technology in classrooms: August 2012

Friday, August 31, 2012

Grass Takes Root: On The Issues...

I've had recent conversations with family and friends that went a little something like this:

"Yeah, I'm just not going to vote. It won't really make a difference."

"I don't like what either candidate is saying. I don't like either so I'm just staying out of it."

I can't say I haven't felt like this in recent days to some extent, but let me tell you why I will vote and why you should too.

In a recent aticle from a national news affiliate, the author asked the question "why vote?"? His answer was clear.

"Because in America, that is the way we change things. That is the way we reform the system. That is the way we guard against the threats to our liberties and exercise our responsibilities. That is the way that we keep America free."Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2010/11/02/peter-roff-vote-change-reform-candidates-elections-congress-oval-office-george/#ixzz259HINyRg

Isn't that the?truth though?? Change can be good or bad, but change is inherently American. Is it not? Our entire government system is set up just TO change.

As Americans, we have the opportunity to research and get to know the candidates. Do you know where each stands on the issues? Or do you know what the news media says about each candidate?? Because I've chosen to focus my writing on matters related to immigration, below you wll find information on each candidate and their views on immigration in the United States.? While I know this isn't the only important issue to consider, it's an important one that impacts the future of our great nation.

President Obama's Position on ImmigrationThe President plans to create a 21st century immigration system by: Continuing to fulfill the federal government?s responsibility to securing our borders; Demanding accountability for businesses that break the law by undermining American workers and exploiting undocumented workers;? Strengthening our economic competiveness by creating a legal immigration system that reflects our values and diverse needs; and Requiring responsibility from people who are living in the United States illegally.http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/fixing-immigration-system-america-s-21st-century-economy

Mitt Romney's Position on Immigration
Govenor Romney's goal is to grow legal immigration to grow our economy by attracting more highly skilled immigrants; make the temporary work visa system functional; securing our borders and discourage illegal immgration by enforcing the law.? He sees cutting the red tape that is keeping families apart as important, as well as opening pathways to residency for those serving in the armed forces.? He will address the topic of illegal immigraiton in the U.S. in a manner that respects the rule of law. http://www.mittromney.com/issues/immigration

Ron Paul's Position on Immigration
Enforce Border Security; No Amnesty; Abolish the Welfare State; End Birthright Citizenship; Protect Lawful Immigrants. http://www.ronpaul2012.com/the-issues/immigration/

Gary Johnson's Position on Immigration
Gary Johnson states that America is a land of immigrants. Legal immigration should focus on making it easier and simpler for willing workers to come here with a temporary work visa, pay taxes, contribute to society, and fill jobs as the market demands.? As the former governor of a southern border state, he believes fences and walls do not keep out illegal immigrants. Real border security means knowing who is coming here and why.? With workable employer verification systems, smarter border enforcement, and common sense, a national problem can be turned into a national benefit http://www.garyjohnson2012.com/issues/immigration

There is so much more to this. I've included links to each candidate's page on the issues. Do your research and see for yourself.? We may not agree on the solution to the broken immigration, and that's ok. But I do know this, if we don't vote we can't complain about that which we did not?take part.? So ask yourself after reading each candidate's stance on the issues (not just about immigration): Is it fair, fact-based, and contributes to a shared future?? Click Here to Register to Vote or Click Here to learn more!

Source: http://grasstakesroot.blogspot.com/2012/08/on-issues.html

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PFT: Texans fan dies in fall at Reliant Stadium

Getty Images

The NFL Referees Association has issued a two-line release that, while not saying much, implies plenty.

?Reports on the economic gap between the NFL and NFLRA are inaccurate,? NFLRA counsel Michael Arnold states.? ?Ongoing negotiations with the NFL will be conducted in a confidential and professional manner.?

The first line is curious.? For all the things the league and the officials? union disagree on, the gap in proposed pay didn?t appear to be one of them.? Instead, the problem with the salary divide came from perspective.

The officials had characterized it as $100,000 per team per year.? The NFL had called it $22.7 million over a seven-year deal.? In the end, it?s the same amount.

The real clue comes in the second line.? ?Ongoing negotiations? means that there are negotiations; 24 hours ago, there weren?t.? And the commitment to proceeding in a ?confidential and professional manner? suggests that the two sides have agreed that, as they try to find middle ground for an agreement, there?s no reason to rattle swords.

Now, get it done.? Please.

Source: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/08/31/texans-fan-dies-in-fall-at-reliant-stadium/related/

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Thursday, August 30, 2012

Scientists analyze dinosaurs' last meals

Dinosaur fossils found with the bones of birds and small dinosaurs in their stomachs reveal the beasts may have been adept hunters capable of downing prey more than a third their own size, researchers say.

Fossils are occasionally found with the remains of animals and plants inside what were once their guts. These tummy contents can shed light on what they once ate ? for instance, past research showed a mammal predator apparently had a tiny dinosaur as its last meal.

Scientists investigated two specimens of a carnivorous dinosaur from Liaoning, China, known as Sinocalliopteryx gigas. The predator was roughly the size of a wolf, about 6 feet (2 meters) long, and had feathers or hairlike fuzz covering its body to help keep it warm.

Back when this dinosaur was alive, about 120 million years ago, the area was a warm, wet forest, with a diverse fauna of dinosaurs, birds and crocodilians. "It was kind of a quintessential dinosaur environment, with lots of volcanic activity that periodically inundated the landscape and buried things within it with exquisite preservation," said researcher Phil Bell, a vertebrate paleontologist at the Pipestone Creek Dinosaur Initiative in Canada. "Today the area is pretty much farmland, although the farmers all understand the importance of fossils and the interest they create, and a lot have turned to farming for dinosaurs."

