Week's 2nd snowstorm hits Northeast, parts of Ohio

People walk in the snow at Buffalo Niagara International Airport in Buffalo, N.Y., Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012. A mild but widespread winter storm has developed over the Northeast and the upper Ohio River Valley, the second in less than a week for the regions. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

People walk in the snow at Buffalo Niagara International Airport in Buffalo, N.Y., Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012. A mild but widespread winter storm has developed over the Northeast and the upper Ohio River Valley, the second in less than a week for the regions. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

People walk in the snow at Buffalo Niagara International Airport in Buffalo, N.Y., Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012. A mild but widespread winter storm has developed over the Northeast and the upper Ohio River Valley, the second in less than a week for the regions. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

A person walks in a snowfall at Buffalo Niagara International Airport in Buffalo, N.Y., Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012. A mild but widespread winter storm has developed over the Northeast and the upper Ohio River Valley, the second in less than a week for the regions. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Worker Steve Rizzo carries materials in a snowfall at a new hotel construction in Buffalo, N.Y., Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012. A mild but widespread winter storm has developed over the Northeast and the upper Ohio River Valley, the second in less than a week for the regions. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

People walk in the snow in Buffalo, N.Y., Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012. A mild but widespread winter storm has developed over the Northeast and the upper Ohio River Valley, the second in less than a week for the regions. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

NEW YORK (AP) ? A widespread winter storm dumped snow over the Northeast and parts of Ohio on Saturday, just days after the regions were hit by another storm moving from the nation's midsection.

The National Weather Service expected up to a foot of snow in parts of southern New England, with the heaviest snowfall possibly in Providence, R.I., and Boston, which declared parking bans to allow snow removal vehicles to clean the streets. Winter storm warnings were in effect in parts of those states and in Connecticut.

New York City and Philadelphia saw a mix of rain and snow as the storm moved in from the west. In Ohio, Dayton, Columbus and Cincinnati saw about 2 to 5 inches of snow by Saturday afternoon, the National Weather Service said.

"Expect those accumulations to kind of work their way northeastward through much of New York state and much of New England," weather service meteorologist Brian Hurley said.

Drivers throughout the regions were warned to be cautious. Officials lowered the speed limit on much of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, about 300 miles from the Ohio state line to east-central Pennsylvania, from 65 mph to 45 mph.

About 20 vehicles piled up in a storm-related chain-reaction crash on Interstate 93 in New Hampton, N.H., police said, and five people were injured.

In Albany, N.Y., a regional jet skidded into a snow bank at the airport and became stuck, temporarily stranding passengers en route to Chicago. The 66 passengers and four crew members aboard the GoJet Airlines flight, operating as United Express, were put on a bus and sent back to the airport. There were no injuries, and the incident didn't cause any other flight delays, airport authority spokesman Doug Myers said.

Flights at Philadelphia's airport, mostly arrivals, were delayed about an hour, spokeswoman Stacy Jackson said.

Parts of southern Indiana saw 6 to 8 inches of snow from the storm, some in areas that had received more than a foot from a blizzard earlier in the week.

That blizzard was part of a storm system that dumped more than a foot of snow in some places and has been blamed for at least 16 deaths. It also spawned more than a dozen tornadoes in Alabama, the National Weather Service said.

But Saturday's snow wasn't as heavy as that of the previous storm, the weather service said.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2012-12-29-Winter%20Weather/id-6f8faaa8f75a441ab3caee60cb7aafba

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This Spooky Google Car Is Driving Itself

Google?s driverless car prototype has been around for a couple of years now?but have you ever spotted one in the wild? We just did, and it?s equal parts insane, terrifying, and hugely cool.

Our Brent rose saw this car, whose driver is not touching the wheel, cruising down highway 80 in Oakland. ?She was not using hands at all. Somebody next to her had a laptop so clearly it was just testing but pretty awesome. They didn?t kill us or anybody else.?

They?re out there. Don?t cut them off. They are driven by robot brains?and unlike an Apple Car, this thing does know how to follow you back home.

Source: http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/2012/12/this-spooky-google-car-is-driving-itself/

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RolePlayGateway?

The Final Epilogue is a fanfic roleplay of the game The Last Story. It takes place generations after the game's ending, when the original members of the mercenary group have been long passed away. A new ruler has stepped up to take the throne, and everything went haywire.

The new ruler cared only for himself. Unlike other tyrants, this one happens to simply not care for his people. Instead, the ruler made decisions only to benefit himelf in petty ways (like the levee, building up his castle, having feasts and parties every meal of everyday). And there are even more threats to society now.

The citizens of Lazulis City lived peacefully with the Gurak population, until now. Now that there is a weak ruler in the Argannan throne, Segregation Groups have risen up to kill off or at least dominate the other race. What's more is that the Reptids have dug their ways out of the underground, and now are pillaging the citizens of Lazulis City, Outskirts.

However, there is hope. A new generation of the Zael Mercenaries have risen up to help the people, and relinquish the power of the ruler. They will do quests, fend of reptids, crush the Segregation Groups, and give the throne to the rumored lost child of Argannan.

Roles:

Mercenary
The Mecenaries are the protagonists of this roleplay. They try to help as much people as they can in the long run while trying to complete the ultimate goal.

The King
Julian is, to put it simple, a sick bastard who would let his people rot as long as his desires are fullfilled. Julian supports the Human Segregation Group. He is one of the antagonists of this roleplay.

Human Segregation Group
A group of human extremists who want to cause havoc on the Gurak. They want to seperate and isolate the Gurak as much as possible. Some want to kill the whole population so the humans only remain. Either way, they want to do harm to the Gurak population. Their leader is Lucian.

Leader of the Human Segregation Group
Lucian is as clever and as sneaky as a snake, and he is as deadly as one, too. His words can easily set into your head, and Lucian can easily manipulate you. His swordsmanship is unparalled to anyone still alive. However, you can still compare it to Sir Therius's skill in the sword.

Gurak Segregation Group
The Gurak clone of the Human Segregation Group. They want to overthrow King Julian as well and place their leader, Zane, on the throne.

