or the other.
The bottom line is money – how much of it will BP have to payout to all the plaintiffs. The case claims against BP run the gamut from Wrongful Death, a case by survivors of those who died in the explosions, to losses of the businesses due to the spill. Another possible claim will be the loss of the market value of the BP stock holders because of the spill. BP expects some 300 plaintiffs from Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Mississippi and experts are predicting the payout might be close to $60 billion. It is a given that BP will be liable to billions – it is just a matter of how many billions.
In the initial process, the Plaintiffs’ lawyers are salivating over the process of Discovery, where BP will be compelled to turn over data, if said data shows that BP was privy to reports about faulty rig equipment, lack of adequate maintenance, and faulty operations protocols, all of which might have contributed to the explosion and subsequent spill.
Even now, as I write, the lawyers for BP and the board know what they want to shell out, but my guess is that the case will go to trial; but the trial will not reach a verdict stage before both sides will negotiate a settlement. This settlement outcome is especially more likely if there is a chance that BP might go under due to the financial burdens of a prolonged litigation process, and moreover, if there are inclinations of outrageous civil penalties being found against BP.
الأربعاء، 28 يوليو 2010
RIM, The Purveyors Of The “CrackBerry” Is Said To Want Its Turf Back
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Blackberry Bold; photo credit: 3RI©"]
[/caption]
The consumer is indeed very fickle, especially in its tastes for technology, which makes his or her life convenient. It seems so long ago when the BlackBerry ruled, so much so that its users were known as “Crackberries.”
The iPhone and other smart phones manufacturers must have successfully provided the proverbial elixir, which weaned many “crackberries” off their BlackBerries, which is made by Research in Motion.
Don’t get me wrong, I still see many Crackberries, but the new addicts of the Droid X, and moreover, the iPhones users, are the ones to reckon with. Like actual drug dealers, the turf is where the vicious battles are played out and no one expected the makers of the BlackBerry, RIM, to simply cede the lucrative turf of the other smart phone manufacturers - to this end, CNET News is reporting that RIM is on the verge of releasing its new version of its BlackBerry to lore back its “Crackberries.”
RIM’s new version of the BlackBerry is known as the 9800 and it is said to run on its new operative system, OS 6. The new software is said to come with an updated web browser, which is geared to compete or beat that of the iPhone and those who used the Google Android Operative system. In addition, RIM’s 9800 is said to also offer a touch-screen and a full slide out keyboard - pundits say all these new amenities will go along way to silence RIM’s critics, who say that it was looking dated to the new comers of the smart phone space.
The new BlackBerry 9800 is scheduled to go on sale in mid-August, but no price is determined as yet. The lesson that could be had here is that no one can rest on his or her laurels, in light of the revenues available in this space.
[/caption]The consumer is indeed very fickle, especially in its tastes for technology, which makes his or her life convenient. It seems so long ago when the BlackBerry ruled, so much so that its users were known as “Crackberries.”
The iPhone and other smart phones manufacturers must have successfully provided the proverbial elixir, which weaned many “crackberries” off their BlackBerries, which is made by Research in Motion.
Don’t get me wrong, I still see many Crackberries, but the new addicts of the Droid X, and moreover, the iPhones users, are the ones to reckon with. Like actual drug dealers, the turf is where the vicious battles are played out and no one expected the makers of the BlackBerry, RIM, to simply cede the lucrative turf of the other smart phone manufacturers - to this end, CNET News is reporting that RIM is on the verge of releasing its new version of its BlackBerry to lore back its “Crackberries.”
RIM’s new version of the BlackBerry is known as the 9800 and it is said to run on its new operative system, OS 6. The new software is said to come with an updated web browser, which is geared to compete or beat that of the iPhone and those who used the Google Android Operative system. In addition, RIM’s 9800 is said to also offer a touch-screen and a full slide out keyboard - pundits say all these new amenities will go along way to silence RIM’s critics, who say that it was looking dated to the new comers of the smart phone space.
The new BlackBerry 9800 is scheduled to go on sale in mid-August, but no price is determined as yet. The lesson that could be had here is that no one can rest on his or her laurels, in light of the revenues available in this space.
