Thursday, January 29, 2009

Sudanese Planes Bomb Rebel-held Town

Sudanese government planes have bombed a rebel-held town in southern Darfur. They killed a child, burned homes and sent civilians fleeing to a peacekeepers compound. On Sunday, the bombing destroyed eight homes in the town of Muhajeria, home to 30,000 residents. Many of the residents were displaced from previous fighting. Darfur has had it so very hard and it just seems to get worse and worse.

The government has vowed to take control of the town from Darfur's most powerful rebel group, the Justice and Equality Movement. The rebels seized control of Muhajeria earlier this month from another rebel group that has signed a peace deal with Sudan's government. Anyone who is familiar with this region knows what dire straights these people in this area are in. It is a very bad and sad situation.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Get a Digital Frame That is Unique

There are digital frames on the market now, but none are quite as unique as Ceiva digital photo frames. It is so easy. All you have to do is plug into an existing phone line and you are ready to receive photos from all over the world. What a wonderful gift for close friends and family. Just think how much your grandparents would enjoy receiving up-to-date photos of you and your family with no effort on their part.

It is a beautiful high definition frame that will compliment any decor. They have a special right now where you can get this frame for only $29.99 when you buy a one year picture plan subscription. They provide free ground shipping too, until February 13 at 2 PM PST, just in time for Valentine's Day. Give them as gifts but be sure to get one for yourself.

The best part about is that you don't need a computer to upload your photos. You can use your email or phone to send your photos directly to the 8 inch frame anytime, anywhere. You can even take that old box of photos and Ceiva will scan them and send them to your Ceiva photo frame. You can even personalize your frame with your favorite color. Once you join the picture plan, photos will be coming to you from all over. It is very exciting.


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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Iran Test-fires Heat-Seeking Air-to-air Missile

According to Iran's state television, they say the country has successfully test-fired a heat-seeking air-to-air missile. This is not good news. The Sunday report quotes air force Chief, Gen. Hasan Shahsafi as saying the missile has a range of 62 miles. The report did not elaborate further.

Periodically, Iran announces missile tests to demonstrate the self-sufficiency of its defense industries. They launched an arms development program during its l980-88 war with Iraq to compensate for a United States weapons embargo. However, since l992, Iran has produced its own tanks, armored persons carriers, missiles and a fighter plane.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Thaw in Credit Markets Trickles Down to Economy

It seems credit markets are beginning to thaw after months in a deep freeze. In a promising turn that could bolster the economy, companies are selling bonds at a pace not seen since last spring. Companies, at the same time, are finding it easier to issue comercial paper. These are the short-term loans necessary for quick access to cash.

Global sales of new corporate debt jumped to $82 billion last week. That was the highest since $103 billion in May and nearly double the level seen right before the credit crisis intensified in September. The thawing means companies such as General Electric Co and Cablevision Holdings Corp. can raise money more easily for everything from payrolls to paying down debt. This is an important shift that ultimately will benefit consumers.

It would be the outcome the government officials have been seeking for months, if the trend continues. They pumped hundreds of billions of dollars into the financial system and more could be on the way. Congress isn't too anxious to spend another 850 billion and there is a lot of discussion going on right now.

I think it is bad that they shelled out all those billions to the banks without some form of reporting, by the banks, on how they used the money. They say they can track it, but I wonder.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Afghanistan Seeks Control Over NATO

The Afghan government has sent NATO headquarters a draft agreement that would give Afghanistan more control over future NATO deployments in the country. This includes the positioning of some U.S. troops according to officials. The draft technical agreement would put in place rules of conduct for NATO-led troops in Afghanistan. In addition, the number of additional NATO troops and their location would have to be approved by the Afghan government.

This agreement is an attempt by Afghanistan to gain more control over international military operations. It would also prohibit NATO troops from conducting any searches of Afghan homes. This was according to a copy of the draft obtained by The Associated Press.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Johnson Picks Up Another Win at Sony

Zach Johnson had a lei around his neck and a glass of champagne in his hand Sunday night as he toasted the members of Waialae after a two shot victory in the Sony Open. They laughed and applauded when he said the worst part of Hawaii is leaving it. The best part of winning is that he gets to come back. Hawaii is such a beautiful place.

Johnson closed with a 5-under 65 on Sunday to outlast David Toms in a well played duel along the back nine. He finished with a two putt birdie for a two shot victory over Toms and Adam Scott. Referring to the season opener at Kapalua for PGA Tour winners, Johnson said he gets to go back to Maui again and Oahu too. He said starting his year in these two destinations is pretty awesome. This was his fifth career victory and second in his last six starts and can be traced to last week and his tie for sixth.