Leader of the Gurak Segregation Group
Zane is a direct descendant of Zangurak, the former Gurak king who was killed in the war against the humans. Because of his family's history, many humans had actually despised him. Thus, he created the Gurak Segregation Group out of anger.

The Knights
While they are charged with Julian's orders, they try to resist as much as possible without him knowing. They support the mercenaries, and when the band rebels, the knights will fight alongside them. However, there are some who are part of the Segregation Groups, and a handful are fu;ly devoted to King Julian.

Other:
Magic:
Some people are able to use magic. The elements consist of light, darkness, star, nature, fire, and ice. Using the element the smae as the enemy's results in it absorbing the magic and healing itself. Using the opposite element results in more damage, however the same applies to you (you only get an element if you are a mage.).

Using magic also results in the manifestation of magic circles. They usually deal damage to the enemy except for healing circles. Fire circles add fire element to your physical attacks, ice makes ice attacks, etc etc for the other elements. You also have healing spells, which result in healing circles. Stand on them and you will get healed overtime until you are fully regenerated. After a few minutes, the circle will dissipitate on it's own.

There are three more circles. which aren't manifested by magic spells. They manifest only at the user's comman, but only ofr a short time. Damage circles keep weakening opponents, and poison circles poison the opponent. The last circle, Death circle, does not effect the opponent itself. It uses spikes that rise from the ground to attack the opponent. If they survive, they will be given the Death status, meaning that if they don't get into a heal circle, they will die. The Death Circle disappears after attacking. Damage Circles only dissipitate after the user has died.

However, there are certain skills that warriors (non magic users) can use to diffuse those circles. (Unlike the game, I will NOT allow the effects of Diffusion.)
Few mages can also have the spell Reverse, which reverses the effects (heal circles turn into damage circles, ice circles effect the original user and its allies, etc.).

Spirit Attacks:
At the time when you most need it, you would be able to do some kind of strong attack that would have an effect on the enemy. Mages use spells, warriors use slashes or stabs or whatever, and mixed usually make up something unique.
There are also two sacred spells only available to the Argannan family called Ancient Summon and Ancient Barrier. They are both unknown, and you must find out only by casting the spell as an Argannan (marriages do not apply).
Remember: Spirit attacks are extremely rare and it takes a lot of training to even learn them. Even them, I'll allow one spirit attack every ten posts.

Character Sheet:
Name:
Age:
Appearance(words or pic, your choice):
Relationship:
Role (Mercenary? Knight? What is it?):
Weapons (if you're gonna fight, might as well. It has to be daggers, crossbows, or swords. Or mixed.):
Magic (Element of your character? By the way, not everyone can have a skill in the sword and use magic.)
Battle Prowess (How much experience do you have in battle? It will effect your strategy.):
History:
Personality:
Spirit Attack (Don't make it OP. Mirania's Revive Spirit Attack is one of my examples. I'll be looking at this the most.)

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/RolePlayGateway

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Daniel Bryan Meets Young Boy With Brain Cancer - Wrestling News ...

It was just hours after interviewing Daniel Bryan on TribLIVE Radio a couple months ago, that I learned about young Connor Michalek when speaking on the phone to his mother.

Connor is only 6 and has a rare form of brain cancer. All Connor wanted for Christmas was to meet his favorite WWE Superstar. Unfortunately Make A Wish couldn't help because he already got granted a wish a few years earlier with a trip to Disney World.

With the help of some of us in the Pittsburgh media and a great online campaign, Connor got his chance to meet Daniel Bryan and even a surprise appearance by Kane.

Just standing in the room, the emotion was amazing. Please check out this wonderful meeting:

Credit: Justin LaBar @ wrestlezone.com

Source: http://wrestlingnewscenter.blogspot.com/2012/12/daniel-bryan-meets-young-boy-with-brain.html

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Internet Hosting Evaluations A Wonderful Option To Analyze A

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For starters, relaxation assured that zero cost net web hosting is really legitimate, and you will host a web site while not spending any wealth. Nonetheless, that does not imply that you should acquire similar qualities and solutions featured to having to pay net web hosting merchants. Sadly, by keeping moolah with freely available hosting, you sacrifice regulate, consistency, and top notch.

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Know About Shared Web Hosting Services can present you with greatest information for Domain Identify Registration Vs Web Hosting Whats The Distinction And Why Am I Paying For Each.Please drop by and see the blog for additional facts!

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Source: http://www.mustreads.info/internet-hosting-evaluations-a-wonderful-option-to-analyze-a-hosting-company/

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Online Payday Loans ? Simple tips to Get a Short Term Loan Within ...

Online Payday Loans ? Simple tips to Get a Short Term Loan Within 24 Hours

Online payday loans have become very popular among consumers who get quick cash as these are typically much more convenient than going to your local payday store. Not merely are online payday loans more convenient for the consumer however they also usually offer better interest rates if you are sure that where to search.

While these short term loans generally carry high interest rates with them they are often a far better financial decision than racking up late fees on other obligations for example rent/mortgage payments, car payments, bank cards, and bounced checks. Late payment fees of these bills range anywhere from $20 ? $80 per offense and makes getting an on-line payday loan a wise financial decision for consumers with little to no credit.

While payday loans charge rather steep finance charges they are often really the only choice for consumers with maxed out credit who need to get quick cash. Certainly, should you decide experience the means to get a short term loan from another source such as family or friends then chances are you should do so. However, should you decide need to get quick cash then an online payday loan is among the most convenient method in doing so. Most lenders will lend anywhere from $100 ? $1,500 and will deposit your requested funds directly into the bank account within 24 hours of filling out an online application.

I would encourage consumers to first determine if getting an internet payday loan is a wise financial decision. These short term loans are expected to be paid back on your next payday and should not be taken out as one common practice. These are typically however a rather convenient service to consumers who need to get quick cash.

When an unexpected emergency arises for example a car breakdown or a death in the family sometimes consumers have no choice but to get an on-line payday cash loan. Online payday lenders will loan you mosey when no other lender will. All that most lenders require would be that you will be currently employed or have a supply of income and you have an active checking/savings account. They will also require you are an United States Of America citizen and at least 18 years of age.

