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November 25, 2008
"The Natalee Holloway Story"
The tragic tale of Nata lee Holloway is about to be given the Lifetime movie treatment.
"The Natalee Holloway Story" will be based on the true disappearance of the teenage girl who vanished during a senior class trip to Aruba in 2005.
The film is slated to air sometime next year and will tell the story of Holloway's mother, Beth Twitty, and her relentless efforts to discover the truth behind her daughter's disappearance.
It is based on the book, "Loving Natalee: A Mother's Testament of Hope and Faith."
Source: Huffingtonpost.com
Professor Igor Panarin Lastest News
A russian professor, Igor Panarin, is causing a stir, predicting more doom and gloom in the United States because of the economic crisis, eventually leading to a break-up of the Union.
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In the interview that was transcribed by Izvestia, a Russain newspaper,. Panarin said, “The dollar isn’t secured by anything, the country’s foreign debt has grown like an avalanche; this is a pyramid, which has to collapse.”
He went on to say, “Dissatisfaction is growing, and it is only being held back at the moment by the elections, and the hope” that President- elect Barack Obama “can work miracles.” Panarin does not have much faith that it will happen, “Dissatisfaction is growing, and it is only being held back at the moment by the elections, and the hope” that President- elect Barack Obama “can work miracles.” Not suprisingly, Panarin says the America's place will be taken by China and Russia. Maybe, the one who is being held together by "hope", is Panarin.
Source: Postchronicle.com
NFL Week 13 Power Rankings
The NFL power rankings had had a set order for weeks, at least in the top 2. As long as the Tennessee Titans kept winning, they would stay at number one. The New York Giants, despite winning almost every game as well, would stay at number two. For weeks, these two teams were head and shoulders above all else in power rankings and in pundit's eyes.
Now, with one loss to the New York Jets, the Giants are ranked number one in most power rankings and the Titans are sliding down.
The Titans position as the top team in NFL power rankings was always going to slip if they lost one game. Despite the Titans 10-0 start, they were not talked about as seriously for a Super Bowl title as teams like the Giants. Now that the Jets defeated the Titans, it is the Giants and Jets that are getting all of the Super Bowl buzz now.
The Giants are 10-1 and still in firm control of the entire NFC. The Cowboys are charging up in the NFL power rankings again, but have an easy schedule for a while. In the AFC, the Jets may actually be vaulting ahead of the Titans in power rankings, despite still being two games worse than the Titans.
The storyline is just too media friendly to avoid now. With the Titans finally knocked off their NFL power rankings perch, the Jets surging with Brett Farve, and the Giants dominating, it will be all Giants-Jets talk for as long as they keep winning.
The Titans will be the forgotten, underdog team for all their wins for a while, since nothing can defeat the buzz and endless talk of an all New York, Giants-Jets Super Bowl. The NFL power rankings may reflect that until further notice.
Still, the Giants and Titans are the only 10-1 teams in the NFL, so they may still stay 1-2 in many rankings. But with Giants-Jets talk growing, the Titans may only stay on top via an obligation, though the New York loving media will likely not be as kind.
Here is what the NFL power rankings can look like until the Giants and Jets make it official.
1. New York Giants: 10-1
2. Tennessee Titans: 10-1
3. New York Jets: 8-3
4. Indianapolis Colts: 7-4
5. Pittsburgh Steelers: 8-3
6. Dallas Cowboys: 7-4
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 8-3
8. Carolina Panthers: 8-3
9. New England Patriots: 7-4
Source: Associatedcontent.com
Maura Murray
Maura Murray (born May 4, 1982) is an American college student from Hanson, Massachusetts. She went missing on February 9, 2004, after a one-car accident on New Hampshire Route 112 in Haverhill, New Hampshire.
Murray, a student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, left campus the afternoon of her disappearance after e-mailing her professors and her boss, telling them she was going to take a week off because of a family problem.
Timeline Leading up to Disappearance
Thursday, February 5, 2004
- 10:20 PM - Maura talks on the phone with her older sister during a slow time during Maura's work (UMass Student Security). The two talk about guy problems in what is described as a normal sisterly conversation. Maura's sister observes nothing abnormal in Maura.
Friday, February 6, 2004
- 12:20 AM - A male UMass student is found seriously injured at the intersection of Triangle and Mattoon Streets in Amherst. The injuries appear to be from either being hit or thrown from an automobile. [1] Though there were some theories that Maura may have been involved, it is very unlikely, as she was in the middle of a shift at a dormitory check in desk with UMass Student Security.
- 1:00 AM - Maura receives a phone call at work, becomes upset early in the morning and is escorted back to her dorm room by her supervisor.
Saturday, February 7, 2004
- Time unknown - Accompanied with her father Fred, Maura goes used car shopping. She has not used her black 1996 Saturn much recently due to mechanical problems and has instead been getting rides from friends.
- Time unknown - Maura and her father are joined by one of her female friends for dinner at an Amherst restaurant.
- Time unknown - Maura drops her father off at his hotel room, and then borrows his brand new Toyota Corolla and goes back to the UMass campus to a dorm party with her friend.
Sunday, February 8, 2004
- 2:30 AM - Maura leaves her friend's dorm and heads to her father's hotel room.