Weight Loss Pills

Now that you have finally decided you need weight loss pills to help you along with your diet to lose weight, it is a very good idea to check into this website and see which are safe and which could hurt you. Their experts have spent many hours culling through the gigantic amount of diet pills on the market. They check them for ingredients, but most of all, for the side effects that could hurt you. Do they really work? They find out how efficiently they help you lose weight but they also protect you by telling you the downside of some of those pills everyone thinks are so great.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Cardinals Edge Eagles

Kurt Warner is headed for his third Super Bowl. I remember well, watching the second one he played in for the Rams. Now, down and out for decades, the Arizona Cardinals have turned a bad joke into a Super bowl bound team. Founding members of the NFL, the Cardinals have historically been among the most dysfunctional of franchises. However, now they are heading for the championship game in Tampa. A happy Warner said he wanted to say Arizona Cardinals in the same sentence with Super Bowl and he did it.

Now Arizona will face the AFC champion Pittsburgh Steelers in two weeks in Tampa for the NFL title. The longest member of the Cardinals, safety Adrian Wilson, said that to make it to the Super Bowl and to have a chance, an opportunity to win it, he will relish as one of those moments in his career.

Catheters

Among the many medical supplies you may need, could be catheters. This is the company to go to when you need such medical supplies along with so many others. They have a huge inventory of everything you need to set up a First Aid station in your business or at home. Having been in business since l996, they know what the public needs and they are striving to fill those needs. More than a million happy customers purchase regularly from them.

That is one reason they decided to expand and carry medical supplies for new mothers and infants, as well as, exercise equipment for those looking to stay fit. Along with that, blood pressure and heart monitors are also in demand these days as people work to stay fit and healthy.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Police Detain Johnny Knoxville at the Airport

The "Jackass" star had a carry-on suitcase. Authorities detained Johnny Knoxville on Thursday for allegedly bringing an inert grenade into Los Angeles International Airport. Security screeners spotted the grenade in his luggage and a bomb squad determined it lacked a firing pin or explosive. Police said he was later released and allowed to board an American Airlines flight to Miami.

Prosecutors will decide whether to charge the 38 year old with bringing a prohibited item into a secure area of the airport, a misdemeanor. Knoxville, whose real name if Philip John Clapp, told officers the grenade was a prop he forgot to remove from his bag. It was a stupid mistake, don't you think? I am glad to see security screeners were on the job.

Friday, January 16, 2009

JPMorgan Posts Profit

JPMorgan Chase posted a profit, but a disappointing one. They eked out a fourth-quarter profit, but its results were anything but calming to investors who are worried about the mountain of upcoming losses in the troubled banking sector. Defaults surged in a wide variety of loans, ranging from home loans to credit cards to commercial real estate loans. That pretty much covers the entire gamet of loans.

JPMorgan's investment bank was forced to mark down its portfolio by $2.9 billion. And the bank would have reported a net loss for the fourth quarter had it not been for their buy of Washington Mutual Inc. late last year. On Thursday New York based JPMorgan Chase & Co, reported a profit of $702 million or 7 cents per share. At least they made a profit. Many companies lost a great deal of money.

Family Vacation

With all the sub zero weather we have been having, nothing sounds better than a family vacation in a nice warm place like the Riviera Maya. And where should you stay? I would suggest you check out this website and the fine Karisma hotels. They have everything to offer us for the best vacation ever. There are five unique and luxurious hotels with beautiful white sand beaches. They have the best chefs preparing gourmet delights that will make your mouth water, eagerly awaiting being served by fine waiters. You will find every amenity possible at whichever hotel you choose. They are all fantastic.

Bradford to Return to Oklahoma

In college football, Sam Bradford is going to play at Oklahoma for at least another year. Fellow sophomore LeSean McCoy is headed for the pros. Bradford, the Heisman Trophy winner, said Wednesday he will pass on the NFL draft and return to Oklahoma for his junior season. The Sooners lost to Florida in the BCS national title game last week.

Bradford led the nation with 50 touchdown passes and a quarterback rating of l80.8. He likely would have been one of the first quarterbacks taken in April's draft. He'll also be taking another crack at the Heisman. Archie Griffin of Ohio State is the only player to win two Heismans. I wish Bradford luck and hope he becomes the second play to win two Heismans.

What's New In the NFL?

The St. Louis Rams concluded a two day interview with Vikings defensive coordinator, Leslie Frazier, on Wednesday. Later in the day they began discussions with Cowboys offensive coordinator, Jason Garrett. Also, general manager, Billy Devaney is interviewing finalist in Los Angeles for the head coaching job with the exception of Ravens defensive coordinator rex Ryan. He met with the team in Baltimore on Sunday during a break in preparation for the AFC championship game.

