Welcome to the Bizarro NMA World In Which Star Wars and Disney...

Welcome to the Bizarro NMA World In Which Star Wars and Disney Fight to the Death

By Adrian Covert

Any NMA take on Disney?s acquisition of LucasFilm is bound to be very strange, but the finished product is even stranger than you could imagine. Backroom deals made in a strip club. Yoda strong arming George Lucas. Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the Avengers brawling with Yoda, Darth Vader and Han Solo. And Ronald McDonald? Just watch it. [NMA]

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/lOwy-7FtR1k/34706911819

nba playoffs rosario dawson young jeezy world wildlife fund gsa keith olbermann andrew bynum

'Star Wars 7' will need The Force to be with it

By Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, NBC News

At first, it sounded like a typical business news story, albeit one involving two major movie names: Disney announced Tuesday that it was buying Lucasfilm. But right there in the story: word that the newly purchased company?plans to release "Star Wars: Episode 7" in 2015.

Chris Pizzello / AP

Will the new "Star Wars" films be winners, or straight from the Dark Side?

Although he'd said in the past that he wasn't going to make any more "Star Wars" movies other than the original three and the three prequels, George Lucas has changed his mind. Well, kind of.

In a video discussion with Lucasfilm co-chair Kathy Kennedy, Lucas explains that he didn't really go back on his word.

"I always said I wasn't going to do any more ('Star Wars' films)," he said. "That's true ... but that doesn't mean I'm not going to turn it over to Kathy."

Lucas said that he had produced story treatments for the next trilogy of films as well as "other movies." Kennedy said that she already was discussing ideas with writers, and noted "the main thing is to protect the characters."

In sequence, the film would come after 1983's "Return of the Jedi," which ends with an Ewok-assisted battle on Endor and features a final scene of?the spirits of Obi-Wan, Yoda and Anakin Skywalker watching over Luke and the other Rebels celebrating the end of the Empire.

Lucas and Kennedy haven't said how long after "Jedi" the first new film would be set, or what familiar characters might return. But fans immediately weighed in, of course.

Some weren't sure what to think. "This is definitely a lot to take in," Eric Eisenberg wrote at Cinema Blend. "The prequels were an absolute disaster, but could they ever be redeemed?"

Joked the blog I Watch Stuff, "Though the deal gives Disney control of all the Star Wars characters, as well as their own roster and their Marvel acquisitions, it is not clear if or when Jar Jar, Thor, and Pooh will be made available on a single varsity jean jacket."

Vince Mancini of FilmDrunk.com at least was somewhat optimistic, if you can call it that, writing: "I?d just as soon they let?Star Wars?die off, like it should have after?Episode I, but let?s face it, there?s no way Disney can do worse with Lucasfilm than Lucasfilm?s already been doing."

MTV's Josh Wigler got down to the nitty-gritty -- which characters will we see onscreen? He's wondering if iconic roles will be recast -- can a 70-year-old Harrison Ford still play a believable Han Solo, and would anyone accept another actor in the role?

And, of course, the Disney-"Star Wars" jokes ran fast and furious on Twitter. The hashtag #DisneyStarWars resulted in some fun title suggestions, including "When You Wish Upon a Death Star," "Hoth School Musical" and "Song of the Sith."

Which characters would you like to see in new "Star Wars" films? Is it a good idea to make more? Tell us on Facebook.

Related content:

Source: http://entertainment.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/30/14810805-star-wars-7-will-need-the-force-to-be-with-it?lite

arian foster dennis kucinich apple ipad kony kony 2012 jim irsay the new ipad

ConEd prepped for big storm, got even bigger one

NEW YORK (AP) ? Blame a very high tide driven by a full moon, the worst storm surge in nearly 200 years, and the placement of underground electrical equipment in flood-prone areas for the most extensive storm-related power outage in New York City's history.

It's like what happened at the Fukushima nuclear complex in Japan last year ? without the radiation. At a Consolidated Edison substation in Manhattan's East Village, a gigantic wall of water defied elaborate planning and expectations, swamped underground electrical equipment, and left about 250,000 lower Manhattan customers without power.

Last year, the surge from Hurricane Irene reached 9.5 feet at the substation. ConEd figured it had that covered.

The utility also figured the infrastructure could handle a repeat of the highest surge on record for the area ? 11 feet during a hurricane in 1821, according to the National Weather Service. After all, the substation was designed to withstand a surge of 12.5 feet.

With all the planning, and all the predictions, planning big was not big enough. Superstorm Sandy went bigger ? a surge of 14 feet.

"Nobody predicted it would be that high," said ConEd spokesman Allan Drury.

At one point, nearly 1 million ConEd customers lost electricity in and near the city ? a record number for the utility. And the troubles didn't end as the storm slowly moved off. Con Ed said problems to its high-voltage systems caused by the hurricane forced the utility to cut power to about 160,000 customers in Brooklyn and Staten Island on Tuesday night.

But the signature event came when a surge of water pushed forward by the storm's winds poured over the banks of the East River near the substation on 13th Street.

As water poured into the substation Monday night, the blinding flash of an explosion lit the most famous skyline in the world. A huge section of the city that never sleeps fell into darkness.

It's exactly what a proactive ConEd hoped to avoid by shutting down three similar power networks in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn in advance of the storm surge.

However, the combination of circumstances, notably an extraordinary high tide, pushed massive amounts of water deep into the city. The underground infrastructure was suddenly vulnerable.

As the storm's predicted path zeroed in on New York City, ConEd brought on extra work crews and laid plans to shut down some underground equipment in lower Manhattan and other parts of the city.

By late Monday afternoon, the utility started to notify Manhattan customers south of 36th Street that power might be shut off if underground equipment was flooded with corrosive, destructive seawater. The company gave the same heads-up to some customers in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.

By mid-evening, though, conditions had worsened. More than 150,000 customers in New York City and Westchester County were already off grid. The utility began turning off the power, as a precaution, to a section of lower Manhattan, including Wall Street, in an attempt to stem damage. Shortly afterward, the company began cutting electricity in parts of Brooklyn too; a total of 220,000 other customers were already in the dark.

Less than an hour later, more equipment flooded, sparks flew, and the blast boomed across the East River and throughout lower Manhattan from what ConEd believes was a circuit breaker at its flooded substation.

The flooded equipment had failed.