One of the Sinocalliopteryx specimens, a complete and remarkably well-preserved skeleton, apparently dined on a birdlike, cat-size feathered dinosaur known as Sinornithosaurus, judging by the partial leg found in its gut. [See Images of the Dinosaur Guts]

The other Sinocalliopteryx specimen, an incomplete skeleton, held the remains of at least two primitive crow-size birds known as Confuciusornis, as well as acid-etched bones from a dinosaur. (Confuciusornis was probably limited to slow takeoffs and short flights.)

"Stomach remains are evidence of actual interactions between animals, which is extremely rare in the fossil record," Bell told LiveScience. "We're lucky to find one or two bones of anything; to get a specimen with the remains of its last meal or meals is pretty cool."

It remains uncertain whether the dinosaurs actively hunted or scavenged these meals. Still, the fact that Sinocalliopteryx gobbled at least two birds of the same species at about the same time "says chances are very good it was actively selecting its prey; that makes it a predator," Bell said.

And capturing flying prey points to a stealthy, capable hunter, the researchers added.

Science news from NBCNews.com
1. Egypt's 'Google Earth pyramids' revisited
  Science editor Alan Boyle's blog: Remember that researcher who thought she spotted previously undiscovered Egyptian pyramids in Google Earth imagery? There really are some ruins in one of the pictures, but they?re not pyramids.
2. Amazing Hurricane Isaac photo a fake
3. How pandas pick perfect spot to pee
4. Chimp 'secret handshakes' may be cultural

"What I think is coolest about these findings is that it starts to bring these animals to life," Bell said. "A lot of people look at fossils as just dead things ? it's hard for them to imagine them as living, breathing animals. When you get something like this, it really brings them to life."

The scientists detailed their findings online Wednesday in the journal PLoS ONE.

Follow LiveScience on Twitter @livescience. We're also on Facebook? and ?Google+.

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/48833110/ns/technology_and_science-science/

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Business Development General Manager Kenyan Vacancy ...

Export Processing Zones Authority is a State Corporation established through an Act of Parliament Cap 517 of the laws of Kenya to oversee all aspects of development of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in Kenya.?

The economic objectives of the EPZ program include employment creation, export diversification/expansion, investment attraction, technology transfer and backward linkages between the EPZs and domestic suppliers.

The Authority has the following vacant position:

General Manager - Business Development

Job Ref: EPZA/HR/GM-BD/07/2012

The incumbent will be a highly motivated professional whose major role will be to promote and market the Export Processing Zones/Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Programme, products and services.?

She/he will also be responsible for developing linkages with the relevant institutions both locally and internationally.

Key Responsibility Areas

The successful candidate will carry out business development and research services within the Authority including;

Translating corporate goals and objectives into investment attraction, linkage and policy advocacy targets, strategies and operational plans in line with Authority?s Strategic Plan;
Budgeting for and coordinating investment promotion, linkage development, research and policy analysis function for the Authority;
Initiating revenue generating projects that will ensure financial sustainability of the Authority.
Formulation and implementation of sales and promotion, project appraisal, research, product and linkages policies and procedures;
Promotion of the EPZs/SEZs to potential investors;
Design and execution of marketing and promotion programs;
Maintenance of business relations with investors, government agencies and other stakeholders;
Establishment and application of appropriate systems to monitor and respond to investor enquiries;
Establishment and application of project screening and appraisal systems;
Establishing support for EPZ/SEZ companies market promotion;
Coordination of research activities within the Authority;
Overseeing Policy analysis and advocacy roles for the Authority;
Coordinating motivation support, training, performance measurement and evaluation of staff in the division;
Any other lawful duty as may be assigned from time to time.

Key Qualifications and Competencies?

The candidate aspiring for the post of General Manager- Business Development shall have:

A Master of Business Administration degree or its equivalent from a recognized University;
A diploma in Marketing or equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution;
Successfully served in a comparable position with similar responsibilities in like organizations for at least three (3) years;
Demonstrated high capability in business development, research, marketing and policy analysis;
A high degree of integrity and dependability
Ability to work under pressure and consistently meet strict deadlines
Self-Driven with a ?can-do?, ?will-do? type of personality
Good interpersonal skills with ability to confidently communicate at senior management level
Ability to drive change in a dynamic environment;
Strong management, leadership and negotiation skills;
Team building skills with the ability to uphold collective responsibility.
Only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted.

Salary Package and Terms of Service:?

Highly attractive salary packages commensurate with competencies will be offered to successful candidates.

Successful candidates for all General Manager Positions will be engaged on a 3 [three] year contract renewable subject to acceptable performance.

Method of Application

Suitably qualified candidates should submit ten [10] copies of their applications together with updated curriculum vitae, certified true copies of certificates and current remuneration pay slips. Applications should be forwarded to the following address not later than 12th September, 2012:

The Chairman

Board of Directors

Export Processing Zones Authority

P.O. Box 50563 - 00200

Nairobi

Applications submitted by facsimile/e-mails shall be disqualified automatically.

Provide day time telephone contacts and names of three referees [one of whom must be the current/last employer who should be in a position to attest to the duration of positions held by the candidate in the organization and managerial abilities as well as moral character and integrity.

?The Export Processing Zones Authority is an equal opportunity employer?

Source: http://www.careersmartkenya.com/2012/08/business-development-general-manager.html

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Photonics: Think thin, think vibrant

ScienceDaily (Aug. 29, 2012) ? Flat panel displays and many digital devices require thin, efficient and low-cost light-emitters for applications. The pixels that make up the different colors on the display are typically wired to complex electronic circuits, but now researchers at A*STAR have developed a display technology that requires a much simpler architecture for operation.

Flat panel displays, mobile phones and many digital devices require thin, efficient and low-cost light-emitters for applications. The pixels that make up the different colors on the display are typically wired to complex electronic circuits that control their operation. Jing Hua Teng at the A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering and co-workers have now developed a display technology that requires a much simpler architecture for operation. They demonstrated that combining a thin perforated gold film with a liquid crystal layer is all that it takes to make an efficient color filter.

