Happenings From Around The World

Looking For Homes in Florida For Sale?

2010-03-28T15:46:00.004-07:00

If you're moving to Florida or just looking for a new house there, check out this resource for Homes In Florida for Sale. There are listing for most every city in the state, along with photos, home details and financing information. You can quickly find homes in most every city including Panama City, Hollywood, Fort Myers, Naples, Sarasota, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville and many others.

You'll also find helpful real estate and home buying articles, financing and real estate resources.

To search for a home in florida go to: FloridaRealEstateHub.com

Choosing the Best Catering in Phoenix

2009-04-14T09:56:00.005-07:00

Choosing a caterer is a crucial decision for the success of your function. Whether you're planning a wedding, anniversary, birthday, shower, bah mitzvah, sweet sixteen or business meeting in Phoenix, asking the right questions will help you make the best decision for your event.

First, create a list of details that are important to you.

By detailing the crucial items that are vital for your occassion, you're sure to be able to ask and get your questions answered, making it easier to choose the right caterer for you. Don't forget timelines, special dietary considerations, and drink and bar selections.

Next, create a budget for your event.

Knowing what you want to spend up front and sharing that with your prospective caterer will allow you to make better choices when faced with making upgrades and meal selections during the process.

Thirdly, request a tasting for your top menu item choices.

If you haven't tasted your caterer's meals, a tasting can be quite helpful in determining not only what meals to select, but what caterer delivers the taste and presentation you would expect for your event. Watch how the tasting is conducted. Were the meals presented in a timely manner? How was the cleanup? How is the presentation?

Fourth, do a walk through at your event location.

This helps your caterer with logistics and helps you go over any details that may come up as you walk through. Talk about the flow of guests, timeline, staff and other details.

Lastly, ask questions.

Important questions to consider include: Will the person running the tasting be running the event? Can the caterer help with other event functions in addition to the food? What other events has the caterer put on? How long have they been catering? When is the final head count deadline?

Feel confident in asking questions that are important to you and don't be shy. Ask for suggestions based on your needs. Caterers have planned and put on many events and can share their expertise and experiences. Letting the caterer know how you feel will allow them to help make your event exactly the way you'd like it to be.

Pangea Catering in Phoenix specializes in unique flavors from around the world and making your occassion memorable and delicious. Capable of handling everything from food to valet, Pangea is also a full service event planner for your Phoenix weddings or other occassions. When searching for Phoenix Catering, contact Pangea Catering to create an event you won't forget.

Biggest Loser Season 7

2009-02-25T22:04:00.003-07:00

As exciting as it gets, keep up with all the latest from Biggest Loser Season 7 at Biggest Loser Videos. You can view past episodes, updates, recaps, behind the scenes, outtakes, clips and much more, including Bob's extended freakout.

Check out Biggest Loser Season 7 at biggestloservideos.com

Biggest Loser Videos

Engine 2 Diet

2009-02-23T10:17:00.003-07:00

Firefighter Rip Esselstyn noticed many of his fellow firefighters in Austin, TX needed dire help with their health. Many were overweight with high levels of cholesterol.

Previously a professional triathlete, Rip put his knowledge about health to work and helped them lose weight and lower their cholesterol. Every one of them lost weight with his help.

In his book, Engine 2 Diet, he outlines how a plant based whole foods diet is the key to better health and weight loss. I no doubt believe that Rip's father, internationally renouned cardiologist and author Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, formerly of the famous Cleveland Clinic and a proponent of plant based diet for heart health, was a large influence. Dr. Esselstyn recommends a vegan diet to become 'heart attack' proof.

The book includes an excellent selection of low fat plant based recipes along with his plan for a healthy way to lose weight and live.

Which Hairstyle?

2008-08-25T08:58:00.004-07:00

What hairstyle is best for you? Find out from thousands of videos of most every type of hairstyle include sedu hairstyles, long braided hairstyles, prom hairstyles, classic hairstyles, celebrity hairstyles, bridal hairstyles, formal hairstyles and many more, visit MyHairstyleVideos.com

Do You Eat Meat? Probably Junk Food Too

2008-08-25T08:55:00.003-07:00

You won't believe what you're eating if you eat meat. The struggling economy has made it more difficult for ranchers to make money, and in the process, put your health at risk. Check out what cows are eating to find out, and don't miss the video.

Cool Ping Pong Videos

2008-08-18T20:24:00.004-07:00

If you're looking for ping pong videos including matrix ping pong, Japanese matrix ping pong, matrix ping pong film, matrix ping pong clip, funny matrix ping pong as well as tournament, professional and masters ping pong videos, check out Cool Ping Pong Videos.

Dyson DC16 Root 6 Handheld Vacuum Special

2008-08-18T08:10:00.003-07:00

Amazon has the Dyson DC16 Root 6 handheld vacuum available under $100. This is a refurbished model and the savings is about 34%.

Product Description
Twice the suction of other handheld vacuums, Bagless/Cyclonic, Cordless, Root Cyclone Technology, 3.3 lbs., 21.6 volt lithium ion battery, Charges 3 times faster than regular batteries, Lifetime washable filters, Durable tough construction, Attachments included, 6 month Dyson warranty, Plus 1 year extended ABC warranty.

Actual Customer Feedback:

"Now you can clean all the stairs.
I can't believe I've been using those underpowered dustbusters that run out of juice all this time.
Finally a hand held vac that can keep up with the dirt.
Thanks Dyson. "

Get more details at Amazon.com

Final Season at Shea, Yankees Tickets Go On Sale

2008-02-29T12:27:00.002-07:00

Individual tickets for New York Yankees regular-season home games go on sale today, Friday at 10 am. The sale will only be offered online at www.yankees.com and www.yankeesbeisbol.com.

The tickets will not be available at the box office, Ticketmaster, or the Yankees clubhouse stores until Monday.

Many tickets have already been acquired by season ticket holders and fans who purchased ticket plans.

The final regular season game is already sold out. However, the team says more tickets may become available at a later date.

Source: Transworldnews

> Get Yankees Tickets
> Find tickets for any baseball game

Want A Crazy Blind Date?

2008-02-23T11:32:00.005-07:00

A site called CrazyBlindDate is throwing a twist on the online dating screen.

Get setup on a spur of the moment date, no peeking allowed, no huge profiles to review, just let them know where you are located, what time you'd like to go out, how quickly you can get to places, what type of person you'd consider meeting and they'll set up on a blind date!

Currently the service is available in a handful of large metropolitan cities, but looks like they're expanding quickly.

It's meant for the adventurous, spur of the moment crazy blind date.

Check out more online dating sites here.

Related:

2008 Season Cubs Tickets Go On Sale

2008-02-22T09:59:00.003-07:00

2008 season Cubs home games at Wrigley field went on sale today.

For Feb 22-24, there are several limits to ordering online directly including:

There will be a limit of 6 tickets per game.
Internet and Phone Customers will be limited to 1 game per transaction of up to six (6) tickets.
Internet and Phone Customers will be limited to a maximum of forty-two (42) tickets for the weekend.

Getting tickets in person this weekend at Wrigley Field is also available. A random wristband system will be used, so there is no advantage in waiting overnight to be in the front of the line. The following in person ticket purchase limits will also apply:

There will be a limit of 6 tickets per game.
At the Wrigley Field Box Office, you will be limited to ordering a maximum of 42 tickets.

Phone ticket orders for Illinois callers can be made by calling 800-The-Cubs (800-843-2827). Out-of-state callers call 866-652-2827.

Additional home and away game Cub Tickets are also available here.

Enjoy the season!

> Get Cub Tickets
> Find tickets for any baseball game

Colorado Rockies Season Opening Tickets Sell Out

2008-02-16T12:24:00.003-07:00

The front office of the Colorado Rockies say tickets to the April 4thseason opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks sold out quickly today, about an hour after going on sale.

Sue Ann McClaren, vice president of ticketing for the Rockies noted that "opening day is always a popular date on the 81-game calendar. However, we've created a series of events, promotions and giveaways that will carry the celebration throughout the first two home series and into the rest of the regular season."

After a quick search, looks like more season opener Colorado Rockies tickets are still available on the aftermarket.

Related:

> Buy Colorado Rockies Tickets
> Find tickets for any baseball game

Minnesota Twins Spring Training Tickets Go On Sale

2008-01-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

Minnesota Twins spring training single-game tickets, ranging in price from $12 to $22, can be purchased beginning today via the Twins Web site, by calling (800) 33-TWINS or by visiting the Hammond Stadium box office in Fort Myers. Box office hours at Hammond Stadium are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The Hammond Stadium box office will have extended hours Saturday as tickets can be purchased from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on that day.

The complete Twins spring training promotional schedule is as follows:

Feb. 29 vs. Boston, 7:05 p.m., Opening Night
March 3 vs. Cincinnati, 1:05 p.m., Senior Day*
March 6 vs. Baltimore, 1:05 p.m., Bobblehead Day (in-game drawing for 500 dolls)
March 11 vs. Tampa Bay, 1:05 p.m., Senior Day*
March 14 vs. Pittsburgh, 1:05 p.m., Autographed Merchandise Day (in-game giveaway)
March 16 vs. Toronto, 1:05 p.m., Minnesota Day (pregame tailgating)
March 17 vs. Florida, 1:05 p.m., Senior Day*
March 20 vs. Cincinnati, 7:05 p.m., Fireworks (following the game)
March 26 vs. Tampa Bay, 1:05 p.m., Bobblehead Day (in-game drawing for 500 dolls)
March 28 vs. Pittsburgh, 1:05 p.m., Senior Day*

Source: news-press

> Find Minnesota Twins Baseball Tickets

Avoid Embarrasing Stains with Garment Guard

2008-01-11T04:47:00.000-07:00

Garment Guard began in 1999, when one young girl got sick of her fitted, expensive, white t-shirts quickly getting ruined by yellow marks she dubbed “taco stains”.

Amazed that no disposable options existed, she created her own ideal dress shield: 100% cotton for comfort and breathability, beige for invisibility under sheers and whites, a strong but gentle adhesive to keep it in place, and, of course, disposability for ease and hygiene. Today, thousands of men and women use Garment Guard to protect their silks from nastiness, to prevent perspiration marks from embarrassing them, to avoid those yellow “taco stains”, and to save on dry-cleaning.

> Find Garment Guard at Beauty.com

Induction Cooktops Are Hot

2008-01-02T17:27:00.000-07:00

Sackett said serious cooks also are getting into magnetic induction cooktops ($125 to $500 or more). The portable units are less expensive than buying an entire stovetop with induction burners (about $1,500 to $4,000 or more), she said.

