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Facebook IPO offering amount $10 billion - Web Reaction

2011-11-29T15:02:00.000-08:00

Nothing like another Facebook IPO story to shake off the Cyber Monday egg counting.

Reacting to yesterday’s Wall Street Journal scoop that Facebook was looking at the April to June 2012 timeframe to raise $10 billion in an IPO, reporters and analysts were quick to point out their lack of surprise.

As many noted, Facebook is required to file financial reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission when the number of private shareholders tops 500. Facebook has indicated that it will exceed that number by the end of the 2011 calendar year, meaning that the company would have to file with the SEC by April 30, 2012, whether it is public or not.

Yet even after citing this fact, the tech media has lifted Facebook’s IPO talk to “cacophonous levels,” in the words of VentureBeat.

It could be the IPO offering amount cited by The Journal: $10 billion. An offering of that size would raise more money than any other technology IPO, says Bloomberg, which lists the current record holder, Infineon Technologies AG, at the comparatively puny amount of $5.23 billion in 1999. Facebook rival Google raised $1.67 billion in its 2004 IPO.

That IPO offering would be based on a $100 billion valuation, more than Cisco, Disney and Amazon, but less than Intel, which is worth $119 billion, according to ZDNet. The Journal’s Geoffrey A. Fowler writes with that type of valuation, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg would be worth $24 billion, richer than Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin.

Also blame part of the “cacophonous levels” on the current Wall Street challenges endured lately by Groupon and LinkedIn. In the past five days Groupon shares have fallen 42%. LinkedIn shares are also sagging. After reporting excessively about the public debuts of these two social networking companies, tech reporters are dying to find out what happens when the big kahuna finally goes public.

Source: http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2011/11/29/web-reactions-to-facebook-ipo-story/

Aron Lee Ralston of 127 hours speaks at MSU convocation

2011-09-11T04:15:00.000-07:00

Aron Ralston widely known in 127 hours speaks at MSU convocation

Aron Lee Ralston (born October 27, 1975) is an American mountain climber and public speaker. He became widely known in May 2003[1] when, while canyoneering in Utah, he was forced by an accident to amputate his right arm with a dull knife in order to free himself from a boulder.
During a day hike in Blue John Canyon near Moab, Utah, an 800-pound boulder pinned Ralston’s right forearm to the canyon wall, crushing it. A rescue was unlikely because he had neglected to inform anyone of his whereabouts. After five days of trying to lift and break the boulder, a dehydrated and delirious Ralston bowed his arm and snapped the radius and ulna bones. Using the dull blade on a multi-use tool, he cut the soft tissue around the break. He then used the tool’s pliers to tear at the tougher tendons.
Ralston was the guest speaker at Wednesday night's freshman convocation at Montana State.

At the convocation, Ralston told a packed house his story in heart wrenching detail, but also with a bit of humor.

As he wrote in his best selling novel "127 Hours: Between a Rock and Hard Place," he had a choice - die pinned by that boulder or take action. That action was severing his arm with a dull pocket knife. Looking back, he says, he wouldn't change a thing.

"It was, for me, one of the greatest things that's ever happened to me. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I don't wish that I had my hand, none of that," he said. "I had some really profound epiphanies in that time, and when I remember that video tape that I made, some of the statements that I made myself there, that life isn't just about the accomplishments that we make, it's also about the relationships that you have."

His message to MSU freshman is to take action in the face of adversity.

"Be emboldened to make choices, pursue those, have commitments, see things through and especially, my experience, that even when there are adversities that will come, and certainly I think that's a guarantee in life that there will be adversities, that those challenges and adversities can be the best things that ever happen to us," he said.

9 11 pictures and memorial event in Rockland

2011-09-09T07:26:00.000-07:00

Megan Schuster grew up with September 11. Like others of her generation, particularly kids from the suburbs that surround New York City, she learned too soon about fear and loss.

Sept. 11 9/11 Commemorations

Haverstraw: 9/11 Memorial Ceremony for Rockland County. 8:30 a.m. Haverstraw Bay County Park, Gagan Road.

Nanuet: 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. The ceremony will be held behind the school, at the Nanuet school district's World Trade Center Memorial. Rain or shine. Information: . 10 a.m. A. MacArthur Barr Middle School, 143 Church St.

New City: Town of Clarkstown 9/11 Memorial Ceremony. At the 9/11 Memorial adjacent to Town Hall. The names of the Rockland County individuals who perished will be read by Supervisor Alex Gromack, Town Council members and Police Chief Michael Sullivan. Immediately following the ceremony, there will be a reception hosted by The Florian Association of Rockland for families and friends at the American Legion Post 1682 located at 65 American Legion Way in New City. 5 p.m. Clarkstown Town Hall, 10 Maple Ave.

Nyack: 9/11 Commemoration. Presented by the Nyack chapter of the American Legion Post 310 and the Village of Nyack, the ceremony includes remarks by Mike Longuil, commander of Post 310, Jerry Fenton, chaplain of Post 310 and the Nyack Fire Department, plus Nyack officials. Rain location: Nyack Village Hall, 9 N. Broadway. Information:

Orangeburg: 9/11 Memorial Ceremony. The ceremony will include remarks by retired N.Y. Police Department Chief Louis R. Anemone and former town Supervisor Thom Kleiner. 11:30 a.m. Orangetown Town Hall, 26 Orangeburg Road.

Sloatsburg: 9/11 Memorial Ceremony. Memorial service and candlelight procession. 7 p.m. Sloatsburg Athletic Field, Route 17 at Eagle Valley Road.

Suffern: 9/11 Commemoration. www.suffernvillage.com. 7 p.m. Suffern Village Hall, 61 Washington Ave.

Stony Point: Candlelight Memorial. 7 p.m. Stony Point Town Hall, 74 E. Main St.