While the payday loan industry has come under increased scrutiny over the recent past I believe they provide a legitimate service to consumers to want to get quick cash. I\?ve worked with several online lenders throughout my career and have found the multiple lender website listed below to provide quality lenders and the best interest rates. Visit Now!

OneClickCash 247 offers Fast Payday Loans when you need quick cash. Visit http://www.oneclickcash247.com for more information on how to obtain a short-term online payday loan.

Source: http://www.consolidationschoolloan.com/payday-loans-2/online-payday-loans-simple-tips-to-get-a-short-term-loan-within-24-hours/

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Unions Plan New Offensive After Michigan Right-To-Work Loss

Protesters Hold Signs Outside Of Michigan Capitol

LANSING, MI, - DECEMBER 11: Union members from around the country rally at the Michigan State Capitol to protest a vote on Right-to-Work legislation December 11, 2012 in Lansing, Michigan. Republicans control the Michigan House of Representatives, and Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has said he will sign the bill if it is passed. The new law would make requiring financial support of a union as a condition of employment illegal. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Protesters Flood Lansing

LANSING, MI, - DECEMBER 11: Union members from around the country rally at the Michigan State Capitol to protest a vote on Right-to-Work legislation December 11, 2012 in Lansing, Michigan. Republicans control the Michigan House of Representatives, and Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has said he will sign the bill if it is passed. The new law would make requiring financial support of a union as a condition of employment illegal. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Protesters Flood The Capitol

Protesters gather for a rally at the State Capitol in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation passed last week. Michigan could become the 24th state with a right-to-work law next week. Rules required a five-day wait before the House and Senate vote on each other's bills; lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene Tuesday and Gov. Snyder has pledged to sign the bills into law. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Protesters gather for a rally at the State Capitol in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation passed last week. Michigan could become the 24th state with a right-to-work law next week. Rules required a five-day wait before the House and Senate vote on each other's bills; lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene Tuesday and Gov. Snyder has pledged to sign the bills into law. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

A protester walks past Michigan State Police at the State Capitol in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation passed last week. Michigan could become the 24th state with a right-to-work law next week. Rules required a five-day wait before the House and Senate vote on each other's bills; lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene Tuesday and Gov. Snyder has pledged to sign the bills into law. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Sheet metal workers from Toledo escort an inflatable rat during a march to the State Capitol grounds in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation that was passed by the state legislature last week. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Thousands of supporters rally at the State Capitol grounds in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation that was passed by the state legislature last week. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Union members Brian Brissette, of Auburn, Mich., from left, Tom Gazley, of Romeo, Mich., and Eric Kozlow, of Warren, Mich., watch the Michigan House of Representatives vote on a television in the at the State Capitol in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation passed last week. Michigan could become the 24th state with a right-to-work law next week. Rules required a five-day wait before the House and Senate vote on each other's bills; lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene Tuesday and Gov. Snyder has pledged to sign the bills into law. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Michigan State Police surround a man who was allegedly knocked off his segway scooter by a sheriff deputy on horseback during a rally on the State Capitol grounds in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation that was passed by the state legislature last week. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Protesters gather for a rally in the rotunda at the State Capitol in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation passed last week. Michigan could become the 24th state with a right-to-work law next week. Rules required a five-day wait before the House and Senate vote on each other's bills; lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene Tuesday and Gov. Snyder has pledged to sign the bills into law. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Thousands of supporter march to the State Capitol grounds in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation that was passed by the state legislature last week. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Michigan State Police stand guard at an entrance to the State Capitol in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation that was passed by the state legislature last week. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Protesters gather for a rally in the rotunda at the State Capitol in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation passed last week. Michigan could become the 24th state with a right-to-work law next week. Rules required a five-day wait before the House and Senate vote on each other's bills; lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene Tuesday and Gov. Snyder has pledged to sign the bills into law. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Protesters gather for a rally outside the State Capitol in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation passed last week. Michigan could become the 24th state with a right-to-work law next week. Rules required a five-day wait before the House and Senate vote on each other's bills; lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene Tuesday and Gov. Snyder has pledged to sign the bills into law. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

RIGHT TO WORK

Map locating all U.S. states with right-to-work laws.

Tuesday Protests

People begin gathering outside on the State Capitol grounds in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012 to protest right-to-work legislation that was passed by the state legislature last week. Michigan will become the 24th right-to-work state, banning requirements that nonunion employees pay unions for negotiating contracts and other services. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Right to Work Michigan

A protester holds a sign addressed to Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, who refers to himself as "one tough nerd."

State Police Brace For Protesters

Michigan State Police cruisers line the pedestrian walkway west of the state Capitol in Lansing, Mich., Monday, Dec. 10, 2012. Lansing authorities were bracing for an onslaught of protesters Tuesday. They increased police presence and planned road closings and parking restrictions around the Capitol for the planned protests against the Michigan legislature's right-to-work proposals which passed last week. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Right to Work Protesters

United Auto Workers protest right to work.

Tuesday Protesters

Thousands of protesters gather for a rally on the State Capitol grounds in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation that was passed by the state legislature last week. Michigan will become the 24th right-to-work state, banning requirements that nonunion employees pay unions for negotiating contracts and other services. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Michigan Nurses

About a dozen members of the Michigan Nurses Association stand on the state Capitol steps in Lansing, Mich., Monday, Dec. 10, 2012, protesting right-to-work legislation. Organizers say the gathering was meant to symbolize the silencing of unions that nurses say will happen should the legislation become law.(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Silenced

Debbie Nault from the Michigan Nurses Association stands with other members of the association on the state Capitol steps in Lansing, Mich., Monday, Dec. 10, 2012, protesting right-to-work legislation. Organizers say the gathering was meant to symbolize the silencing of unions that nurses say will happen should the legislation become law.(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Longtime Nurse Protests

Linda Erspamer a veteran nurse of more than 30 years at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, stands with other dozen members of the Michigan Nurses Association on the state Capitol steps in Lansing, Mich., Monday, Dec. 10, 2012, protesting right-to-work legislation. Organizers say the gathering was meant to symbolize the silencing of unions that nurses say will happen should the legislation become law.(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Thousands Gather