"These things are amazing," she said, pulling out a pan to demonstrate. "It heats the pan, not the surface. You can't start a fire because there's no flame. They're so much safer if you have children around."

She put some water in the skillet and turned on the burner. Within a couple of seconds, tiny bubbles began forming. "You have to use a pan with magnetic qualities," she said, picking up a refrigerator magnet. "If it sticks, you can use magnetic induction. If it falls to the floor, wrong pan."

Most top-end multi-clad and carbon steel cookware, as well as cast iron products, will work on magnetic induction burners.

"Stainless steel — forget it," she said. "It has to have carbon in it."

As for that magnet used to test the pan, "Don't put it on the burner. It'll blow up the 'works.'"

Source: CourierPress

About Santorini Greece

2007-12-30T01:29:00.000-07:00

Santorini is a small, circular archipelago of volcanic islands located in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km south-east from Greece's mainland. It is also known as Thera forming the southernmost member of the Cyclades group of islands, with an area of approximately 73 km (28 mi) and a 2001 census population of 13,670. It is comprised of the Municipality of Thíra (pop. 12,440) and the Community of Oía (Οία, pop. 1,230, which includes 268 inhabitants resident on the offshore island of Therasia, lying to the west). They have a total land area of 90.623 km, which also includes the uninhabited islands of Nea Kameni, Palaia Kameni, Aspronisi, and Christiani (all part of the Municipality of Thira).

Santorini is essentially what remains of an enormous volcanic explosion, destroying the earliest settlements on what was formerly a single island, and leading to the creation of the current geological caldera. Its spectacular physical beauty, along with a dynamic nightlife, have made the island one of Europe's tourist hotspots.

Watch videos of Santorini Greece and see why travelers call it one of the most spectacular islands in the world.

Xtrememac Portable Battery Pack for iPods

2007-12-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

The MicroPack delivers power to your iPod no matter where you are. In a low-profile package, the MicroPack's battery offers up to 80 hours of audio playback. You can use the dock to power, recharge and sync your iPod or even as a stand for watching video. MicroPack sports two independent headphone jacks, each with its own volume control. Enjoy music or video on an airplane or train. XtremeMac added the latest technology in smaller, lighter and recharges Lithium-Ion batteries. Syncs and charges iPod with Apple USB or FireWire cable.

It's almost hard to believe how much is jammed into such a low-profile package. MicroPack's battery offers up to 80 hours of audio playback (varies by iPod model and settings). You can use the dock to power, recharge, and sync your iPod and as a stand for watching video. Willing to share some of that power? MicroPack sports two independent headphone jacks--each with its own volume control. Perfect for enjoying music or video on an airplane or train. We matched the brawn with brains in MicroPack's Lithium battery. This latest technology is smaller, lighter, and recharges more times than older Lithium-Ion batteries.

Find the Xtrememac Portable Battery Pack for iPods

Royal Rumble Tickets Go On Sale

2007-12-29T09:52:00.001-07:00

- Tickets for the WWE Royal Rumble on 1/27/08 at Madison Square Garden go on sale tomorrow morning at 10AM. Ticket prices are $400, $90, $75, $50, and $35.

- Also added to the RAW taping tomorrow night is Randy Orton & JBL vs. Jeff Hardy & Chris Jericho. Ric Flair vs. Triple H with Flair's career on the line is also set for the show. The show will air on 12/31.

- Smackdown tonight will be a "Best of 2007" show.

Source: 411info

> Find tickets for the Royal Rumble

Deal Alert: Franklin Merriam Webster Dictionary with MP3 Player

2007-12-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

Franklin Merriam Webster Dictionary with MP3 Player

Designed to help you communicate effectively, it combines high-quality language reference with state-of-the-art search technology, providing instant access to over 200,000 words and 500,000 synonyms. over 274,000 words with spelling and definitions. Enjoy instant access to 274,000 definitions with the Merriam-Webster Dictionary & MP3 Player. The right words are easy to find with Franklin's patented phonetic spell correction feature, and the right tunes are at your fingertips with the included MP3 player. Listen to music, audio books or podcasts and enjoy learning.

Ecost has the Franklin Merriam Webster Dictionary with MP3 Player for 28.99 as of today.

More features include:

Over 274,000 word dictionary with complete definitions and phonetic spell correction
Built-in audio player compatible with MP3/WMA files
SD™/MMC™ slot for memory expansion (card not included)
Interactive word learning exercises and games
Includes batteries

New Years Eve Recipe

2007-12-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

After gorging yourself at Christmas, Alan Brown suggests light courses, festive cocktails, and fruit desserts to see the new year in.

In his recipe the smoky flavour of the prawns is softened by a cauliflower topping. For more flavour, puree roasted capsicum and smoked paprika into a mayonnaise as a topping.

"It's a tasty, light dish which can be prepared in advance," Brown says. "The prawns can easily be replaced by salmon or scallops."

Make a smoker with a roasting pan, cake rack and a lid. Add cinnamon and lemon zest to the woodchips and smoke for about five minutes.

To wash it down Brown recommends a Sauvignon Semillion or a Pinot Gris. Alternatively you could have a classical cocktail, the Kier Royale, by adding cassis (blackcurrant) to champagne.

For dessert, summer berries add colour and a healthy option to your meal.

"You're probably still full from Christmas so serve plated fruit, sliced or marinated, with sorbet or parfait. And don't serve anything hot."

INGREDIENTS

* Handful of prawns

* 4 cups water

* 1/2 cup sugar

* 1/2 cup sea salt

* 1 potato, grated

* 1 kumara

* 1 egg

* 1 onion, finely chopped

* 1 tbsp coriander, chopped

* 1 tbsp flour

* Salt and pepper

1 Make a brine for the prawns by boiling the water, sugar, and sea salt. If you want, add flavouring - cloves, peppercorns, dried chilli, or allspice berries. simmer for 10 minutes.

2 Soak prawns in the brine for 20 minutes.

3 Remove and wash under cold water. Dry.

4 Smoke prawns with wood chip until cooked through.

5 To make the lalkes mix the potato, kumara, egg, onion, coriander, flour, and seasoning.

6 Make spoonful-sized fritters in hot oil, turning once, until cooked. Drain.

7 Blanch half a cauliflower in boiling water. Sweat in butter until tender.

8 Add a little milk and cream, before pureeing in a food processor.

Source: NZHerald

Warner Now On Amazon MP3

2007-12-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

You'll be hard pressed to find anyone outside of the Music Industry who thinks that DRM is a good thing, and today it looks like more people in the Music Industry are seeing the error of their ways. Warner Music Group has announced that starting today people can buy their entire digital catalog via Amazon MP3 (see our review of Amazon's digital music store front here). The unique thing about Amazon MP3 is, as you might have guessed , they only sell music in the MP3 format sans DRM. That's right, all those lovely Warner Music Group tracks are yours to have without DRM and, generally, for less than what you'll pay in the iTunes Store (Amazon MP3 has a sliding scale of prices but most tracks cost $.89 or $.99).

Some might say, 'Why should I care about this? I'm on a Mac!' The beauty of this is that these MP3 files will play on your Mac, your iPod, your iPhone, and even that Zune you got in a box of cereal. No DRM means more flexibility in how you can consume your media, and we all like that.

Source: tuaw

H20 Audio Protects iPod

2007-12-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

You can now protect your iPod from weather, rain, water, sporting activities... you name it, with the H20 Audio iPod enclosures. Apparently, they are the only ones that can withstand the constant pummeling of action sports and gives you complete control of your iPod playlist underwater. Now that's a feat.

Features of this enclosure include:

Submersible up to 10ft/3m (when paired with SV Waterproof Headphones)
Commander Scroll Wheel (allows function of the iPod Click Wheel underwater or while wearing gloves)
Sport Armband Included
Waterproof headphones included with silicone earplugs

Learn How To Play Guitar - Review

2007-12-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

If you are learning the guitar as a beginner, as a slightly more advanced player or as someone coming back to playing the guitar, you can appreciate how frustrating it is learning the skills and techniques without seeing any noticeable results. The time and effort that many put into exercises don’t seem to be reflected in their standard of playing. There also seems to be a frustration in the lack of quality information on the market.

Ben Edwards and the team at Jamorama have bucked the trend with the latest version of Jamorama. They had considerable success with their first release of Jamorama, and given the positive feedback from the success of this package, the team decided to develop the product further. They have come up with a new package that is unrivalled in terms of quality and its comprehensive nature. This package truly does enable guitar students to accelerate their learning, and includes an impressive array of features.

In addition to the quality information in the glossy two book series, the team at Jamorama has spent 1,000s of hours developing 148 video examples and exercises so the student can hear and see exactly what they should be doing. The Jamorama team have also included two exa exclusive educational computer games to develop your skills in reading and training your ear to transcribe music. They also included the pro version of Jayde Musica and GuitEarIt! as free bonuses that give the student the ability to train their ear to recognize notes and transcribe songs from the radio. Both of these programs are very well made and presented, and most of all are easy and fun to play.

Add to this package the two additional free bonus ebooks "Advanced Learning Techniques for Guitar”.and “How to tune your guitar”. Advanced Techniques introduces the idea of mental visualization, which is a powerful tool in speeding up your rate of learning. Mental visualization uses the same pathways inside your brain other than the fact you are not performing the activity physically. The second bonus book, “How to tune your guitar” solves the problem with tuning guitars, and introduces the reader to the most effective way of tuning a guitar.

If that weren't already enough the Jamorama Metronone also comes with the package at no additional cost.

With all of the information in this package there really is no excuse to delay learning to play your guitar. The Jamorama team has given the reader four high quality books, two fun educational games and access the Jamorama forum with all the resources you need to play like a professional in no time.

This package is by far the most complete and fresh approach to guitar playing that I have seen in a long time. I highly recommend this product because I do believe it will deliver results and have you playing popular songs like a professional using the most effective techniques. There is something here for every guitar player, regardless of ability. And at the current cost, it really is worth every dollar spent!

Click here to find out more…and accelerate your guitar playing today!

Learn How To Play Guitar

Looking To Start Your Apple iPod with iTunes?

2007-12-25T10:38:00.001-07:00

If you just received an Apple iPod and don't have the latest iTunes software, you can download it by visiting:

http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

If you're looking for: "apple.com/ipod/start" just click on the link above, the link goes to the same location to allow you to download the latest version of iTunes (7.5 as of this writing) to get your iPod started.

> Search for iTunes Cards and Accessories

> Search for Apple iPod Accessories

How To Update Your Zune Software at www.Zune.net/setup

2007-12-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

If you received a Zune for Christmas and when installing it receive an error message like:

"To start, visit www.zune.net/setup"

"To start, update the Zune software on your PC at www.zune.net/setup"

Then you'll need to update your Zune software to the latest version.