- 3:30 AM - Maura hits a guardrail while driving her father's Corolla on Route 9 in Hadley. No charges are filed by the police. Damages total $8,000. Her father observes that she is shaken up and apologetic. [2]
- 4:49 AM - Maura calls her boyfriend, who is stationed in Oklahoma, from her father's cell phone.
- Time unknown - Fred makes some telephone calls and informs Maura that his auto insurance should cover the damages.
- Time unknown - Fred rents a car, drops Maura off at UMass, and heads to Connecticut for work.
- 8:30 PM - Maura checks her cellphone voice messages, most likely via her cellphone.
- 11:26 PM - Maura talks to her father and agrees to get the necessary forms pertaining to the accident from the registry on Monday. They agree to discuss the forms via telephone Monday night.
- Time unknown - Maura searches for directions to Burlington, Vermont. (From New Hampshire State Police Troop F Commander Lt. John Scarinza's inspection of Maura's computer hard drive).
- Time unknown - Maura searches for information on the Berkshires. (Source unknown).
Monday, February 9, 2004
- 12:55 PM - Maura calls for information about a condominium in Bartlett, New Hampshire that her family is familiar with. The call lasts for three minutes. No condominium is rented.
- 1:00 PM - Maura sends her boyfriend an e-mail, briefly stating she hasn't felt like talking to anyone, but that she will call him later in the day.
- 1:13 PM - Maura calls another student and leaves a voicemail. No significant information.
- 2:05 PM - Maura calls 800-GOSTOWE for approximately 5 minutes. Later research shows this number was out of order on this day and that only recordings were available for listening.
- 2:18 PM - Maura calls her boyfriend for approximately 1 minute.
- 4:00 PM or earlier - Maura e-mails one of her bosses and some of her teachers to inform them that there has been a death in her family and that she would be out of town for several days. There is no death in her family.
- 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM - A dorm mate reportedly sees Maura leave the UMass Amherst campus.
- 4:00 PM or earlier - Maura goes to an ATM and withdraws $280 from her account. Video surveillance footage shows her to be alone. Her bank account is left nearly empty. She is due to receive paychecks from her job in the coming days.
- 4:00 PM or earlier - Maura purchases $35-$40 in alcohol while still in Amherst, Massachusetts. Video surveillance footage shows her to be alone.
- 4:00 PM or later - Maura apparently leaves Amherst, Massachusetts and likely heads up Interstate 91 north.
- 4:37 PM - Maura checks her cellphone voice messages.
- 7:29 PM - Dispatch receives a call from a Woodsville, NH area resident who reports an accident near her house on Route 112.
- 7:43 PM - Dispatch receives a call from another Woodsville, NH area resident who reports a black Saturn partially in the road.
- 7:46 PM - First known police officer (Haverhill Police) arrives on the scene. The girl who was seen by second caller is nowhere to be found. The officer notes the car is facing westbound in the eastbound lane, with a cracked windshield and two deployed airbags. A damaged box of Franzia wine is found on the passengers seat. Other items found in the car include her AAA card, the insurance forms she retrieved for her earlier accident, her gloves, music CDs, her makeup, directions for Burlington, Vermont and Stowe, Vermont, and the Nicholas Howe book, Not Without Peril. A rag from Maura's emergency roadside kit was discovered stuffed into the Saturn's muffler pipe.
- 7:56 PM - EMS arrives on scene.
- 7:57 PM - A fire truck arrives on scene.
- 7:57 PM - 8:49 PM - At some point, Maura's car is towed to a local auto repair garage.
- 8:02 PM - EMS clears the scene.
- 9:27 PM - The first known police officer to arrive on scene is dispatched to another call.
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
- 12:36 PM - A BOL (Be On the Lookout) for Maura Murray is issued to Grafton, Littleton, Haverhill, and Lisbon.
- 3:20 PM - A voicemail is left on Maura's father's (Fred Murray's) home answering machine stating that his car (the Saturn Maura drove) was found abandoned near Woodsville, New Hampshire. Fred is at work out of state and does not receive this call until later in the day.
- 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM - Maura's older sister contacts Fred and tells him that Maura's car has been found abandoned.
- 5:44 PM - Fred Murray contacts the Haverhill, New Hampshire Police Department and begs them to start a search for Maura. The Police Department declines, citing that they do not start searches late in the day. The Police Department informs Fred that if Maura is not reported safe by the following morning, New Hampshire Fish and Game Service will start a search.
- 6:46 PM - Maura's family members contact the University of Massachusetts Police Department and request that her dormitory room be checked.
Timeline of Search Efforts
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
- Time unknown - Maura's father Fred Murray arrives before dawn in Haverhill, New Hampshire to beg police to start a search for his daughter.
- 8:00 AM - New Hampshire Fish and Game Service, the Murrays, and others begin to search for Maura, over 36 hours after her disappearance.
- Time unknown - A police canine in the investigation tracks the scent from one of Maura's (rarely used) black leather gloves. The dog follows the scent 100 yards east from the location of where the vehicle, in the direction of a resident's house. It is not known if this was in fact Maura walking, being dragged, or a belonging of hers being dragged. It is implied that she or the item may have been picked up or placed in a vehicle at the end of the scent trail. It is also possible that the scent had vanished due to the incident happening nearly two days earlier.
- 5:00 PM - Maura's boyfriend and his parents arrive at the Haverhill, New Hampshire Police Department from Oklahoma and Ohio. Her boyfriend is interrogated in private, and then joined by his parents for questioning.