Thousands of protesters gather for a rally on the State Capitol grounds in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation that was passed by the state legislature last week. Michigan will become the 24th right-to-work state, banning requirements that nonunion employees pay unions for negotiating contracts and other services. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Blocking RTW Banner

Protesters stand and block a right-to-work banner on the State Capitol grounds in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation that was passed by the state legislature last week. Michigan will become the 24th right-to-work state, banning requirements that nonunion employees pay unions for negotiating contracts and other services. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Holding The Flag

A protester holds an American flag at a rally on the State Capitol grounds in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation passed last week. Michigan could become the 24th state with a right-to-work law next week. Rules required a five-day wait before the House and Senate vote on each other's bills; lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene Tuesday and Gov. Snyder has pledged to sign the bills into law. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Protesters In The Capitol

Protesters gather for a rally in the State Capitol rotunda in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation passed last week. Michigan could become the 24th state with a right-to-work law next week. Rules required a five-day wait before the House and Senate vote on each other's bills; lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene Tuesday and Gov. Snyder has pledged to sign the bills into law. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Capitol Filled

Union workers fill the entire of the Capitol rotunda in Lansing, Mich., Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012. Hundreds of chanting and cheering protesters streamed back into the Michigan Capitol after receiving a court order saying that the building must reopen. The pro-union crowd walked in as lawmakers were debating right-to-work legislation limiting union powers. The Republican-led House subsequently passed the bill with no Democratic support.

Led Away

Protesters are led out of the State Capitol Building in handcuffs after demonstrating against right-to-work legislation inside the Capitol in downtown Lansing, Mich. Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012. Eight people were arrested for resisting and obstructing when they tried to push past two troopers guarding the Senate door, state police Inspector Gene Adamczyk said. The Capitol was temporarily closed because of safety concerns.

Handcuffed

Protesters are led out of the State Capitol Building in handcuffs after demonstrating against right-to-work legislation inside the Capitol in downtown Lansing, Mich. Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012. Eight people were arrested for resisting and obstructing when they tried to push past two troopers guarding the Senate door, state police Inspector Gene Adamczyk said. The Capitol was temporarily closed because of safety concerns.

Blocked

State Police block protesters outside the Senate chamber at the State Capitol Building in downtown Lansing, Mich. Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012. Eight people were arrested for resisting and obstructing when they tried to push past two troopers guarding the Senate door, state police Inspector Gene Adamczyk said. The Capitol was temporarily closed because of safety concerns.

Thumbs Down

David Dudenhoefer, left, a right to work supporter, receives a thumbs down sign from a union worker during a rally in Lansing, Mich., Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012. Tensions rose at the Capitol late Wednesday afternoon when hundreds of union members packed into the rotunda area, blowing whistles and shouting slogans such as "Union buster" and "Right to work has got to go." Senate Republicans introduced right-to-work legislation in the waning days of the legislative session as outnumbered Democrats pledged to resist the proposal and say rushing it through would poison the state's political atmosphere.

Fed

Protesters eat pizza outside the Senate chamber at the State Capitol Building in downtown Lansing, Mich. Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012. So-called right-to-work measures generally prohibit requiring unions from collecting fees from nonunion employees, which opponents say drains unions of money and weakens their ability to bargain for good wages and benefits. Supporters insist it would boost the economy and job creation.

Union Workers Rally

Union workers rally outside the Capitol in Lansing, Mich., Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 as Senate Republicans introduced right-to-work legislation in the waning days of the legislative session. The outnumbered Democrats pledged to resist the proposal and said rushing it through the legislative system would poison the state's political atmosphere.

UAW President Bob King Waits

United Auto Workers President Bob King waits outside the Capitol in Lansing, Mich., Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 as Senate Republicans introduced right-to-work legislation in the waning days of the legislative session. The outnumbered Democrats pledged to resist the proposal and said rushing it through the legislative system would poison the state's political atmosphere.

Rally Day

A union steel worker holds up a sign during a rally outside the Capitol in Lansing, Mich., Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 as Senate Republicans introduced right-to-work legislation in the waning days of the legislative session. The outnumbered Democrats pledged to resist the proposal and said rushing it through the legislative system would poison the state's political atmosphere.

Sheet Metal Workers Bring GOP Rats to Protest

<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Paul_Pimentel"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/1419408869/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Paul_Pimentel">Paul Pimentel</a>:<br />Sheet Metal Workers' Local 292 Detroit on RTW Protest 12/11/2012 Lansing, MI show our support Bob Donaldson Business Manager and Journeyman Earl Gray

The Welcoming Committee

<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Concernedwm"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://s.huffpost.com/images/profile/user_placeholder.gif" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Concernedwm">Concernedwm</a>:<br />Gov. Snyder took theses folks away from protecting the public to intimidate and inhibit the voice of the people. G. Hines

Protester Paula Merwin, of Leslie, Mich., stands with an American flag outside the George W. Romney State Building, where Gov. Snyder has an office in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation passed last week. Michigan could become the 24th state with a right-to-work law next week. Rules required a five-day wait before the House and Senate vote on each other's bills; lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene Tuesday and Gov. Snyder has pledged to sign the bills into law. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Protester Blake Nance, of Detroit, stands by a line of Michigan State Police guarding the George W. Romney State Building, where Gov. Snyder has an office in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation passed last week. Michigan could become the 24th state with a right-to-work law next week. Rules required a five-day wait before the House and Senate vote on each other's bills; lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene Tuesday and Gov. Snyder has pledged to sign the bills into law. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

A man covers his face after getting pepper sprayed during a protest outside the George W. Romney Office Building in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. Thousands of protesters rallied outside the state Capitol as lawmakers pushed final versions of right-to-work legislation. The GOP majority has used its superior numbers and backing from Gov. Rick Snyder to speed the legislation through the House and Senate last week, brushing aside denunciations and walkouts by helpless Democrats and cries of outrage from union activists who swarmed the state Capitol hallways and grounds. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

United we Bargain Divided We Beg!