When live electric equipment is inundated with salt water, electricity escapes every which way, sending sparks flying and damaging equipment. "You see a huge blast just from the short circuit," says Arshad Mansoor, senior vice president for research and development at the Electric Power Research Institute, an industry-funded research group.

As day broke Tuesday, the company was busily assessing damage and fixing equipment. But downed trees and wires, as well as lingering flood waters, made it hard for repair crews to reach some areas. The utility was able to get at least 140,000 customers back on the grid within several hours.

But hundreds of thousands of others hunkered down for a longer outage. ConEd said customers served by underground equipment should be restored to service in four days. Those who get power from overhead lines are expected to wait a week. That's because there are so many fallen lines.

The most densely populated parts of the city, mostly in Manhattan and Brooklyn, are served by underground transmission wires. These offer protection from wind and falling tree limbs that plague overhead wires and make the suburbs far more vulnerable to outages.

But underground wires can flood and be more difficult to repair, especially in low-lying areas. It can be harder for workers to get to the wires because manholes flood. When water recedes, it can be harder to find problems, pull out wires and equipment, dry them, fix them, and slide them back into place.

The damage assessment could take days to complete.

To engineers like Joannes Westerink, a University of Notre Dame researcher who is working on a computer model for future New York City storm surges, this was all predictable.

"You build infrastructure too low, and you run into trouble," he said. "It's a recipe for disaster."

He said it's well known that New York City had spread to ever-lower zones in modern history. He cited Battery Park at the tip of Manhattan as a dramatic example.

ConEd could likely have shut down more networks served by the 13th Street substation before the storm arrived, but that would have meant cutting power to tens of thousands of people and critical facilities like hospitals. Even though hospitals have backup power generators, they too can fail. Generators at New York University Langone Medical Center went down Monday night, and patients were evacuated.

"You have to make the decision to shut off power to a substation very, very carefully, especially if it serves critical facilities," Mansoor said. The decision can turn into a lose-lose situation.

Despite the latest damage, Mansoor called the New York City system the most reliable in the world because it's normally well protected from weather and set up with backup equipment. That protects the city from minor disruptions and helps keep major disruptions from cascading through the city.

No system, he said, can be designed to withstand every storm, no matter how severe.

Carol J. Friedland, a Louisiana State University engineer who has studied the impact of flooding on electrical systems, said more measures should be taken to protect equipment in low-lying places. For example, sea walls can be raised, and equipment can sometimes be relocated.

"My personal opinion ... is that there should be more resilience built into these types of infrastructure, because when the power goes out, it disrupts the entire community," she said.

Massoud Amin, a University of Minnesota electrical engineering professor who has studied power outages, said the storm underscores the need to improve the nation's electric grid by stringing more high-voltage wire and using modern sensor technology to spot problems sooner, isolate damage, and speed recovery from outages.

"Our electrical infrastructure system is a marvel of engineering for the last century," Amin said. "The grid operators and the power companies are doing the best they can."

It is too soon to say if anything more could have been done to keep the New York City grid working. Under state regulations, ConEd will be required to file a report on the outage to the New York State Department of Public Service within 60 days of power restoration. That agency's staff will evaluate how problems were handled and if improvements can be made for the future, according to agency spokeswoman Pamela Carter.

___

AP writer Jeff Donn reported from Plymouth, Mass. and Dave Carpenter from Chicago. AP writers Scott Mayerowitz and David Koenig contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/coned-prepped-big-storm-got-even-bigger-one-032446726.html

marchmadness mike d antoni nba trade rumors 2012 ncaa tournament schedule laurent robinson dantoni gillian anderson

Cute Little Shopping From ShopInOnIt E-store|shopinonit reviews

Shopinonit.com

My earrings obsession just refuses to die and this is what happened when I saw some interesting pieces on Shopinit e store which has just opened recently. I was looking for some?accessories?for Karwa chauth but ?postponed ?it thought that the occasion ?still has some time and site will stock up more things in the coming days

?

?

Trendy Dazzlers (INR499)

?

The moment I saw these, I imagined slick back hair wand a chic fitted black dress with a clutch and these hoops. Classy na ? I love hoops it gives definition to my round face. Check one of my favourite ?hoops here?

?

?

?

Petite Hoop (Bali) earrings :- INR 500

These are tiny just 1 cm sterling silver hoops which caught my attention.Something which I would like to wear on the daily basis and are not heavy too.I think i can wear this on the above pierced hole of my ear too. I hope they wont be heavy .

?

?

?

I was looking for a bow hair band since long ..was kind of bored with my?leopard?band which I got last YEAR ..so had to buy a new one for myself ?It?s a checkered pink bow band and one can shift it to any direction .(PRICE Rs. 200)

?

?

?

You Might like reading these also:-

?

?

Source: http://www.wiseshe.com/2012/10/shop-inonit-reviews.html

blagojevich new mexico state kevin rose sessions march madness scores doonesbury padma lakshmi

49ers Rout Cardinals, 24-3: Alex Smith Shines, Randy Moss Scores Touchdown As San Francisco Rolls

Aldon Smith

San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) salutes the fans after sacking Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Aldon Smith, Parys Haralson

San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) celebrates his sack of Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton with Parys Haralson during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

John Skelton, Aldon Smith

Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

An Arizona Cardinals fan reacts to his team during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Chris Culliver, Tarell Brown, Carlos Rogers, Donte Whitner, Perrish Cox, Dashon Goldson, Andre Roberts, Larry Fitzgerald

San Francisco 49ers' Chris Culliver, bottom right, intercepts a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (11) as 49ers' Tarell Brown, far left, Carlos Rogers (22), Donte Whitner (31), Perrish Cox (20), Dashon Goldson, far right, and Cardinals' Andre Roberts (12) all look on during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Randy Moss, Jamell Fleming

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Randy Moss (84) runs in a touchdown after a reception as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jamell Fleming (23) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

Jim Harbaugh, Alex Smith

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, right, talks with Alex Smith (11) during a timeout in the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Alex Smith, Alex Boone

San Francisco 49ers' Alex Smith (11) celebrates his second touchdown pass of the game against the Arizona Cardinals with Alex Boone, left, during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

John Skelton, Aldon Smith

Arizona Cardinals' John Skelton, left, passes under pressure from San Francisco 49ers' Aldon Smith, right, during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Michael Crabtree

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Chris Culliver, Larry Fitzgerald

San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

Larry Fitzgerald, Chris Culliver, Carlos Rogers

San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver (29) and Carlos Rogers break up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