Devaney said he hoped to hire a coach before the Senior Bowl on January 24. Speaking to him on the phone Wednesday night, Frazier said he is anticipating learning the Rams' decision by this weekend. He was passed over by Denver for the vacancy there, but is on Detroit's list of finalists. Other interviews are also going on. Rams owners Chip Rosenbloom and Lucia Rodriguez along with senior adviser John Shaw, who resigned as team president after last season, are participating in the interviews as well. The Rams have been our son's favorite team ever since we lived in L.A. and watched them play in the coliseum.

Denver Restaurants

Westword has been the major source of news, entertainment and information on the best Denver Restaurants for over three decades. The people of Denver count on them to provide them with everything of interest in their city. At this website, you will find the latest in reviews on restaurants, along with all the various types of cuisines so that you can find your favorites quickly. Their Denver Food Blog is excellent and you will find a great deal of interesting food and fun in reading through this. I feel it is an excellent way to get acquainted with the various foods available at the restaurants in Denver.

Small Businesses Going Under Across the U.S.

Big business aren't the only ones hurting during these bad economic times. The small businesses are hurting even worse. It may be the final days of business for the Scandia Bake Shop. After almost 60 years of serving treats like julekake and Oslo rye bread, the Minneapolis, Minnesota store is worried it may have to shut its doors within the week. Shrinking sales, rising flour prices and a downright dismal holiday season have added to their troubles.

They said that between Thanksgiving and Christmas people come out in droves and that is when they make their most money. The 60 year old owner, Gary Arvidson, who took over the business in l993 said "And then this year I was really counting on that and the economy went into the dumper."

Times are tough for small business owners, those whom politicians tout as the backbone of America. As the recession marches on, it is those businesses, which employ about half of the country's private sector workers, that are particularly vulnerable to the squeeze. In order to cope, small business owners, from neighborhood plumbers to graphic design firms, are paying employee salaries before their own, trying to renegotiate leases and pleading for customers on neighborhood blogs. But despite their best efforts, the customers are not there. Pretty sad. We are having several small business in our area close shop.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Tennessee Valley Authority Not to be Trusted?

Charlie Cookston, standing on a porch near the Widows Creek power plant on Saturday, took a drag off his cigarette and ticked off the reasons he distrusts the Tennessee Valley Authority. Dead mussels in the mighty Tennessee River is one reason. Dwindling numbers of fish. Big, black piles of coal ash that seem to get larger every day.

As nearby residents await lab tests on the safety of drinking water, tempers are unsettled. Who can blame them? Electric rates at the nation's largest utility have soared. A dike burst in Tennessee and destroyed several homes and on Friday, as much as 10,000 gallons of waste spilled into Widows Creek in northeastern Alabama. It is a disaster. The nation's largest utility, once was viewed as a savior to the region, bringing lights, thousands of jobs and progress since its creation as a New Deal program in 1933, has had a rocky few months.

Charlie, who is 59, runs bulldozers and other heavy equipment for a living and says they haven't trusted the TVA around there since back in the 50's. He also said their rates for power are as cheap as anybody as he looked toward the plant stacks, but he thinks there is a lot more going on down there than they will ever know. It sounds like it needs to be investigated thoroughly.

Online Schools and Colleges

Today, it is often hard to find a good job without some specialized training. Also with technology changing so quickly, you may find yourself left behind and wanting to get some specialized training to keep up-to-date with the fast changing world of technology. By checking into online schools and colleges and you will be able to find just what you are looking for. They have all the school listed by State so you can just click on your state and find the one nearest you. It is a good time to complete any education that you may have started and then gotten too busy to complete, as well. A good education will get you more pay and a better lifestyle.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Doctor Accused of Poisoning his Wife

A doctor accused of poisoning his wife with cyanide has been extradited to Ohio from the Mediterranean island of Cyprus to face murder charges. His lawyer has said his 39 year old client fought extradition to the United States because he feared he would face the death penalty in Ohio. I think he should. The former Akron general Hospital doctor could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted.

Federal and local authorities escorted Yazeed Essa to Cleveland's Cuyahoga County Jail on Friday. He faces one charge of aggravated murder in the 2005 death of his wife Rosemarie. A coroner determined she lost consciousness and crashed while driving after being given a cyanide pill. Essa disappeared in March 2006 and was arrested months later in Cyprus. He deserves everything he gets in my opinion.