You can update the Zune software that is installed on the computer. To update the Zune software, do one of the following:

• In the Zune software, click Settings, click GENERAL, and then click CHECK FOR UPDATES.
• Visit the following Zune Web site to download and then install the current version of the Zune software:

http://www.zune.net/setup

> Search for Zune Accessories

New Wireless iTunes Link on the JVC RX D301S 770 Watt Receiver

2007-12-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

The JVC RXD301S adds JVC's new wireless USB-PC link so users of the iTunes® Music Store and other online music stores can play their files back through their component audio system using the RXD301S. It also offers a power output of 110W x 7 and a dual-mode CC converter. For analog audio, there are four inputs and two outputs, while audio digital inputs include two assignable optical inputs, one optical output and an assignable coaxial input. The video side features S-Video (three inputs, three outputs), composite (three inputs, three outputs), and component (two inputs, one output).

Connect the Home Theater Receiver to your TV and treat yourself to a world of perfect sound. Listen to Dolby Surround Sound while viewing your favorite TV shows and movies -- the reciever delivers 110 watts of multichannel DVD sound. Center channel alignment and Virtual Surround Back offers fantastic sound that reaches every corner of the room filling it with rich, dynamic audio. It also features a close-captioning system, multiple analog & digital connections and other options that allow it to fit anywhere in your home entertainment system. Also available in black. All CH stereo Video up-conversion from Composite to Component/S-Video Virtual Surround Back 3D Phonic Surround Sound Hybrid Feedback digital amplifier AV COMPU LINK for one-touch playback DAP for 2-channel & multichannel digital sources DSP digital equalizer Multibrand A/V remote control Digital Connections - 2 optical in, 1 optical out, 1 coax in (assignable) Analog Connections - 4 in, 2 out Video Connections - Component(2 in, 1 out), S-Video(3 in, 3 out), Composite(3 in, 3 out) Color - Silver.

Features:

Stereo: 110 watts per channel, 6 ohms, from 20Hz to 20kHz, with 0.8% THD

Surround: (Front) 110 watts per channel, 6 ohms at 1kHz, with 0.8% THD; (Center) 110 watts, 6 ohms at 1kHz, with 0.8% THD; (Surround) 110 watts per channel, 6 ohms at 1kHz, with 0.8% THD; (Surround Back) 110 watts per channel, 6 ohms at 1kHz, with 0.8% THD

Dolby Digital EX/Dolby Digital/Dolby Pro Logic IIx/Dolby Pro Logic II

DTS/DTS-ES/DTS NEO:6/DTS 96/24

DVD Multi-Channel Audio Compatible

Hybrid Feedback Digital Amplifier Ver. III

Wireless Connection with PC — The receiver is equipped with a USB terminal on the front panel and a USB Wireless Antenna terminal on the rear. By connecting a USB wireless antenna (supplied) to the USB Wireless Antenna terminal and a USB wireless transmitter (supplied) to your PC - you can enjoy playback of music files from PC. (USB Wireless)

CC Converter (2 Modes, Front Channels) — offers two modes for improving the sound quality of compressed audio and non-compressed sources, respectively

USB Input for receiving audio signals from PC

Center-Channel Alignment

Virtual Surround Back for creating even wider sound field without a surround back speaker

3D-PHONIC

DAP for Multi-Channel Digital Sources: THEATER 1/THEATER 2/HALL 1/HALL 2/DANCE CLUB/LIVE CLUB/PAVILION

DAP for 2-Channel Sources: MONO FILM/THEATER 1/THEATER 2/HALL 1/HALL 2/DANCE CLUB/LIVE CLUB/PAVILION/ALL CH STEREO

3D Headphone

192kHz/24-bit P.E.M. D.D. Converter (Front Channels)

Video Up-Conversion (Composite to S-Video/Composite to Component)

Quick Speaker Setup

One-Touch Operation

DSP Digital Equalizer

AV COMPU LINK

Multi-Brand A/V-STB (CATV/DBS) Glow Remote Control

Inputs/Outputs:

Audio: Analog – 4 Inputs and 2 Outputs, Digital – 2 Optical Inputs, 1 Optical Output and 1 Coaxial Input
(Assignable)

Video: Component – 2 Inputs and 1 Output, S-Video – 3 Inputs and 3 Outputs, Composite – 3 Inputs and 3 Outputs

USB Input

Pre-out: Subwoofer – 1 Output

Speaker Terminals: Front L/R (Banana Plug), Center (Banana Plug), Surround L/R, and Surround Back x 2

The JVC RX D301S is $168 at Amazon and as low as $137 at eBay as of today. Enjoy!

Can Eharmony.com Help?

2007-12-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

That's the question may of us singles have, can a dating site like eHarmony.com help find the man or women of our dreams?

Well, personally I believe it can. Why?

First, the number of available singles that may fit the criteria you have is much higher online than those you'll meet in your area. Let's face it, how many people can you meet in person during your normal daily routine? Even if you went out socially every day (which is probably not the case) you still wouldn't meet more than a handful.

And the key here is singles that you know already meet your criteria of what you're looking for. Using an online dating service like eHarmony.com will allow you to pre-screen those you'd like to meet and perhaps get to know better. You can't do this in person on the scale you can online.

And especially with eHarmony.com, they do a good job of only accepting singles into their service that meet their standards, which compared to most every other online dating site is a huge advantage to using their service.

DatingSiteGuide.com helped me by providing a guide to popular online dating services, and allowed me to try out the services that made the most sense for my situation.

For me, I prefer online dating.

Good luck on your search!

Yule Log Video

2007-12-23T16:50:00.000-07:00

Why have a real fire when you can watch one on your computer?

You can avoid the pollution and enjoy the warmth from your screen. Oh, the fun we can have!

Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Reflexology Can Produce Change

2007-12-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

Reflexology is the physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hand with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. it is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change to the body.

There are many theories but in our approach we look at the nervous system as the explanation of reflexology's working.

Pressure sensors in the feet and hands are a part of the body's reflexive response that makes possible the "fight or flight" reaction to danger. Feet ready to flee and hands ready to fight communicate with the body's internal organs to make possible wither eventuality. The sudden adrenal surge that enables a person to lift a car is an example of this reaction. Reflexology taps into this reflex network, providing an exercise of pressure sensors and thus the internal organs to which they are inextricably tied.

Around the world and throughout history reflexology has been rediscovered and reinstated as a health practice time and time again by peoples around the globe seeking to deal with health concerns. Archeological evidence Egypt (2330 BCE), China (2704 BCE) and Japan (690 CE) points to ancient reflexology medical systems. In the West the concept of reflexology began to emerge in the 19th century, based on research into the nervous system and reflex. While no direct evidence of direct cross-fertilization from ancient times has been discovered, the practice of foot and hand work in a variety of cultures, belief systems and historical periods speaks to reflexology for health as a universal bridging concept.

Source: reflexology-research

Vermont Wooden Toys Popular Due To Toxic Concerns

2007-12-22T20:54:00.000-07:00

Mr. Voake, the owner of Vermont Wooden Toys, has been deluged with orders from customers leery of buying toys made in China after millions of toys manufactured there were recalled this year because they have lead paint.

“Every time there was a story about a toy recall, I got flooded with orders,” Mr. Voake said. “This year stacks up as preposterous. I’ve never had a year like this, and I hope I don’t have another one.”

Makers of wooden toys say they can barely keep up with demand and are hiring extra employees.

“A lot of people are just generally concerned with the whole lead paint issue, the recall issue, the safety issue, all of that,” said Mike Rainville, the owner of Maple Landmark Woodcraft in Middlebury, Vt. “We’re used to a Christmas rush, but not for three months and not to the level that it’s been. We’re all tired.”

Mr. Rainville said that he and his holiday staff of 45 were working 16-hour days, and that toy orders were up about 60 percent this quarter.

Mr. Voake said he had made more toys this season than at any other time in his 34 years in the industry. Some holiday orders will not be ready until March.

“There’s so much — too much — business,” he said. “I can only make so many things.”

Mr. Voake, 61, who works alone in a basement shop with a springer spaniel named Snifflefarg, never thought there would be such a clamor for his products, which include arks, doll carriages, blocks, trains and other toys made from hard maple.

All his wood is bought from dealers in Massachusetts and Maine, and he finishes his products with linseed oil and a nontoxic stain.

Mr. Voake started woodworking in the early 1970s, when he and his wife were teachers in Southern California. He had little experience — he took wood shop in junior high school, but had to wear a mask because he was allergic to sawdust.

He started making toys for his wife’s classroom anyway. When the couple moved east in 1973, Mr. Voake’s wife took a teaching job, and he decided to make toys full time.

“I wanted to see if I could get away with doing it because I liked doing it,” Mr. Voake said. “Vermont was the right place. There was a hangover from the ’60s, a lot of the back-to-the-earth stuff.”

Mr. Voake said the crisp air here also cured his sawdust allergy, and he no longer wears a mask.

He first sold his wares at the Vermont State Craft Center, and branched out to phone and Internet orders. He taught himself how to make more complicated pieces by experimenting and adding details. He also had three sounding boards — his daughters, who are now in their 20s, and were never shy about telling Mr. Voake which toys worked and which did not.

Business has not always been great, and there have been a few bumps — like when Mr. Voake sliced off the top part of his right middle finger with a saw.

Source: NYTimes

Vermont Wooden Toys offers 125 varieties of fine wooden toys. They feature wooden toy trucks, wooden toy trains, rocking horses, wooden building blocks, riding toys, wooden toy boats & airplanes, wooden pull toys, doll furniture, doll cradles & doll carriages, wooden Noah's arks, unit block sets, and much more.

The wooden toys are constructed of the finest quality Vermont hard rock maple accented with occasional contrasting tones of Pennsylvania cherry, birch, oak, and mahogany. They are finished with our own special nontoxic blend of hard-drying stains and sealers which protect and enhance the natural beauty of the woodgrain. Our toys are displayed both in toy shops and in galleries, and recommended by respected books and periodicals which site our creations' furniture-quality craftsmanship and durability within the playspace. Our toys have been acclaimed both in museum exhibitions and art festivals for their originality and integrity of design. Many of our toys are designed to be ridden and all are created to endure the rugged play of several generations of children.