Michael Crabtree, William Gay

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) breaks the tackle of Arizona Cardinals cornerback William Gay (22) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

John Skelton, Justin Smith

Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) looks to pass under pressure from San Francisco 49ers defensive end Justin Smith during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

Alex Smith, Calais Campbell

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) is sacked by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

Chris Culliver, Larry Fitzgerald

San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

Chris Culliver, Larry Fitzgerald

San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

Chris Culliver, Larry Fitzgerald

San Francisco 49ers defensive back Chris Culliver breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

Frank Gore, William Gay, Paris Lenon

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) tries to gain yardage as Arizona Cardinals cornerback William Gay (22) and Paris Lenon (51) defend during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

John Skelton, Aldon Smith

Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) looks to throw as San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) watches during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

Michael Crabtree, Patrick Peterson

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) pulls in a touchdown pass as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

Michael Crabtree, Patrick Peterson

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) pulls in a touchdown pass as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Larry Fitzgerald, Lyle Sendlein

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) leaves the field after being hurt during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. At left is Lyle Sendlein (63). (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

Michael Crabtree, Patrick Peterson

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) pulls in a touchdown pass as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

Kendall Hunter

San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) is tripped up against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

Alex Smith

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) drops back to pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Patrick Peterson, Mario Manningham

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) tackles San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Jim Harbaugh

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh throws a pass as the team warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Alex Smith

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter

San Francisco 49ers' Frank Gore (21) takes the ball as Kendall Hunter (32) waits his turn while the team warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

John Skelton

Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Receiver Michael Crabtree #15 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates as he beats Daryl Washington #58 of the Arizona Cardinals into the endzone on a touchdown catch during the second quarter of an NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: John Skelton #19 of the Arizona Cardinals shakes hands with Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers after the game at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. 49rs won 24-3. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Chris Culliver #29 of the San Francisco 49ers knocks down a pass intended for Michael Floyd #15 of the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. 49rs won 24-3. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Running back Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers leaps over William Gay #22 of the Arizona Cardinals on a frist down run during the first quarter of an NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled by Chris Culliver #29 of the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. 49rs won 24-3. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Vernon Davis #85 of the San Francisco 49ers attempts to break a tackle against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Randy Moss #84 of the San Francisco 49ers sprints to the endzone in front of linebacker Sam Acho #94 of the Arizona Cardinals on a touchdown catch during the third quarter of an NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Receiver Mario Manningham #82 of the San Francisco 49ers is stopped short of the goal-line by Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals after a catch during the second quarter of an NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Receiver Michael Crabtree #15 of the San Francisco 49ers slips out of the tackle of Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals after a catch during the second quarter of an NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by Daryl Washington #58 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter of an NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Randy Moss #84 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with teammate Kyle Williams #10 after his touchdown catch against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter of an NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Michael Crabtree #15 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass during pre-game warm ups of an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: San Francisco 49ers fans cheer as the team enters the field during pre-game warm ups of an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Larry Fitzgerald # 11 of the Arizona Cardinals listens to music as he catches passes during pre-game warm-ups before the start of an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Head Coach Jim Harbaugh of the San Francisco 49ers watches David Akers #2 kick field goal during pre-game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Head Coach Jim Harbaugh tosses the ball to Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers during pre-game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a few passes during pre-game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up during pre-game against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass during pre-game warm ups of an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

San Francisco 49ers v Arizona Cardinals

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass during pre-game warm ups of an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 29, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/29/san-francisco-49ers-cardinals-alex-smith-randy-moss_n_2042475.html

atlanta hawks flyers 2012 white house correspondents dinner forrest gump bernard hopkins nfl draft grades devils

Lil Wayne released from hospital, thanks fans

{ttle}

{cptn}","template_name":"ss_thmb_play_ttle","i18n":{"end_of_gallery_header":"End of Gallery","end_of_gallery_next":"View Again"},"metadata":{"pagination":"{firstVisible} - {lastVisible} of {numItems}","ult":{"spaceid":"46077659","sec":""}}},{"id": "hcm-carousel-836505289", "dataManager": C.dmgr, "mediator": C.mdtr, "group_name":"hcm-carousel-836505289", "track_item_selected":1,"tracking":{ "spaceid" : "46077659", "events" : { "click" : { "any" : { "yui-carousel-prev" : { "node" : "a", "data" : {"sec":"HCMOL on article right rail","slk":"prev","itc":"1" }, "bubbles" : true, "test": function(params){ var carousel = params.obj.getCarousel(); var pages = carousel._pages; // if same page, don't beacon if(("_ult_current_page" in carousel) && carousel._ult_current_page==pages.cur) return false; // keep track of current position within this closure carousel._ult_current_page = pages.cur; return true; } }, "yui-carousel-next" : { "node" : "a", "data" : {"sec":"HCMOL on article right rail","slk":"next","itc":"1" }, "bubbles" : true, "test": function(params){ var carousel = params.obj.getCarousel(); var pages = carousel._pages; // no more pages, don't beacon again // if same page, don't beacon if(("_ult_current_page" in carousel) && carousel._ult_current_page==pages.cur) return false; // keep track of current position within this closure carousel._ult_current_page = pages.cur; return true; } } } } } } })); }); Y.later(10, this, function() {(function() { try{ if (Math.floor(Math.random()*10) == 1) { var loc = window.location, decoded = decodeURI(loc.pathname), encoded = encodeURI(decoded), uri = loc.protocol + "//" + loc.host + encoded + ((loc.search.length > 0) ? loc.search + '&' : '?') + "_cacheable=1", xmlhttp; if (window.XMLHttpRequest) xmlhttp = new XMLHttpRequest(); else xmlhttp = new ActiveXObject("Microsoft.XMLHTTP"); xmlhttp.open("GET",uri,true); xmlhttp.send(); } }catch(e){} })(); }); Y.later(10, this, function() {Y.namespace("Media").ywaSettings = '"projectId": "10001256862979", "documentName": "", "documentGroup": "", "ywaColo" : "vscale3", "spaceId" : "46077659" ,"customFields" : { "12" : "classic", "13" : "story" }'; Y.Media.YWA.init(Y.namespace("Media").ywaSettings); }); Y.later(10, this, function() {if(document.onclick===YAHOO.Media.PreventDefaultHandler.newClick){document.onclick=YAHOO.Media.PreventDefaultHandler.oldClick;} }); }); });

Outbrain Adds Self-Service To Its Content Discovery Platform: Now The Long Tail Of Smaller Brands Can Use It, Too

Outbrain, the well-funded, well-connected content discovery platform, today is announcing a new chapter in its business, which also points to how recommendation and referral services, already used widely by larger brands and publishers, are increasingly becoming accessible by smaller competitors. The company is launching a self-service version of Amplify, its platform that recommends relevant content to readers on the websites they're reading, plus recommends relevant content from elsewhere on the web.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/UTQnjVh-WhY/

whitney houston i will always love you breaking news whitney houston carmen whitney houston last performance cpac straw poll breaking dawn part 2 breaking dawn part 2

Support Chip Cravaack for Congress (Updated) (Powerlineblog)

Share With Friends: | | Politics - Top Stories Stories, RSS and RSS Feed via Feedzilla.

Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/257192430?client_source=feed&format=rss

bob weston bill obrien reggie mckenzie epiphany exorcism jersey shore season 5 mark driscoll

AP source: Union could challenge Tagliabue role

FILE - In this Aug. 8, 2012, Roger Goodell, left, the NFL's chief operating officer, and Paul Tagliabue, NFL commissioner, pose for photos after Goodell was selected to succeed Tagliabue as the league's new commissioner at an NFL meeting in Northbrook, Ill. Goodell appointed Tagliabue on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, to hear the appeals of four players suspended in the New Orleans Saints bounties scandal.(AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File)

FILE - In this Aug. 8, 2012, Roger Goodell, left, the NFL's chief operating officer, and Paul Tagliabue, NFL commissioner, pose for photos after Goodell was selected to succeed Tagliabue as the league's new commissioner at an NFL meeting in Northbrook, Ill. Goodell appointed Tagliabue on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, to hear the appeals of four players suspended in the New Orleans Saints bounties scandal.(AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File)

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) ? The NFL players' union might challenge former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue replacing Roger Goodell as the appeals officer in the Saints' bounties case.

The players association has concerns about "ethical and legal issues," a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Sunday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the union has not made any public statements.

The NFL had no comment.

Tagliabue is scheduled to hear the appeals of Jonathan Vilma, Will Smith, Scott Fujita and Anthony Hargrove on Oct. 30. He was appointed Friday by Goodell, his successor as commissioner.

Tagliabue works for the law firm that is defending the league in U.S. District Court in Louisiana in the bounties case. The NFLPA believes that's a conflict of interest. The union also might contend that such "pay-for programs" existed when Tagliabue was commissioner, with his knowledge.

The NFL and the union discussed the possibility that Tagliabue would step in if Goodell recused himself from hearing the appeals, and the union also suggested "several outsiders" who could be used in place of Goodell, the person said.

Vilma was suspended for the 2012 season and Smith was banned four games for his role in the bounties program. Fujita, now with the Browns, was barred three games, since reduced to one. Hargrove is a free agent whose suspension was reduced from eight games to seven.

"I have held two hearings to date and have modified the discipline in several respects based on my recent meetings with the players," Goodell said Friday. "I will have no role in the upcoming hearings or in Mr. Tagliabue's decisions."

Tagliabue was NFL commissioner from 1989-2006. For part of that time, Goodell was the league's general counsel.

The collective bargaining agreement with the union that was reached to end the lockout in August 2011 gave Goodell exclusive authority to hear appeals of discipline for conduct detrimental or to appoint someone to hear and decide an appeal. Goodell periodically has appointed others to hear appeals for club fines, personal conduct suspensions and for matters concerning drug and steroid policy.

Goodell handed down the suspensions in May and they took effect in July after initial appeals were rejected by Goodell. Those suspensions lasted through training camp before being vacated by a three-member appeals panel that instructed Goodell to start the disciplinary process again and clarify his reasons for suspending the players.

The suspensions were reissued by the NFL last week and promptly appealed by all four players. None of the suspensions is currently in effect because they were appealed within the framework of the NFL's labor agreement.

But all four players have asked U.S. District Judge Ginger Berrigan to throw out Goodell's disciplinary rulings on the grounds he has demonstrated bias against the players in his handling of the bounty investigation. The players say Goodell violated due process.

___

Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-10-21-Union-Tagliabue/id-a9dbe13c348d435198628b571b23c0d8

Olga Korbut Usain Bolt 2012 Olympics Katie Ledecky Aaron Ross Sikh temple lollapalooza Nastia Liukin

Thousands gather for Lebanese official's funeral

BEIRUT (AP) ? Thousands of Lebanese waving the national flag packed a central square in downtown Beirut Sunday for the funeral of a top intelligence official assassinated in a car bombing that many blame on the regime in neighboring Syria.

Lebanese soldiers set up road blocks and cordoned off Martyrs Square, where Brig. Gen. Wissam al-Hassan's coffin, draped in a Lebanese flag, was to be brought for burial.

Al-Hassan, 47, was a powerful opponent of Syria in Lebanon. He headed an investigation over the summer that led to the arrest of former Information Minister Michel Samaha, a Lebanese politician who was one of Syria's most loyal allies in Lebanon. He was among eight people killed in the attack on Friday.

"He was killed while he was defending his country," said Samer al-Hirri, who traveled from northern Lebanon to attend the funeral.

Ahead of the burial, there was a memorial ceremony attended by government officials and al-Hassan's wife Anna, his two sons, Majd and Mazen, and his parents.

Even before Friday's bombing, the civil war in neighboring Syria had set off violence in Lebanon and deepened tensions between supporters and opponents of President Bashar Assad's regime. The attack heightened fears that Lebanon could easily plunge back into cycles of sectarian violence and reprisal that have haunted it for decades.

France's foreign minister said it was likely that Assad's government had a hand in the assassination. Laurent Fabius told Europe-1 radio that while it was not fully clear who was behind the attack, it was "probable" that Syria played a role.

"Everything suggests that it's an extension of the Syrian tragedy," he said.

Dozens of anti-Syrian protesters erected eight tents near the Cabinet headquarters in central Beirut, saying they will stay until Prime Minister Najib Mikati's government, which is dominated by the Shiite militant group Hezbollah and its allies, resigns. Hezbollah is Syria's most powerful ally in Lebanon, which for much of the past 30 years has lived under Syrian military and political domination.