- 7:00 PM - The police report to both Maura's and her boyfriend's families that they believe Maura came to the area to either run away or commit suicide. The family does not believe this to be likely.
- Time unknown - Maura's boyfriend receives a voicemail message that he believes is the sound of Maura sobbing. His cellphone had been turned off so that he could pass through airport security on his way to help search for Maura. A New Hampshire State Police investigation traced the call to a calling card issued to the American Red Cross. Many believe this call was actually from Maura, not the American Red Cross, as it is unknown how the Red Cross would have his mobile number or why they would leave a voicemail with no actual message. The voicemail has since been deleted.
Thursday, February 12, 2004
- Maura's father Fred and her boyfriend hold an evening press conference in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.
Friday, February 13, 2004
- The first known articles regarding Maura's disappearance are published.
- Maura's family expands their search into Vermont.
- The Haverhill Police Chief says "Our concern is that she's upset or suicidal." [3]
Monday, February 16, 2004
- Time unknown - Fred urges New Hampshire State Police Troop F to invite the FBI into the case. Fred has been told that the only way the FBI can get involved in the case is if they are invited by the agency currently overseeing the investigation. Fred later learns that the only FBI involvement in the case was in the form of interviewing some of Maura's friends and family from Massachusetts.
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
- Afternoon - The Haverhill Police Chief discloses that the search for Maura is now nationwide. [4]
Thursday, February 19, 2004
- Time unknown - New Hampshire Fish and Game conducts a second ground and air search.
- Time unknown - New Hampshire Fish and Game suspends the ground and air search.
Thursday, February 26, 2004
- While searching, Maura's older sister discovers a ripped white pair of women's underwear lying in the snow on a secluded trail near French Pond Road. DNA tests find the underwear do not belong to Maura.
Late February
- Police give Maura's family the items found in her car.
Tuesday, March 2, 2004
- Maura's siblings check out of their motel, exhausted from the search. Her father Fred continues to search.
Early March, 2004
- Maura's father checks out of his motel room after three weeks of searching. He returns nearly every weekend for more searching.
April 2004
- Fred Murray is notified by Haverhill Police that complaints of trespassing on private property have been filed and warned Fred that any subsequent trespassing would result in arrest.
May 8, 2004
- Based on a tip, New Hampshire Fish and Game conduct a ground search near where a young person was seen running the night of Maura's disappearance. No scent or leads are reported from the search.
May 2004
- Fred Murray petitions New Hampshire Governor Craig Benson for help.
Late 2004
- A man gives Fred a rusty, stained (reddish-brown) knife that belongs to the man's brother. The man's brother had a criminal past and lived less than a mile from where Maura's car was discovered. His brother and his brother's girlfriend are reported to have acted strangely after Maura's disappearance. [5]
February 9, 2005
- A service is held where Maura's car was found one year earlier.
- Fred Murray meets briefly with New Hampshire Governor John Lynch.
June 8, 2005
- New Hampshire and Vermont State Police issue a joint press release stating that there is no connection between Maura's case and that of Brianna Maitland.
Late June, 2005
- New Hampshire State Police retrieve the items found in Maura's vehicle from her family.
July 13, 2005
- Another search is conducted around the area in which Maura's car was discovered.
Late 2005
- Fred Murray files suit against multiple law enforcement agencies.
- The New Hampshire League of Investigators starts working on Maura's case. The group consists of ten retired police officers and detectives. [5]
Late October, 2006
- Volunteers lead a two day search within a few miles of where Maura's vehicle was found. In one particular area, a closet of an A-Frame house, cadaver dogs went "bonkers," identifying the likely presence of decomposed human remains. A sample of the carpet was sent to the New Hampshire State Police - no tests are known to have been conducted. [5]
July 4, 2008
- Volunteers lead a two day search through wooded areas in Haverhill, New Hampshire. The group consisted of K9 teams and licensed private investigators. Results of this search have not yet been released.[6]
Sightings
There have been multiple reported sightings of Maura since her 2004 disappearance. None have been confirmed.
Monday, February 9, 2004
- 8:00 - 8:30 PM - A Swiftwater, NH local reportedly sees a young person moving quickly on foot eastbound on Route 112, about 4 to 5 miles east of where Maura's vehicle was discovered. The young person was reported to have been wearing jeans, a dark coat, and a light colored hood. The witness reports that the person, upon seeing him, quickly ran down a side dirt road. There have been inconsistencies in multiple interviews.
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
- Maura's boyfriend receives a voicemail message that he believes is the sound of Maura sobbing. A New Hampshire State Police investigation traced the call to a calling card issued to the American Red Cross. Many believe this call was actually from Maura, not the American Red Cross, as it is unknown how the Red Cross would have his mobile number or why they would leave a voicemail with no actual message. The voicemail has since been deleted.
June 2005
- A girl with blonde hair resembling Maura is seen at a church in Barton, Vermont. A witness says that the girl said her name was "Raykel" and took off quickly when the minister started a Father's Day sermon. [5]
June 2006
- A girl resembling Maura is seen at a Cumberland Farms store in Hillsboro, New Hampshire with an older male companion. The girl is reportedly mouthing "help me." [5] There are no security tapes of the incident available. The sighting was not reported until a few months later when the witness saw photos of Maura on a television news program.
Source: Wikipedia
Coca Cola Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 cup Coca-Cola
- 1 cup butter
- 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- .
- Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- 6 tablespoons Coca-Cola
- 1 box confectioner's sugar, (1pound)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Preparation:
Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch pan and set aside.In a large bowl combine flour and sugar. In a saucpan combine the cocoa, Coca-Cola, butter, and marshmallows; bring to a boil. Combine the boiled mixture with the flour and sugar mixture.
In a separate bowl mix eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla; add to the first mixture. Pour into prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes, until cake tests done.
Frosting: In a saucepan, bring butter, cocoa, and Coca-Cola to a boil. Stir in the sugar and mix well. Stir in nuts. Spread over the cake while both cake and frosting are still warm.
Source: Southernfood.about.com
Flat Belly Diet
The Flat Belly Diet promises a flat belly and weight loss of up to 15 pounds in 32 days. "A flat belly is about food & attitude ... not a single crunch required," it boasts on its cover.
The basic Flat Belly Diet plan is a 1,600-calorie Mediterranean-style diet with an emphasis on wholesome, unrefined foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, seeds, lean protein, and very little red meat (once a month).
According to the authors, the secret ingredient in the Flat Belly Diet that whittles away belly fat is the addition of a monounsaturated fat, or MUFA, at every meal. MUFAs are found in olives, avocados, nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, soybean, flax, and olive and sunflower oils.
"Research shows that MUFAs have health benefits and target belly fat. They also help control satiety, so by adding in one MUFA at meals and snacks it is easier to stick with the plan and lose belly fat," explains co-author Sass.
Before starting on the 28-day plan, dieters go on a 1,200- to 1400-calorie, four-day anti-bloat jump-start period designed to reduce bloating and get dieters in the mind-set of a healthier eating plan. During the jump-start, dieters drink 2 liters of daily "sassy water," a blend of spices, herbs, citrus, and cucumber. "We tested the diet plan on 11 volunteers and they told us the flavored water reduced bloating, constipation, helped them feel better and get rid of that sluggish feeling," explains Sass.
There's a lot of girlfriend-sounding advice from journalist Vaccariello, who is not a medical professional, along with more credible "notes from our nutritionist" that feature registered dietitian Sass. Success stories of the 11-member test panel are sprinkled throughout the book.
Exercise is optional but encouraged. An entire chapter is devoted to the flat belly workout with diagrams of exercises, walking plans, and a 28-day workout plan.
The Flat Belly Diet: What You Can Eat
Whether you are a vegetarian or a meat eater, have food allergies, or are lactose intolerant, this plan can be adapted to meet your individual needs. The plan calls for four, 400-calorie meals spaced every four hours, and each meal includes a MUFA.
Dieters don't count calories. Instead, they choose from a list of 28 interchangeable mix-and-match breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snack packs. Food lists with portion sizes and calories allow flexibility in creating snack packs and can be used whenever you need it most. Eighty recipes are included with nutrient analysis of calories, protein, carbohydrates, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and fiber.
Sample Anti-Bloat Menu
Breakfast: 1 cup Rice Krispies, 1 cup skim milk, 1/2 cup pineapple, 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
Lunch: 3 oz chunk light tuna in water, 1 cup carrots, 1 light string cheese
Dinner: 3 oz chicken breast, 1 cup mushrooms sauteed in 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1/2 cup brown rice
Snack: pineapple smoothie (1 cup skim milk, 4 oz. pineapple, and 1 tablespoon flaxseed)
2 liters sassy water
Sample Flat Belly Menu
Breakfast: Apple almond oatmeal
Lunch: Pesto ham and cheese sandwich on whole-grain English muffin with lettuce & tomato and 1 cup grape tomatoes
Dinner: 3 oz grilled salmon steak with 2 tablespoons almonds, 1 1/2 cup green beans
Snack: 1/4 cup hummus with 2 tablespoons pine nuts and 1 cup red pepper strips
Calories of meals and snacks during the diet phase are controlled at 400, but the other nutrients can vary. "You can get up to 40% of your calories from fat if you choose the higher fat menu items," says Sass, which exceeds the National Institutes of Health recommendation of 20%-35% of calories.
On the web site, individuals can alter the calorie levels from a low of 1,200 to a high of 2,000 by modifying the snack. Dieters can also send email questions to the authors.
The Flat Belly Diet: How It Works
The premise of the Flat Belly Diet is that if you trim calories to 1,600 per day, add a MUFA at every meal, eat every four hours, and get regular exercise (although this is optional) you will lose weight and belly fat.
Chances are you will lose belly fat on the Flat Belly Diet, but not because of the MUFAs. When you lose weight, you are more likely to lose it in your midsection regardless of the type of weight loss plan, says Michael Jensen, MD, Mayo Clinic obesity researcher and endocrinology specialist. The plan promotes a lifestyle of overall healthy eating, weight control, stress reduction, and exercise that could be sustained beyond the 32 days. Log onto flatbelly.com for added support, motivation, additional menu plans and the option to print shopping lists or track nutritional intake. For people who skip meals or don't eat breakfast, the structure of the diet can help change bad habits into good ones.
The Flat Belly Diet: What the Experts Say
While losing belly fat is important to your health -- extra pounds in your midsection increase your risk of cardiovascular and other diseases more than extra weight in your hips and thighs -- scientific research is scant on diets that specifically target belly fat, Jensen says. And MUFAs are no magic bullet.