<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Ryan_Van_Note"><img style="float:left;padding-right:6px !important;" src="http://graph.facebook.com/1640357026/picture?type=square" /></a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Ryan_Van_Note">Ryan Van Note</a>:<br />Ryan VanNote protesting Right to work in Lansing, MI 12/11/12.

A protester rallies in front of Michigan State Police at the George W. Romney State Building, where Gov. Snyder has an office in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation passed last week. Michigan could become the 24th state with a right-to-work law next week. Rules required a five-day wait before the House and Senate vote on each other's bills; lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene Tuesday and Gov. Snyder has pledged to sign the bills into law. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Michigan State Police push the crowd back outside the George W. Romney Office Building in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. Thousands of protesters rallied outside the state Capitol as lawmakers pushed final versions of right-to-work legislation. The GOP majority has used its superior numbers and backing from Gov. Rick Snyder to speed the legislation through the House and Senate last week, brushing aside denunciations and walkouts by helpless Democrats and cries of outrage from union activists who swarmed the state Capitol hallways and grounds. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Michigan State Police surround the George W. Romney State Office Building as thousands of protesters rally outside the state Capitol as lawmakers push final versions of right-to-work legislation in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The GOP majority has used its superior numbers and backing from Gov. Rick Snyder to speed the legislation through the House and Senate last week, brushing aside denunciations and walkouts by helpless Democrats and cries of outrage from union activists who swarmed the state Capitol hallways and grounds. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Protesters sit during a rally at the George W. Romney State Building, where Gov. Snyder has an office in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation passed last week. Michigan could become the 24th state with a right-to-work law next week. Rules required a five-day wait before the House and Senate vote on each other's bills; lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene Tuesday and Gov. Snyder has pledged to sign the bills into law. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Michigan State Police push protesters away from the entrance of the George W. Romney State Building, where Gov. Snyder has an office in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation passed last week. Michigan could become the 24th state with a right-to-work law next week. Rules required a five-day wait before the House and Senate vote on each other's bills; lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene Tuesday and Gov. Snyder has pledged to sign the bills into law. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Rev. Jesse Jackson, left, and Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, right, try to enter past Michigan State Police at the George W. Romney State Building, where Gov. Snyder has an office in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation passed last week. Michigan could become the 24th state with a right-to-work law next week. Rules required a five-day wait before the House and Senate vote on each other's bills; lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene Tuesday and Gov. Snyder has pledged to sign the bills into law. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Michigan State Police carry a protester from a rally at the George W. Romney State Building, where Gov. Snyder has an office in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation passed last week. Michigan could become the 24th state with a right-to-work law next week. Rules required a five-day wait before the House and Senate vote on each other's bills; lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene Tuesday and Gov. Snyder has pledged to sign the bills into law. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Drew Dobson, of Coleman, Mich., protests at a rally at the State Capitol in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation passed last week. Michigan could become the 24th state with a right-to-work law next week. Rules required a five-day wait before the House and Senate vote on each other's bills; lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene Tuesday and Gov. Snyder has pledged to sign the bills into law. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)p

Protesters sit during a rally outside the doors of the George W. Romney State Building, where Gov. Snyder has an office in Lansing, Mich., Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The crowd is protesting right-to-work legislation passed last week. Michigan could become the 24th state with a right-to-work law next week. Rules required a five-day wait before the House and Senate vote on each other's bills; lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene Tuesday and Gov. Snyder has pledged to sign the bills into law. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/18/unions-michigan-right-to-work_n_2324130.html

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Investcorp grows multi-family real estate holdings in Texas - AME Info

The transaction consists of 1,900 total units in the dense metropolitan areas of Austin, Dallas and Houston, and follows Investcorp's acquisition of four multi-family properties in Houston in a separate transaction earlier this year.

In this most recent transaction, Investcorp acquired three properties in the energy-centric city of Houston, one in Austin, home to a vibrant technology market, and one in Dallas. Collectively, the five properties currently have 91% occupancy.

Mohammed Al-Shroogi, Investcorp's President for Gulf business, said: "We view Texas as a very attractive marketplace when considering multi-family property investments. Relatively low levels of unemployment, local job creation, a healthy rental market, strong underlying asset characteristics and the overall state of the economy have created attractive conditions for real estate investment."

The transactions closed during October and November. Four of the properties are being managed by Mosaic Residential Management while one is managed by The Carroll Organization. The Carroll Organization has also taken a joint venture interest, alongside Investcorp, in one of the Houston properties.

Al-Shroogi went on to say, "We have teamed up with experienced partners who will assist us in executing our investment strategy as we continue to find opportunities where we can invest in stable assets in economically strong areas."

Source: http://www.ameinfo.com/investcorp-grows-multi-family-real-estate-holdings-323210

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Embattled Cayman Islands premier ousted in no-confidence vote

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (Reuters) - Lawmakers in the Cayman Islands passed a vote of no confidence on Tuesday ousting embattled Premier McKeeva Bush from office one week after he was arrested on suspicion of corruption.

Members of parliament voted 11 to 3 with one abstention to remove Bush as the head of government in the British territory, which is a major financial center, offshore home to more than half of the world's hedge funds, and a leading global tax haven.

British-appointed Governor Duncan Taylor was expected to announce on Wednesday whether he would appoint a new premier or dissolve parliament and call early elections. Elections had previously been set for May.

Bush, a veteran politician who became premier in 2009, has denied any wrongdoing and dismissed calls to resign as premier of the Caribbean island chain after his arrest.

However, support within his own party began to dwindle in the days following his detention.

Five lawmakers from Bush's United Democratic Party joined the opposition in calling for the no-confidence vote, which needed support from 10 lawmakers in the 15-member Legislative Assembly to force Bush from office.

Bush, 57, was arrested on December 11 by members of the Financial Crime Unit of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service. He was released on bail until February, pending the possible filing of criminal charges against him.

Authorities have declined to give specific details of the investigation but said it included allegations of theft and misuse of a government credit card.

Bush, who has been the target of corruption probes for more than a year, has said he is the victim of a "political witch hunt" mounted by Taylor and other opponents. British officials have denied the claims.