"Our color filters are a lot thinner and more compact than conventional thin-film-based color filters," says Teng. "The colors of these filters can be tuned with ease so they are very versatile in applications."

The color selection of the devices comes from the patterned gold film. The collective motions of the electrons on the film surface -- the so-called surface plasmons -- absorb light at wavelengths that depend on the details of these patterns. In the present case, the patterns are narrow, nanometer-sized rings cut out of the films (see image). As the diameter of the rings changes, so does the color of the metal film. Pixels of a different color can be realized simply by patterning rings of different sizes across the same gold film.

To realize a full display, however, each of these pixels needs to be turned on and off individually. This is where liquid crystals come in.

Liquid crystals are molecules that can be switched between two different states by external stimuli, such as ultraviolet light. In their normal state the crystals let visible light pass through so that the pixel is turned on. But when ultraviolet is also present, the structure of the liquid crystal molecules will change so that it absorbs visible light (i.e. the pixel is turned off). This process can be repeated over many cycles without degrading the device itself.

Although the device works in principle, it remains a concept on the drawing board for now. This is because there are still many issues that need to be overcome, for example, the optimization of the switching speed and the contrast between 'on' and 'off' states. In future work, the researchers will need to extend their ideas so that their device can serve a larger area and produce the fundamental colors red, green and blue.

Teng and his team are quite optimistic that they will achieve this soon.

The A*STAR-affiliated researchers contributing to this research are from the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), via ResearchSEA.

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

Journal Reference:

Yan Jun Liu, Guang Yuan Si, Eunice S. P. Leong, Ning Xiang, Aaron J. Danner, Jing Hua Teng. Light-Driven Plasmonic Color Filters by Overlaying Photoresponsive Liquid Crystals on Gold Annular Aperture Arrays. Advanced Materials, 2012; 24 (23): OP131 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201104440

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

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

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/top_technology/~3/-n1VJ8dNXxo/120829112220.htm

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Jury foreman says Apple patents valid due to different processor ...

I think that the ones who do are silent on the issue because it's not a popular view point to defend these patents (or any patents). There are so many people that already had their minds made up that anything that ran counter to that viewpoint was obviously wrong, or biased, or ignorant. Or they would rather attack the jury for having to try to work through a really complicated case and coming to a different conclusion than they would have. Or maybe they'd rather just ridicule the foreman's patent... because that's helping a lot.

But really, who has read the points of the patents, or the prior art? Who actually followed the case in it's entirely without cherry picking comments from media coverage? And more importantly, who actually understands patent law? I think a lot of people think that they do.

This is one of the persistent issues that we'll have to deal with on HN for the next few months. Any time an Android vs. iOS article appears it polarizes this community like none other. Hopefully after a while it will all die down...

Then just wait for the appeals court decision...

I would be less concerned about HN'ers being able to decipher the intracies of the law around the US patent system than a jury of 12 random people...

That said, you are likely correct in one common misunderstanding. Too many people conflate,

1. the US patent system

2. patent law.

The latter could be working as well as could be expected in any part of the US legal system or indeed the world. This is difficult to tell without being a lawyer and many HN'ers, like ordinary people, do not grok it.

The US patent system itself, however, is an entirely different matter. The core aspects are far easier to understand and is routinely and increasingly derided, including by top members of many professions the world over as well as representatives of the US justice system. The latest cases have only furthered added to these views.

I don't think you can really jump to that conclusion. Prior art may have been 'ignored' but I have a feeling that the question in the minds of the jurors was 'Did Samsung copy apple?'

I think that what's probably more at issue is that the vast majority of the populace regards copying as plagiarism / and/or something that ought to be punished. eg. copying = theft = bad = you should pay a fine.

The jurors are just trying to stitch legal words and technical words together to create the impression that it was judged based on the law rather than the emotional feeling that copying is bad. The jury was probably looking for evidence to find for Apple, not examining the evidence to reach a conclusion. It's a hallmark of trials by jury, it's why when the facts and emotions are on your side you pick a jury trial and when the law is on your side you pick a trial by judge.

I've heard that at one point in the trial the samsung lawyer said that the design of their tablet was so different that it couldn't be copied while pointing to an iPad. A gaffe like that in connection with the idea that copying = bad is game over for Samsung in court.

Errol Morris interviewed a mob lawyer about how he got a mobster off a murder charge, it's a very telling insight into how the average person's mind works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLEe496IS1o

Another juror sheds more light on what happened. The foreman's view on prior art had a big impact.

"We were debating heavily, especially about the patents on bounce-back and pinch-to-zoom. Apple said they owned patents, but we were debating about the prior art. Hogan was jury foreman. He had experience. He owned patents himself...so he took us through his experience. After that it was easier. After we debated that first patent -- what was prior art --because we had a hard time believing there was no prior art." "In fact we skipped that one," Ilagan continued, "so we could go on faster. It was bogging us down."

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57500358-37/exclusive-appl...

IANAL but here are two things I found interesting about the patent:

1. It doesn't claim the methods, only the systems. My (dim) understanding is that this means it isn't a software patent (a "method" patent), it's just a patent on a "system" (e.g. a device) implementing those methods. If you want to claim the algorithm, you have to claim the methods too; these claims commonly mirror the claims for the system, but with the words "a method" generally replacing "a system".

2. A claim stakes out an area of ownership; the more "and"s there are, the narrower the claim, just like a SQL query returns fewer results with the more AND phrases you include in the WHERE clause. That first long claim (on which all the others are based) could be paraphrased as "Like Tivo, but with the user additionally being able to cut/copy/paste ('edit') sections of video, but only when there's a hard drive, and only when there's a CD burner, etc." So a system that omitted or replaced one of those components would not infringe the patent.