Tappan: 9/11 Remembrance Service. The names of local residents killed in the attacks will be read. Retired Air Force Col. James DeTemple will be the guest speaker. In the event of rain, the service will be held upstairs in the firehouse. 8:30 a.m. Tappan Fire Department, 123 Washington St.

Congers: Yoga for 9/11 Families. Five yoga teachers organized by Ashley Dimeglio will lead an hour-and-a-half lesson. There will be live music. Donations of $15 per person will go to the Sept. 11th Families Association. 10 a.m.-noon. Congers Lake Memorial Park, 6 Gilchrest Road.
West Nyack: Community Commemoration of Reflection and Prayer. Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Rockland County and the Rockland County Board of Rabbis. 7-8 p.m. Center for Jewish Education of the Jewish Federation, Rockland, 450 West Nyack Road.

West Nyack: Bowl for Life, the American Red Cross and Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA are coordinating the "Muslims for Life" effort to collect 10,000 units of blood in honor of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The Blood Donor Program at Good Samaritan Hospital is running this blood drive and bone marrow registration. 3 to 7 p.m. Lucky Strike Lanes, 4662 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack.

Read More: http://www.lohud.com/article/20110909/LIFESTYLE01/109090369/List-9-11-memorial-events-Rockland

A Decade after 9/11 - World Trade Center | New York

2011-09-09T05:29:00.000-07:00

You can feel the urgent throb of New York from the moment you've passed through the immigration post at John F Kennedy airport. First you are hustled by pirate cabbies trying to lure you to their $100-a-ride limos on the other side of the legitimate ranks. Then, when you've sensibly queued for a yellow cab, you are catapulted onto the Long Island Expressway, bounced, buffeted and banged around as you swerve past Shea Stadium, the Queens projects and the gigantic billboards promising eternal youth and beauty, and finally you sail serenely across the Queensboro Bridge with the skyline of the greatest city in the world laid out in front of you. What exhilaration.

The only time this frequently taken thrill ride has not charged me up was precisely 10 years ago, in the days after the terrorist attack on 9/11. I'd arrived soon after that dreadful Tuesday to cover events for this newspaper, and although the yellow cab provided the traditional jolting journey, the first sighting of that skyline was a shock. In place of the gleaming twin towers was a plume of black smoke that would be a blot on the Manhattan skyline for months to come.

Now that plume has long gone; on the ride into the city now you can just make out One World Trade Center, the controversial yet-to-be completed replacement for the twin towers.

At $3 billion (£1.86 billion) it will be the most expensive office building ever constructed in the United States; it forms part of an $11 billion (£7 billion) group of buildings, train station, memorial gardens and museum on a site that, up to now, has been called Ground Zero.

President Obama - Claims on His speech at theWhite House

2011-09-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

President Obama's claim: "Everything in this bill will be paid for. Everything."

The facts: Obama did not spell out how he would pay for the measures contained in his nearly $450 billion American Jobs Act, but said he would send his proposed specifics in a week to the new panel charged with finding budget savings. White House aides suggested that new deficit spending in the near-term to try to promote job creation would be paid for in the future, but they did not specify what would be cut or what revenues they would use.

Essentially, the jobs plan is an IOU from a president and lawmakers who may not even be in office when the bills come due. Today's Congress cannot bind a later one for future spending. A future Congress could simply reverse it. So there is no guarantee that programs that clearly will increase annual deficits in the near term will be paid for in the long term.

Obama's claim: "Everything in here is the kind of proposal that's been supported by both Democrats and Republicans, including many who sit here tonight."

The facts: His proposed cut in the Social Security payroll tax does seem likely to garner GOP support. But there are a lot of other proposals that already have generated Republican opposition. For instance, Obama makes a pitch anew to end Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, which he has defined as couples earning more than $250,000 a year or individuals earning more than $200,000 a year. Republicans have blocked what they view as new taxes. As recently as last month, House Republicans refused to go along with any deal to raise the government's borrowing authority that included new revenues, or taxes.

Reese Witherspoon - Recovering After Accident

2011-09-08T07:12:00.000-07:00

Reese Witherspoon is recovering after being struck by a car while jogging in Santa Monica on Wednesday morning. The 35-year-old Oscar-winning actress was running across an unmarked crosswalk around 11 a.m. when an 84-year-old woman failed to slow down and struck her.

According to NBC L.A., Santa Monica Police spokesman Sgt. Richard Lewis said Witherspoon, "suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for medical treatment." The "Water for Elephants" star was discharged a short time later and spent the night at home recovering from the incident.

Lewis said the unidentified driver of the vehicle, who was driving 20 mph at the time, was interviewed at the location and released after getting a citation for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

Witherspoon, who received the Generation Award at this year's MTV Movie Awards, recently added another title to her long Hollywood resume when she became the face of the European fashion label Lindex. According to E! Online, the brand's marketing director said the Southern belle was picked because she is "positive, warm and full of energy."

Witherspoon made headlines the morning before her accident with the release of excerpts from her cover story in October's Marie Claire, in which she discussed her March marriage to agent Jim Toth.

"I was hard on myself when I got divorced. And until I got remarried, I don't think I realized how stressed I was," Witherspoon said about her split from actor Ryan Phillippe in 2006. "I don't think I recognized how anxious I was about being a single parent. ... Now I feel a great sense of relief and an incredible amount of support from my husband. I got very lucky, and he's wonderful. And so wonderful with my children. I'm very blessed."

Republican Presidential Candidates on Debate

2011-09-07T18:31:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES — Former Vice President Dick Cheney isn’t picking sides in the battle for the 2012 Republican Presidential nomination, but in a remarkably candid interview with ABC News in Los Angeles, he had blunt words about the current field of GOP candidates.

Cheney accused Rick Perry of using “over-the-top” rhetoric, chided Michele Bachmann for overpromising on the campaign trail and said that Jon Huntsman’s views on Afghanistan hew too closely to President Obama’s.