"There are so many variables associated with weight loss that it is premature to associate belly fat with a specific food or diet plan," Jensen says.
Christine Rosenbloom, PhD, RD, also questions some of the advice in the book. "The science behind the jump-start plan associated with stress, gum chewing, bulky raw foods, drinking carbonated drinks, alcohol, coffee, tea, and acidic fruit juices is pure speculation and not based on scientific research," she says. "There is not adequate scientific evidence to link lack of sleep, stress, or MUFAs to a reduction in belly fat."
She likes the addition of the healthy fats because they make dieting easier and deliver important nutrients like fat-soluble vitamins. But she cautions dieters to watch the portions of high-calorie fats. "Monitor your portions because it is so easy to overeat things like nuts and guacamole and if you are not careful, they will cause weight gain instead of helping you lose weight," she warns.
Losing 15 pounds in 32 days is most likely the result of losing water weight, not the fat loss that dieters seek. "A pound of fat equals 3,500 calories, so to lose 15 pounds in 32 days of real fat, you would need to burn off 1,640 calories each day and that is not likely," she says. Losing weight quickly can be a real motivator as long as dieters recognize that real fat loss is slower and more likely to be at the recommended safe rate of 1-2 pounds per week.
Rosenbloom says, "To keep your belly in check, remember the acronym SED: Strength training to preserve muscle mass, Exercise aerobically to burn fat, and your Diet should be healthy, calorie-controlled, and include heart-healthy fats."
Flat Belly Diet: Food for Thought
You can lose weight on The Flat Belly Diet plan, but don't be fooled into thinking MUFAs have magic belly-flattening nutrients capable of melting away belly fat.
It is a calorie-controlled, Mediterranean-style diet plan that can help you lose weight in a safe and effective manner. The Mediterranean diet has been proven to be a nutritious and healthy plant-based plan that is good for your heart and overall health.
What will melt body fat, including belly fat, is losing weight on a well-balanced plan like this one or any other healthy, calorie-controlled eating plan.
Source: Webmd.com
New 'Harry Potter' trailer depicts romance, hidden secrets
A new trailer on 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,' a film on the famous boy wizard's sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will go online tomorrow with a whole lot of new characters and a love-struck Ron Weasely.
The release of the new satellite trailer follows last month's international teaser that previewed the forthcoming film which was scheduled to be released by Warner Bros on November 21 but got postponed to July 17, next year, according to a statement.
Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching.
Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort's defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information.
Directed by David Yates, the latest Potter film, provides a glimpse into the attack on students of Hogwarts by a very different adversary. As teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas.
And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn't counted on Romilda Vane's chocolates! And then there's Hermione, simmering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings.
As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.
Source: Ptinews.com
The Grocery Game: Thanksgiving
In order to stuff the turkey and fill the table, it’s going to require a stuffed grocery cart for the Byam family.
“I usually come here [Aldi] first and get everything I can for as cheap as possible and then I will go to Kroger or Wal-Mart and get whatever I couldn't find there,” said Lih-sia Byam.
Aldi is one of many stores offering a bundled Thanksgiving meal from the turkey to the pies. They call it their “feast under $30.”
“I come here because the prices are absolutely outstanding,” said one shopper.But if you want to buy your turkey and trimmings a-la-cart, you can still shop bargains.
CBS 46 was first to tell you about the grocery game, an online site that has helped hundreds of Georgia families play their grocery store aisles like a Vegas card game.
You may remember Lisa VanKesteran who scored $119 worth of groceries for $46.70.
"I saved about $70, more than $70," said VanKesteran.
The same game works for Thanksgiving. This week stores are featuring Thanksgiving discounts on the turkey, pumpkin pie, cranberries and more.
Pile on the grocery game coupons and items like whole sweet potatoes end up being free.
"Sort of like playing a card game. Play that coupon at just the right time,” said Terri Gault, founder of grocerygame.com.
So before you head to the grocery store this week, your going to want to visit grocerygame.com for free coupons for your Thanksgiving feast.
Source: Cbs46.com
Fed Admits Quantitative Easing
Fed Commits $800 Billion More to Unfreeze Lending (Update1): “The Federal Reserve took two new steps to unfreeze credit for homebuyers, consumers and small businesses, committing up to $800 billion.
The central bank will purchase as much as $600 billion in debt issued or backed by government-chartered housing-finance companies. It will also set up a $200 billion program to support consumer and small-business loans, the Fed said in statements today in Washington.
With today’s announcement, the central bank is starting to use some of the unorthodox policy tools that Chairman Ben S. Bernanke outlined as a Fed governor six years ago. Policy makers are aiming to prevent a financial collapse and stamp out the threat of deflation.
“They’re trying to put funds into the system, trying to unfreeze these markets,” said William Poole, the former St. Louis Fed president, in an interview with Bloomberg Television. “Clearly, the Fed and the Treasury are beginning to take a large amount of credit risk.”
The Fed will purchase up to $100 billion in direct debt of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks and up to $500 billion of mortgage-backed securities backed by Fannie, Freddie and Ginnie Mae, the statement said.”
Estimated U.S. GDP for 2008 is about $14.3 trillion (IMF). I mention that because today Federal Reserve announced a new facility and thereby all but admitting to a policy of quantitative easing. This puts the total amount of money pledged to various facilities and bailouts at about $8 trillion dollars… or 56% of GDP.