The other claims basically just preemptively stake out further sub-sections of the area of ownership so that the next guy to come along can't do what this guy did and just specialize/narrow/tweak the existing invention in those ways.

Claim 1 is for a system with tv tuner, internal hardrive and a removable media. So it is slightly different then a Tivo.

Although I don't think taking a Tivo and slapping a CD writer on it should be eligible for a patent. Especially if TV tuners where available at retail at the time (pretty sure they were, but I have no evidence of that.) Basically anybody that put a TV tuner into a computer with a CD writer is prior art for claim 1.

That description may fit an Apple TV. Or any computer

    One embodiment of the invention includes an apparatus     equipped with a wireless keyboard and software that      enables a user to access the Web and email services     [?] and other functions

Yes, this is the sad thing. You have to prove that the jury tampered with itself or was too stupid to or too biased to do its job. Very hard to do. Alsup, in the Google trial, showed some great strategy here where he told the jury "assume you can copyright apis" while reserving to make a judgement as a matter of law on the issue later. So the Jury could say "guilty of copyright infringement" and he could say, "Thank you, oh by the way you can't copyright APIs, but if you could you would have infringed."

If anything Judge Koh seemed more inclined to put as much into the juries hands as possible.

> Wow! throughout the interview the guy looked extremely confident.

I'd attribute this to Dunning-Krueger. The guy thinks he was the smartest shit in the room - "I had an aha moment, I explained it to them, I laid it out, I this, I that."

So, if this is the new precedent, and a new processor means that we can disregard all prior art, am I correct in assuming that all I need to do to keep from infringing is to run this "ip" on a different processor in the future?

(I am well aware that "legal reasoning" and real-world rationality umm... walk different paths, I'm just sayin'.)

I believe that this link is the 460 patent that the guy mentioned:

http://www.google.com/patents/US7577460

The content presented in the patent drawings at the bottom are hardware-heavy, and the patent claims and diagrams discuss voltage control, etc.

I am not a patent expert, and not subject to the trial content. But I find it plausible that "processor", or phone architecture in general, might have been an important factor that differentiated Apple from the claims of Samsung's patent.

Adding "with a voltage regulator" shouldn't be any more legit than "...but on the interwebs!".

It looks to me like a snow job. Putting a camera in a smartphone and then (steady yourself) emailing the pictures you take! Seems pretty thin. So throw in a bunch of the technical details that all electronic devices have in common like voltage regulators, chip enable lines, data busses etc, and a bunch of the mundaneness of networking, like the sizes of email headers etc and now we're looking like we've got something that will sneak past an examiner or impress a layman.

He clearly says that he wasn't assessing actual damages, but wanted to teach the offending company a lesson.

The whole thing is incredibly frustrating.

This is a disturbing farce. I realize that it is extremely difficult to appeal jury decisions, but this is getting ridiculous.

Not only did he take it upon himself to ignore the court's instructions by dishing out punitive damages, but the entire reasoning behind these so-called deliberations now appear to have been completely devoid of rationality.

The poster who compared the logic employed here to Vicini's "battle of wits" in the Princess Bride had it spot on.

You cannot dismiss a jury member's own experiences from their decision making process. It was the attorney's job to vet for the jury for problematic backgrounds, and to toss out those that they were concerned about. The fact that this person was on the jury tells me that they were comfortable with his background.

Also, four of the jury members work for high tech companies, including Intel, AT&T, a circuit board manufacturer, and a hard drive company. So while the foreman was unique in that he holds a patent, many of the jurists have had at least some exposure to technology products in their professional careers.

But if they ship on MIPS, they'll have to deal with all the SGI IP...

Better be safe and design a new processor architecture.

Juries are allowed and often requested to ask questions of the judge during deliberations, but it's up to them to decide that they need that clarification.

I've never been on a jury in a trial such as this, but just as you'll find in regular conversations, members of a jury will present themselves as experts and spout "facts" to back themselves up. A confident "expert" can convince a lot of people.

Source: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4446102

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Wednesday, August 29, 2012

2012 Republican Convention: GOP Dismisses Todd Akin, Abortion As A 'Distraction'

Jeb Bush

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush looks at the convention floor from the podium during a microphone check at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

In the dimmed lights, state delagate signs are seen on the convention floor after an abbreviated session of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012.(AP Photo/David Goldman)

2012 Republican National Convention Delayed By Tropical Storm Isaac

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 27: Musician Beau Davidson performs during a sound check during the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 27, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The RNC is scheduled to convene today, but will hold its first full session tomorrow after being delayed due to Tropical Storm Isaac. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Alex Casetta, a delegate from Denver, Colo., wears a Pro-Life button on his hat following the opening session of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Reince Priebus

Chairman of the Republican National Committee Reince Priebus speaks to delegates during an abbreviated session the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Jeremy Blosser

Jeremy Blosser from Ft. Worth, Texas stands next a mirrored wall on the convention floor after an abbreviated session of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Delegates from Texas pray during an abbreviated session of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Delegates watch a video presentation during an abbreviated session of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Delegates from the state of Ohio listen to Chairman of the Republican National Committee Reince Priebus during the abbreviated opening session of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Delegates watch a video presentation during an abbreviated session of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

John Boehner, Diane Sawyer

House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, left, talks to Diane Sawyer on the floor of the Republican National Convention in the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Fla., on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

John Boehner

House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, talks to reporters on the floor of the Republican National Convention in the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Fla., on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

US-VOTE-2012-REPUBLICAN CONVENTION

American political consultant Karl Rove (L) and Senator Orrin Hatch from Utah (R) share a word at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, during final preparations for the opening of the Republican National Convention on August 27, 2012. Due to tropical storm Isaac, the convention will come to order later today, Monday August 27th, and then immediately recess until the afternoon on Tuesday, August 28th. AFP PHOTO Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/GettyImages)