Related Post: Are Your Child’s Toys Safe? HealthyToys.org Report High Toxic Levels

Lake Las Vegas Resort Announces New Development

2007-12-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

Lake Las Vegas Resort Announces Plans for Hilton Hotels Corporation to Develop 200-Unit Hilton Grand Vacations Timeshare Resort and 50-Unit Waldorf Astoria Fractional Project

Lake Las Vegas Resort announces that Hilton Hotels Corporation through its timeshare division Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC, will build a spectacular resort featuring 200 Hilton timeshare units and a 50-unit luxury fractional Waldorf=Astoria component within the Lake Las Vegas Resort in Henderson, Nevada.

The Lake Las Vegas Resort project will be developed on a 17.5 acre lakefront parcel overlooking the 17th hole and the 18th tee of the Jack Nicklaus designed Reflection Bay Golf Course. Development of the project is currently in the design phase, with groundbreaking targeted for early 2008 and an opening date projected for fall of 2009.

About Lake Lake Vegas Resort

Sculpted from the rugged desert terrain of Southern Nevada, Lake Las Vegas Resort lies nestled within the desert mountainside just 17 miles from the world renowned Las Vegas Strip. Boasting world class hotels and spas, championship go
lf, and spectacular residential communities from amongst the finest builders in the nation, Lake Las Vegas Resort offers both guests and residents alike an unmatched experience centered around the 320 - acre privately-owned lake.

Reminiscent of the towns in northern Italy, Lake Las Vegas Resort is tucked into the desert’s mountainside just 17 miles from the famed Las Vegas Strip. Descending from the mountains to the serene water’s edge, Lake Las Vegas Resort is a spectacular residential and resort oasis offering both guests and residents alike an unparalleled experience centered around the 320-acre private lake.

The 3,592-acre premier, Tuscan-inspired destination highlights world-class resort hotels, including the AAA Five Diamond rated The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort, and the charming MonteLago Village Resort.

Among Lake Las Vegas Resort’s wealth of amenities are a collection of three challenging signature golf courses, pampering spas, gourmet restaurants, elegant casinos, a convenient helipad, a full service marina with watercraft rentals and yacht cruises, luxury residential offerings, and MonteLago Village, a bustling enclave of shopping and dining.

Read more at LakeLasVegas.com

Source: Huliq

In Good Company Soundtrack

2007-12-22T15:46:00.000-07:00

The soundtrack In Good Company and the movie are very good. I really liked the song Glass, Concrete, and Stone by David Byrne. This is a song about the routine of daily life. It is also about how hard everybody works to earn a living. The track Besame Mucho by Diana Krall is another highlight for me. Her rendition of this classic song is very soothing and sensual. Naked as We Came by Iron and Wine is a very pretty song about we all feel insecure at some point in our lives.

Peter Gabriel's hit song Solsbury Hill is included on this soundtrack. I think this song is very uplifting and optimistic. I haven't heard it in years, and I really enjoyed it. Steely Dan's classic Reeling in the Years is just a feel good song. Composer Stephen Trask contributes three wonderful instrumental tracks that enhance the movie well I'm Psyched is a beautiful lively instrumental piece about working together to get the job done. This is one of my favorite tracks on this soundtrack. In Good Company is an excellent soundtrack. I highly recommend it.

Source: Amazon

After Christmas Sales Start Early

2007-12-21T15:48:00.000-07:00

It seems holiday shopping season starts earlier every year and today marks the beginning of the after Christmas sales. Funny though, it's only December 21st!

SharperImage looks to be the first to have their Yellow Tag Event, which starts today, offering up to 70% off.

Find more SharperImage coupons and sales at SecretCoupons along with savings for all your online shopping.

Sharper Image Yellow Tag Event
Online Coupons - SecretCoupons.com

Samsung LN-T5281F LCD HDTV

2007-12-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

The LN-T5281F ($4,499) not only uses LED backlighting, it also employs an innovative new technique aimed at improving blacks and contrast called "local dimming," which dims the LEDs that light the screen in localized areas. Samsung is so high on this technique it claims an attention-grabbing 500,000:1 contrast ratio. So, let's see if it delivers!

The Samsung's shiny black bezel is framed on the left and right sides by a thin gray "wing" that's spaced a fraction by of an inch from the frame itself. The set's controls, located on the right wing, are mounted flush and are nearly invisible from just a few feet away.

The other function of the gap between the frame and bezel appears to be sound. The upper midrange and high frequencies come from midway up in this space at the left and right, presumably from small drivers mounted inside the frame, and the audio is given greater weight by two larger speakers mounted on the back of the set.

Only those two speakers, bolt anchors for wall mounting, and the input panel and power connector interrupt the smooth black of the Samsung. Another, supplementary input panel is located on the left side of the set. If you use a tabletop setup rather than a wall mount, the set comes pre-attached to a stand that swivels a specified 20 degrees in either direction (I measured closer to 30 degrees).

As with other new Samsung flat panel sets, the LN-T5281F has a highly reflective screen. It's more like that of plasma glass than the diffusive screens found in most LCD televisions. Many LCD computer monitors now use shiny screens to provide a punchier, brighter image, and that might be the intent here. But you'll need to position the set carefully relative to the viewing position to avoid distracting reflections.

New Features
The only increasingly common feature it does not include is 120Hz operation. Most of the Samsung's main features and operating characteristics, including inputs, picture modes, video controls, aspect ratios, remote, and more, are identical to those of Samsung's LN-T5265F, which I reviewed recently. Rather than plow over that ground again, I'll refer you to the discussion of the features and controls in that review. My preferences—the features I used and the ones I chose not to—were essentially the same here. This included the use of a modified Movie mode for nearly all of my viewing and measurements.

But there are some important additions to the LN-T5281F. The biggest, gee-whiz new feature is LED SmartLighting. This uses LEDs for backlighting rather than the fluorescents most common in LCD sets. Samsung's LED implementation goes even further with the local dimming technique referred to in the opening. The LEDs are positioned behind the panel in a number of clusters that can be illuminated independently depending on the amount of light required in each area of the picture.

Read More

Source: GuideToHomeTheatre

Yale Book of Quotations Names Official Catch Phrase of 2007

2007-12-20T12:46:00.000-07:00

It's a phrase that's been played over and over again across the nation. Now a line yelled by a Florida student can be used in every day life.

"Don't Tase Me Bro" has been named the official catch phrase of 2007 according to the Yale Book of Quotations.

It's so popular, people are now trying to use the phrase more often.

Its new definition: a retort to intimidation or pressure. So if someone says "Hey, this is a disabled parking spot! You're not disabled," you can say "Don't tase me bro."

Source: KGMB9

The First Match, Poinsettia Bowl

2007-12-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

Poinsettia Bowl
[tickets]
Utah (8-4) vs. Navy (8-4)

The first bowl game will be everything for the future for Navy. Will it be able to move on and be a yearly bowl participant without head coach Paul Johnson, or will the program go back to being, well, Navy?

This is the fifth straight bowl game in the most impressive and productive run in the program's long and storied history, but with Johnson off to coach Georgia Tech, it'll be up to Ken Niumatalolo to take over and keep the train rolling. There won't be any major changes, Navy will still run the option as effective as ever, but will Niumatalolo be able to bring the same sort of magic that Johnson did, or will Utah continue to be one of the nation's best bowl teams?

Utah has won six straight postseason games and one in each of the last four seasons, and it turned around its 2007 and got here with an even hotter run. Banged up, bruised and with the season going nowhere, the Utes were 1-3 in late September after hitting rock-bottom with a 27-0 loss to UNLV. As the year went on, the team got better and better, beating Colorado State, Wyoming and New Mexico by a combined score of 105-13 over a three-game span before losing a heart-wrenching 17-10 battle against BYU on a painful final Cougar drive.

By not making mistakes on offense, tightening up the defense and getting tremendous pressure from the front seven, Utah turned into the team many expected it to be at the beginning of the year. While the early losses to Air Force and UNLV killed any shot of a Mountain West title, the Utes played harder and harder with each game and now look to bring the same intensity and precision to San Diego for their first meeting with the Midshipmen.

Navy came up with yet another improbable, bizarre season with a 59-52 loss to Delaware the week before breaking the 43-game losing streak to Notre Dame. It survived a 74-62 shootout with North Texas and outlasted Pitt in two overtimes, but lost to Ball State in overtime and needed everything in the bag to get by Duke.

Phenomenal in some areas and flat-out awful in others, Navy is a team that's great at what it's good it. The defense was among the worst in the country, but the running game led the nation. The passing attack was 119 out of 119, but the offense averaged 39.92 points per game. The punting game is abysmal, but the overall return game might be the best in college football. Can the ground game be enough to overcome all the deficiencies against a hot Ute team? That'll be the big test for Niumatalolo.

Navy should be able to get its 300-350 rushing yards, but if Utah's offense is picking apart the Midshipmen secondary, the passing game isn't there to make a comeback. Utah already played an option team in Air Force, which Navy beat 31-20, and gave up 334 yards, but that seems like several years ago. Niumatalolo has to get his offense, and it's now his offense, rolling well enough to keep Utah off the field.

It should be this simple: If Utah QB Brian Johnson is on, this could be a long, long opening game of the bowl season. If he makes a few mistakes, and Navy takes advantage of every break, this could be an extremely entertaining 60-minute battle. If nothing else, this will be the best Poinsettia Bowl ever. Of course, that's not saying much with only two played so far with TCU crushing Northern Illinois 37-7 last year and Navy running by Colorado State 51-30 two years ago.

Read more at Fox Sports

> Find Poinsettia Bowl Tickets

Flexible and Low Cost Soyo Freestyler 500 Bluetooth Headset

2007-12-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

The FreeStyler 500 is a simple, straightforward Bluetooth headset with excellent sound quality. With its sleek sliver and gray finish, this Soyo FreeStyler Bluetooth Headset has a particularly attractive design and a comfortable fit yet the ear loop can be easily removed. The headset is so light, that you will almost forget that you are wearing it. The headset can be connected to your mobile phone and PDA. It is the perfect compliment to your mobile phone. Also allows "wireless" VoIP phone calls (like Skype) through Bluetooth enabled computers and PDAs.

Amazon has the Soyo Freestyler 500 Bluetooth Headset on sale for $19 now.

> Find the Soyo Freestyler 500 Bluetooth Headset

> Search for the Soyo Freestyle 500 Bluetooth Headset at eBay as low as $1.99

Ultra Zoom Fujifilm Finepix S700

2007-12-20T10:02:00.000-07:00

The FujiFilm FinePix S700 ($249) is Fuji's new entry-level ultra zoom camera. It replaces the FinePix S5200, and sits below the S6000fd, which was introduced last summer. The S700 lacks the SuperCCD sensor, face detection, and SLR-styling of the S6000fd, but it still has a plethora of features, including a 7 Megapixel CCD, 10X zoom lens, full manual controls, VGA movie mode, and more. It's also one of the first Fuji cameras to have a memory card slot that accepts the xD and SD formats.