(You're children are going to hate you. They've been sold into debt slavery so you don't have to face the consequences of living beyond your means.)
Econompic Data goes into greater detail in Bailout Pledges More than $8 Trillion. This clearly means my Scary Fed Charts are going to get worse and the Federal Reserve Balance Sheet will continue to explode. Federal Receipts and Outlays have got to head in seriously opposite directions now. I’m talking the wrong way too, with outlays doing a moonshot while receipts go cliff diving.
Source: Istockanalyst.com
Best sites of Thanksgiving Word Search
Here's the best collection of WordSearch of the Net. Click and play! Good Luck!
- Abcteach.com
- Puzzles.about.com
- Blackdog4kids.com
- Homeschooling.about.com
- Activityvillage.co.uk
- Thepotters.com
- PrimaryGames.com
- Wilstar.com
- Edhelper.com
- Printables4kids.com
- Kids.creativity-portal.com
Spain's Davis Cup victory
Spain's Davis Cup victory Sunday signaled emphatically to the tennis world that the team can win on any surface, in any situation, against any opponent.
This year's final was heralded as a clash of tennis titans with a potential historical first on the line – a first Davis Cup trophy for the favored host Argentina, and the first by a Latin American nation. Instead, the tie featured the dramatic emergence of two talented but lesser-known Spaniards, and served to restore tennis' pecking order.
Fernando Verdasco clinched the victory for Spain Sunday by beating Jose Acasuso in the day’s first singles match, a nearly four-hour affair that had the crowd at Isla Malvinas Stadium living and dying with each point. On match point, Verdasco rifled a forehand winner to prevail, 6-3, 6-7, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, and give Spain a 3-1 match victory in the tie. The trophy is Spain’s third, and first won on the road.
Verdasco was a substitution for world No. 12 David Ferrer, who lost to David Nalbandian Friday in the opening match of the tie and has been struggling lately.
Acasuso himself was substituting for an injured Juan Martin del Potro, who strained his right quadriceps in a loss Friday to Feliciano Lopez. Del Potro warmed up Sunday with his thigh wrapped. Officials confirmed that Argentinean captain Alberto Mancini waited until nearly the last minute to announce Acasuso as del Potro’s replacement.
In the buildup to the final, Argentina's sports media had declared that fate was on the home team’s side. The surface (indoor hard court, the hosts’ choice), the home crowd, and the absence of injured world No. 1 Rafael Nadal all were considered significant advantages for Argentina.
But even without Nadal, Spain proved too formidable an opponent for the hosts.
"Nadal not coming made [the Spanish team] even more of a unit, more together," Mancini said. "We have to learn a lot about this to someday win the Davis Cup."
The captain declined to comment on speculation that this is his last tie at the helm of Team Argentina.
In a tense back-and-forth with local journalists, Mancini said the media had contributed to his team’s defeat. After Argentina went down 2-1 Saturday, local newspaper headlines questioned del Potro’s heart, Mancini’s tactics, and Nalbandian’s play. Some outlets also reported that the Argentinean players were fighting in the locker room following the team’s loss in the doubles match; Mancini denied that there was a fight.
Media members blasted Mancini for David Nalbandian’s no-show for Saturday's press conference – a move which earned Nalbandian a $5,000 fine. Mancini and Acasuso were the only members of the Argentinean delegation available for comment following play Sunday.
"You have to think about what you write because many things that happen, happen because of what you write and what you say," Mancini said before abruptly ending his news conference.
Emilio Sanchez-Vicario, who is stepping down from his post as Spanish captain, said that Argentina's favored status likely hurt the team.
"I think that for the local players having so much media behind them saying they were the favorites, maybe that was not the best for the Argentinean players," said Sanchez-Vicario.
"A lot of press in Spain criticized me because I didn't have a plan B," he said. "Now I showed them that I had a plan … and it worked."
Before the tie began Friday, the Argentinean newspaper Clarín described the anticipation of a proud country that believed it was on the cusp of an historic first Copa Davis.
"She, the blessed and aloof Davis Cup, will wait while thousands of Argentine voices, from inside and outside the stadium, will [victory] with their body and with their heart. And with the force of a unique passion."
Sunday, as the small contingent of Spanish fans and players celebrated, the crushed Argentinean spectators – many teary-eyed – clapped politely, their Copa dream still unfulfilled.
More from Borden in Mar del Plata:
Day 2 (Saturday) report
Day 1 (Friday) report
Pre-competition (Thursday) report
Source: Tennis.com
Europeana digital library launches
Europeana, the European Union's digital library, went down shortly after the launch of its prototype on Thursday. The library's project website said the system wasn't able to handle 10 million hits an hour. The operators say they are now working on a more robust version and plan to have it ready by mid-December.
In April 2005, six European countries called on the EU to create a European library by networking national projects. Initially, the target was to make two million books, films, photos, manuscripts and other cultural objects accessible in this library as early as 2007. In February 2008, the launch time was set as this November.
The European Commission called Europeana the "open sesame for art, culture and history". It is now said to contain 3 million objects, among them the full score of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, the French Declaration Human Rights of 1789, the English Magna Carta, Dante's Divine Comedy and the Gutenberg Bible.
According to a report from the New York Times so far, half of the objects are French. Additional contributors include the Netherlands and the UK. According to the European Commission, Germany, Spain and Poland plan to contribute further objects in the next few months. The library is planned to offer about 10 million objects by 2010. The European Commission intends to spend €119M on this project.