2012 Republican National Convention Delayed By Tropical Storm Isaac

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 27: A sign for the Republican National Convention hangs outside Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 27, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The Republican National Convention is scheduled to convene briefly August 27, and delayed its first full session until August 28 because of Tropical Storm Isaac. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Mitch McConnell

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky. bchecks out the stage at the Republican National Convention inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum, Monday, Aug. 27, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

2012 Republican National Convention Delayed By Tropical Storm Isaac

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 27: Stage workers continue to make last-minute adjustments to the main stage at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on the abbreviated first day of the Republican National Convention August 27, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Organizers decided to delay the start of the convention as the projected path of Tropical Storm Isaac' put the storm blowing past Tampa and into the Gulf of Mexico. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

A Coast Guard patrol boat cruises past the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Fla., Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. The start of the Republican National Convention, being held at the facility, has been delayed because of the approaching tropical storm Isaac. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Judy Griffin, of Georgia, takes photos while wearing a hat with Republican Party buttons during the 2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee's welcoming event for the delegates of the Republican National Convention on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/The Tampa Tribune, Chris Urso, Pool)

Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney campaign buttons are displayed ahead of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Herman Cain

Supporters cheer as former Republican presidential candidate, businessman Herman Cain, speaks during a Unity Rally Sunday Aug. 26, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

US-VOTE-2012-REPUBLICAN CONVENTION

William Temple (C), in colonial dress, and other Tea Party supporters cheer at the Tea Party Unity Rally at The River at Tampa Bay Church ahead of the Republican National Convention, in Tampa, Florida, on August 26, 2012. AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages)

US-VOTE-2012-REPUBLICAN CONVENTION

Supporters of US Republican presidential contender Ron Paul react during his speech at a rally at the Sun Dome of the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, on August 26, 2012. Thousands of Ron Paul supporters gathered in Sun Dome to show support for their candidate. AFP PHOTO/MLADEN ANTONOV (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/GettyImages)

US-VOTE-2012-REPUBLICAN CONVENTION

A supporter of the US Republican presidential contender Ron Paul waves his portrait during a rally at the Sun Dome of the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, on August 26, 2012. Thousands of Ron Paul supporters gathered in Sun Dome to show support for their candidate. AFP PHOTO/MLADEN ANTONOV (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/GettyImages)

US-VOTE-2012-REPUBLICAN CONVENTION

Supporters wave banners and a portret of US Republican presidential contender Ron Paul during a rally at the Sun Dome of the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, on August 26, 2012. Thousands of Ron Paul supporters gathered in Sun Dome to show support for their candidate. AFP PHOTO/MLADEN ANTONOV (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/GettyImages)

Tampa Prepares For Republican National Convention And Potential Hurricane

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 26: South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley waves while standing at the podium with Stage manager Howard Kolins (R) ahead of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 26, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The RNC is scheduled to convene on August 27 and will hold its first session on August 28 as Tropical Storm Isaac threatens disruptions due to its proximity to the Florida peninsula. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

G.E. Smith

Guitarist G.E. Smith rehearses at the Republican National Convention inside of the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Fla., on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Scott Kiss

Worker Patrick Gayle of Kissimmee, Fla. wipes the mirror-sided camera stands on the floor of the Republican National Convention in the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Fla., on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Workers prepare the stage for the Republican National Convention inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Jason Chaffetz

Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, stands on the stage during preparation for the Republican National Convention festivities inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Workers prepare the stage for the Republican National Convention inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Jason Chaffetz

Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, gets a look at the stage during preparation for the Republican National Convention festivities inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Workers prepare the stage for the Republican National Convention inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Anthony Batri, from Largo, Fla., unfurls banners as preparations are made ahead of the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Workers prepare the stage for the Republican National Convention inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Fla., on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. The political convention begins on Monday, Aug. 27th. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Riggers load nets full of balloons for the Republican National Convention festivities inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum, Friday, Aug. 24, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Tampa Prepares For Republican National Convention And Potential Hurricane

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 23: Video displays that will be used during the Republican National Convention are tested at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 23, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The Republican convention is scheduled to begin in less than a week although Tropical Storm Isaac is threatening possible disruptions due to its proximity to the Florida peninsula. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Members of the media conduct interviews on the floor after the unveiling of the stage and podium for the 2012 Republican National Convention, Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Iskowitz)

Reince Priebus, Willan Harris

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, left, and convention CEO William Harris unveil the stage and podium for the 2012 Republican National Convention, Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Iskowitz)

Reince Priebus, Willan Harris

GOP Previews Site Of Republican National Convention

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 20: Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus unveils the stage inside of the Tampa Bay Times Forum in preparation for the Republican National Convention on August 20, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Thousands will decend on Tampa for the four day convention which takes place August 27-30. (Photo by Tim Boyles/Getty Images)

GOP Previews Site Of Republican National Convention

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 20: News media report on the unveiling of the stage inside of the Tampa Bay Times Forum in preparation for the Republican National Convention on August 20, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Thousands will decend on Tampa for the four day convention which takes place August 27-30. (Photo by Tim Boyles/Getty Images)

GOP Previews Site Of Republican National Convention

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 20: A worker walks past the stage inside of the Tampa Bay Times Forum in preparation for the Republican National Convention on August 20, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Thousands will decend on Tampa for the four day convention which takes place August 27-30. (Photo by Tim Boyles/Getty Images)

GOP Previews Site Of Republican National Convention

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 20: A woman walks in front of the stage inside of the Tampa Bay Times Forum in preparation for the Republican National Convention on August 20, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Thousands will decend on Tampa for the four day convention which takes place August 27-30. (Photo by Tim Boyles/Getty Images)