California’s Impasse On Its Budget Triggered Furloughs By The “Governator”
Bloomberg is reporting that some 150,000 state employers in California will be furloughed by Governor Schwarzenegger – this means that these employees will be forced to take three days of unpaid leave to save the state cash. California fiscal year started on July 1st, but there have been no compromise on how to close its massive $19 billion budget loophole. The governor’s executive order, allowing the furloughs, specifically stipulated and mandated that when a budget is passed, the furlough will end. The workers should be accustomed to furloughs because they have been enduring them for the past twelve months
One of the negative ramifications of the budget impasse will force California to start issuing IOUs by September. From the figures above, it is obvious that not all of California’s workers are subjected to this furlough mandate – patrol officers, forest firefighters, and psychiatric technicians, numbering 37,000, are exempted from the governor’s furloughs.
Does anyone find it ironic that California’s furloughs are happening on a day that Arizona lost its rights to prevent what might be a cause of California’s fiscal problems? California’s open borders, giving deference to the Federal Law on Immigration law, sanctions and embraces “unfunded mandates” – it is why the “governator,” along with the California legislators cannot solve the $19 billion budget shortfall. I hope that the bean counters tally up those bills, which can be shown is a result of illegal immigration and send the bill to President Obama and Mexico.
One of the negative ramifications of the budget impasse will force California to start issuing IOUs by September. From the figures above, it is obvious that not all of California’s workers are subjected to this furlough mandate – patrol officers, forest firefighters, and psychiatric technicians, numbering 37,000, are exempted from the governor’s furloughs.
Does anyone find it ironic that California’s furloughs are happening on a day that Arizona lost its rights to prevent what might be a cause of California’s fiscal problems? California’s open borders, giving deference to the Federal Law on Immigration law, sanctions and embraces “unfunded mandates” – it is why the “governator,” along with the California legislators cannot solve the $19 billion budget shortfall. I hope that the bean counters tally up those bills, which can be shown is a result of illegal immigration and send the bill to President Obama and Mexico.
Judge’s Injunction Of Parts Of The Arizona’s Immigration Law Is In Line With Supreme Court’s Precedents
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Poster Opposing Bill 1070"]
photo credit: Daquella manera[/caption]
This blogger has recently written on both sides of the Arizona Immigration law (
A Preview Of Both Legal Positions On The Arizona Immigration Law, Visiting Mexican President Is Critical of The Arizona Immigration Law, Showdown In The West Over Illegal Immigration), and, apparently, the Houston Chronicle is reporting that the presiding judge followed court precedents, which addressed the main immigration issues in this case.
To reiterate from my earlier blog, which spelled out the legal avenues available for the parties involved, the judge chose the legal position that Federal Law on the Immigration issue trumps Arizona law, which was enacted to address the same issue. In essence, the judge rejected the concurrent jurisdiction position, as offered by Arizona, by positing that, as to the area of law allowing the police to ask, after a legitimate stop, one’s immigration status, was unconstitutional.
The judge basically puts off what will be had from the high court; those who are rejoicing about the judge’s decision today will be weeping when this court is decided by the Roberts Court. The Conservative Supreme Justices on the court place much credence into 9th and 10th Amendments jurisprudence – so Arizona’s position is not dead, especially if in its appeal, it stresses the “unfunded mandate” of leaving the Federal Law on the issue of immigration to speak for the states like Arizona. No doubt that Arizona, along with other states, will bring before the court irony that so called sanctuary states themselves do not adhere to the Fed law governing the issue. Moreover, I am not certain that Democrats want this issue to be part of the political discourse for the mid-term elections because all the polling says otherwise.
photo credit: Daquella manera[/caption]This blogger has recently written on both sides of the Arizona Immigration law (
A Preview Of Both Legal Positions On The Arizona Immigration Law, Visiting Mexican President Is Critical of The Arizona Immigration Law, Showdown In The West Over Illegal Immigration), and, apparently, the Houston Chronicle is reporting that the presiding judge followed court precedents, which addressed the main immigration issues in this case.
To reiterate from my earlier blog, which spelled out the legal avenues available for the parties involved, the judge chose the legal position that Federal Law on the Immigration issue trumps Arizona law, which was enacted to address the same issue. In essence, the judge rejected the concurrent jurisdiction position, as offered by Arizona, by positing that, as to the area of law allowing the police to ask, after a legitimate stop, one’s immigration status, was unconstitutional.