"The Syrian regime started a war against us and we will fight this battle until the end," said protester Anthony Labaki, a 24-year-old physiotherapist who is a member of the right-wing Phalange Party. He said the protesters will not leave the area until Mikati's government resigns and those behind al-Hassan's killing are uncovered.

Syria's hold on Lebanon began to slip in 2005, when former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, an opponent of Syria, was assassinated in truck bomb along Beirut's Mediterranean waterfront. Syria denied any role. But broad public outrage in Lebanon expressed in massive street protests forced Damascus to withdraw its tens of thousands of troops from the country.

For years after the pullouts, there was a string of attacks on anti-Syrian figures in Lebanon without any trials for those responsible. Assad has managed to maintain his influence in Lebanon through Hezbollah and other allies.

Samaha, the former minister arrested in al-Hassan's investigation, remains in custody. He is accused of plotting a wave of attacks in Lebanon at Syria's behest.

Syrian Brig. Gen. Ali Mamlouk, one of Assad's most senior aides, was indicted in absentia in the August sweep that saw Samaha arrested. Samaha's arrest was an embarrassing blow to Syria, which has long acted with impunity in Lebanon.

The car bombing struck Beirut's mainly Christian Achrafieh neighborhood and also wounded dozens of people, including children.

Al-Hassan will be buried in Beirut's Martyrs Square next to the late Hariri. Security was tight as thousands of people headed to the capital from around the country to attend the funeral.

Al-Hassan's body will first be taken to police headquarters for an official procession to the square.

Policemen and soldiers cordoned off the square, searching people trying to enter and barring vehicles. Giant posters of al-Hassan were set up around Beirut ahead of the funeral, calling him a "martyr of sovereignty and independence."

On Saturday, Mikati linked the bombing to the Samaha case.

"I don't want to prejudge the investigation, but in fact we cannot separate yesterday's crime from the revelation of the explosions that could have happened," he said.

Mikati, who opponents say is too close to Syria and Hezbollah, offered to resign after the bombing. But President Michel Suleiman asked him to stay so as not to add to the instability.

Many of Lebanon's Sunni Muslims have backed Syria's mainly Sunni rebels, while Shiite Muslims have tended to back Assad. Assad, like many who dominate his regime is a member of the Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shiite Islam.

Al-Hassan was a Sunni who challenged Syria and Hezbollah.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/thousands-gather-lebanese-officials-funeral-105224090.html

hcg drops reason rally mad hatter azerbaijan ryan howard ps i love you ray charles

Understanding That You'll Never Be Perfect | World of Psychology

I?ve been gradually learning something about myself:

I want to be perfect.

And the fact that I?m not causes me suffering.

All of the major world religions teach this lesson upfront: you?re not perfect, and the sooner you accept that fact, the less agony you?ll put yourself through trying to prove otherwise.

In his book, Living Wabi Sabi, Taro Gold writes:

Those who inspire us most do not achieve perfection through greatness: They achieve greatness through imperfection. All of the world?s best-loved truth-seekers and religious figures, including Jesus and Buddha, led obviously less-than-perfect lives and were the first to let us know that they, too, were not perfect people?

Did you know that numerous imperfections, failures, and mistakes led to the discovery of DNA, penicillin, aspirin, X-rays, Teflon, Velcro, nylon, cornflakes, Coca-Cola, and chocolate-chip cookies? In our own lives, it?s not the parties and vacations but the mind-opening trials of heart and soul that lead us to our greatest personal discoveries.

This is good news for people who are depressed. Because rarely do we get a vacation from the hard work of preserving sanity, and, well, I?m thinking the parties at therapy and within the hospital psych units are a tad different than the ones Taro had in mind. Most days involve trudging, ever so diligently, up the hill of recovery that usually feels like a mountain.

I guess that?s what I?ve been doing the last few weeks: trudging.

I want to be perfect.

I want to erect boundaries one time, and have them stay there, like boulders, for the rest of my life ? uncompromised in times of stress and uncertainty. But that?s not life. Which presents one dilemma after another, just to make sure you don?t stop using all the problem-solving techniques you learned in therapy.

I want to be perfect.

I don?t want to have to discern between a ?conviction? ? like being a more attentive mom, and dealing with tantrums better than overpowering the screaming by blasting Mozart in my ears ? and a ?condemnation? ? telling myself I am a bad, bad mom who isn?t capable of keeping good boundaries. I don?t want to have to learn the same damn lesson over and over and over again.

And yet, ironically, that?s where the wonder and amazement are. Mornings like today, when my imperfections are as obvious as the rain outside, is when I discover what I?m made of. Anna Quindlen writes in Being Perfect:

What?s really hard and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself. More difficult because there is no zeitgeist to read, no template to follow, no mask to wear. Terrifying, actually, because it requires you to set aside what your friends expect, what your family and your co-workers demand, what your acquaintances require, to set aide the messages this culture sends, through its advertising, its entertainment, its disdain, and its disapproval, about how you should behave?

Begin with the most frightening of all things, a clean slate. And then look, every day, at the choices you are making, and when you ask yourself why you are making them, find this answer: Because they are what I want, or wish for. Because they reflect who I am.

This is the hard work of life in the world, to acknowledge within yourself the introvert, the clown, the artist, the homebody, the goofball, the thinker. Look inside. That way lies dancing to the melodies spun by your own heart.

I am not perfect.

I?m as close to perfection as Antarctica is to Brazil.

But that means I get to start over each day, to figure out a new system that can function with new rules, another game plan that will assist me in getting my boundaries right again. And if that configuration doesn?t work, I?ll wake up and try yet again.

Therese J. Borchard is the author of Beyond Blue: Surviving Depression & Anxiety and Making the Most of Bad Genes and The Pocket Therapist: An Emotional Survival Kit. Write to her at comment@thereseborchard.com or follow her on Twitter @thereseborchard.

Like this author?
Catch up on other posts by Therese J. Borchard (or subscribe to their feed).

????Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 20 Oct 2012
????Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.

APA Reference
Borchard, T. (2012). Understanding That You?ll Never Be Perfect. Psych Central. Retrieved on October 21, 2012, from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2012/10/21/understanding-that-youll-never-be-perfect/

?

Source: http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2012/10/21/understanding-that-youll-never-be-perfect/

the happening jennifer lawrence black panthers mauritania mark sanchez obama open mic jefferson county colorado

Officials: Split results in West Bank vote

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) ? Election officials have released unofficial results for balloting in the West Bank showing that voters rebuffed candidates from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement in five of the 11 main communities.