The comments came in far-ranging interview with ABC’s Jonathan Karl where Cheney discussed, at length, his health problems, criticism of his book and reflected on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

But on the politics of today, Cheney said it was “inappropriate” for Perry to say that he would treat Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke “pretty ugly down in Texas.”

“I disagree with him,” Cheney said. “Obviously he’s just getting started on the campaign. I’m not sure if he were to get elected he’d want to use that kind of language on the Fed Chairman.”

As the President gets ready to roll out his jobs-creation plan, one theme is likely to dominate tonight's GOP debate.

“What voters care about right now the most is jobs, the economy, and how are you going to grow both of them,” says Jennifer Horn, founder of the conservative group We the People.

But the issue could be eclipsed by the newest star on campaign trail.

“Tonight is the coming out party for Rick Perry from Texas,” says political analyst Scott Spradling.

Dean Spiliotes of NHpoliticalcapital.com agrees, “Actually seeing him in action, particularly against Mitt Romney, in the debate I think will be something people will be very interested in.”

Horn believes, “he has the most to gain and the most to lose at the same time.”

His debut was tentative due to the wildfires in his home state but Perry's since arrived in California. The Texas governor, now considered the republican front runner, is not known as a strong debater, “but,” Spradling points out, “we've seen from the trail so far that Perry has a strong style about him and he's not afraid to throw some punches. So I think we'll see a few fireworks tonight.”

The forum is also critical for former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, who'd held a solid lead until Perry entered the race, and for Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, “whose fortunes have been declining ever since Perry got in,” says Spiliotes. “She's going to be trying to get back into the race.”

Tensions have been building between the candidates off-stage. One time Utah Governor Jon Huntsman has been hammering away at Romney, while Perry and fellow Texan, Congressman Ron Paul, have been sparring with each other.

Tonight's debate takes place at the Reagan National Library. The late president was famous for promoting civility and party unity but when it comes to this race, Horn says, “We’ve certainly reached the point where they have to start drawing distinctions between themselves and their opponents.”

'Sons of Anarchy' Season 4 - Maggie Siff talks Tara and Jax

2011-09-07T02:17:00.000-07:00

“Sons of Anarchy” returns and season 4 has Jax and Tara now a family of four, as Tara gave birth while Jax was away in prison. Jax is getting released along with the rest of the “SOA” gang as the season opens. A lot of the concentration is going to be on Jax and Tara and the life changes they need to make, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The Hollywood Reporter recently interviewed Maggie Siff, who plays Tara on “SOA.” You might remember Maggie from a guest star role on “Mad Men” a few seasons back. She played a department store heir who had an affair with Don Draper, the star of “Mad Men.”

Her high class spoiled, but lonely, rich girl routine was a far cry from her role as Jax’s old lady in “Sons of Anarchy.” She was made for her “SOA” role, which she brings believability to. While there was nothing wrong with her role in “Mad Men,” Tara is Maggie’s masterpiece.

Maggie tells the Hollywood Reporter what “Sons of Anarchy” fans have to look forward to from Tara Knowles this season. She says the role of being a mother really grounds the character and she talks about the kind of “unconditional love” that is very deeply ingrained in Jax and Tara.

College Football Rankings 2011: ASU Climbs To 23, Oklahoma Tops List

2011-09-07T02:01:00.000-07:00

The college football rankings for the first week of the NCAA Football season have been released. The top of the USA Today Coaches Poll has the usual suspects: Oklahoma (1), Alabama (2) and with their big win over Oregon, LSU is the third spot. In the Pac-12, Stanford stays at six while Oregon drops to 14 with their loss. At home, the Arizona State Sun Devils move into the 23rd spot on the list while the University of Arizona Wildcats remain unranked.

In the AP Poll, Arizona State falls out of the top 25, but is the top of heap for "others receiving votes" which puts them right at the door step. Here's the full AP college football rankings with analysis. The Arizona Wildcats are nowhere to be found in either poll.

Arizona State easily handled their first opponent, UC Davis and while that was fully expected, the way they went about their business was impressive. The Sun Devil offense moved the ball with ease and the defense recorded sacks and held the Aggies to only a few scoring chances.

Things take a sharp turn in a new direction this week with the 19th-ranked Missouri Tigers coming to town. The Tigers won their Week 1 game against Miami Ohio by a score of 17-6. Most felt the Tigers were unimpressive in the victory over a small school and Mizzou also suffered a few key injuries.

An Arizona State win over Mizzou on Friday in a nationally televised game has to be worth several spots in next week's college football rankings while a loss would probably move them out of the top 15. Elsewhere in the Pac-12, Stanford and Oregon both have easy weeks with Duke and Nevada respectively. The big match to watch with huge implications in the Pac-12 South race will be USC vs. Utah at 4:30 p.m. PT on Saturday.

Giant Crocodile Roaming Around Philippines territory

2011-09-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Villagers and veteran hunters have captured a one-ton saltwater crocodile which they plan to make the star of a planned ecotourism park in a southern Philippine town, an official said Monday.

Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde said dozens of villagers and experts ensnared the 21-foot (6.4-meter) male crocodile along a creek in Bunawan township in Agusan del Sur province after a three-week hunt. It could be one of the largest crocodiles to be captured alive in recent years, he said, quoting local crocodile experts.

Elorde said the crocodile killed a water buffalo in an attack witnessed by villagers last month and was also suspected of having attacked a fisherman who went missing in July.

He said he sought the help of experts at a crocodile farm in western Palawan province.

"We were nervous but it's our duty to deal with a threat to the villagers," Elorde told The Associated Press by telephone. "When I finally stood before it, I couldn't believe my eyes."

After initial sightings at a creek, the hunters set four traps, which the crocodile destroyed. They then used sturdier traps using steel cables, one of which finally caught the enormous reptile late Saturday, he said.

About 100 people had to pull the crocodile, which weighs about 2,370 pounds (1,075 kilograms), from the creek to a clearing where a crane lifted it into a truck, he said.