The judge basically puts off what will be had from the high court; those who are rejoicing about the judge’s decision today will be weeping when this court is decided by the Roberts Court. The Conservative Supreme Justices on the court place much credence into 9th and 10th Amendments jurisprudence – so Arizona’s position is not dead, especially if in its appeal, it stresses the “unfunded mandate” of leaving the Federal Law on the issue of immigration to speak for the states like Arizona. No doubt that Arizona, along with other states, will bring before the court irony that so called sanctuary states themselves do not adhere to the Fed law governing the issue. Moreover, I am not certain that Democrats want this issue to be part of the political discourse for the mid-term elections because all the polling says otherwise.
2010 Ohio State Fair Safety Tips for Rides
The 157th Ohio State Fair opens its doors to the public today in Columbus, Ohio and will commence through August 8th.
"We are always excited to see friends and families come out to the Fair for opening day," said Virgil Strickler, general manager. Annually the Fair begins with an Opening Day Ceremony to kick off the start of another Ohio State Fair.
The regular gate admission is between $3 and $10, depending on the time and day. Discounted tickets are available at Kroger, some participating AAA locations and Ticketmaster outlets. Ride-all-day wristband vouchers, that can be redeemed at the Fair for a wristband were available for only $19 at Kroger Stores and Ticketmaster outlets through July 27 only. You might get lucky if you search for the Ride-all-day wristbands on eBay, as some people probably bought them and then changed their minds or made other plans.
Here is a video shot by wcmhnbc4 about the Ohio State Fair, where Parents get answers on ride safety and appropriateness.
Here are some excerpts from the video: All rides on the 2010 Ohio State fair have been inspected by an independent inspector. A state representative said: "We ask that parents read the signs for any rides and make sure to abide by all the rules. Especially the age and height restrictions are important to follow. Parents should really pay attention them".
[caption id="attachment_5179" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="Ohio State Fair Safety Rules, Courtesy of wcmhnbc4"]
[/caption]
A mother was interviewed and admitted: "I do not follow the warning signs as closely as I should at times".
There are some relatively simple safety rules that parents should follow:
- Supervise kids at all times
- Watch the ride operate to know what to expect
- If something does not seem right, report it to the state office.
At the very least you should ask the operator staff before you or your kid goes on the ride.
On special days there are some discounts and promotions. You can see them on www.ohiostatefair.com.
"We are always excited to see friends and families come out to the Fair for opening day," said Virgil Strickler, general manager. Annually the Fair begins with an Opening Day Ceremony to kick off the start of another Ohio State Fair.
The regular gate admission is between $3 and $10, depending on the time and day. Discounted tickets are available at Kroger, some participating AAA locations and Ticketmaster outlets. Ride-all-day wristband vouchers, that can be redeemed at the Fair for a wristband were available for only $19 at Kroger Stores and Ticketmaster outlets through July 27 only. You might get lucky if you search for the Ride-all-day wristbands on eBay, as some people probably bought them and then changed their minds or made other plans.
Here is a video shot by wcmhnbc4 about the Ohio State Fair, where Parents get answers on ride safety and appropriateness.
Here are some excerpts from the video: All rides on the 2010 Ohio State fair have been inspected by an independent inspector. A state representative said: "We ask that parents read the signs for any rides and make sure to abide by all the rules. Especially the age and height restrictions are important to follow. Parents should really pay attention them".
[caption id="attachment_5179" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="Ohio State Fair Safety Rules, Courtesy of wcmhnbc4"]
[/caption]A mother was interviewed and admitted: "I do not follow the warning signs as closely as I should at times".
There are some relatively simple safety rules that parents should follow:
- Supervise kids at all times
- Watch the ride operate to know what to expect
- If something does not seem right, report it to the state office.
At the very least you should ask the operator staff before you or your kid goes on the ride.
On special days there are some discounts and promotions. You can see them on www.ohiostatefair.com.
Consumer Angst Borne Mostly Of The Poor Job Outlook
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Unemployment is a serious issue in the U.S.; photo credit: Franco Folini"]
[/caption]
The Washington Post is reporting that the consumer confidence was the lowest since all the way in February because of the high jobless rate. Consumer confidence is a major measurement of how the economy is fairing – if the consumers confidence is high, it means that the people will go out and spend their money, which will fuel the many stalled engines of our economy.
Important indices affecting our economy include the current reading of a 50.4 drop in consumer confidence, as opposed to the 54.3 high in June; in addition, home prices rose some 20% in the Spring among twenty states… with the consumer taking advantage of the Federal Tax credit.
These good indices are not expected to last if the unemployment rate remains at around 10%, and the growing stock pile of foreclosed homes is a constant negative, which will keep the economy in a rut.