Fatah had hoped Saturday's vote would revive its political legitimacy. Its relatively weak showing came even though archrival Hamas boycotted the election.

Election officials said Sunday that Fatah won local council majorities in the towns of Hebron, Qalqiliya, Tulkarem, Jericho, Salfit and El Bireh. However, in Nablus, Ramallah, Jenin and Tubas voters preferred independent lists dominated by Fatah breakaways. In Bethlehem, leftist and independent candidates won.

Officials spoke anonymously as results are to be released later Sunday.

The election was marred by apathy and a Hamas-Fatah rift that created separate governments in the West Bank and Gaza in 2007.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2012-10-21-Palestinians-Elections/id-b132ddefcb014384a9766ab521a0edb8

dr. seuss dr seuss the temptations rush limbaugh sandra fluke green book some like it hot whale shark

Deal of the Day: 54% off the Qmadix Xtreme Protective Case for iPhone 4S and iPhone 4

Today Only: Buy the Qmadix Xtreme Protective Case for iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 and save $18.99!

The Qmadix Xtreme case integrates innovative design and engineering to provide maximum protection for your iPhone. This protective carrying solution offers a dynamic blend of shock absorption material with the revolutionary Duro-Vest Protector to give you the ultimate defense against drops. The integrated kickstand also allows for convenient viewing.

List Price: $34.99???? Today Only: $16.00

Learn More and Buy Now

Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts!

deal of the day

Featured Video

Sponsored Post

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/VI0Bvslp948/story01.htm

NFL fantasy football Chris Kluwe Jennifer Granholm Tulane player injured frank ocean fox sports obama speech

Report: Apple to release 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display this month

10 hrs.

Rosa Golijan , NBC News

If rumors are to be believed, Apple will announce a smaller version of the iPad???potentially dubbed the "iPad Mini"???on Oct. 23. But that's not all the Cupertino-based company will show off at the end of the month, one report suggests. A 13-inch version of the MacBook Pro with Retina display may be on its way.

According to?9to5 Mac's Mark Gurman, this detail comes via?a "consistently reliable source at a high-profile U.S. retailer."?This source reportedly?explains that the new 13-inch MacBookPro with Retina display will be "sold in two configurations, with differing processors and storage, and will be available for purchase soon after introduction."

As with the 15-inch MacBook Pro models, Apple will continue offering both a Retina display version of the 13-inch laptop alongside the regular non-Retina display models.

Gurman's source isn't the only one suggesting that a 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display is coming soon, of course.?According to CNET's?Brooke Crothers, DisplaySearch analyst Richard Shim?has been making the same claim for a while. He speculated that the new laptop will be a 13.3-inch device and have a 2,560 x 1,600 pixel display, which would make it comparable with the 15.4-inch model (with a?2,880 x?1,800 pixel display) which was unveiled in June (see video below).

No word regarding pricing, but Shim suggests that the new laptops will likely be priced a bit more affordably than their larger siblings.

Want more tech news?or interesting?links? You'll get plenty of both if you keep up with Rosa Golijan, the writer of this post, by following her on?Twitter, subscribing to her?Facebook?posts,?or circling her?on?Google+.

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/technolog/report-apple-release-13-inch-macbook-pro-retina-display-month-1C6449699

frozen planet creighton new smyrna beach st. joseph puerto rico primary manning peyton

Drug Addiction Among University Students - Drug Addiction Help ...

Drug Addiction Among University Students:
Is Drug Addiction Among University Students Destroying USA?s Future?

~by Guest Blogger Lily McCann

Use of legal and illegal drugs among University students is increasing at an alarming pace. According to?statistics?from The United Nations, the United States is the biggest drug market in the world. One reason behind this is extensive use of drugs at universities in the United States.

Reasons Behind Increasing Drug Addiction Among University Students
The main reason behind these alarming numbers is the use of prescription drugs,?marijuana and cocaine by university students. Even though prescription drugs are legitimate, they may have long-term negative impacts on individuals. Students who disclosed using prescription drugs in order to improve their level of concentration were more frequently found to have used?illicit drugs?in universities as compared to those students who had not used prescription stimulants previously.

The reasons for drug use differ among individuals. Currently, the most common reason for drug use and abuse among students is to improve academic performance; this is the reason why an increase in illicit drug use is observed during exam times.

// ]]>

Recent Trends in Drug Abuse
According to?national epidemiological studies, there has been a significant rise in the use of illicit drugs in US universities and colleges. Individuals within the age group of 18?29 tend to use more than any other age group?leading to an alarming rate of prescription drug addiction among young adults.

Influences of Drug Abuse on Students? Lives
The future of our country depends upon our youth. Prescription drug addiction among our university students is a major threat.

• Effects on Academic Progress
  Even though the motive behind using drugs in universities is to improve academic progress, students do not realize that drug use defeats this purpose. The consumption of stimulant drugs causes an increase in the level of certain hormones in the brain, which can make an individual feel more confident. With repeated use however, an individual?s body starts depending upon these external triggers to function properly. Therefore, the academic performance of the student declines as their drug use turns into addiction.
• Effects on Social Life
  When individuals addicted to drugs are kept away from drugs even for short periods of time they showcase certain symptoms, including depression, aggression and other common drug-seeking behavioral changes. Many of those conditions push individuals into isolation (either willingly or they are pushed aside by society due to unacceptable behavior). Drug addicted students stop interacting with their peers. Drug addiction also causes lack of self esteem and happiness.
• Effects on Personal Development
  Psychological effects of drug addiction can include aggressive behavior, lack of rationalization and lack of motivation. These factors influence the overall development of a student?s personality; these factors become a hindrance to building a prosperous life and career. Drug abusing individuals find themselves incapable of finding and keeping a job and handling stress. If and when they do become employed they often remain unable to socialize within the work or home environments.

Fighting Drug Addiction at Universities
Despite efforts from university personnel and law enforcement, this problem is not going away anytime soon. Accessible addiction treatment programs for university students is one suggested way to deal with the problem. Read more about this approach in the book ?A Guide to Substance Abuse Services for Primary Care Clinicians?. According to this approach, each individual is screened separately and an in-depth assessment is administered in order to devise?highly effective specialized treatment.

There are a number of initiatives for fighting drug addiction among university students. For even more information on addiction visit http://www.kwikmed.org/20-inspirational-drug-information-resources/?where this blog (Changing Lives Foundation) is also listed.