This photo taken Monday, Aug. 13, 2012 shows downtown Tampa, Fla. The Tampa Bay Times Forum, right, is the location of the Republican National Convention, which will be held Aug. 27-30. Traffic caused by road closures and protests are a concern of downtown workers and residents. (AP Photo/Tamara Lush)

Protesters Demonstrate During The Republican National Convention

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 27: Code Pink protesters goad people waiting in line to enter Ybor City's Cuban Club which is reported to be hosting a party attended by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and others as the Republican National Convention is set to begin on August 27, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The Code Pink demostrators were accusing the people attending the party of being rich as well as supporters of presumptive Republican presidential nominee, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

US-VOTE-2012-REPUBLICAN CONVENTION

Anti-Mitt Romney protesters march through the streets in Tampa, Florida, on August 26, 2012 ahead of the Republican National Convention. The 2012 Republican National Convention was scheduled to be held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum from August 27-30, 2012, but was cut short by one day due to incoming severe weather and possible hurricane conditions. AFP PHOTO Robyn BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages)

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/27/2012-republican-convention_n_1830500.html

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Adrienne Maloof & Dr. Paul Nassif Both File For Divorce!

“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Adrienne Maloof filed for divorce from her husband Dr. Paul Nassif today. The cosmetic surgeon responded by filing his [...]

Adrienne Maloof & Dr. Paul Nassif Both File For Divorce! Stupid Celebrities Gossip Stupid Celebrities Gossip News

Source: http://stupidcelebrities.net/2012/08/adrienne-maloof-dr-paul-nassif-both-file-for-divorce/

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Tuesday, August 28, 2012

U.S. troops face punishment over Koran burning, urination video

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. military is expected to announce disciplinary action on Monday in response to two incidents that provoked outrage in Afghanistan early this year, one over a video depicting Marines urinating on corpses and another involving burning copies of the Koran, U.S. officials said.

The Army was expected to announce that six soldiers would receive administrative punishments over an incident in which copies of the Koran and other religious material were removed from a prison library and sent to an incinerator to be destroyed, a U.S. official said on condition of anonymity.

The incident in February touched off several days of rioting and attacks on U.S. troops after local workers found charred copies of the Koran among the trash at the incinerator at the Bagram base north of Kabul.

U.S. President Barack Obama sent a letter to Afghan President Hamid Karzai apologizing for the incident. U.S. officials at the time said some of the religious material had been removed from the prison library at Bagram because of concern that it was extremist in nature and was being used to pass messages among prisoners.

At least 30 people died in the violence that spread across the country after the incident. Shortly after, two American officers were shot dead in a secure area of the Afghan interior ministry, a crime that remains unsolved.

An investigation into the Koran burning concluded in June with recommendations that the troops involved receive administrative punishment, a U.S. official said at the time. An administrative punishment might include a written reprimand or docked pay, but not criminal charges.

Afghan officials and clerics have warned that a punishment perceived as too light would inflame public opinion and could have dangerous consequences. Afghans initially demanded a public trial for the soldiers.

The Koran burning came a month after Marines were shown in a video urinating on the bodies of what appeared to be dead Taliban fighters. Disciplinary action in that case also was expected to be announced on Monday against three Marines who pleaded guilty, another official said.

The video, which was posted on YouTube and other websites, shows four men in camouflage Marine combat uniforms urinating on three corpses. One of the Marines can be heard saying, "Have a nice day, buddy," while another makes a lewd joke.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and senior military officers condemned actions depicted in the video. Panetta told Karzai in a phone call that the video was "deplorable" and the top U.S. military officer, Army General Martin Dempsey, said the actions depicted were illegal.

The incidents have complicated NATO efforts to win the trust of the people as they attempt to train Afghan forces to take control of security for the country ahead of a 2014 withdrawal of most foreign combat troops.

(Editing by Jackie Frank)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/u-troops-face-punishment-over-koran-burning-urination-155718044.html

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PS Vita v1.80 update now available, PSOne titles for download revealed (video)

Of all the new features in firmware version 1.80 we're pretty sure that the ability to play PSOne classics was fairly high on people's want-list. Well, the update is live, and with it a list of the titles available. There are nine on offer today for US Vita owners, which are: Arc the Lad, Cool Boarders 2, Final Fantasy VII, Hot Shots Golf 2, Jet Moto, Syphon Filter, Tomb Raider, Twisted Metal 2 and Wild Arms, with hopefully more to follow. This is in stark contrast to what's available over the pond, as Kotaku points out, with over 100 titles hitting European shores from tomorrow -- somewhat of an imbalance. But, with Sony said to be targeting a younger crowd, maybe it's banking on some of them not remembering the PlayStation's golden age. Feature tour video after the break.

Continue reading PS Vita v1.80 update now available, PSOne titles for download revealed (video)

Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

PS Vita v1.80 update now available, PSOne titles for download revealed (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 07:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/28/ps-vita-v1-80-update-now-available-psone-titles-revealed/

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Alpina B7: Nichey Anti-"M" Car Alternative for Big BMW Sedan Fanatics

We have yet to see a factory sanctioned "M" variant of the BMW 7-series, but perhaps it's just as well:?from the diminutive 1-series to SUVs like the X5 and X6, almost?no vehicular stone has gone unturned by BMW's "M" performance division, making the in-house tuner a rather ubiquitous force in the big horsepower microcosm. Leaving the big Bimmer sedan untouched by BMW's in-house tuners has freed the small but inventive outfit known as Alpina to work their mechanical magic on the plush flagship-- and the results, as I recently experienced at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, are unexpectedly delightful.