The desired lower jobless rate correlation to economic recovery is obvious - if the vast number of the public is gainfully employ, then the font of money flows, which in turn provides the fertilizer for the seeds and growth of our recovery. Jobs provide the means for the consumer to purchase a home and if enough do so, then it trickle downs to various important contributing factors to the economy.
[/caption]The Washington Post is reporting that the consumer confidence was the lowest since all the way in February because of the high jobless rate. Consumer confidence is a major measurement of how the economy is fairing – if the consumers confidence is high, it means that the people will go out and spend their money, which will fuel the many stalled engines of our economy.
Important indices affecting our economy include the current reading of a 50.4 drop in consumer confidence, as opposed to the 54.3 high in June; in addition, home prices rose some 20% in the Spring among twenty states… with the consumer taking advantage of the Federal Tax credit.
These good indices are not expected to last if the unemployment rate remains at around 10%, and the growing stock pile of foreclosed homes is a constant negative, which will keep the economy in a rut.
The desired lower jobless rate correlation to economic recovery is obvious - if the vast number of the public is gainfully employ, then the font of money flows, which in turn provides the fertilizer for the seeds and growth of our recovery. Jobs provide the means for the consumer to purchase a home and if enough do so, then it trickle downs to various important contributing factors to the economy.
Microsoft Cries Foul In Yahoo Japan/Google Deal
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="191" caption="Microsoft is more than a little unhappy with the deal between Yahoo Japan and Google;photo credit: psd."]
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Reuters is reporting that Yahoo Japan, the country's largest Internet portal, has dealt a severe blow to Microsoft’s search endeavors when it chose Google to execute its' searches.
This hookup between Yahoo and Google will give the latter control of 90% of the Internet traffic in the second biggest economy behind that of the United States. This deal between Yahoo Japan - one third of which is owned by Yahoo Inc - and Google is surprising, because Yahoo Inc and Google were prevented from coming together for fearing a virtual monopoly in the search industry.
Yahoo Japan is already number one in search, but the company thinks that its' joint venture with Google will better secure that number one position…with the added bonus of using its' search-linked advertisements and supplying the other Google sites.
Microsoft is claiming that this deal is akin to giving a monopoly to Google, and effectively stifling competition in this lucrative area of search.
Yahoo Japan President Masahiro Inoue sees it differently. He claimed that Microsoft’s search technology was not strong enough for its needs, highlighting Yahoo Japan's language search capabilities.
The Japanese government is said to have deem the deal between Yahoo Japan and Google as not being in violation of its' antitrust laws. Microsoft, with all its protests about the deal, is not threatening legal action to thwart the joint venture between the two.
[/caption]Reuters is reporting that Yahoo Japan, the country's largest Internet portal, has dealt a severe blow to Microsoft’s search endeavors when it chose Google to execute its' searches.
This hookup between Yahoo and Google will give the latter control of 90% of the Internet traffic in the second biggest economy behind that of the United States. This deal between Yahoo Japan - one third of which is owned by Yahoo Inc - and Google is surprising, because Yahoo Inc and Google were prevented from coming together for fearing a virtual monopoly in the search industry.
Yahoo Japan is already number one in search, but the company thinks that its' joint venture with Google will better secure that number one position…with the added bonus of using its' search-linked advertisements and supplying the other Google sites.
Microsoft is claiming that this deal is akin to giving a monopoly to Google, and effectively stifling competition in this lucrative area of search.
Yahoo Japan President Masahiro Inoue sees it differently. He claimed that Microsoft’s search technology was not strong enough for its needs, highlighting Yahoo Japan's language search capabilities.
The Japanese government is said to have deem the deal between Yahoo Japan and Google as not being in violation of its' antitrust laws. Microsoft, with all its protests about the deal, is not threatening legal action to thwart the joint venture between the two.
Much "Props" To The Guy In The New Old Spice Commercials
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="180" caption="The newest Old Spice campaign has gone viral; Creative Commons License photo credit: Taylor Burnes"]
[/caption]
I was watching a movie last Friday and before the movie started, they played the new Old Spice commercial and the packed audience, there to see 'Salt' was dying with laughter. The audience’s reaction was the same I have had every time I have seen that Old Spice commercial.
The actor behind the bravado and boasts depicted in the Old Spice spots name is Isaiah Mustafa, and Reuters is reporting what the rest of Hollywood, I, and the audience at the Salt movie know… that this man is gifted.