See also:
- the European Library portal
- CENL: the Conference of European National Librarians
- eContent+ programme for accessible online content
- Public Knowledge Project – Open Journal Systems
Source: Heise.de
Big Boss
Bigg Boss is a reality TV programme broadcast in India. It is the Indian version of the Big Brother format, which was first developed by Endemol in the Netherlands.
The first series of the show aired between November 2006 and January 2007. The second series began on 17 August 2008.
Season One (2006-2007)
The first series of Bigg Boss began on 3 November 2006, and ended on 26 January 2007. It was broadcast on Sony Entertainment Television. The host of this series was Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi.
Fourteen , (originally twelve) celebrities, along with a hidden spy (later revealed to be Ragini Shetty), entered the inside the Big Boss house for 12 weeks with only a suitcase of luggage each. The contestants had to cook and clean by themselves - they did not have access to domestic help or stylists.
Tasks were set by Bigg Boss each week. The housemates were allowed to gamble on task outcomes, and were rewarded with extra money to order more supplies if they won.
As with most versions of Big Brother, each week, the housemates had to nominate two of their peers for eviction. They were required to give reasons for their nominations. The housemates with the most nominations then faced eviction that week, with the evictee being decided by a public vote.
After 12 weeks, Rahul emerged as the winner of Bigg Boss on Day 86. Carol left as the first runner up, whilst Ravi was the second runner up.
Season Two (2008)
The second season of Bigg Boss premiered on 17 August 2008, on new broadcaster Colors and ended on 22 November 2008.
The show ran for three months. Bigg Boss 2 returned with Shilpa Shetty as the new host, who previously won the fifth series of Celebrity Big Brother in the United Kingdom.[1]
The new season featuring 14 contestants competing for a cash prize of Rs 1 Crore. As part of the format, 14 contestants are living in the Bigg Boss house built in Lonavala, located 96 km away from Mumbai. The new house is much more stylish and modernized this time. It has a very contemporary gym for the contestants whose movements will be tracked over 84 days, 24x7 by 32 cameras. The show is aired on [2] at 10 PM [I.S.T.] daily.
After the first day at the House, the housemates had nominated Raja Choudhary and Sanjay Nirupam for eviction. On the second day, Jade Goody was informed of her cervical cancer, and she left the show immediately [3] Sanjay Nirupam was the first contestant to be eliminated from this season followed by Rakhi Vijan. Monica Bedi was evicted on September 5, 2008. Ketki Dave was evicted on September 12, 2008. Alina Wadiwala was evicted on September 19, 2008.
Diana Hayden, former Miss India and Miss World joined the show as a wildcard entrant on 15th September 2008.
After a fake eviction of Raja on 26th (Rahul & Raja had got nominated), Raja returned to the house after 3 days in a secret room. He watched all the contestants from the secret room and is taking full advantage of it. Sambhawana Seth is the next inmate to get evicted on 3rd Oct.
Next eviction is on 10th and nominations are Payal, Rahul and Raja. Monica got wild card and entered Big Boss house again.
From the Three nomations, Payal was evicted on 10th Oct 2008. Actually it was predicted by most of the viewers since Rahul is the Strongest contestant and Raja got the best publicity and fan following after the Bold Love and Hot Scenes with Sambhawana and then again when he entered the secret room he got the best fan following.
on 17th October Aihsan Qureshi, who was nominated for the very first time, got evicted. On 24th October Debojit got evicted. Debojit got evicted after that, and on 8th November Diana Hayden got evicted, when Ashu and Diana were nominated.
On 10th Nov in the next nomination Zulfi (with 4 votes, nominated by Raja, Monica, Rahul, Ashu) and Monica (with 3 votes, nominated by Raja, Zulfi, Ashu )are in the dumping zone. The two guest Sambhana and Payal who have entered a week ago could not participate in the nomination process and also both of them were asked to pack up with in ten minutes to leave the Bigboss house. From Monika and Zulfi, Monika had to go from the house.
Four housemates were left - Rahul, Raja, Ashutosh and Zulfi, all are boys.
Rahul along with other inmates Raja, Zulfi and Ashutosh had attempted to jump out of the House by climbing the wall after they believed that they were not being given enough food to survive on. Rahul was asked to leave the show when he refused to apologise for breach of discipline. After 98 days long journey on November 22, 2008 Ashutosh Kaushik on walked away with the Bigg Boss 2 title and a whopping Rs.1 crore in cash. Zulfi was declared the second runner-up, while Raja Chaudhry became the first runner-up.
Source: Wikipedia
Poems about Death
These poems cover a wide range of emotions, from grief to regret to love and joy. In many instances, the only thing they have in common is that each is about the loss of someone loved to the grim specter of Death.
Death is a part of Life. No one escapes its clutches, and no one long escape the harsh reality of dealing with the loss of someone dear. These poems are about the process of coping.
Never Alone |
| by Rodney Belcher |
I feel you in the morning When at first I awake Your thought is with me With each decision I make You'd been around forever Since the first breath I took Now I have to go on alone But for love, I need not look Cause by what you bestowed In our short time together Will last in my heart Forever and ever Although you've left And now walk above I'm never alone I'm wrapped in your love Enjoy now your long waited reward Feel peace that your love continues on What was taught to me, will be taught to mine Cause you live on in me even after you've gone |
Source: Netpoets.com
HP G50 104NR Laptop with Canon 3-in-1 Printer
If you want a bargain then why not choose the HP G50-104NR laptop which also comes with a Canon 3-in-1 Printer for only $279.99 final price.