The crocodile was placed in a fenced cage in an area where the town plans to build an ecotourism park for species found in a vast marshland in Agusan, an impoverished region about 515 miles (830 kilometers) southeast of Manila, Elorde said.

"It will be the biggest star of the park," Elorde said, adding that villagers were happy that they would be able to turn the dangerous crocodile "from a threat into an asset."

Source: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/giant-crocodile-captured-alive-philippines-134625838.html

6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Philippines on Tuesday, July 12, 2011

2011-07-12T03:21:00.000-07:00

As you open your facebook, or any networking sites, you may notice that most of your friends posted on their walls on some concerns about the earthquake they felt not just here in Cebu but in another part of the Philippine area. A magnitude of 3.0 here in Cebu maybe be very very light that, honestly, I didn't feel it coming or I didn't notice the shaking, though, they said, it happens twice as of today. There have been no reports of injuries or major damage. No tsunami warnings have been issued in the aftermath of the Negros, Philippines earthquake. We'll here's a report that I had research that you may want to read.

Earthquake overview : A 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck the coastal waters of Negros Island, Philippines at 4:47 AM local time. The epicenter of the earthquake is approx. 30 km out of the coast (USGS) and 45 km (Phivolcs). Phivolcs (the Philippines seismological service) has not called a tsunami alarm for this earthquake as also the Magnitude was less than initially measured by USGS.
Most important Earthquake Data:
Magnitude : 6.4 (afterwards recalculated top 6.2)
UTC Time : Monday, July 11, 2011 at 20:47:04 UTC
Local time at epicenter : Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 04:47:04 AM at epicenter
Depth (Hypocenter) : 20.1 km (afterwards changed into 19 km)
Geo-location(s) :
Approx. 30 km from the coastal villages of Hinoba-An and Sipalay City
126 km (78 miles) WNW of Dumaguete, Negros, Philippines
135 km (83 miles) SSW of Iloilo, Panay, Philippines

Here' some udpate:
UPDATE 12/07 – 09:30 UTC : A reader reports out of Sipalay City : just now here in San Jose, Sipalay City about 4:54pm another strong shake…it gives me palpitation
Bawayan City : July 12, 2011 5pm a light shaking earthquake is felt in Bayawan City

UPDATE 12/07 – 09:26 UTC : 2 new aftershocks measuring 4.6 and 5.4 occurred at respectively 15:57 and 16:56 local time. The depth of the latter was 52 km, which is less dangerous but it will be felt on a greater distance. (Phivolcs has reported for the last one a magnitude of 5.3 @ a depth of 66 km). Max. MMI following them at IV.

Miami Heat in NBA Finals: Fans show up in throngs for openers

2011-05-31T20:19:00.000-07:00

Fans turn up the Heat as NBA Finals open

MIAMI —

The earliest fans to show up outside AmericanAirlines Arena for Game 1 of the NBA Finals were the faithful, those who since the season began believed that the Miami Heat would be there when the championship was on the line.

They wore white, in keeping with the team's "White Hot Heat" theme. Some were in costume: fright wigs, basketball caps, rubber suits and face paint. They took pictures of each other, yelled cheers together and predicted victory.

"People said it couldn't be done in the first season, but they showed up, and did what needed to be done," said Shane McKendrick, 21, a University of Central Florida student from Plantation.

The "they" McKendrick spoke of, of course, were the Big Three — LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh — who promised to lead the franchise to its second NBA title.

View NBA Finals Schedule here:
http://www.nba.com/schedules/national_tv_schedule/index.html

Glee (IMDB) - "Never Been Kissed"

2010-11-09T20:33:00.000-08:00

"Never Been Kissed" by GLEE (IMDB)

20th Century Fox's 'Glee' Season 2

Glee fans didn't get a new episode this past Tuesday because of the elections, and when the show returns this week with "Never Been Kissed," New Directions is coming off of their attempt at performing The Rocky Horror Picture Show for the school (they didn't sing for the school, but for themselves).

"Never Been Kissed" Promo

HOLLYWOOD - SEPTEMBER 07: Actress Dot Marie Jones arrives at the premiere of 20th Century Fox's 'Glee' Season 2 held at Paramount Studios on September 7, 2010 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

"After Finn and Sam find an unconventional way of controlling their urges, a few glee club members pick up on the strategy and start using it too. But when Coach Beiste gets win of what they are up to, the glee club has some explaining to do." (IMDB)

This week's episode is the return of Coach Beiste (Dot Jones), who hasn't been seen since "Grilled Cheesus." Sunshine (Charice) is also returning, and this will be the first appearance by Darren Criss as Blaine. The promo (below) begins by saying the show is changing. The girls are shown singing in leather, and Puck and Artie are now hanging out, but Puck "never said anything about liking" him. The boys are singing dressed in tuxedos--it's another girls vs. boys week for New Directions. Kurt meets the Dalton Academy glee club, and they perform "Teenage Dream" (below). Sue's "it's like living in a nightmare" ends the promo.

We know last week might have been hard for Gleeks across the nation. What with a rerun and no Glee-Dux! But tonight, Glee didn't just return to our television. It kind of exploded right into our faces. And thank Sue that it did...

MORE: Kristin arm-wrestles Glee star Dot Jones!

Emma, What Have You Become? Because we love it! We never thought we'd see the day where our redheaded germaphobe would be having fun in a dirty theater surrounded by people throwing stuff around. But the day has arrived. Do we have her new love Carl to thank? Is he really changing her? Or is Emma simply evolving as TV characters often do? Whatever the case, the new Emma is making Will awfully dead set on winning her back. Which is good news for all those in the "Wemma" camp with their clean and curly flags flying high!

How Fearful Elizabeth Smart Woke With Pointed Knife On Her Neck

2010-11-08T17:01:00.001-08:00

Elizabeth Smart with Knife on neck

Elizabeth Smart remembers not being able to make out the threat, only the feel of cold knife at her neck.