Baby Moose Pays Unexpected Visit to Home

A baby moose got separated from its Mom and fell into the deep window well of a house in Spokane, Washington. They thought it was apparently foraging in the shallow snow near the house Thursday, when it fell into the window well. Then it tried to get out to join its mother and sibling and in the struggle, the moose kicked in the window and became trapped in the bedroom. Wouldn't that be the thrill of a lifetime? NOT!

The family got hold of a state wildlife biologist who managed to shoot a tranquilizer dart into the moose's rump. Then it took him and 4 others using a tarp to haul the 375 pound baby up a narrow stairway. That had to be a big job in itself. Wildlife officers tracked down the calf's mother and sibling and trucked the reunited family to a spot near Mount Spokane and released them there. That's a little too much excitement than I would want at my house.

Blister Relief

It seems like at one time or another, everyone has had a pair of shoes they just loved, but they gave them blisters. Bandaids slipped down into the shoe, tape came unstuck along with the blister, and you just didn't know what to do and you wanted to wear those shoes in the worst way. Well now there is a great remedy for Blister Relief and you can quickly find it at this website.

Not only will they guarantee you immediately relief from the blisters you have, but they will also guarantee to prevent them before you ever get them. How great is that? Why suffer at all, when you can get, peel, apply and go relief from blisters or spots that you think are going to become blisters? Check out their website. It is amazing.

"Monk" Actor Tony Shalhoub

"Monk" has always been one of my favorite programs. I am not sure quite why but I guess Tony plays the part of an obsessive-compulsive private investigator so well, I just got hooked on the television program. He has been portraying Adrian Monk now for eight years and he says he just loves it.

However, the Green Bay, Wisconsin native will start shooting the last season of "Monk" in March. He says it is a great job and he works with great people and he really enjoys doing the character, but he feels eight years is enough. Tony Shalhoub has won three Emmys and a Golden Globe for his work on "Monk" and is nominated for another Golden Globe in the ceremony that aired Sunday. I hope he won. I haven't seen the results yet.

Save time and Money When Moving

Whether you are moving across the country, or just across town, relocating can be very stressful and expensive. One of the top-ranked personal finance blogs, Wise Bread by Myscha Theriault, speaks from experience. She and her husband recently moved from Florida to Maine. She found from her experience of setting up homes in different places in the United States and in different countries, that there are some great tips to save you both time and money.

First of all, before you even start, cull through your stuff and downsize. Create a system as you pack and put room labels on each box. Be sure to prepare a kitchen kit because your cooking routine is dramatically disrupted when you move. You can't seem to find anything. If you organize a box just for that for the kitchen, it will make it so much easier when you get there and unpack. That goes for everything else. Packing correctly will really help you get settled much faster, saving you a great deal of time and stress.

Unique Wedding Favors

Every bride wants her wedding to be unique from every one else's wedding. Naturally, then the first thing she wants to do is find a place that carries unique products that will be different from all the others. This online website is the place to find those unique wedding favors for your special event. They carry everything for your wedding so you can do much one-stop shopping here online and save yourself much time and money running all over looking for those special items you want.

To begin with they have different and unique wedding favors for your guests. Along with the usual favors, they have such items as personalized boxed mints, cocktail mixes, candies and even votives. So many other items, as well, and they can all be personalized FREE. Check into this website for everything else for your wedding as well.

Actor Will Ferrell

Actor Will Ferrell is going to put on a one-man Broadway show and an HBO special about President George W. Bush. He says the audiences should expect the unexpected from his upcoming show. He is well known for his Bush impersonation on "Saturday Night Live." He says, however, that there is nothing derivative about the production but it will surprise people with its twists and turns. Sounds interesting doesn't it?

"Will Ferrell: You're Welcome America. A Final Night with George W. Bush" is set to begin previews on January 20 and open February 5. It will air live on HBO on March 14. I am sure everyone is looking forward to it and we are all anxious to find out what is going to be so surprising about it.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Boston Terriers

Boston terriers are very smart dogs. They are also very loving although they are not cuddly, as some dogs are. They love to lay so they touch you but they don't want you to pick them up and hold them on your lap. They want to eat anything you are eating too, which makes you feel really guilty but you know it isn't good for them. I keep a handful of our Holly's dog food in my hand, so if I eat a bit of cookie, I give her a piece of her dog good and she is quite content. It's funny how she can think her own dog food is a treat too. We sure love her, she is so good and well trained and would never even snip or bite at anyone, no matter what they do so she is wonderful around the grandchildren.