RELATED:
Drug Addiction Help Now: Is alcoholism, substance abuse destroying your family?

Addiction. What if they just CAN?T quit?

RETURN:
From ?Drug Addiction Among University Students? to Changing Lives Foundation Blog Home

NEED HELP NOW?
Drug Addiction Phone Counseling for Families Dealing with Substance Abuse

Get the help you need today.

// ]]>

____________________________________________________________________
Drug Addiction University Students Drug Addiction University Students

Source: http://www.drug-addiction-help-now.org/blog/2012/10/drug-addiction-among-university-students/

winning lottery numbers megamillions winner kansas jayhawks mega millions results louisville lotto numbers susan powell

Screening method aids RNA drug development research

ScienceDaily (Oct. 9, 2012) ? Scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have developed a new method of screening more than three million combinations of interactions between RNA and small molecules to identify the best targets on RNA as well as the most promising potential drug compounds. This novel technology may lead to more efficient drug development.

The study was published in the October 9, 2012 issue of the journal Nature Communications.

RNA has multiple biological functions, including encoding and translating proteins from genes and regulating the amount of protein expressed under various cellular conditions. Recent studies have identified RNA as a "molecular switch" that controls cellular events such as gene expression, making RNA an attractive target for small molecules that serve as chemical genetics probes, analytical tools or potential drugs.

However, to date information on which small molecules bind to which parts (structural motifs) of RNA has been sparse, hampering this promising area of research and development. That's where the new study comes in.

"For the first time we have been able to probe what types of small molecules would be good lead drugs to target RNA by probing millions of RNA-ligand combinations," said Matthew Disney, an associate professor at TSRI who authored the study with graduate student Tuan Tran. "In a viral genome, for example, RNA folds such as hairpin loops contribute to disease, but we don't know which hairpin loops should we focus on. In the study, we were able to define those RNA motifs, including hairpin loops, that bind to small molecules and the types of small molecules that bind to RNA."

Disney notes that larger, more chemically diverse small molecule libraries could be screened to provide additional ligands with an affinity for RNA recognition, plus additional RNA motifs preferred by small molecules. The new method could be used to create easily accessible small molecule libraries biased towards binding to RNA.

The new technology will also be used in a computer program designed by Disney that brings together information on the interaction between small molecules and RNA with data on the RNA folds present in segments of the human genome that contribute to specific human diseases.

The study, "Identifying the Preferred RNA Motifs and Chemotypes that Interact by Probing Millions of Combinations," was supported by National Institutes of Health (grant R01 GM079235), the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation and the Research Corporation for Science Advancement.

Share this story on Facebook, Twitter, and Google:

Other social bookmarking and sharing tools:

---

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Scripps Research Institute.

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

---

Journal Reference:

1. Tuan Tran, Matthew D. Disney. Identifying the preferred RNA motifs and chemotypes that interact by probing millions of combinations. Nature Communications, 2012; 3: 1125 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2119

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

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/most_popular/~3/XCwrBufVJSw/121009171458.htm

road house occupy oakland occupy oakland morgellons disease arik armstead sag awards red carpet torrey pines

Huawei Found to Pose National Security Threat (Updated) - China ...

Chinese company Huawei, the world?s largest telecommunications manufacturer, has been under the scrutiny of U.S. Congress for potentially posing a national security threat as it tries to expand its business overseas. A Congressional committee just concluded a year-long investigation which found that Huawei does indeed pose a security risk. From the Wall Street Journal:

The year-long investigation by the House intelligence committee concluded the firm, Huawei Technologies Inc., and a second firm, ZTE Inc., pose security risks to the U.S. because their equipment could be used for spying on Americans.

In a report to be released Monday, the committee recommends that the U.S. block acquisitions or mergers involving the two companies through the Committee on Foreign Investments in the U.S. It also recommends that the U.S. government avoid using equipment from the firms, and that U.S. companies seek alternative vendors for telecommunications equipment.

The report is likely to add to tensions with China. American military and intelligence officials have long been warning privately that China poses a cyberespionage threat to U.S. defense systems and companies. Government officials have been reluctant to voice those concerns publicly for fear of angering China. That has begun to change, and the House report represents the most direct statement of concerns about specific Chinese companies.

CBS investigative news magazine 60 Minutes featured a segment on Huawei in tonight?s episode, in which they interview Bill Plummer, Huawei?s U.S. vice president of external relations:

Steve Kroft: One national security expert said that if you build a network like this in another country, you basically have the keys to intercepting their communications. Is that a true statement?

Bill Plummer: Part of that might be a little bit fantastical. But you know, Huawei is a business in the business of doing business ? $32.4 billion in revenues last year across 150 different markets, 70 percent of our business outside of China. Huawei is not going to jeopardize its commercial success for any government, period.

Steve Kroft: What?s the relationship between Huawei and the Chinese government?

Bill Plummer: We have a Beijing office. So, you know, we?re a regulated industry the same as we are here. You need to be able to interface with government.

Steve Kroft: So you?re saying the Chinese government has no influence over Huawei.

Bill Plummer: We?re another business doing business in China.

Watch the full 60 Minutes segment here:

Listen also to a Sinica Podcast segment on Huawei from September and read a post by Bill Bishop of Sinocism on suspicions of Huawei in light of U.S. plans to build surveillance technology into telecom networks in Afghanistan.

Read more about Huawei from CDT, including a post from August, ?Who?s Afraid of Huawei??

Update 8:20 am PST: Huawei has issued a statement in response to the House Intelligence committee report. An excerpt:

The United States is a country ruled by law, where all charges and allegations should be based on solid evidence and facts. The report conducted by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (the Committee), which took 11 months to complete, failed to provide clear information or evidence to substantiate the legitimacy of the Committee?s concerns.

We had hoped to ensure that the investigation would be fact-based and objective in its review of our business activities and the global issue of cyber-security. Over the past 11 months, Huawei has cooperated with the Committee in an open and transparent manner, and engaged in good faith interaction: our top management team carried out multiple rounds of face-to-face communication with the Committee members in Washington D.C., Hong Kong, and Shenzhen; we opened our R&D area, training center, and manufacturing center to the Committee and offered a wealth of documentation, including the list of members of the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Board over the past 10 years, and the annual sales data since our establishment in 1987; we also made the list of our shareholding employees, the shares they hold, as well as information about our funding resources and financial operations available to the Committee. We adopted a transparent approach in providing this information to ensure the results are fact-based and unbiased, hoping the Committee?s objective review of our business activities and the global cyber security issue can clarify the misperception of Huawei.