Elizabeth Smart took the stand today against the man accused of kidnapping and raping her, recounting in a calm voice how Brian David Mitchell allegedly woke her up on the morning of June 5, 2002, with a knife to her throat. He said, “Come with me or I will kill you and your family,” Smart said, adding, “I thought I was having a nightmare. It was indescribable fear.” After Mitchell and Smart met up with Mitchell’s wife Wanda Barzee, they performed a ceremony “sealing” Smart and Mitchell, CNN reports.

Though Smart begged to be released, “he said he knew exactly what he was doing and he understood the consequences of his actions,” she said. She also testified about the alleged rape, remembering that she told Mitchell she “was just a little girl—that I hadn't even started my period yet.” She tried to fight him off, “but a 14-year-old girl against a grown man doesn't even out so much,” she said. Her younger sister and mother also took the stand today.

Elizabeth Smart remembers not being able to make out the threat, only the feel of cold knife at her neck.

As the then-14-year-old lay in bed alongside her baby sister, the man repeated: "Don't make a sound. Get out of bed and come with me, or I will kill you and your family." She was his hostage, he told her.

"I was shocked. I thought I was having a nightmare. It was just indescribable fear," Smart, now 23, told jurors Monday on the first day of testimony in the federal trial of Brian David Mitchell, the man accused of kidnapping her in June 2002.

That night, they fled up the hills above her home, with Smart in her red pajamas and tennis shoes, and the knife to her back.

Her younger sister — a baby blanket wrapped around her head and neck — rushed to their mother, telling of the kidnapping.

"It was utter terror," their mother, Lois Smart, testified earlier Monday. "It was the worst feeling, knowing that I didn't know where my child was. I was helpless."

Nine months later, motorists spotted Elizabeth Smart walking in a Salt Lake City suburb with Mitchell.

His attorneys did not dispute the facts of the abduction. But during opening statements, they said the prosecution's allegation that he was a calculating person who planned the kidnapping was wrong.

Known as a homeless street preacher named "Immanuel," Mitchell was influenced by a worsening mental illness and religious beliefs that made him think he was doing what God wanted, his attorneys said.

Mitchell, who has a long graying beard to the middle of his chest and hair to the middle of his back, was again removed from the courtroom Monday for singing hymns, so he's watching and listening from a holding cell.

Ms Smart, 23, was testifying in the trial of Brian David Mitchell, the man accused of abducting her eight years ago when she was 14 and holding her captive for nine months, CNN reported.

She was allegedly taken from her bedroom in the early hours of June 5, 2002, made to walk to a hillside camp, bonded to Mitchell then raped.

Smart's mother testified that she and her children ran into Mitchell downtown and that she offered him a job doing handyman work at the family's home. One of her sons encouraged her to give him money, she said.

"He looked like a clean-cut, well-kept man that was down on his luck," she said. "I gave him $5."

Andy Reid: DeSean Jackson will play by barring a setback

2010-11-07T18:37:00.000-08:00

Andy Reid

Andy Reid with Percy Harvin

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Andy Reid says that, barring a setback, DeSean Jackson will play
On October 17, Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson suffered a severe concussion after absorbing a hit from Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson.

On November 7, Jackson will be back. Barring a setback.

"I always leave that open when you're dealing with concussions," coach Andy Reid said. "But he had a great practice and he's been feeling well and ready to roll. So we'll just see, again, I keep those open."

Reid said that Jackson also will return punts, if he plays.

The 4-3 Eagles host the 5-2 Colts on Sunday.

Once Upon A Time, Andy Reid Was A Large Punt, Pass, And Kick Competitor
No matter what you like about football, Eagles-Colts has had something for you. A ghastly-looking hit? Yep. Hand-wringing about those hits? Sure. Impressive execution by Peyton Manning? Okay. Breathtaking quarterback play from Michael Vick? Absolutely.

But the coup de grace has to be the footage CBS showed of a young Andy Reid participating in a Punt, Pass, and Kick competition.

That screengrab is obviously via The Sports Geeks, and if CBS shows it, I suppose it has to be real. But in December 1971, Andy Reid was three months away from turning 14. And that looks like a colossal 14-year-old to me, albeit one with a superb spiral.

Then again, no one has ever accused Andy Reid of being slender.

U.S. Official Time: Fall Back change on current and correct time

2010-11-07T06:59:00.000-08:00

Fall Back Time Change 2010 and the Official Time now Daylight Savings Time 2010 is Over

Fall back time change 2010 happened last night. The official time now that Daylight Savings time is over is an hour earlier than yesterday. Unless you own an atomic clock or turned clocks back light night, the current time on your watch is likely to be wrong. The US time now is around 9 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Daylight Savings Time 2010 is Over

Last night marked the moment to bid farewell to Daylight Savings time 2010. Gone are the long, languid nights of summer as the shorter, nippy nights of fall descend. Often it is dark in the morning on the way to work and in the evening on the way home.

Business people who miss daylight should schedule a short outdoor walk at lunchtime. Grab a healthy lunch to-go while you stroll and catch a few afternoon rays so you don't miss your daily dose of daylight.

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Fall Back Time Change 2010

Last night everybody turned their clocks an hour behind for the Fall back time change 2010. The motto to remember when time changes happen in the spring or fall is “spring forward, fall behind.” Unless you reside in Arizona, Indiana, Hawaii or parts of Puerto Rico and American Samoa, your state is part of the daylight savings US time change.

What is an Atomic Clock and How Does Daylight Savings Impact Businesses?

An atomic clock adjust to daylight savings time much like many computers. Unless a business owns atomic clocks, an adjustment twice yearly is required. According to Signs on San Diego, one economist estimated the US time change costs nearly $1.7 billion annually.