Mr. Mustafa is a former professional football player, and his stint as the spokesperson for Old Spice has increased the deodorant sales some 107% . In addition, the ads have even been nominated for an Emmy, with some 58 million watching the spots on You Tube.
It is ironic that profits have increased so drastically because of the spots – Mr. Mustafa said that he missed the first audition for the job. But because they hadn’t found the right person he was given another chance, and the rest is history.
Mr. Mustafa has since secured roles in the Jennifer Aniston movie, “Terrible Bosses”, Tyler Perry’s new movie, and a stint in the upcoming season of the cult spy favorite, “Chuck.” He has also received and secured a talent agreement with NBC.
With all the good fortune that have been bestowed on Mr. Mustafa due to the Old Spice ads, he hopes one day to host Saturday Night Live. I have no doubt that he would be up to the comedic challenge and I, along with the public, wait to see if he can transfer his abilities displayed in the ads to the silver screen.
[/caption]I was watching a movie last Friday and before the movie started, they played the new Old Spice commercial and the packed audience, there to see 'Salt' was dying with laughter. The audience’s reaction was the same I have had every time I have seen that Old Spice commercial.
The actor behind the bravado and boasts depicted in the Old Spice spots name is Isaiah Mustafa, and Reuters is reporting what the rest of Hollywood, I, and the audience at the Salt movie know… that this man is gifted.
Mr. Mustafa is a former professional football player, and his stint as the spokesperson for Old Spice has increased the deodorant sales some 107% . In addition, the ads have even been nominated for an Emmy, with some 58 million watching the spots on You Tube.
It is ironic that profits have increased so drastically because of the spots – Mr. Mustafa said that he missed the first audition for the job. But because they hadn’t found the right person he was given another chance, and the rest is history.
Mr. Mustafa has since secured roles in the Jennifer Aniston movie, “Terrible Bosses”, Tyler Perry’s new movie, and a stint in the upcoming season of the cult spy favorite, “Chuck.” He has also received and secured a talent agreement with NBC.
With all the good fortune that have been bestowed on Mr. Mustafa due to the Old Spice ads, he hopes one day to host Saturday Night Live. I have no doubt that he would be up to the comedic challenge and I, along with the public, wait to see if he can transfer his abilities displayed in the ads to the silver screen.
الثلاثاء، 27 يوليو 2010
Chevrolet Starts Taking Orders for the 2011 Chevy Volt
General Motors announced today that it is beginning to take orders for the new Chevy Volt electric car. We reported about the Volt: GM’s Pioneering March to Alternative Transport and Energy, but at that time the exact price was not available.
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price starts at $41,000. Once the full federal income tax credit is applied, the effective price goes down to $33,500. The federal income tax credit for the Chevy Volt ranges ranges from $0 to $7,500. The lease payment based on the sticker price would be around $350 per month for a 36 months lease with about $2,500 due at lease signing.
[caption id="attachment_5138" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="2011 Chevy Volt Electric Car, Photo Courtesy of General Motors"]
[/caption]
“The Chevrolet Volt will be the best vehicle in its class…because it’s in a class by itself,” said Joel Ewanick, vice president of U.S. marketing for General Motors, who made the announcement at the Plug-In 2010 conference. “No other automaker offers an electrically driven vehicle that can be your everyday driver, to take you wherever, whenever. The Volt will be packed with premium content and innovation, standard.”
Initially the Chevy Volt will be only available in certain areas: California, New York, Michigan, Connecticut, Texas, New Jersey and the Washington D.C. area. If you want to locate a Volt dealer, you can use the Volt dealer locator.
To be among the first to purchase a Volt, customers can visit their nearest participating Chevrolet Volt dealer. A Volt dealer locator will be available later today at http://www.getmyvolt.com.There is also a team of Volt advisors available to answer consumer questions: 1-888-865-8496.
The battery is covered by an 8 year or 100,00 mile warranty. All other parts are only guaranteed between 3 to 6 years and also 100,000 miles.
Overall the Chevy Volt looks like a nice car. Something that is not usual for electric cars. Other electric cars and hybrids were built without designers. The Volt looks like a real car. Whether the pricing is competitive enough: the future will tel.
At least you don't have to pay a ridicules reservation fee of 99 buck like you have to for the Nissan Leaf. Looks like Nissan wants you to leave the Nissan Leaf alone and buy the Chevy Volt.