This is great for work, students, school and even the office because it has everyti=hing you need for performance. The main features include Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core mobile processor T3200, 2GB DDR2 memory, 120GB hard drive and high-speed wireless networking (802.11b/g); stylish HP Imprint finish, Double-layer DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with LightScribe, 15.4″ BrightView widescreen, Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M, 5-in-1 media reader and Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1, Canon PIXMA all-in-one photo printer, copier and scanner with built-in card slots and PictBridge support for PC-free printing; support for 3 frame-ready print sizes; ChromaLife100 system for long-lasting photos and much more.
Source: Cheaplaptops.org.uk
Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson May Get 12 Million Dollar Each for 'New Moon
Having a major hit movie with the recently released "Twilight", Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson reportedly will get a huge salary boost for the sequels, including "New Moon". According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the two young leading actors are looking forward to bring home $12 million each, six times more than what they have earned in "Twilight".
Apart from the six times $10 million paycheck raise, the actors who play the unlikely lover, Bella Swan and Edward Cullen will also get a nice percentage of the future movies' box-office take. Though both Stewart and Pattinson have revealed that they are already signed for a three-picture deal, the official confirmation about their returns have yet to be released.
In an interview with MTV earlier, Pattinson confessed that "New Moon" is his favorite book. "I'm looking forward to doing the re-emergence...at the end of the second book, when he's killing himself," the 22-year-old expressed his excitement. "I think that'd be kind of spectacular seeing that. And the second book is my favorite book, so I'm quite looking forward to doing it."
"New Moon" is an adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's second novel in her Twilight series. Continuing the story of a mortal girl named Bella who falls for a vampire named Edward, this first sequel will be scripted also by "Twilight" screenwriter Melissa Rosenberg. The official announcement of "New Moon" development came after "Twilight" scored big on its opening day with $35.7 million on its pocket.
Source: Aceshowbiz.com
Milena Roucka
Milena Leticia Roucka[1] (born October 25, 1979)[1] is a Canadian former model and current professional wrestler of Czech and Costa Rican descent.[2][3] She is currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), training at its developmental facility Florida Championship Wrestling under the ring name Roucka while appearing on it's RAW brand. Milena's first appearance in the WWE was participating in the 2006 Diva Search. Despite finishing fourth WWE decided to hire her along with several eliminated contestants. She was assigned to train in Ohio Valley Wrestling.[1]
Early life and modeling career
Roucka grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, where she was mostly raised by a single father and her sister, Chantal. Since, she was without a mother, Milena grew up being a tomboy. Roucka studied Business at the University of British Columbia, but dropped out to pursue a career in modeling.[2] In 2004, she won the "Piel Dorada", one of the biggest Latin American based modelling contests, becoming the first North American to win.[2] She also acted in commercials for "Trident" and "Lux soap".[2]
Wrestling career
World Wrestling Entertainment
Diva Search
In the summer of 2006, Roucka participated in the auditions for the third installment of WWE's Diva Search Contest and reached the final 8.[2] Roucka placed fourth overall in the competition.[2] WWE signed her just a few days after her elimination, on August 24, 2006, to a developmental contract with the company.[2][4]
Ohio Valley Wrestling
She debuted in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) as a heel and she served as the valet for Bad Company managing the members Mike Kruel, Shawn Osborne and Eddie Craven. She made her in-ring debut on April 4, 2007, where she teamed up with Beth Phoenix, Katie Lea and Melody in a losing effort to the team of ODB, Serena, Victoria Crawford, and Maryse.[5] She also participated in the Miss OVW contest which would be later won by ODB and the OVW Divalympics. On September 19, 2007 Roucka won a 6-way OVW divas match to capture the OVW Women's Championship.[6] She defended the title against numerous opponents including ODB, Serena and Lea. On the December 12 edition of OVW tapings she defeated Lea in a "kiss my foot match" to retain the championship.[7] On February 20, 2008 Roucka lost the title to Lea. A few weeks after losing her title, WWE ended their relationship with OVW as a developmental territory. Roucka along with several OVW talents were moved to Florida Championship Wrestling.
Florida Championship Wrestling
In March 2008, she debuted for Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW),[8] where she competed in numerous matches against The Bella Twins, Alicia Fox, Wesley Holiday, Miss Angela, Tiffany, Jenny Cash, and Veronica Blaze. Roucka made her FCW television debut in a Diva Twist off, hosted by WWE Raw Diva Kelly Kelly, which ended in a no contest. Roucka would then have her TV debut match against Wesley Holiday, where Roucka was victorious.
RAW
On the November 24th, 2008 edition of RAW, Roucka made her WWE debut as an audience member cheering for Beth Phoenix while holding up a sign that read Glamazon in Training. [1]
In wrestling
- Finishing moves
- Signature moves
- Wrestlers managed
-
- Mike Kruel
- Shawn Osborne
- Eddie Craven
- Brad Allen
- Entrance themes
- "Feelin Me" - FCW
Championships and accomplishments
- Ohio Valley Wrestling
- PWI ranked her # 43 of the best 50 female singles wrestlers in the PWI Female 50 in 2008.[9]
Source: Wikipedia
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