William F. Shughart II of the Independent Institute, a nonprofit research group focusing on political economy, argued is takes more to implement Daylight Savings time than what it saves businesses and individuals in consumption. The estimate is based on 10 minutes for each adult in the United States to “spring forward” or “fall back” on watches and clocks.

Fall Time Change 2010 Involves Adjustment

As people say good-bye to Daylight Savings time 2010 for the fall time change 2010, schedule adjustments are crucial. Thomas Coughlin on the IEEE Consumer Electronics Society, stated, “For a few days, people are scrambling to get their schedule together. Some people arrive late for trains, buses and flights, or show up late for work.”

If you are scurrying to keep up with the fall time change 2010, you are not alone. Use Sunday to adjust all clocks and watches so Monday flows smoothly into your business day.

Whether or not you agree Daylight Savings time 2010 is productive, daylight savings and the US time change are inevitable to stay on schedule.

Source: http://business.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978671606

New York City Marathon Route

2010-11-07T06:16:00.000-08:00

New York Marathon 2010: NYC Marathon Route and Course Map – The New York City Marathon will be held tomorrow, November 8. The New York Marathon 2010 is the greatest event of New York Road Runners and is one of the best in the world. The event attracts more than 100,000 registrants per year.

This year, there are innovations made with the New York Marathon in oder to lessen overcrowding at the starting line. There will be three wave starts releasing approximately 15,000 runners. A total of 45,000 runners will be accepted to be included in the race. Each wave will have an interval of 30 minutes each. If you are accepted in the New York Marathon 2010 your assignment Assignments will be posted on your profile page at the official New York Marathon website and are printed on runners’ registration cards. Below is the New York Marathon 2010 route and course map:

Runners will assemble in what is called start villages at Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island in the morning. These villages are outdoors and may be damp and cold, so warm, water-resistent clothing is recommended. There will be three start villages or zones divided into three colors, blue, orange and green. Your color assignment is the same color as your race number.

New York Marathon 2010 route will be a total of 26 miles starting at Verrazano Narrows Bridge along Toll Road and then traversing Gowanus Express Road. The marathon will then turn left on Dahlgren Pl and then left on 92nd street and then right on 4th Avenue which will be the main road for most of the New York Marathon 2010 route. New York Marathon 2010 will end at Central Park.

The marathon will also be televised to millions of television viewers worldwide. NBC 4 New York will cover the New York Marathon 2010 beginning 9:00am and NBC Sports will have a live broadcast from 2:00 to 4:00pm. Also, stay tuned for the Universal Sports / NBC New York live stream also beginning at 9:00 a.m.

The race attracts many world-class professional athletes, not only for the more than $600,000 in prize money, but also for the chance to excel in the media capital of the world before two million cheering spectators and 315 million worldwide television viewers. As any one of the more than 700,000 past participants will attest, crossing the finish line in Central Park is one of the great thrills of a lifetime. [

New York Marathon is organized by New York Road Runners (NYRR) since 1970. Recently, financial group INC had become one of the mahor sponsor of the New York Marathon that is why the prefix ING was added to the event title. Most of the entrants are chose through lottery while the rest are from automatic nominations given to different running clubs who are members of the NYRR.

Source: http://www.dotsperiod.com/4664/new-york-marathon-2010-nyc-marathon-route-and-course-map/

CMT Music Awards 2010: Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum Among Winners

2010-06-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

CMA Awards 2010 / CMT Music Awards 2010

CMT Music Awards 2010: Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum Among Winners

Carrie Underwood was the big winner at tonight’s CMT Music Awards, taking home three major honors, including video of the year. The group Lady Antebellum and the veteran duo Brooks & Dunn also took home prizes.

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The show was hosted by Kid Rock, a rapping rocker with a country streak. The ceremony included appearances by Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire and a host of other country stars.

“Watching you host all night, well I gotta say-you’re a natural,” Sheryl Crow told Kid Rock onstage.

“I’m actually having fun,” he replied. “I felt good at the beginning-now I feel real good, you know what I mean?” Kid Rock then slow-danced with Crow and asked her to have his baby.

Video of the year, the biggest prize of the night, went to Underwood for “Cowboy Casanova.”

“Wow! Amazing fans. Awesome, awesome, amazing, awesome, awesome,” said Underwood, accepting the award.

Miranda Lambert was the upset winner for female video of the year for “White Liar.” She beat out Underwood (”Cowboy Casanova”), Taylor Swift (”You Belong With Me”), and Reba McEntire (”Consider Me Gone”).

Keith Urban took home male video of the year for “Til Summer Comes Around.” “I want to send deepest love and prayers out to all of the families around the Gulf who are going through an insane time right now,” said Urban.

Urban and John Mayer performed a duet, exchanging licks on their electric guitars as they played a version of Urban’s song “Hit the Ground.”

In what has become an expected practice at country awards shows, throughout the ceremony there were numerous shots of Urban’s wife, actress Nicole Kidman, in the audience.

Underwood took home the prize for CMT performance of the year for “Temporary Home” from her CMT special, “Invitation Only: Carrie Underwood”; Brooks & Dun won duo video of the year for “Indian Summer”; and Lady Antebellum won for group video of the year.

Source: http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/06/09/cmt-music-awards-2010-carrie-underwood-lady-antebellum-among-winners/

Dutch concern over van der Sloot 'show trial'

2010-06-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

(CNN) -- Dutch media expressed concern Tuesday about the prospects of Joran van der Sloot getting a fair trial following his arrest in Peru over the death of a 21-year-old woman.

Peruvian authorities say that Van der Sloot has already confessed to killing Stephany Flores Ramirez and could be charged on Tuesday. If convicted of murder he could face up to 35 years in jail.

The case has attracted international attention because van der Sloot was twice arrested and released in connection with the disappearance of American teenager Natalee Holloway in Aruba in 2005.