What's in the Box?

The FinePix S700 has an average bundle. Inside the box, you'll find:

* The 7.1 effective Megapixel FinePix S700 digital camera
* Four alkaline AA batteries
* Lens cap w/retaining strap
* Neck strap
* USB cable
* A/V cable
* CD-ROM featuring FinePix CX software
* 178 page camera manual (printed)

Like so many cameras these days, Fuji built memory into the S700 instead of bundling a memory card. The S700 has 27MB of built-in memory, which holds just seven photos at the highest quality setting. That means that you'll want to buy a memory card right away. As I said in the introduction, the S700 supports both SD and xD memory cards, which is a big win for the consumer. As far as I can tell, the new high capacity SDHC cards are not supported. If you are going to buy an xD card, make sure it's a "Type H" high speed model -- it makes a big difference. I recommend picking up a high speed 1GB card to use with the FinePix S700.

Read more at DCResource

I've owned other Fujifilm digital cameras and my personal experience has been very good. The cameras are well made, have extensive features and the photos turn out well. I wouldn't hesitate recommending FujiFilm. You can often find the FinePix S700 under $200 online.

Find the FujiFilm Finepix S700

Samsung F700 Release Date

2007-12-19T23:51:00.000-07:00

I have sad news to report to all the touchscreen device fans. In case you’ve wanted to grab the U.S. version of the Samsung F700 this Christmas, you’ll have to wait a little longer. And while we don’t have an exact release date, the fact that today is December 18 and that the Samsung U940 just recently passed the FCC don’t exactly tell us you’ll be able to play with one under the Christmas tree. Then again, if you still haven’t spent money from your “gadget fund” maybe it’s time to relax and take it easy…

Source: IntoMobile

Update: A quick search led me to a bunch of Samsung F700 units available now.

LightGlove, Gaming, Control Your Devices Without A Remote

2007-12-19T23:42:00.000-07:00

Imagine sitting on your sofa and turning on the TV without a remote. Next you open the onscreen menu to select either checking email, watching the news or playing a DVD.

Using a small wireless device worn on the underside of your wrist, you merely extend your finger into a beam of light to push a "light button" to control your electronics.

This versatile new platform is how we will interact with our electronics in the technology convergence. This wireless intuitive device allows operation from
the comfort of your ideal location and hand position.

Because your whole body will be comfortable, it will reduce the risks of Carpal Tunnel. In addition, it can assist those with limited access and provide a sterile interface for medical professionals and staff.

With Bluetooth 2.0 technology, your computer and Lightglove on your wrist like a watch, your experience becomes virtual. Nothing in your hand and buttons made of light. Way cool.

Combine your gaming, remote control & mouse functions into one elegant and cool device.

Souce: LightGlove.com

Shallow Hal Soundtrack

2007-12-19T23:24:00.000-07:00

Love or hate the Farrelly brothers' excessive comedies, you've got to admire their taste in music. Most notably that means their placement of Jonathan Richman at the center of There's Something About Mary, but don't forget the best of Me, Myself & Irene's Steely Dan covers. Shallow Hal, their smartly conceived romance starring Jack Black and a fat-suited Gwyneth Paltrow, scores with a soundtrack album conceptually driven by strong-willed, full-hearted women's song--Shelby Lynne's "Wall in Your Heart," PJ Harvey's "Good Fortune," Rosie's "Afterlife." Not everything here is as worthy; Sheryl Crow's stab at '80s nostalgia, "Members Only," is a weak joke, while Darius Rucker (Hootie and the Blowfish) is unlikely to start a '90s-nostalgia craze with his solo "This Is My World." --Rickey Wright

Source: Amazon

Rock Band Special Edition PS2 To Hit Stores Any Day

2007-12-19T10:48:00.000-07:00

Ready to hit the store shelves any day now, the Rock Band Special Edition Bundle for the PlayStation 2 system features a wireless Fender Stratocaster guitar controller, an electronic drum kit, real drum sticks, a microphone and software and has a suggested retail price of $159.99. Standalone Rock Band software for the PlayStation 2 system is also available for the suggested retail price of $49.99. Rock Band for PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 use the same instruments so players do not need to buy new instruments if they upgrade their console.

Harmonix, the leading worldwide developer of music-based games, and MTV Games, part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with distribution partner Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), announced today that the Rock Band Special Edition Bundle for the PS2 computer entertainment system will ship to U.S. retail stores on Tuesday, December 18, 2007.

Developed in collaboration with Pi Studios, Rock Band for the PlayStation 2 system showcases many of the same challenging modes and rock music featured in the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game entertainment system from Microsoft versions, including Band World Tour and Score Duel, which allows drum vs. drum, guitar vs. guitar and vocal vs. vocal play.

Purchase includes: game + microphone, guitar and drum set peripherals
58 tracks available in the game plus full support for downloadable content delivers never-ending challenges. New content will be available every week.
Download full albums for play with Rock Band including the iconic rock album "Who’s Next" by The Who.
Mold a unique rocker avatar using Rock Band’s Character creator. Chose from gender, body shape, face, hair, clothes, tattoos and signature moves. Don't forget to pick your specialized rockin' instrument.
Showcase a real drum solo with Rock Band's freestyle drum fill Windows featured in each song. Break out your own rhythm and style as anything goes!
Call out the crowd! Vocalists can bring the crowd to their feet during Rock Band’s freestyle vocal fill windows. Ad-lib your own words or shout to the crowd to raise the rock intensity of the performance.
Band mates can fail out of a song for poor performance, but the band still plays on. Rescue your failing mate by busting out signature moves and blistering solos to wow the crowd with showmanship.
Boost your bonus! Earn bonus points for your band during Rock Band’s Unison Phrase opportunities if everyone plays perfectly.

Source: Gamezone
Find the rock band special edition ps2

iRobot Roomba 510 Vacuum Today Only

2007-12-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

It’s the iRobot Roomba 510, one of the next generation of the popular vacuum cleaning robots and woot.com has it $100 less than anywhere else for today only.

With this iRobot, we’re talking about more cleaning power, easier maintenance, improved navigation. We’re talking about anti-tangle technology to deal with cords and cables. We’re talking about a larger dustbin, and sensors that reduce Roomba’s impact on walls and furniture. From its new side brush to its new beater brush, the Roomba 510 is a smarter, faster, stronger robot, to deal with the terrifying new superparticles found in 21st century carpets.

Find it at woot.com today only.

iTunes U Helping Universities Turn Courses into Podcasts

2007-12-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

Delivering lectures via podcasts no longer is the province only of those universities on the cutting edge of technology: Through the use of software and programs that make it easy to produce and distribute podcasts, colleges and universities increasingly are making course lectures available for downloading online.

Most of today's college students are "digital natives" who have been surrounded by technology nearly their entire lives, and they expect their college or university to create a collaborative experience that integrates familiar technologies such as podcasting and on-demand video into their learning environment, supporters of the phenomenon explain. Their beliefs are supported by data: Three of four young adults download and view internet videos daily, according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, while Burst Media reports that college students spend more time online than they do using any other form of media, including TV and radio.

At the University of California at Berkeley, a survey of incoming freshman this past fall revealed that students considered podcasting to be just as important as wireless internet access or campus eMail. Video podcasting storage and distribution via Apple's iTunes U and Google's YouTube have necessitated a scalable network for Berkeley's open-content initiative: webcast.berkeley.

Berkeley's associate vice chancellors, Susanna A. Castillo-Robson and Shelton Waggener, sponsored the study, called "Information Technology at UC Berkeley: The Student Experience." Eight Berkeley staff members participating in the university's Leadership Development Program conducted the survey.

Its objectives were to evaluate the technology needs and expectations of incoming students, provide recommendations for closing the gap between these expectations and what the university currently offers, and propose a method for ongoing, campus-wide evaluation of student IT needs.

When asked if they would like to be able to download a greater number of class lectures in the form of podcasts or webcasts, 72.5 percent of students said yes. Students said they could use the podcasts or webcasts in case they missed class, and they would be able to review their notes more easily while listening to the lecture.

"Since we launched the [podcasting] offering in 2006, we saw 2 million downloads of our podcasts in the first year alone from our iTunes U channel. We have had 650,000 views in the first two weeks of our YouTube channel launch. Interest in our content has exploded," said Adam Hochman, project manager for Berkeley's Education Technology Services department.

Like its iTunes Store, Apple Inc.'s iTunes U has become enormously popular since its launch in late 2005. Now, hundreds of colleges and universities use the free service to distribute their digital content to students and the world at large.

Berkeley also has started a movement to develop free podcasting software, and more than 30 other colleges and institutions have joined in the effort. Although the project is only in its initial phases, many say it indicates that the podcasting movement is thriving at colleges and universities.

Read more: eSchool News

Xeko, A Fun and Environmentally Aware Game

2007-12-19T01:20:00.000-07:00

Xeko is very simple yet interesting. You place a hotspot that is a card with the region you are playing in (in my case madagascar) and then you start playing species on the table in a way you create an environment were species live. This is made by following easy rules.

I have to confess that I hate collectives mainly because I love them. Yes I know it sounds weird but I hate to be force to buy every new expansion a game has yet this game is definitely something worth trying. The gameplay reminded me the feeling of playing magic the gathering somehow. There is a cool strategic factor (and I only have one starter), and the artwork and materials are top notch.

I love to have a game that is finally made of recycled paper, even the booster's wrapping is made of recycled material and they encourage on their website the collectors to send the wrapping materials so they recycle them again giving points to access to online goodies.

This is a truly environmental friendly game that teaches about the species on several ecosystems that might face extinction, and they even donate money to those hotspots in order to save those animals.

It is a pity this game is so hard to find for somebody outside USA. I would love to have extra cards to play with so if you know of somebody willing to sell the unused give me a geekcall :D

I give it a 10 of 10 because this game is so much more than a game. I do not think is a game for kids only but be sure it will improve his/her knowledge of the world certainly encouraging him/her to learn more.

Source: boardgamegeek.com

Find Xeko Games

iBlast: All-In-One iPod Station

2007-12-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

The iBlast from Radian is a powerful speaker system that allows you to listen to your tunes, download new tunes from your PC and charge your iPod all at the same time. Two neodymium drivers (speakers) provide excellent hi-fi quality sound and bass response. Connecting to your iPod and iPod Mini is easy using the dock connector.