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price starts at $41,000. Once the full federal income tax credit is applied, the effective price goes down to $33,500. The federal income tax credit for the Chevy Volt ranges ranges from $0 to $7,500. The lease payment based on the sticker price would be around $350 per month for a 36 months lease with about $2,500 due at lease signing.
[caption id="attachment_5138" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="2011 Chevy Volt Electric Car, Photo Courtesy of General Motors"]
[/caption]“The Chevrolet Volt will be the best vehicle in its class…because it’s in a class by itself,” said Joel Ewanick, vice president of U.S. marketing for General Motors, who made the announcement at the Plug-In 2010 conference. “No other automaker offers an electrically driven vehicle that can be your everyday driver, to take you wherever, whenever. The Volt will be packed with premium content and innovation, standard.”
Initially the Chevy Volt will be only available in certain areas: California, New York, Michigan, Connecticut, Texas, New Jersey and the Washington D.C. area. If you want to locate a Volt dealer, you can use the Volt dealer locator.
To be among the first to purchase a Volt, customers can visit their nearest participating Chevrolet Volt dealer. A Volt dealer locator will be available later today at http://www.getmyvolt.com.There is also a team of Volt advisors available to answer consumer questions: 1-888-865-8496.
The battery is covered by an 8 year or 100,00 mile warranty. All other parts are only guaranteed between 3 to 6 years and also 100,000 miles.
Overall the Chevy Volt looks like a nice car. Something that is not usual for electric cars. Other electric cars and hybrids were built without designers. The Volt looks like a real car. Whether the pricing is competitive enough: the future will tel.
At least you don't have to pay a ridicules reservation fee of 99 buck like you have to for the Nissan Leaf. Looks like Nissan wants you to leave the Nissan Leaf alone and buy the Chevy Volt.
Apple Now Allowing 'Jailbreaker' Apps On Their Smartphones
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Apple iPhone; photo credit: MJTR (´･ω･)"]
[/caption]
The emancipation is not up there with Moses’ freeing of the Jews or Lincoln’s Proclamation, but techies everywhere are rejoicing that they are free to run so called unauthorized application programs on their smart phones – a practice known as “jail-breaking.” .
The gist of the now resolved conflict was that smart phone manufacturers, like Apple, prevented consumers from using their smart phones to utilize other applications during its initial purchase, which did not come ready made with the phone . Te manufacturers deemed such usage of other apps a violation of their copyright laws.
The emancipator for the techies in this dispute was no other than the head of the Library of Congress who petitioned the United States Copyright Office to allowed the usage of applications independent of the manufacturers of the various smart phones, SFGate reports.
One of the notable plaintiffs, Apple, which have sold 60 million phones along with their attendant 225,000 approved applications, said that it was simply trying to protect its' customers from these third party apps that might contain harmful technical problems, or preventing inappropriate material such as pornography.
The revision of Copyright law, which takes place every three years, decided that “jail-breaking” does not infringe on the smart phone manufacturers rights. James H Billington, the Librarian of Congress, said that “jail-breaking” was like adding a printer driver application to a computer’s operating system.
Although, I am not far from being a Luddite, I am for anything that might make our lives a little bit more convenience… akin to years ago when a young Steve Jobs and his partner decided that they could make life easier by bringing to fruition the advent of the Mac computer and its many derivatives.
I am also certain that some smart kid will come up with an app and the manufacturers of the smart phones will claim that it is a derivative, but until that day, I will enjoy whatever convenience these newly freed jail-breakers can give us.
[/caption]The emancipation is not up there with Moses’ freeing of the Jews or Lincoln’s Proclamation, but techies everywhere are rejoicing that they are free to run so called unauthorized application programs on their smart phones – a practice known as “jail-breaking.” .
The gist of the now resolved conflict was that smart phone manufacturers, like Apple, prevented consumers from using their smart phones to utilize other applications during its initial purchase, which did not come ready made with the phone . Te manufacturers deemed such usage of other apps a violation of their copyright laws.
The emancipator for the techies in this dispute was no other than the head of the Library of Congress who petitioned the United States Copyright Office to allowed the usage of applications independent of the manufacturers of the various smart phones, SFGate reports.
One of the notable plaintiffs, Apple, which have sold 60 million phones along with their attendant 225,000 approved applications, said that it was simply trying to protect its' customers from these third party apps that might contain harmful technical problems, or preventing inappropriate material such as pornography.