In a comment piece published on Tuesday morning before the alleged confession, Dutch newspaper Trouw warned that police and authorities in Peru were under "overwhelming pressure" from the media to condemn van der Sloot, as soon as possible, warning that his presumed guilt appeared to be a "foregone conclusion" which risked turning his case into a "show trial."

It also criticized the "openness" of the Peruvian police in placing van der Sloot in front of television cameras wearing a bulletproof vest, warning that it could compromise the case against the suspect.

"Showing the suspect as a trophy could seriously harm the investigation. It could influence witnesses before they are heard," said Trouw.

Trouw also criticized Dutch forensic psychology professor Corine de Ruiter who speculated in another Dutch newspaper, De Volkskrant, that van der Sloot displayed "all the major features of a classic psychopath."

De Ruiter has not met van der Sloot and told De Volkskrant her suggestion that he may have a psychopathic disorder was based on analysis of "books, images and interviews" concerning the case.

She cited an interview he gave on Dutch television in 2008 following which he threw a glass of wine into the face of crime reporter Peter R. de Vries.

Psychopathic personality disorder is a chronic mental illness also known as antisocial personality disorder. Those with the condition "typically have no regard for right and wrong" and may be prone to violent behavior, according to MayoClinic.com.

De Ruiter told the newspaper that typical psychopathic characteristics included a lack of empathy and guilt, manipulative tendencies, pathological lying and narcissism.

"Psychopaths have a certain flair. They have wit, and they can also be very charming and polite," de Ruiter said.

But Trouw, in the opinion piece published before van der Sloot's alleged confession, said: "What if he is still proven innocent? On closer inspection, the 22-year-old Dutchman is just a suspect in an 'ordinary' murder investigation. So he must be treated. Until the court has sentenced, after thorough deliberation."

That sentiment was echoed by the Web site of the English language Radio Netherlands Worldwide which voiced concerns about the amount of possible evidence which had already been made public.

It noted that van der Sloot was "already a well-known figure in the United States, the Netherlands and in Aruba."

"Generally, the Netherlands never interferes with legal processes in other countries, but there may well be reason to protest in this case," it said.

Radio Netherlands Worldwide said van der Sloot's alleged confession over the killing of Flores was a "surprise" as van der Sloot had previosly refused to say anything about his alleged involvement.

"For Peru, Joran van der Sloot is principally a matter of prestige," the Web site said. "His rights and privacy are secondary to the country's desire to show off to the world with its handling of the Stephany Flores murder case."

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/06/08/netherlands.van.der.sloot.media.wrap/

Tom Cruise stand out at MTV Movie Awards

2010-06-07T11:37:00.000-07:00

Quantcast Fast Track: Tom Cruise is a dance machine at MTV Movie Awards

Sandra Bullock, Tom Cruise stand out at MTV Movie Awards

Bullock's resilience is on display in wake of marital troubles; Cruise evokes his 'Tropic Thunder' character.
By Geoff Boucher
June 7, 2010

The MTV Movie Awards are typically an exercise in frothy Hollywood film promotion but on Sunday night they were a ritual of redemption for two of Hollywood's biggest stars, Tom Cruise and Sandra Bullock.

The show was jammed pack with popcorn commercials but if you paid attention there were also surprisingly emotional moments, none more than the 21 Century survivor declarations by the stars of "Top Gun" and "Speed."

Cruise opened the show in the hairy-chested, Tinseltown mercenary persona of Les Grosssman from "Tropic Thunder" and by channeling his inner Fly Girl with his dance moves. He turned his image from Scientology to scatology and added a considerable amount of grease to his stiff-guy stereotype.

Bullock shedded even more baggage; there has been a mountain of tabloid press devoted to her wrecked marriage with Jesse James and this appearance was a carefully crafted public display of endurance. "I love what I do. I'm not going anywhere," the Oscar-winning actress said in an unusually heartfelt moment during a gala that is far more familiar with flatuence and f-bombs.

Oceanos Sinking Update Info Stories from the Oceania

2010-05-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

Oceanos Sinking Update

Oceanos Sinking Update Info Stories from the Oceania

This deep sea disaster is not one to forget. The Oceanos Sinking is one of the biggest disasters in South Africa’s recent history. The singing of the MVS Oceanos, a very prominent ocean liner.

As we recall:
South Africa’s National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) says there is a ship in distress off the country’s Eastern Cape coast.
Two South African Air Force (SAAF) helicopters and an NSRI rescue craft were been sent on Tuesday to give aid to the ship.
Independent Online says the vessel is likely 10 nautical miles offshore from a tourist destination, Hole in the Wall. The ship fired a red distress flare. NSRI spokesman Craig Lambinon said in a statement:

NSRI East London have launched their rescue craft and two Oryx helicopters from the SA Air Force in Durban are en-route to investigate.

The report quoted eyewitnesses who said the ship was drifting towards Coffee Bay on the same coast.
The Eastern Cape coast has some of the rockiest coastal features in Southern Africa, with rocky bays and submerged rocks. It was on this coast that the worst sea disaster in South Africa’s recent history took place, with the sinking of the MVS Oceanos, an ocean liner, in 1991. The South African Navy and the SAAF succeeded in rescuing all 571 people on board.

Your request is being processed... Orange County Tornado: Strong Storm, Rare Twister Strike Los Angeles, California (VIDEO)

2010-01-19T15:54:00.001-08:00

A rare Orange County tornado officially touched down today in California, just outside Los Angeles, according to the National Weather Service, along with four water spouts and winds of up to 80 mph.

Experts are still analyzing what took place, but the Los Angeles Times confirmed that a storm "with tornado-like strength pounded the Southern California coast" this afternoon and witnesses reported seeing a tornado touch down in Sunset Beach, lift boats out of the water and come on shore.