Here are some specs:

	Manufacturer		Radian Technologies
	Standard Warranty		2 Year(s) Limited
	Color		Black
	Manufacturer Part Number		RS2526
	Interfaces/Ports		iPod Connector Headphone Jack
	Speakers Details		1 x Right/left Channel Speaker
	Dimensions		9.1" x 4.7" x 3.5" - System
	Manufacturer Website Address		www.eradian.com
	System Power		12W (RMS)
	Product Name		iBlast iPod Docking Speaker System
	Controls		On/Off Switch Volume
	Product Type		2.0-channel Speaker System

MagicJack Makes Calling Cheap

2007-12-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

The MagicJack looks like a simple USB thumb drive for your computer, but plug a standard telephone into the other end and for $40 the first year, $20 a year thereafter, it allows you to make unlimited phone calls in the U.S. and Canada. That includes calls you make to the U.S. and Canada even if you happen to be overseas. It also offers some of those nifty premium features you'll find from more established online phone services like Vonage or Skype, like virtual voicemail and a system to find you when you're not at a computer.

“If this is unplugged or if your computer is turned off, you program in up to three numbers to find and when someone calls the phone number associated with this it finds that other number,” says Mel Arthur of Magic Jack.

Source: News14

Nanosolar Leverages Recent Technology For Ambitious Plans

2007-12-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

Nanosolar, Inc., is setting the standard for solar electricity generation with solar cell technology of unprecedented cost efficiency, versatility, and availability. Our mission is very simple: A Solar Panel on Every Building -- so that buildings everywhere will be hybrid energy buildings, synergistically switching between clean locally-produced solar energy (used during peak-time electricity usage hours just when electricity is the most valuable) and grid-delivered backend power (delivered in the evening or whenever the solar resources are not available). Leveraging recent science advances in nanostructured materials, Nanosolar has developed proprietary high-yield high-throughput thin-film process technology based on the economics of printing (non-vacuum / solution coating). For the first time, this makes it possible to simply print solar cells that are efficient and durable, and fundamentally change the cost efficiency and volume availability of solar electricity...

Source: BizJournals.com

Arizona Calendar Girls 'Wild Women of Williams" Raise Money for Research

2007-12-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

Looking at the shelves of the average magazine rack, you're unlikely to find anything but airbrushed, young bodies.

But looking through the pages of a new calendar of Arizona women, you'll see nothing needs retouched.

When thinking of ways they could raise money for cancer research, one of the "Wild Women of Williams" thought of the world famous "Calendar Girls" in England who inspired a movie.

Twelve ladies decided to bare it all and pose nude in a tasteful photo shoot. Some say they were a little shy, but glad they ventured out of their comfort zone for a good cause.

The calendar features women in their 40's, 50's and 60's and will raise money for the American Cancer Society.

The ladies say it was such an amazing experience, they joke they'll be talking about it when they're in nursing homes.

In just the first month, sales from the calendars have raised five thousand dollars for cancer research.

Source: WOAI

Connect Your iPod Anywhere with the Belkin FM Transmitter

2007-12-18T10:54:00.000-07:00

Many of us have Apple iPods and a new product from Belkin will let you connect portable music players to car and home stereo’s.

The Belkin TuneCast Mobile FM Transmitter uses its own FM frequency and you can connect any FM stereo receiver to that frequency, although I have not used this device I do know about the trouble I have had with FM signals around home wireless networks…lets hope this same device does not have these problems.

You just plug the Belkin TuneCast Transmitter into the headphone jack of your cassette player, CD, MP3, PDA, iPod or laptop and PC. Once you have tuned the receiver or car stereo to the clearest FM frequency, you can then enjoy digital music with full sound and convenience.

Source: Product-Reviews

> Find the Belkin FM Transmitter

Yankees Release 2008 Schedule Opening March 31

2007-12-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

The Yankees released their 2008 regular-season schedule Monday. They will open their final season in the current Yankee Stadium at home against the Blue Jays on March 31. They conclude the season in Boston Sept. 26-28, with their final home game against the Orioles on Sept. 21.

Schedule highlights include a home series against the Mets on May 16-18 and a series against the Mets at Shea Stadium June 27-29, and home series against the Red Sox on April 16-17, July 3-6 and Aug. 26-28.

Source: Newsday

> Find Yankees Tickets

Lead a Balanced Life with Rolfing

2007-12-17T20:15:00.000-07:00

The definition of Rolfing is to use physical pressure to stretch and guide the connective tissue in the body to allow for a better, more flexible movement in the body. Moving and breathing techniques are taught to the patient in order to help facilitate the process.

The myofascial system of the body supports all soft tissues, defines how the bones are positioned and spaced, and basically is the cause of the shape of one's body. When the patient has been realigned properly, they report less depression and anxiety and have more energy. They have also reported less pain and better coordination.

Patients who seek Rolfing as an alternative medicine usually do so as a result of stress or injury (neck pain) from physically demanding jobs or jobs where they must be in one position for long periods of time, such as at a computer. Sports injuries are also cause for seeking relief through Rolfing.

Students of a balanced life use Rolfing as well. People who seek a balance and harmony in their physical and emotional life consider Rolfing along with yoga to be the ultimate in good health keeping. Professional Rolfists treat all age groups from infants to the elderly.

Source: American Chronicle

Winter Special at Coventry Log Homes

2007-12-17T20:09:00.000-07:00

Coventry Log Homes has been producing the finest quality Log homes since the early seventies. The homes are delivered to you straight from our mill in Woodsville, New Hampshire.

And for the first time ever, Coventry Log Homes is offering a Limited Lifetime Warranty on their log home packages.

What is covered in your warranty: All log wall materials included in a pre-cut package manufactured by Coventry Log Homes Inc., when used in conjunction with a residential structure, are warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in manufacturing for the lifetime of the original purchaser, commencing at time of delivery.

Now that the snow has arrived, the pine trees glisten with a white blanket and old man winter has nestled in Woodsville, New Hampshire, in just a few short months, the ground will warm and spring will be here. Now is the perfect time to buy your new Coventry Log Home! While the offer lasts....take 10% off our regular prices.

We’ve heard from many cabin manufacturers that despite the housing downturn, the demand for cabin kits remains high. It’s mainly because cabins are pretty easy to afford and to build: You can usually get a log cabin package, ready to be built on your vacation lot, for the price of a small car. (Several companies provide a ready-built cabin, but shipping can add to the cost.)

Source: Coventry Log Homes

Moving To Florida? Find Real Estate Listings

2007-12-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

If you're moving to Florida and looking for a house, there is now a new resource to find Florida real estate listings. You can quickly search for Florida homes in all cities including Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale and more.

There are also real estate articles to help with the entire house buying process.

To search now visit: FloridaRealEstateHub.com

Orlando Real Estate
Fort Lauderdale Real Estate
Jacksonville Real Estate
Miami Real Estate

Discount Coupon for Revolve Clothing

2007-12-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

More holiday sales! Get 25% off Revolve Clothing with the promo code DCREVOLVEH07 at checkout. But unfortunately, this discount doesn't include True Religion, Seven, Citizens, Paige, Nudie, Botkier, Kooba, and Joe’s.

Find more holiday coupons at SecretCoupons.com

EVGA To Support New NVIDIA nForce 780I, the Must-Have Gaming Platform

2007-12-17T17:13:00.000-07:00

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Just in time for the big guy's annual holiday sleigh ride, NVIDIA Corporation , the world leader in visual computing technologies, today introduced the Company's next-generation NVIDIA nForce(R) 780i SLI media and communications processor (MCP), designed specifically for 1333FSB Intel QX9650 (Yorkfield) processors. The new nForce 780i SLI MCP brings a multitude of new functionality to Intel platforms, including support for the new Enthusiast System Architecture specification and PCI Express Gen 2.0. It is also the first motherboard solution to support the Company's new 3-way SLI(TM) technology, the industry's preeminent multi-GPU platform solution based on NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) graphics processing units.

"Our customers aren't going to bed with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads. They're dreaming of playing games like Crysis in their entire splendor, running on NVIDIA SLI technology," said Kelt Reeves, president of Falcon Northwest. "With nForce 780i and an Intel Yorkfield CPU under the hood, those visions will quickly become a reality. We're excited to offer our customers fully-equipped rigs with not one, not two, but three of NVIDIA's most extreme gaming GeForce graphics processors, the perfect platform for experiencing the most advanced games ever developed."

NVIDIA 3-way SLI technology offers an unmatched PC gaming experience, delivering up to a 2.8x performance boost over traditional single graphics card platforms. For playing this year's most cutting-edge games, including Crysis and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 3-way SLI technology lets gamers ratchet up the resolution to 1900x1200 and 2500x1600 respectively, while partaking in all of the tasty eye candy, including high-dynamic range lighting, motion blur, and realistic environmental effects.

"You can forget the cookies and milk this year," said Alabaster Snowball, administrator of the North Pole's naughty & nice list. "What Santa really wants is the ability to play Bioshock on a new gaming rig configured with an nForce 780i SLI-based motherboard and 3-way SLI graphics."

Global system integrators and industry-leading motherboard partners planning to offer NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI MCP-based products include: Arlt, Asus, Atelco, Biohazard Computers, Chiligreen, Colorful, CyberPower, Digital Storm, Ditech, EVGA, Falcon Northwest, Gigabyte, HP, Hypersonic, Ibuypower, K&M Elektronik, Maingear, Meijin, MSI, Puget, Rombus, Vigor Gaming, Voodoo PC, Warmachine, XFX, Xi, and more.

For more information on the NVIDIA nForce 700-series, which today includes the nForce 780i SLI and nForce 750i SLI MCPs, please visit: http://www.nvidia.com/object/nforce7_intel.html

Source: PRNewswire

Ideeli, An Innovative Way To Get You Discounts On What You're Shopping For

2007-12-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- ideeli.com, http://www.ideeli.com/, the first red-rope online shopping community that connects luxury brands with the consumers who covet them -- via computer, email or cell phone -- announced today that it has secured $3.8 million in Series A funding from Kodiak Ventures and angel investors.

ideeli offers a curated selection of in-style luxury accessories at 50 to 90 percent off, plus weekly giveaways, to their affluent membership base. By combining pre-sale editorial coverage, last-minute alerts of sale starts, an innovative mobile platform and a variety of community features, ideeli creates a fun and social way for members to shop. This environment drives a high level of anticipation and engagement, which provides ideeli's luxury and fashion partners with an opportunity to tell a more detailed story about their products and brands.