Opposition Leader Alden McLaughlin said last week that allowing Bush to continue as premier after his arrest would undermine confidence in the Cayman Islands, a three-island territory with about 55,000 residents.

(Writing by Kevin Gray; Editing by Jane Sutton, Will Dunham and Paul Simao)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/embattled-cayman-islands-premier-ousted-no-confidence-vote-220855932--sector.html

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How Old Are Your Passwords?

We all know that one of the biggest parts of keeping your accounts secure is not only using strong passwords, but also changing them frequently. But who really does that? How old are the passwords you've got in rotation? Is there one in particular that sticks out as ancient? One to pass on to the grandkids? More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/g6I7RDPAsZc/how-old-are-your-passwords

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Holiday Entertaining Snack Ideas

This is my favorite time of year, the time we decorate, and celebrate, and see family and friends we may not have seen all year. It?s a time of great food and fun parties, and I love to have people over. We recently hosted a Holiday Movie Night for some family and friends with their children, courtesy of Flatout Flatbreads, and we had a terrific time.

Flatout recently introduced a new Thin Crust Flatbreads Artisan Pizza, exclusive at Walmart, that we used to make the party treats. We headed over to Walmart and picked up the fixings for some fun pizzas and roll-ups with our three flavors of Thin Crust Flatbreads. We started by cutting the Spicy Italian and Rustic White Flatbread into tree shapes so the kids could decorate their own Christmas tree flatbread pizzas (with olives and plum tomatoes for decorating and ornaments), then we baked them in the oven- quick, easy, fun snacks (and healthy too, with fiber and 7g of protein in each).

Our absolute favorite holiday movies are It?s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street, so we decorated with bells (?every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings?), and Santa hats and stockings while chatting in our warm house and munching on our Flatbread snacks, and it was fun.

We also made gingerbread cookie butter roll-ups with the Heritage Wheat Thin Crust Flatbreads, which were a hit with everyone, and after enjoying a fun evening together watching holiday movie favorites, we made ornaments with the children with small craft products from Walmart, and decorated the house (our first time ever with little man!)

Looking for holiday planning ideas and recipes? Check out Walmart?s Holiday Guide, featuring Flatout Artisan Thin Crust Flatbreads (and a tasty recipe for Crispy Bacon Tomato Flatbreads on page 2) and Walmart?s Holiday Entertaining Pinterest Board for creative holiday ideas to re-pin and try out?Happy Christmas!

We received Flatout Flatbreads to review and compensation for our time. Opinions are 100% our own.

Keep Reading!

Source: http://penelopesoasis.com/2012/family-holiday-movie-night.html

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Music legends rock NYC at Sandy benefit

Two-year-old Olivia Gillies was born with a potentially life-threatening?condition that caused her tongue to grow uncontrollably. Now, after her third surgery, she can finally smile, and doctors believe the dangerous symptom of her condition is under control. Gillies was born with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, a genetic...

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/photos/12-12-12-benefit-concert-slideshow/

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New Full HD phablets from Samsung, Sony, LG and more to launch in early 2013

PORTLAND, Ore. - His mother died before he was 3 years old, and he was estranged from the aunt who raised him. His dream of becoming a Marine was dashed by a broken foot, he hadn't yet settled on a career path, and a new plan, to move to Hawaii, ended when he apparently missed his flight.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/full-hd-phablets-samsung-sony-lg-more-launch-201010680.html

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?The Hobbit?: 40 questions to test your knowledge of Bilbo Baggins and co.

Do you think you know everything about the journey of Bilbo Baggins as recorded in J.R.R. Tolkien?s 'The Hobbit'? 'The Hobbit' was published as a prelude to Tolkien?s trilogy, 'The Lord of the Rings,' on September 21, 1937. Since then, the story has been revised to tie in more with the dark trilogy but still has kept more of its lighthearted fairy tale tone of the original.

'The Hobbit' has seen stage production and radio and film adaptation, the first film being composed completely of cartoon stills. The first animated film aired on US television in 1977.

The newest 'Hobbit' adaptation, directed by Peter Jackson ('The Lord of the Rings') will be a trilogy itself. Part one is set to release in theaters on Dec. 14, 2012, with Ian McKellen returning to the big screen as the wizard Gandalf and Martin Freeman playing the hobbit Bilbo Baggins. Can?t wait for 'The Hobbit' to come to theaters? Take this 40-question quiz to see if you?re a true 'Hobbit' fan.?

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/PAip76gJz-c/The-Hobbit-40-questions-to-test-your-knowledge-of-Bilbo-Baggins-and-co

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Cloud forest trees drink water through their leaves

Dec. 12, 2012 ? Tropical montane cloud forest trees use more than their roots to take up water. They also drink water from clouds directly through their leaves, University of California, Berkeley, scientists have discovered.

While this is an essential survival strategy in foggy but otherwise dry areas, the scientists say that the clouds the trees depend on are now disappearing due to climate change.

"The study highlights the vulnerability of this rare and already endangered ecosystem to climate change," said Todd Dawson, senior author of the study and UC Berkeley professor of integrative biology. Changes in cloud cover have already been correlated to declines and disappearances of cloud forest animal populations, such as frogs and salamanders.

The new study will be published next year in the journal Ecology Letters and is available online this month.

In tropical montane cloud forests, leaves are constantly bathed in clouds, making them wet. The leaves of the most common cloud forest trees drink this cloud water when water from the soil just isn't enough, said Greg Goldsmith, lead author of the study and a graduate student in Dawson's lab.

"Many cloud forests experience an annual dry season when the primary water source isn't rain, but rather, the moisture from the clouds," he said. "This is when the trees are most likely to draw water in through their leaves."

Working in Monteverde, Costa Rica, the researchers studied patterns of leaf wetness caused by the clouds by setting up small plastic "leaves" that use changes in the voltage of an embedded electrical circuit to detect wetness. Then, they installed miniature sensors on the branches of cloud forest plants to see whether or not water was entering leaves when they were wet.

"The textbooks teach us that water enters roots, moves up the trunk and into the branches, then finally exits the leaves. That's true, but it's not the whole story," Goldsmith said. "With our sensors, we observed water entering the leaves and actually moving back down the branches toward the trunk."