Trimspa

Before you go out and start buying a diet pill or diet pills, you should know something about them. That is why this website studies all the weight loss products including Trimspa to be sure they are completely safe for you to use. They also know whether they live up to their weight loss claims and how they go about it. Ingredients are studied to be sure they are safe. Check out this website first and then go shopping for that diet pill.

Las Vegas Hotels

What are we waiting for? Let's get out of this snow driven country and go and check out some las vegas hotels. This website has hotels with excellent rates and all located in one place. What do you think about 77% off last year's rates? I think it is tremendous. No wonder they have thousands of happy customers and I would love to be another one of them. How about you? Check it out and let's get going to Las Vegas.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Mudslide Leaves 34 Dead,Injures 15

News out of Guatemala City, Guatemala tells of a massive landslide that tore down the side of a mountain and buried a northern Guatemalan highway. It killed at least 34 people and left rescue workers to dig for more victims. Guatemala's Vice President, Rafael Espada, said he feared the death toll could rise by at least a dozen more.

There were at least 15 others injured. Authorities still do not know how many people were in the area when the landslide came thundering down. But it buried more than a kilometer of highway near the village of Aquil Grande. I saw this on television and it was a horrible site to see. The people apparently had no warning. What a way to die - so suddenly.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Sushi Anyone?

Can you believe it, but two sushi bar owners paid $104,700 for a bluefin tuna at a Tokyo fish auction on Monday. That is the highest price since 2001. The 282 pound premium tuna caught off the northern coast of Oma fetched $370 per pound.

Prices at Tokyo fish markets for typical tuna are less than $25 per pound. But I didn't know that the bluefin tuna is considered by gourmets to be the best, and when sliced up into small pieces and served on rice it goes for very high pries in restaurants. You won't see the day that I eat raw fish. Yuck!

Wedding Hydrangea

The wedding hydrangea is one of the most delightful flowers that you can use for any occasion. You can choose them by color to fit into your decor. They are always shipped direct from the farm where they are grown, to you by FedEx and they are guaranteed 100 percent to be fresh. Shipping is free too and the prices are wholesale, so you save a great deal of money buying from them.

The best part is that they are so fresh and they are cut and shipped overnight express. You know they will be just lovely for your wedding or the party you are throwing or whatever may be the reason for ordering flowers. You can count on them for quality and beauty when it comes to flowers of all kinds.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Grocery Shopping

Now that Christmas and New Years are over, I find the cupboards are bare. It is time to go out and do the big time grocery shopping and fill up everything again. Aren't we blessed in the good old USA to be able to go to the store, if you have the money, and buy almost anything you could possibly desire? They have beautiful fresh fruit and vegetable displays and the meat counters are full of every possible cut of beef, pork and chicken. There is a lot of great fish also.

The soup and vegetable aisles get a lot of my business and can't forget the coffee and creamer either. Then it is on to the fruit. It is great to have both fresh and canned fruit. One of our most favorite fruits is canned sliced peaches. They make a great ending to a perfect meal or imperfect one for that matter. We love pears, fruit cocktail and frozen strawberries too. There are lots of great frozen vegetables too and now there are so many frozen biscuits and breads.

I have some frozen wheat loaves right now and I need to get some out and get them rising so I can bake some. It smells wonderful when it is baking and tastes so good too with butter and jam. Makes you hungry just thinking about it, doesn't it? I think I will take my husband along this time, because he comes up with some good ideas sometimes, of things I haven't made for awhile and that is good. Variety is the spice of life so they say, and I think they are correct. Happy shopping everyone.

Revolutionize Your Online Shopping

Why spend a great deal of time shopping through your local stores for a new television? We all know everything is going digital in February and now is the time to get a new HDTV television set. The amazing part of this website is that you can see a variety of products and see the places they are located at and the prices so you can continue your search until you find just the right one for you. You can find anything on sale and great low prices and save yourself a great deal of money.

Now, we are planning on taking a cruise to get away from all this ice and snow and you should see the shape our suitcases are in. We need new ones and I have found beautiful luggage at this site and it is just what I want. I need wheels on it so we can roll it around easily. You can shop for carry-ons, type of material, brand names, everything I need.

My other main purchase right now is a new Lazy Boy chair for my computer and I found a huge selection at this website. I also found just the one I want and where to get it. It is so convenient shopping this online website. I know I will find much more in the future when I go online shopping at this site.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Wild West Photos


Don't you think it is always fun to take these old time photos of your family? I ran across this on and thought it was really good so thought I would put it in this post for everyone to enjoy. We have gotten them from other members of the family too over the years but we have never had one taken ourselves. It would be fun though. They are always good for a laugh too. Happy New Year Everyone!