"ideeli's multiplatform shopping experience provides more than just an opportunity to get luxury goods at great values -- it's engaging and fun," says ideeli founder and CEO Paul Hurley. "Our members tell us that they lunge for their mobile phones when they receive ideeli alerts to make sure they don't miss a giveaway or the start of a sale. We have been able to translate member excitement into a deeper connection with established and up-and-coming brands."

ideeli works in concert with a growing list of the world's top luxury brands. Brands view ideeli as a way to drive demand in their retail channel for current season items. Brands also sell past-season merchandise via ideeli to not only have a safe, discreet place to clear excess inventory, but also to turn that inventory into highly effective integrated advertising. Many luxury brand partners have recognized the company's innovative and immersive approach and are utilizing ideeli's innovative take on Web 2.0 as one of their first social media efforts.

"The demand for luxury products online is large and growing rapidly. The challenge for many brands is to find online partners who can protect and enhance their high-end reputation," said Chip Meakem of Kodiak Ventures. "Luxury brand gatekeepers have been looking for the right ways to leverage Web 2.0 tools to build their brands while continuing to increase revenue, and we think ideeli has come up with a winning solution.

"Since its soft launch in May, the company's enthusiastic membership has driven rapid viral growth, aided by the fact that 75 percent of first-time visitors become members. Now, with an expanded roster of brand partners and the successful completion of their financing, the company plans to greatly expand membership in the coming months.

About ideeli

ideeli, Inc. was founded in 2006 by Paul Hurley, a serial entrepreneur who wanted to create a shopping community that would usher luxury brands into Web 2.0 and connect them with a desirable consumer audience. The company is based in New York. The executive team is comprised of seasoned Internet and Fashion leaders from companies like Oracle, Aveo, Gloss.com, DoubleClick, Ralph Lauren and Gucci. ideeli is backed by Kodiak Venture Partners and prominent angel investors.

Source: PRNewswire

Kodak Easyshare V803 8 Megapixel Digital Camera, Great Pictures, Short on Pricey Features

2007-12-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

Another popular choice among digital cameras this year is 8-megapixel Kodak Easyshare V803 is a stylishly slim point-and-shoot camera that may lack some of the features of pricier offerings, but makes up for it with bright, highly detailed photos.

I've found it as low as $71 as of this writing.

Here are more specifications:

General Features:

· Color: Cosmic blue
· 8.0 Mega Pixel
· 3x Optical Zoom
· 4x Digital Zoom
· Lens: 36–108 mm (35 mm equiv.) f/2.8–4.9
· 32 MB internal memory
· 2.5-inch LCD
· SD/MMC Card Expansion slot
· On-camera Share Button
· Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.1 x 1.0-inches (W x H x D, approximate)

Still Capture:

· Still format: JPEG/EXIF v2.21
· Compression: JPEG Standard
· Color Modes: high color, natural color (default), low color, sepia, black and white

Video Capture:

· Format: QUICKTIME MPEG 4 with audio recording and playback
· Quality: VGA (640 x 480) at 30 fps, QVGA (320 x 240) at 30 fps

I/O Interface:

· A/V output (NTSC or PAL, user-selectable)
· KODAK Camera Dock/Printer Dock Interface
· USB 2.0 connection

Find the Kodak Easyshare V803 8 Megapixel Digital Camera

Save With The Kodak Easyshare 5100

2007-12-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

And one of our favorites for the holidays is the Eastman Kodak EasyShare 5100, a desktop multifunction printer shaking up the print industry with the "pay a little more upfront" concept followed by big color- and black-ink savings. With savings up to 50 per cent on ink, the stylish printer can function without a computer for scanning and copying documents or printing from connected digital cameras or flash memory. Versatile, great prints and savings all in one.

> Find the Kodak Easyshare 5100

Kiss Songs and Easter Egg in Kissology

2007-12-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

According to KissKollector.com, KISS' forthcoming DVD box set, "Kissology - Vol. 3 1992-2000" features a great Easter egg: the band's soundcheck for their performance under the Brooklyn Bridge for the MTV Video Music Awards back in 1996.

VH1 Classic Records will release "Kissology - Vol. 3 1992-2000", the third installment of the definitive collection, on Tuesday, December 18. The set will contain nearly 10 hours of KISS live on stage, including songs that didn't make it into the broadcast or CD version of the MTV "Unplugged" performance; and the much-heralded Queens, NY Coventry Show from December 1973 — the band's first-ever Find concert filmed in makeup in its entirety.

"Kissology - Vol. 3 1992-2000" has been super-expanded to four DVDs, featuring over 100 live performances, commentary from Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Bruce Kulick and Tommy Thayer as well as a 20-page full-color booklet.

Five concerts are included:

* Detroit – 1992
* Detroit – 1996
* Los Angeles – 1998
* New Jersey – 2000
* Queens, NY - 1973

One version of the release will feature a fifth bonus disc of KISS' performance at the KROQ Weenie Roast on June 15, 1996. Tracks include: "Deuce", "Love Gun", "Calling Dr. Love", "Firehouse", "Shock Me", "100,000 Years", "Detroit Rock City", "Black Diamond" and "Rock and Roll All Nite".

For the complete track listing, click here.

According to a posting on KISS' official web site, the band's DVD box set "Kissology: Volume 2 1978-1992" has been certified sextuple platinum, which comes out to around 150,000 copies due to the fact that the set consists of three discs; platinum certification for a single-disc release is 100,000 copies. It was released on August 14, 2007.

"Kissology: Volume 2 1978-1992" includes seven hours of live KISS on three DVDs. A bonus fourth DVD was made available via exclusive distribution outlets.

Source: Blabbermouth.net

Find Kiss Songs and Videos

Note: The official release of Kissology Vol 3 is Dec 18th, although it's available for presale now.

Gaia Online Will Make Movies Available

2007-12-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Gaia Online, the leading online hangout for teens, today announced that Warner Bros.' movies will be made available through Gaia's virtual theater, the Gaia Cinemas, starting today. The more than 2.5 million teens who visit Gaia Online every month will be able to watch the legendary studio's films with daily free screenings as well as pay-per-view screenings. Movie titles will include box office smashes such as "The Matrix"; and "Batman Returns"; comedies including "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective"; "Caddyshack 2 & 3"; and classics including "Superman 2 & 3"; and "Risky Business".

The Gaia Cinemas boasts a true community experience where users and their friends watch movies together. In typical teen fashion, there is more to do inside the theaters than simply watch movies. Concession stands offer virtual popcorn and other items, including laser pointers, to enhance the viewing experience. Users can also chat during the films to share insights, commentary and jokes with other users. Virtual movie posters allow users to access information about the films or participate in a related Gaia Online forum without leaving the cinema experience.

"Teens spend hours each day on Gaia Online because there are always new ways to have fun and socialize. The Gaia Cinema is already abuzz with activity, and bringing a wide selection of films from Warner Bros.' incredible catalogue is another huge bonus for the Gaia Online community," said Craig Sherman, CEO, Gaia Online.

The premiere of the first Warner Bros. feature films in Gaia Online including "The Matrix," "Space Jam" and the classic "King Kong" takes place this week. Additional movies from Warner Bros.' library will be added to the Gaia Cinema schedule every Monday. While select movies will be available for free, recent releases will operate on a pay-per-view basis at $1.99 per screening.

"Virtual communities such as Gaia Online are reinventing the way that people experience entertainment. With the Gaia Cinema, teens can now enjoy Warner Bros.' movies with their friends regardless of where they are physically -- just across town or on the other side of the country," said Andrew Mellett, Senior Vice President, Video on Demand, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. "At Warner Bros., we are committed to identifying new channels to reach as many fans as possible and this partnership with Gaia provides a great new way for movie fans to experience our films."

Gaia Online is a social environment where teens come to hangout, have fun and express their individuality through customizable avatars, cars and homes; casual games; arenas for creative writing and artwork; discussion forums on thousands of topics; and virtual spaces such as movie theaters, drag races and towns. The Gaia community boasts more than 2.5 million unique users per month and is growing rapidly, with members spending an average of more than two hours on the site per day. Gaia's forums have exceeded a billion postings with a million new posts being added each day, and the Gaia economy sees upwards of 100,000 transactions per day.

The Gaia Cinemas opened earlier this year to the delighted approval of the community. Public domain classics such as "Night of the Living Dead" have been viewed well over a million times. More recently the Cinema has hosted a film festival, showing winning shorts made by Gaia members.

Gaia Online previously worked with Warner Bros. to conduct immersive promotions for its movies "The Last Mimzy", "Gracie" and "Nancy Drew". Members engaged in short quests in which they viewed trailers, performed other activities, and were rewarded with virtual goods related to the movies. Hundreds of thousands of virtual goods, such as soccer balls associated with "Gracie", were claimed by Gaia's members.

About Gaia Online

Founded in 2003, Gaia Online is the leading teen hangout on the web. Millions of teens come to Gaia every month to make friends, play games, watch movies in Gaia Cinemas, Gaia's virtual theaters, and participate in the world's most active online community. Gaia provides a fun, social environment that inspires individuality and creativity. With everything from art contests to discussion forums on poetry, politics, celebrities and more, to fully customizable profiles, digital characters and cars, Gaia is a place where teens can create their own space and express their individual style. For more information, visit http://www.gaiaonline.com/.

Gaia Online is a trademark of Gaia Interactive, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

Source: PRNewswire

RCA RT2770 1000 Watt Home Stereo System Good Value

2007-12-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

Overall it looks like the RCA RT2770 1000 Watt Home Stereo System is a good value for the modest investment.

The RT2770 from RCA is a complete home theater sound system package. It features 1000 watts of max power and includes a 5.1 speaker system including a subwoofer. For great sound and a realistic movie experience, let the RT2770 impress!

1000W total system power 6 channel inputs USB input Digital AM/FM tuner Dolby digital sound.

Here are some technical details:

1000W Total System Power
6 Channel Inputs
Usb Input
Digital Am/Fm Tuner
Dolby Digital Sound

> Get online coupons for the RCA RT2770 1000 Watt Home Theater System

> Find the RCA Rt2770 5.1-Channel, 1000-Watt Receiver Home Theater System

Alvin and The Chipmunks Soundtrack Released

2007-12-16T00:47:00.000-07:00

Before The Gorillaz, there was another powerhouse of animated characters who rocked their way to the top of the charts. Alvin and the Chipmunks have 5 Emmy awards to their name and a family legacy that is sure to continue into the next generation. The Chipmunks have released many albums covering popular songs since the late 50s. In 1983, The Chipmunks were re-imagined for a new generation. Now 50 years later, a new generation of fans are being introduced via the new theatrical release of "Alvin and The Chipmunks." For newcomers who have yet to be introduced to the characters, there's Dave Seville, the human songwriter who discovers the chipmunks and acts as their manager. Then there's the chipmunks: Alvin, the prima-donna rock star who tends to be the mischievous one; Simon, the intellectual one; and Theodore, the sweet one. How do you know who is who? Alvin sports a big yellow A on his red shirt, Simon wears glasses, and Theodore is slightly chubby.