The revision of Copyright law, which takes place every three years, decided that “jail-breaking” does not infringe on the smart phone manufacturers rights. James H Billington, the Librarian of Congress, said that “jail-breaking” was like adding a printer driver application to a computer’s operating system.
Although, I am not far from being a Luddite, I am for anything that might make our lives a little bit more convenience… akin to years ago when a young Steve Jobs and his partner decided that they could make life easier by bringing to fruition the advent of the Mac computer and its many derivatives.
I am also certain that some smart kid will come up with an app and the manufacturers of the smart phones will claim that it is a derivative, but until that day, I will enjoy whatever convenience these newly freed jail-breakers can give us.
Wyclef Jean For President of Haiti?
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Wyclef Jean may have his eye on a the Haitian presidency; photo credit: christopherharte"]
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We know that Wyclef Jean has the musical chops due to his success with "The Fugees" and his current success as a solo artist. But according to 9News, Jean - who is 37, and who came to America as a child - is said to be contemplating running for the Presidency of Haiti.
Anyone who has watched the news program 60 Minutes knows that the singer is much loved in his native Haiti – the crowds that surrounded Mr. Jean when he visited during the aftermath of the recent tragic earthquake was a testament of his popularity among the Haitian people, especially the young.
Mr. Jean has maintained his loyalty to his native country, via his charity, Yele Haiti Foundation, since 2005. His uncle, Raymond Alcide Joseph, is also the current ambassador to the United States.
Mr. Jean has not expressly said that he is running, but when questioned, he did not say it wasn’t so either, It is ok to be loved as an entertainer, by the Haitian people, but its is quite another thing to get involve with the rough and tumble politics of Haiti. I have no doubt that he wants to do right by his country, but heavy lies the crown when one’s really sees what must be done and the many constituents vying for power – sometimes malignantly.
He also has had some controversy himself; he was accused, as recently as last year, of allegedly bilking his charity of the funds he received from donors. The specific claim was that Mr. Jean was charging his charity inordinate fees to perform or make appearances on behalf of his own organization, the Yele Haiti Foundation.
I commend Mr. Jean if indeed he is going to seek the presidency of his native Haiti – I hope that he cannot be bribed since he is independently wealthy. But we all know that no man is an island and we cannot be certain about the men who will be in Mr. Jean’s cabinet if he is elected.
What of the Haitian army, which is rumored to wield much of the power? How is Mr. Jean going to rein them in… if they are indeed venal, as rumored? Perhaps, Mr. Jean should seek the counsel of fellow artist Vaclav Havel, who ruled the Czech Republic – he also opined that it was much easier to write his essays than to govern.
[/caption]We know that Wyclef Jean has the musical chops due to his success with "The Fugees" and his current success as a solo artist. But according to 9News, Jean - who is 37, and who came to America as a child - is said to be contemplating running for the Presidency of Haiti.
Anyone who has watched the news program 60 Minutes knows that the singer is much loved in his native Haiti – the crowds that surrounded Mr. Jean when he visited during the aftermath of the recent tragic earthquake was a testament of his popularity among the Haitian people, especially the young.
Mr. Jean has maintained his loyalty to his native country, via his charity, Yele Haiti Foundation, since 2005. His uncle, Raymond Alcide Joseph, is also the current ambassador to the United States.
Mr. Jean has not expressly said that he is running, but when questioned, he did not say it wasn’t so either, It is ok to be loved as an entertainer, by the Haitian people, but its is quite another thing to get involve with the rough and tumble politics of Haiti. I have no doubt that he wants to do right by his country, but heavy lies the crown when one’s really sees what must be done and the many constituents vying for power – sometimes malignantly.
He also has had some controversy himself; he was accused, as recently as last year, of allegedly bilking his charity of the funds he received from donors. The specific claim was that Mr. Jean was charging his charity inordinate fees to perform or make appearances on behalf of his own organization, the Yele Haiti Foundation.
I commend Mr. Jean if indeed he is going to seek the presidency of his native Haiti – I hope that he cannot be bribed since he is independently wealthy. But we all know that no man is an island and we cannot be certain about the men who will be in Mr. Jean’s cabinet if he is elected.
What of the Haitian army, which is rumored to wield much of the power? How is Mr. Jean going to rein them in… if they are indeed venal, as rumored? Perhaps, Mr. Jean should seek the counsel of fellow artist Vaclav Havel, who ruled the Czech Republic – he also opined that it was much easier to write his essays than to govern.