See also the full report from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, ?Investigative Report on the U.S. National Security Issues Posed by Chinese Telecommunications Companies Huawei and ZTE.?

Source: http://chinadigitaltimes.net/2012/10/huawei-found-to-pose-national-security-threat/

nba finals K Michelle roger clemens multiple sclerosis falling skies rodney king Webb Simpson

Supreme Court: If affirmative action is banned, what happens at colleges?

When universities are barred from using race-based affirmative action, what happens to campus diversity?

That?s one key question the US Supreme Court may consider as it once again takes up the issue of affirmative action in higher education, in the case of Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin on Wednesday. Depending on how the high court rules, it could lead to public colleges and universities across the country dropping the consideration of race in admissions decisions.

The last time the Supreme Court took up the issue, in the 2003 case Grutter v. Bollinger, it ruled that the University of Michigan Law School could use race as one factor in admissions. But the court also noted that with a variety of experiments under way to try to achieve diversity through alternative means, schools should periodically review whether consideration of race was still necessary for reaching a critical mass of minority students on campus.

RECOMMENDED: Three views on whether US still needs affirmative action

Since the mid-1990s, nine states have engaged in such experiments. Seven states have banned affirmative action in public-university admissions: Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and Washington ? states that account for 28 percent of US high school students, according to a new report by The Century Foundation, a think tank in Washington and New York. And both Texas and Georgia have had periods of time where lower courts ruled out the consideration of race.

One common alternative has been to give weight to applicants who come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Another is to set up ties with K-12 schools to create a pipeline for and help prepare disadvantaged students. In three of the states, the top universities have also dropped ?legacy? preferences for children of alumni, which tend to benefit whites, the Century Foundation report notes.

The impact on underrepresented-minority enrollment at selective institutions has varied, with some still struggling with significant declines while others have achieved rates similar to those before the bans.

Universities ?know they can ... create that diversity without using race; it?s just more difficult and more expensive,? says Richard Kahlenberg, an advocate of income-based integration in education and the main author of the Century Foundation report released last week, ?A Better Affirmative Action.?

Proponents of affirmative action argue that, although it?s commendable to give more access to people with economic disadvantages, race is still a necessary consideration.

?Race matters,? says Gary Orfield, co-director of the Civil Rights Project at UCLA. If only low-income students get admissions boosts, that still leaves out middle-class African-Americans, for instance, who may live in the suburbs but still attend disadvantaged schools and experience various forms of discrimination.

?Diversity works best when not everybody who is black is poor,? which would reinforce stereotypes, Mr. Orfield says. Among the middle class, ?black students have a different worldview on balance ... than typical white students? on everything from history to justice to economics, he says.

At the University of Texas at Austin (UT), policies such as admitting the top 10 percent of high school classes and taking socioeconomics into account drew roughly the same percentages of African-Americans (3 to 5 percent) and Latinos (13 to 15 percent) to campus as before affirmative action was banned. After UT reinstated race as one of many factors in 2005, the percentages climbed slightly for African-Americans and rose several points for Latinos, according to The Century Foundation.

At the same time, the growth of Latinos graduating from high school in Texas makes it difficult to tell how much impact the admissions policies really had. Rates of minority enrollment from a decade ago are not necessarily a sufficient benchmark for what campuses need today, civil rights groups say.

In the case to be heard Wednesday, Abigail Fisher claims that when she applied to UT four years ago, she didn?t get in because she was white and the affirmative-action policy favored others.

Civil rights groups say it?s important to consider not just enrollment numbers, but also the quality of the campus experience for underrepresented minorities when assessing whether a school has achieved the critical mass needed for diversity.

In the fall of 2002, when UT did not use race-conscious affirmative action, for instance, 79 percent of all undergraduate classes had either zero or one African-American student, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and Educational (LDF) reports.

With that kind of isolation, ?you end up being [seen as] the spokesperson for the race,? says Shirley Wilcher, executive director of the American Association for Affirmative Action in Washington. It can also contribute to African-Americans not wanting to attend the school or stay there, she says.

The campuses that have seen the biggest declines in African-American and Latino enrollment in the wake of affirmative-action bans have been UCLA and UC Berkeley ? prestigious public schools that compete for students with private colleges that have been free to continue to use race as a factor in admissions.

At UC Berkeley, for example, African-American enrollment ranged between 6 and 7 percent before the voter initiative that banned affirmative action in California in 1996. It then dwindled to between 3 and 4 percent, and in 2010, despite continued attempts to create alternative routes to diversity, it was only 2 percent. Hispanic enrollment also dipped, from about 14 percent before to about 11 percent.

The University of Michigan has also failed to recover its previous numbers since race was dropped as a factor in 2006.

Some studies project that without considering race, even with alternatives such as accepting the top students of each high school class, selective campuses nationally could lose at least 10 percent of black and Latino enrollment.

At the University of Florida, black and Hispanic enrollment has recovered and in some years has surpassed what it was before affirmative action in admissions was banned by executive order of Gov. Jeb Bush in 1999. This could be largely due to race still being considered in financial aid and recruitment, Orfield says.

Advocates of keeping affirmative action as one option for schools also point to graduate schools in California, Florida, Texas, and Washington, where the average proportion of students of color has dropped by about 12 percent, according to one study.

One experiment at UCLA School of Law indicated it could be possible to achieve racial diversity at the professional-school level without explicitly looking at race, Mr. Kahlenberg notes in his report. By taking into account family wealth and single-parent status alongside more traditional socioeconomic factors, African-Americans were admitted at a rate 11.3 times higher than they were under race-conscious affirmative action, and Latinos were admitted at a rate 2.3 times higher.

As long as the evidence is still mixed, ?we need to give universities flexibility ... and we shouldn?t be taking tools [such as affirmative action] off the table ... in the hopes that another [approach] would work,? says Joshua Civin, counsel to the director of litigation at NAACP LDF.

QUIZ: How much do you know about the US Constitution?

Related stories

Read this story at csmonitor.com

Become a part of the Monitor community

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/supreme-court-affirmative-action-banned-happens-colleges-162216192.html

tupelo honey limp bizkit stations of the cross nike foamposite galaxy bill maher seabiscuit dingo