The 2013 BMW Alpina B7 extracts 40 more horsepower (boosting output to 500 hp) and 22 more lb-ft of torque (bringing total twist to 538 lb-ft) from the twin-turbocharged V8; beefier cooling systems, model-specific bodywork, lower and stiffer suspension, and burlier brakes also make this 7-series a tad more visceral than its off-the-rack counterpart.?Sixty mph arrives in as little as 4.3 seconds (down a couple tenths from stock), and top speed gets boosted to a drag-limited 194 mph. Despite the impressive numbers, what struck me at the track was this nearly 2 1/2 ton car's dignified composure. Despite the?rather Lexus-like?seatbelt pretensioning proceedings which took place during higher-G cornering, the Alpina offered a civilized, smooth way to hustle around the 2.238-mile long course, with gearshifts instigated by discreet "Switch-Tronic" pushbuttons on the backside of the steering wheel.?

Priced?from $127,600 for a standard wheelbase version to $134,500 for a long wheelbase all wheel-drive iteration, the Alpina B7 ain't cheap, even considering it receives full benefits from BMW's manufacturer warranty. But for an out-of-the-way high-end sedan which enjoys the rarity of seeing only about 500 specimens reach the US market every year, Alpina proves there's strength in small but potent numbers.

Source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/auto-blog/2013-bmw-alpina-b7?src=rss

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Monday, August 27, 2012

American Taliban fighter says prayer rule 'absurd'

FILE - This Jan. 23, 2002 file photo provided by the Alexandria County Sheriff's Department in Alexandria, Va., shows John Walker Lindh. Lindh is expected to testify Monday, Aug. 27, 2012, in Indianapolis during the first day of the trial over prayer policies in a tightly restricted prison unit where he and other high-risk inmates have severely limited contact with the outside world. (AP Photo/Alexandria County Sheriff's Department, File)

FILE - In this Jan. 24, 2002 file photo, with his head shaven and his stare fixed straight, American Taliban fighter John Walker Lindh leaves the Alexandria Detention Center in Alexandria, Va., before dawn, on the way to his first appearance in a nearby federal court. Lindh is expected to testify Monday, Aug. 27, 2012, in Indianapolis during the first day of the trial over prayer policies in a tightly restricted prison unit where he and other high-risk inmates have severely limited contact with the outside world. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Ken Falk, the legal director of the?American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, talks about his client John Walker Lindh during a lunch break at the United States Court House in Indianapolis, Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. Lindh, 31, a Muslim convert who was charged with supporting terrorists after he was captured by U.S. troops in Afghanistan and later pleaded guilty to lesser charges, claims his religious rights are being violated because the federal prison in Terre Haute deprives him of daily group prayer. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) ? American-born Taliban fighter John Walker Lindh says a federal prison rule barring him and other Muslims from praying together daily is "absurd" and contends the U.S. is causing him to sin against his religion by prohibiting such gatherings in the name of security.

Lindh testified Monday in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis during a trial in a civil lawsuit seeking to overturn the prison policy, which he argues violates a 1993 law barring the government from curtailing religious expression without showing it has a compelling interest.

Lindh, who is serving a 20-year sentence for aiding Afghanistan's Taliban government before its overthrow, is one of 43 inmates housed in a closely monitored unit at the federal prison in Terre Haute. Twenty-four of them are Muslim.

Inmates in the tightly controlled Communications Management Unit ? one of only two in the country ? are allowed to eat, talk, play cards and exercise as a group, but praying together is limited to once a week except during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Most days, they must pray alone in their individual cells.

Gatherings by other faiths also are limited.

Lindh, 31, said the restrictions violate his school of Islam, which requires group prayer five times a day, if possible.

"I believe it's obligatory," Lindh said of the daily group prayer. "If you're required to do it in congregation and you don't, then that's a sin."

The government maintains that preserving security in the unit, where inmates' contact with the outside world is sharply restricted and most of their movements are under audio and video surveillance, makes it necessary to limit group activities, including prayer.

"There are no legitimate security risks by allowing us to pray in congregations," Lindh said. "It's absolutely absurd."

Monday's courtroom appearance was a rare one for Lindh, who has been held at the Terre Haute prison since 2007.

A cluster of openly armed U.S. marshals escorted the shackled Lindh into the federal courtroom in downtown Indianapolis. The bushy-bearded Lindh, who wore an olive green prison uniform and a white prayer cap, smiled at his mother, who sat in the third row and offered a strained smile back at him. Four of the marshals stood a few feet away while Lindh sat at a table with his attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana.

He was soft-spoken throughout most of his testimony but became agitated when Deputy U.S. Attorney William McCoskey asked him why he had not stood along with everyone else when Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson entered the courtroom.

"It's against my religion," Lindh said. "This procedure of standing up for people is unacceptable."

He also said he didn't acknowledge the government's authority to restrict his religious practices.

"I don't recognize any law but the Sharia of Islam," Lindh said in response to questioning by government attorneys. "There is no compromise."

Prisoners in the unit can talk to their attorneys without being monitored, but their other phone calls are under surveillance. The inmates also are not allowed to touch family members during visits. Without such strong security, the government claims, prisoners would be able to conspire with outsiders to commit terrorist or criminal acts.

The government claims in court documents that Lindh delivered a radical sermon to other Muslim prisoners in February. It also says he delivered the sermon entirely in Arabic, which is not allowed under Bureau of Prison regulations that require all speech but ritual prayers to be in English.

Michael R. Smith, chief chaplain for the Bureau of Prisons, testified that officials decided group religious services must be supervised following a 2004 report by the Inspector General's Office on concerns about efforts to radicalize Muslim inmates after 9/11.

The lawsuit seeking to overturn the prison prayer rule was originally filed in 2009 by two Muslim inmates in the unit. Lindh joined the lawsuit in 2010, and the case has drawn far more attention since then. The other plaintiffs have dropped out as they were released from prison or transferred to other units.