The research builds on previous work by Dawson, who demonstrated a similar phenomenon in California redwoods.

However, the study found that not all trees can drink the same amount of cloud water.

"The trees that are drinking the most water through their leaves may be more vulnerable to decreases in cloud cover resulting from rising temperatures," said Goldsmith, who received funding from a National Geographic Society Young Explorers Grant to conduct the research.

"The study provides a clear demonstration of the interactions between clouds and cloud forest plants and will serve as a cornerstone for future research on the effects of climate change on tropical montane cloud forest ecosystems," Dawson added.

In addition to funding from the National Geographic Society, Goldsmith was supported by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, a Smithsonian Institution Short-Term Fellowship and a Wang Family Fellowship from UC Berkeley.

UC Berkeley graduate student Nicholas J. Matzke is also a co-author of the report.

Editor's note: More information available at http://www.canopyintheclouds.com/

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by University of California - Berkeley. The original article was written by Robert Sanders.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

---

Journal Reference:

1. Gregory R. Goldsmith, Nicholas J. Matzke, Todd E. Dawson. The incidence and implications of clouds for cloud forest plant water relations. Ecology Letters, 2012; DOI: 10.1111/ele.12039

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/top_environment/~3/ch8uQlFUC-Q/121213104228.htm

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shammed petcock: Fundraiser for Panthers Fencing | Media Sports ...

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&#39;Snapshot&#39; your auto insurance? ? Bankrate, Inc.

• 

• 

Cave dwellers excluded, most of us by now have heard of and perhaps even considered Progressive's "Snapshot" program, which offers customers a shot at saving up to 30 percent on their auto insurance rates based on how they actually drive.

To make this individual tweak to?its standard underwriting, Progressive plugs a device into your vehicle's diagnostic port that allows the company to track your driving behavior, including how many miles you drive, how frequently you slam on the brakes and how often you drive between midnight and 4 a.m. Come to think of it, a caveman probably could save 30 percent off the top. But that's another company's commercial for another time.

This appealing little marketing tool has opened up a broad new horizon called usage-based insurance, or UBI, that extends well beyond auto insurance. Here's why:

Historically, insurance has been underwritten based on a mix of your personal attributes (age, vehicle year, make and model, ZIP code, credit ratings, claims history) and the data of all other drivers, good and bad, in your insurance pool. The company then crunches the numbers and charges you a premium that's based on the pool's collective accident risk. Both you and your insurance company "save" by spreading the risk in this way.

Snapshot and similar UBI programs, however, present at least the potential to calculate risk individually based on real-time, ride-along data.

Which begs the question: Would you be better off being rated as a statistical pool of one?

Progressive has been using UBI for more than a decade in various configurations. Last summer, it surpassed $1 billion in premiums written using UBI data. The company says its experiment has confirmed what most of us assume: that the highest-risk drivers cost 2.5 times more in claims than the lowest-risk drivers?and good drivers pay more to subsidize them.

While UBI to date has collected fairly innocuous data?-- Progressive has purposely steered clear of GPS tracking, for example?-- it is data nonetheless that could prove harmful in the wrong hands. Would you want a potential employer to know that you frequently drive in the wee small hours, for example? Or, should UBI grow to include this: that you text or talk on your phone while underway?

Anita Ramasastry, a law professor at the University of Washington, says UBI's relatively benign infancy could lead to other, more disturbing consumer "bargains" across the insurance spectrum.

"How would we feel if insurers started monitoring our daily lives, via a pedometer, thermometer or blood pressure cuff, to determine our premiums? Or imagine a health insurer tracking our grocery store spending patterns to see if we are making healthy choices," she says.?"Once the data is collected, we need to ask what safeguards will stop the data from being stored and used again to rate us in a new and different context."

It's the old price vs. privacy dilemma. Are you comfortable giving your auto insurance company a snapshot of your day-to-day driving behavior to save a few bucks on your premium?

Follow me on Twitter: @omnisaurus.
Subscribe to Bankrate newsletters today!

Source: http://www.bankrate.com/financing/insurance/snapshot-your-auto-insurance-2/

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Afternoon report: Who knew Will Leitch wrote for Sporting News ...

Will Leitch: ?I?ve been the front-of-the-book columnist for Sporting News for more than four years now and I don?t personally know a single person who knows that fact, outside my family and my editors there.

Leitch in Sporting News

?The only people I?ve ever met who knew I was the columnist were people who personally emailed the address next to the column itself. Many of them people were in prison or currently, that second, in the dentist office.? (leitch.tumblr.com)
* Sporting News prints its final magazine after 126 years. (shermanreport.com)
* The most-viewed online stories of 2012 (Frank Rich takes the crown at New York). (wplucey.com)
* Guild members at the Cleveland Plain Dealer approve a new contract. (newsnet5.com)
* Parents of missing journalist Austin Tice know next to nothing about their son?s status. (csmonitor.com)
* McKay Coppins goes from political reporter to political editor at BuzzFeed. (buzzfeed.com)
* Why the BuzzFeed vs. The Oatmeal fight actually matters. (hypervocal.com)
* ?You don?t mess with The Oatmeal.? (cjr.org)
* Marijuana activist says Denver?s Fox 31 rigged its stoned driving story. (westword.com)
* Fox News contributor roughed up at Michigan union protest. (washingtonpost.com)
* Why did the Society of Environmental Journalists let ?a polluting company? (Koch Industries) sponsor its conference? (texasobserver.com)
* Gannett CEO Gracia Martore sells $1.3 million of Gannett stock. (gannettblog.com)
* Bose headphones and USA Today in the same league? (@ajkeen via @dankennedy_nu)
* Second-graders from KW News cover President Obama?s speech in Michigan. (deadlinedetroit.com)
* Sure, I remember ?The Wilton North Report? ? ?The Daily Show? of the 1980s. (splitsider.com)

? Dec. 10 ?Hi and Lois?