Twitter users have been commenting on reported Orange County tornado sightings, with at least one having fun with the news:

danni38b0i: Ma co-wrkrs said they saw a tornado towards westchester nd got it on camera
LiZztheHairWiZz: there was a tornado in costa mesa, cars flipped & some roofs torn ohh man =/
mr_devoe: Inside the L.A. tornado. Feeling dizzy. Very wet. Trying to avoid flying debris. Just saw a woman with red sparkly shoes carrying small dog.

The L.A. Times also reported major street flooding in San Pedro and Long Beach, and surging waves in Huntington Beach.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/19/orange-county-tornado-str_n_428872.html

Scouting report: Bengals vs. Steelers

2009-09-27T18:06:00.000-07:00

Bengals vs. Steelers: The Report

When the Bengals run

As they showed last week against Green Bay, when the Bengals run the ball effectively the offense opens up, so expect another game of 20-plus carries from Cedric Benson. But if he is to become the first running back in 20 regular-season games to gain 100 yards against the Steelers, the Bengals must run a mix of unbalanced line alignments and also will need an exceptional blocking game from their receivers. With linebackers James Farrior and James Harrison, the Steelers are quick, physical and disciplined when shutting off the outside lanes. Benson made plenty of defenders miss last week, but the Steelers have a different defense. In the teams’ two games last year, the Steelers held the Bengals to 127 yards.

When the Bengals pass

If the Bengals can run, it should open the passing game for Carson Palmer. After throwing two early interceptions last week, Palmer settled down and was 10-of-14 passing for 144 yards and two touchdowns over the final 2 1/2 quarters. He was even more impressive on third down, going 8-of-9 for 93 yards and a touchdown. Chad Ochocinco largely has been contained by the Steelers, with three touchdowns and two 100-yard efforts in 16 games. How much Chris Henry’s quadriceps injury bothers him remains to be seen, along with whether Andre Caldwell can bounce back from a one-catch game last week. With Troy Polamalu out, Pittsburgh cornerbacks William Gay and Ike Taylor might play tighter coverage. The Steelers’ pass rush has been anemic, with only two sacks.
When the Steelers run

What once was a fearsome running attack has struggled early, averaging 70 yards per game. Then again, Pittsburgh’s running game has sputtered in the past before getting well against the Bengals. Willie Parker is averaging only 2.4 yards per carry and Rashard Mendenhall has seen limited touches. In order to take pressure off Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers need to jump-start their run game. The Bengals are allowing an average of only 82 rushing yards per game, with linebackers Dhani Jones, Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga getting pursuit on ball carriers.
When the Steelers pass

Ben Roethlisberger has been sacked six times this season but is one of the hardest quarterbacks to bring down because of his size and mobility. Tight end Heath Miller is a good short-pass option and Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes stretch the field. One of the more anticipated matchups will be Bengals defensive end Antwan Odom, who is coming off a five-sack game against Steelers left tackle Max Starks, who is inconsistent on pass protection. Phil Simms, an analyst on today’s game broadcast on CBS, noted that he has seen improvement from the Steelers’ line. And even though Roethlisberger went down 46 times last season, he had a clean jersey against the Bengals.
Special teams

For the Bengals, Kevin Huber continues to pin opponents inside their 20-yard line and Shayne Graham had a clutch 40-yard field goal last week. Quan Cosby averaged 22.8 yards on five punt returns last week, with two of them leading to 10 points. Kickoff returns remain a concern, with the Bengals’ average drive start at their 22. Pittsburgh’s Jeff Reed missed two field goal attempts last week.

Source: http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090926/SPT02/309260045/1062/SPT/Scouting+report++Bengals+vs.+Steelers

Steve Mcnair Funeral Pictures

2009-07-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

Steve McNair funeral pictures and video - update on singles in affairs with marrieds

Following last week's story on singles and marrieds in affairs, I'm publishing photos marking some closure for the tragically affected family, friends and associates of Steve McNair.

Despite the secretive relationship he conducted with a single girlfriend, McNair's wife, Mechelle McNair is pictured still wearing a wedding band on her left hand. Family and teammates of the murdered NFL Ravens and Titans player wanted to focus on the positive points of Steve McNair's life throughout his funeral.

The memorial service and funeral took place July 11 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi with a burial at Griffith Cemetery near Prentiss, Mississippi.

The tragic ending to this affair will forever affect the lives of both families, despite their very different circumstances.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-12534-Single-Life-Examiner~y2009m7d13-Steve-McNair-funeral-photos--update-on-singles-in-affairs-with-marrieds

Sophie Simmon in Family Jewels

2009-05-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

New York, NY, xx, 2009 – Legendary rock god and multi-hyphenate Gene Simmons and his unconventional family are back and better than ever for an all-new season of A&E's hit unscripted series "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," premiering with a special one-hour episode on Sunday, June 7th at 10:00 PM ET/PT. The 15-episode season kicks off with Sophie's sweet sixteen party, giving viewers an all access pass to the milestone celebration. When a case of sibling rivalry spirals out of control, Nick pulls on dad's heartstrings and his sense of theatrics to escalate the low key party she wanted into the blowout of the century, all to the dismay of shy Sophie.

In addition to Sophie's sweet sixteen, the new season will give viewers a behind the scenes look at the entire family's many adventures. From Gene's appearance on "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?," to Gene filming a Japanese monster flick, to Shannon preparing for a role in a roller derby exploitation film, to Nick getting his own apartment, to Sophie fending off ill-intentioned teenaged boys, viewers will follow the Simmons-Tweed clan as they set out to prove, yet again, why they are the most non-traditional, traditional family in America.

Tongue-wagging, face-painted, radical rock legend Gene Simmons is back in the news. Bassist, vocalist of the hard rock legend band “Kiss”, Simmonds has always worn his demoniacal bad-man image on his sleeve. Onstage histrionics, outrageous outfits and make-up that bordered on the bizarre even, made Simmonds synonymous with an unfrosted hard core rock experience.

Source: http://www.postchronicle.com/commentary/article_212233966.shtml