Lindh was originally charged with conspiring to kill Americans and support terrorists, but those charges were dropped in a plea agreement. He is eligible for release in 2019.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/386c25518f464186bf7a2ac026580ce7/Article_2012-08-27-American%20Taliban-Prison%20Prayer/id-74cf6f58796d4bd78c1afa8ed42c5acf

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Use Some Of These Beneficial Tips When Improving Your Home ...

Instead of adding on to your home, consider new ways of using the space that already exists. By removing a wall or changing the way that you use a particular room, you can maximize the space you already have without adding square footage to your home that will need lighting, heating, and cooling.

Decals are a great facelift for boring furniture and appliances; getting them off is a different story. If you?re out of ideas on how to remove old decals from surfaces the following tip is sure to help. Spray the decals you wish to remove with WD-40 spray. Try to lift the edges to get the liquid underneath. Let it sit in the solution for a minute or two and then gently scrape the decal with an old credit card or a plastic knife.

Before buying any materials for a home improvement job, you should go online and comparison shop at the local home improvement store websites. This is a great way for you to be certain that you are getting the materials at the best price that you can rather than overpaying and wasting your money.

Avoid hiring an architect for minor home improvements and small renovations. Check your local building codes; in most areas architects are unnecessary for jobs below a certain size. Working with a competent contractor on these small-scale projects makes an architect unnecessary. When an architect is unnecessary and not required by local ordinances, save yourself some money by working without one.

When you set up your vanity lights in your bathroom, pay close attention to the shadows they cast. You don?t want to have your vanity lights set up in such a way that it is difficult to see what you are doing or in such a way that you appear to be veiled in shadows when you look in the mirror. Your vanity lights should be positioned in a way that provides a clear, usable working light.

Try replacing the house numbers outside your house for some easy home improvement. If the house numbers on your house are old, buy some new ones. Try looking for modern house numbers made of stainless steel, aluminum, or brass. Match them with the finish on your exterior light fixtures for better curb appeal.

Before you begin your next home improvement project, think about how long you would like to stay in your home. If you are planning to move this year, you may have a different budget for improvements than if you were staying for awhile. You would also want to focus on areas in the home, like the kitchen and bathrooms, that buyers think are most important.

Drain your hot water heater every six months. A well maintained hot water heater will last longer and run more efficiently too. This project is as simple as locating the drain valve, attaching a hose, and turning the valve in the same way you would turn a spicket.

Painting the interior walls of your home can be a great way to freshen up your decor. Painting is inexpensive and allows for much creativity, based on your color choices. It?s also easy to change, should you decide to go in a different direction. To add a quick and effective punch to any room just grab a can of paint and go!

When doing home improvements for the sole purpose of increasing the value of the home for resale, do some research and find out how to spend the least amount of money for the most increase in value. Basically it is not worth the stress and effort to do a bunch of home improvements if you end up not increasing the value of the home.

As has been noted above, home improvement means different things to different people. Sometimes, all that is needed to help us cement our ideals and to put in place a plan of attack is a tip or two. This article provides those tips. It will help you to overcome that feeling of being overwhelmed and get you started in accomplishing real goals.

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Source: http://www.html5webvideos.com/2012/08/use-some-of-these-beneficial-tips-when-improving-your-home/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=use-some-of-these-beneficial-tips-when-improving-your-home

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Sunday, August 26, 2012

Snooki of 'Jersey Shore' delivers baby boy

FILE - Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi attends a press event to announce her new venture, Team Snooki Boxing and the upcoming boxing matches featuring Ireland's Hyland brothers, in New York, in this Jan. 12, 2012 file photo. Snooki gave birth to her first child early Sunday morning Aug. 26, 2012 at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston N.J. according to MTV. A baby boy weighing 6lbs, 5oz. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes, File)

NEW YORK (AP) ? "Jersey Shore" star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi early Sunday gave birth to her first child, a boy.

The reality TV star and her fiance, Jionni LaValle, welcomed 6-pound, 5-ounce Lorenzo Dominic LaValle into the world at just before 3 a.m. Sunday at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, N.J., MTV said.

"The world just got another Guido!!!," a Polizzi rep told MTV. "Nicole, Jionni & Enzo are doing great!"

MTV congratulated Polizzi and her fiance and looked toward the newborn's possible appearance on "Jersey Shore."

"We couldn't be happier for Nicole and Jionni on the healthy delivery of their baby boy!," MTV said in a statement. "We look forward to Lorenzo's first trip to the Jersey Shore and can't wait to see his first animal print onesie."

MTV has said it's bringing "Jersey Shore" back for a sixth season, with the 24-year-old Snooki as part of the action, but has declined to offer specifics on how big a part Snooki will play in the show about hard-partying Italian-American friends.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/3d281c11a96b4ad082fe88aa0db04305/Article_2012-08-26-People-Snooki/id-408600093d224e25a76ba5b4e7beabb5

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Harvard makes distortion-free lens from gold and silicon, aims for the perfect image (or signal)

Imaging has been defined by glass lenses for centuries, and even fiber optics haven't entirely escaped the material's clutch. Harvard's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences might have just found a way to buck those old (and not-so-old) traditions. A new 60-nanometer thick silicon lens, layered with legions of gold nanoantennas, can catch and refocus light without the distortion or other artifacts that come with having to use the thick, curved pieces of glass we're used to -- it's so accurate that it nearly challenges the laws of diffraction. The lens isn't trapped to bending one slice of the light spectrum, either. It can range from near-infrared to terahertz ranges, suiting it both to photography and to shuttling data. We don't know what obstacles might be in the way to production, which leads us to think that we won't be finding a gold-and-silicon lens attached to a camera or inside a network connection anytime soon. If the technology holds up under scrutiny, though, it could ultimtately spare us from the big, complicated optics we often need to get just the right shot.

Filed under: Cameras, Science