* One vote for print from Dawd in ?Hi and Lois.? (oregonlive.com)
* Send letters, anonymous news tips, memos, gossip, and typo alerts to jim@jimromenesko.com| Follow Romenesko on Twitter | Romenesko on Facebook | Romenesko on Flipboard and Pinterest | Romenesko?s Amazon Wish List

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Source: http://jimromenesko.com/2012/12/11/afternoon-report-who-knew-will-leitch-wrote-for-sporting-news-why-buzzfeed-vs-the-oatmeal-matters-and-more/

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Ceton Echo Windows Media Center Extender review

It's been over three years since Microsoft released a new version of Windows Media Center, and while some have declared the platform dead, the ecosystem lives on in companies like Ceton. Besides continuing to support Media Center, releasing new tuners and developing software, the company is now the first to introduce an extender in four years. The primary function of the $179 Ceton Echo extender is the same as those that came before it: to bring the full-featured Windows Media Center experience to more TVs in the house while centralizing all your media on a single PC. Until now our favorite extender has been the Xbox 360, but it retails for $20 more and the power supply alone is bigger than the entire Echo, so perhaps there's room for innovation here? We'll tackle all of that after the break.

Gallery: Ceton Echo review

Continue reading Ceton Echo Windows Media Center Extender review

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/Y9D_BOnF8_g/

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Kristen Stewart And Ben Affleck To Laugh It Up In Con Man Comedy

'Twilight' star confirmed that she'll begin filming 'Focus' with the 'Argo' director this April.
By Jocelyn Vena

Kristen Stewart
Photo: Getty Images

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1698606/kristen-stewart-ben-affleck-comedy.jhtml

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Longtime Texas US Rep. Jack Brooks dead at 89

HOUSTON (AP) ? Jack Brooks hounded government bureaucrats, drafted President Richard Nixon's articles of impeachment and supported civil rights bills in a congressional career spanning 42 years. But for most of the country the Southeast Texas politician is frozen in a photograph, standing over the left shoulder of Jacqueline Kennedy as Lyndon B. Johnson is sworn in as president.

Brooks, who died Tuesday at age 89, was in the Dallas motorcade on Nov. 22, 1963, when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Hours later he stood behind the grief-stricken widow in the cabin of Air Force One as Johnson took the oath of office.

Brooks died at Baptist Hospital of Beaumont after a sudden illness surrounded by his family, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department said. Brooks would have turned 90 on Dec. 18.

Brooks was among the last links to an era when Democrats dominated Texas politics and was the last of "Mr. Sam's Boys," prot?g?s of fellow Texan and legendary 21-year Democratic House Speaker Sam Rayburn in the state's congressional delegation.

"I'm just like old man Rayburn," Brooks, from Beaumont, once said. "Just a Democrat, no prefix or suffix."

He also was a contemporary and supporter of Johnson, who was U.S. Senate majority leader in the 1950s.

Vice President Joe Biden, who served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee while Brooks headed its counterpart in the House, said Brooks "was a Texan through and through - tough, bold, and bigger than life. He lived by principles that were carved into his heart, and he was never afraid to fight for what he believed in."

"We lost a great American, a great Texan, and a great Democrat," Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa said Wednesday. "During his long and distinguished service he was a champion for working families and equal rights.

Brooks' secretary Dianna Coffey said a birthday party was planned for him next Friday, but he suddenly became ill Tuesday morning.

Coffey, who said she insisted Brooks stop coming to his office about five years ago, worked out of his home and spent weekends at his farm in Jasper, about 60 miles to the north.

When people would ask Brooks what he did in retirement, she said the plain-spoken Texan would reply: "Pretty much what I damn well please."

Brooks, first elected to the House in his far Southeast Texas district in 1952, was returned to office 20 more times. He was on the verge of becoming the dean of the U.S. House when he was ousted in the Republican revolution of 1994.

Rayburn, whose 48 years rivaled Brooks' House tenure, put Brooks on the House Government Operations Committee, a panel Brooks eventually would chair. Brooks gained notoriety as a curmudgeon-like scourge of bureaucrats he grilled for wasting taxpayers' money, peering at witnesses over his glasses as he chewed on a cigar.

"I never thought being a congressman was supposed to be an easy job, and it doesn't bother me a bit to be in a good fight," Brooks once said.

A Brooks-authored law required full and open competition to be the standard for awarding federal contracts. The 1965 Brooks Act set policy for the government's computer acquisition program, requiring competitive bidding and central management. His Inspector General Act established independent Offices of Inspector General in major agencies to prevent fraud and waste.

Other Brooks bills reduced federal paperwork, provided a uniform system of federal procurement, eliminated overlapping audit requirements and established the Department of Education.

"He literally has saved American taxpayers billions of dollars through his actions in improving government efficiency and eliminating waste," former Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe, a longtime friend who died in 2010, said two years earlier when Brooks donated his congressional papers, photos, correspondence and other items to the Center for American History at the University of Texas.

Brooks also served on the House Judiciary Committee, where he strongly supported Nixon's impeachment and drafted the articles of impeachment the judiciary panel adopted. Nixon, who resigned Aug. 8, 1974, referred to Brooks as "the executioner."

Jack Bascom Brooks was born Dec. 18, 1922, in Crowley, La., and moved to Texas at age 5. While in public schools, he worked as a carhop, grocery clerk, magazine salesman and a reporter for the Beaumont Enterprise. He attended Lamar University in Beaumont, then a two-year school, and earned a degree in journalism from the University of Texas. He served with the Marines in the Pacific in World War II and retired as a colonel from the Marine Corps Reserves in 1972. He received a law degree from the University of Texas and was a two-term Texas state legislator when he was elected to the U.S. House at age 29.

He supported civil rights bills, refused to sign the segregationist "Southern manifesto" in 1956 and helped write the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964 that banned racial segregation.

His congressional longevity was an issue for him and other long-serving Democrats who were swept from office in 1994. Brooks also had alienated gun owners for supporting a ban on assault weapons and abortion opponents for his support of abortion rights.

Brooks married Charlotte Collins in 1960 and the couple had three children, Jeb Brooks, Kate Brooks Carroll and Kim Brooks, and two grandchildren, Matthew Carroll and Brooke Carroll.

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Associated Press writer Christopher Sherman in McAllen contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/longtime-texas-us-rep-jack-brooks-dead-89-201504532--politics.html

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