In the new movie, Jason Lee stars as Dave Seville. The chipmunks are voiced by Justin Long (Alvin), Matthew Gray Gubler (Simon), Jesse McCartney (Theodore). The movie co-stars David Cross, as Ian, the former college friend of Dave's, who has gone on to become the sleazy owner of a recording company. Dave, an unsuccessful songwriter, discovers the talking Chipmunks and has them sing his songs to his recording company contact. As the Chipmunks hit it big, greed overtakes Ian and he tries to separate the chipmunks from Dave.

Source: Willamettelive

The movie opened in theaters on December 14th and the Alvin and The Chipmunks soundtrack was released on November 20th.

> Find Alvin and the Chipmunks on DVD

The Notebook Movie, A Love Story Not To Be Missed

2007-12-16T00:31:00.000-07:00

Based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks, this love story stars James Garner and Gena Rowlands. Garner begins to read to Gena from a notebook containing a love story of two teenagers.

The Notebook starts in a nursing home with Duke reading to an older woman, whose memory is slipping from her more and more everyday. Duke reads the story of two lovers who meet in the south at a carnival. Allie was 17. A city girl from money, and Noah was a country boy. The two spend the whole summer together but Allie is forced to move and go to college although she was willing to give it up for Noah. Noah writes Allie 365 letters and she never gets them. So he restores the house him and Allie went to one night out of 'labor of love'. Seven years pass and Allie meets and falls in love with a wealthy soldier Lon. When seeing Noah's picture in the paper, Allie is drawn back to him. They spent a few days together and she doesn't want to leave. Allie has to chose between her fiancé and Noah.

Source: IMDB

> Find The Notebook on DVD

I Can't Live Without My Ceramic Knives

2007-12-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

When it comes to cutting, nothing beats my ceramic knives.

I enjoy nice tools in the kitchen and several years ago learned about ceramic knives while helping in a restaurant kitchen. I found that ceramic knives are five times stronger than steel and last many months to years without sharpening. The high-density ceramic blade is stain and rust-proof, nonstick and lightweight, making it indispensable in any kitchen.

Here are some advantages of ceramic knives:

Zirconia's hardness allows blade to remain near razor sharp for years of normal kitchen use.
Will not alter the taste of your foods because it is chemically inert.
Easy to clean, naturally non-stick blades -- just rinse with water.
Will not deposit metal ions in your food like steel knives do -- no more metallic taste, ever again!
Will not react with your food -- does not turn fruit and vegetables "BROWN" like metal knives do (yuck!)

The one downside to ceramic knives is that they are more fragile than steel blades. Dropping them on ceramic tile floors can sometimes break the tip, so I would recommend more care when using ceramic knives.

I bought my ceramic knives here for under $20 and selection of Kyocera ceramic knives are also available.

Enjoy and happy holidays!

Impressive TomTom One XL GPS

2007-12-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

Operating the TomTom One XL is simplified by the use of its large on-screen icons leading you through its impressive range of navigation features.

To get from A to B, you may enter the street address, an intersection, city centre, or point of interest.

You can select a location from Favourites or from the “Recent destination” list. The One XL can calculate routes by fastest time or shortest distance, with or without motorway.

There's also a bicycle and pedestrian routing option.

I really liked the “help me” menu that details emergency/breakdown/medical/vet information and phone numbers closest to your location. It even has basic first aid instructions.

The 3D maps on the Tomtom One XL seems a little flat and plain compared to some competing brands. Though what it lacks in visual 3D wow, it more than makes up for in an impressive wealth of information tagged to the map.

It’s up to you how much of the information you will see on the map.

Details can include phone numbers of restaurants and accommodation, to the location of fixed speed cameras. just to mention a few.

All this information can be updated via software package supplied with the TomTom One XL and an Internet-connected PC.

From cold start it would (at worst) take 2 minutes to lock into the satellite network while driving through the cavernous streets of Wellington city central, though once it had a lock we never lost signal, even when stormy conditions and very heavy rain prevailed.

You may also download some data files from the TomTom website that let the GPS unit know what satellites to expect in the skies and at what time. This makes start-up much faster, better than any other GPS I have seen to date.

Source: Stuff.co.nz

> Find the best deals on the TomTom One XL GPS

Elf On A Shelf Brings New Traditions

2007-12-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

The holidays are filled with all kinds of traditions, from decorating your home to fancy feasts.

But there is another holiday tradition you want to share with your family.

Its fun, its an activity kids young and old can get into, and its just in time for Christmas.

Chanda Bell, author of Elf on the Shelf, talks about her yule tide children's book.

Its about an elf that comes all the way from Santa's workshop in the North Pole, to keep an eye on both naughty and nice children.

The book comes with activities and of course, an elf you can name and then watch him work his magic.

Source: WMGT

Hawk Apache Double Prop RC Helicopter To Be Xmas Favorite

2007-12-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

The Hawk Apache double prop RC helicopter will be on many lists this Christmas. Here's more about it:

Warranty: 90 days

Features:

* Full Function Remote Control
* Forward, Backward, Up and Down, Left and Right.
* Flies over 20M High
* Electric 180rpm Motor
* Fully Assembled, Ready To Flight Out Of The Box
* Removable Replaceable Blades (Includes Four Replacement Blades – Two “A” and Two “B”)
* Flashing Blue/Red LED Lights Mounted on the Sides of the Fuselage
* Rubber Rolling Wheels
* Rechargeable Ni-MH 8.4V 350mAh Battery Pack for Helicopter
* 27 MHz Remote Control with Accelerator Lever Stick, Steering Control Lever Stick, On/Off Switch, Telescoping Antenna and Sliding Fine Adjustment Controls
* Remote requires Eight AA Batteries – Not Included
* Fuselage Length: 4 Inches
* Fuselage Width: 2 Inches
* Fuselage Height: 2 1/2 Inches
* Overall Length: 15 Inches
* Overall Height (Including Rotors): 7 Inches
* Coaxial (Double) Blade System with Weighted Overhead Stabilizer
* Single Blade Length: 6 Inches
* Overall Rotor Length: 13 1/2 Inches
* Gun and Missile Turret Width: 5 1/2 Inches

In the box:

* Helicopter with Coaxial Rotor
* Rechargeable Ni-MH 8.4V 350mAh Battery Pack
* Remote Control and Telescoping Antenna (Batteries Not Included)
* AC Adapter
* One Set of “A” and One Set of “B” Replacement Blades

> Find Apache RC Helicopters
> Find RC Helicopters

Kid Rock Tickets Go On Sale

2007-12-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

[Update: Some Kid Rock tickets have gone on sale and will continue on Dec 21 and 22 according to concert sources. Many tickets are already available for January concerts.]

Detroit rap-rocker Kid Rock has rolled out the itinerary for an early 2008 tour that will support his recently released chart-topping album, "Rock N Roll Jesus."

Rock, who earlier this fall mounted a brief tour in conjunction with his album's October release, is due to launch his outing--dubbed the "Rock N Roll Revival Tour"--Jan. 25 in Evansville, IN, and dates are stacked up in almost 30 cities through late March. Details are included below.

Tickets for the trek go on sale Saturday (12/8), according to a press release from Atlantic Records, which also said that the upcoming arena tour will feature "a host of friends," including Reverend Run from iconic rap act Run DMC.

Released Oct. 9, "Rock N Roll Jesus" sold about 170,000 copies during its first week in stores, which earned the set a No. 1 debut on The Billboard 200 chart. Rob Cavallo (Green Day, Goo Goo Dolls) co-produced the album with the rap-rocker, which features Rock's Twisted Brown Trucker band and the Fisk Jubilee Singers.

"So Hott," the lead single from "Rock N Roll Jesus," is streaming at Rock's MySpace page, as is the music video for the song.

According to his MySpace blog, Rock shot the video for the follow-up single, "Amen," last month in Los Angeles with directory Jonas Akerlund.

Concert Schedule: (subject ot change)

January 2008
25 - Evansville, IN - Roberts Stadium
26 - Bloomington, IL - US Cellular Coliseum
29 - Dayton, OH - Hara Arena
30 - Milwaukee, WI - Eagles Ballroom

February 2008
1 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena
5 - Saginaw, MI - Dow Events Center
6 - Niagara, NY - Seneca Casino
9 - Detroit, MI - To be announced
14 - Huntington, WV - Big Sandy's
16 - St. Louis, MO - Scottrade Center
17 - Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center
19 - Bossier City, LA - Century Tel Arena
20 - Tupelo, MS - Bancorp Center
22 - Raleigh, NC - RBC Center
23 - N. Charleston, SC N. Charleston Coliseum
26 - Lafayette, LA - Cajun Dome
27 - Biloxi, MS - MS Coast Coliseum
29 - Nashville, TN - Sommet Center

March 2008
1 - Greenville, SC - Bi-Lo Center
7 - Knoxville, TN - Thompson Boling Arena
8 - Savannah, GA - Savannah Civic Center
11 - Atlanta, GA - Gwinnett Center
12 - Columbus, GA - Colonial Center
14 - Bristol, TN - Viking Hall
15 - Louisville, KY - Freedom Hall
18 - Roanoke, VA - Roanoke Civic Center
19 - Reading, PA - Sovereign Center
22 - Toledo, OH - Seagate Center

Source: LiveDaily

Find Kid Rock Tickets

Wilco Adds Concert Dates

2007-12-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

Wilco has tacked a multi-night residency at Chicago's Riviera Theatre onto its upcoming tour slate, and frontman Jeff Tweedy has announced plans to play a January benefit show in the same city.

The group's Chicago engagement covers five dates over Feb. 15-20, with the shows "exploring the band's complete recorded works," according to a press release. Pre-sale tickets are available through Wilco's official website.

Tweedy, meanwhile, will play a solo acoustic show Jan. 26, also in the singer's hometown of Chicago, to provide youth scholarships. Tickets will run $100 apiece, and are currently on sale to the public.

Wilco, which continues to back this year's "Sky Blue Sky," has nine other cities on its early 2008 schedule, including a Feb. 22 show in Cleveland following the Chicago residency. All dates are below.

"Sky Blue Sky," the band's seventh studio album, follows 2004's "A Ghost is Born." The group self-produced the new set in its own Chicago studio, with TJ Doherty (Sonic Youth, The Hold Steady) handling recording chores and Jim Scott (The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dixie Chicks) doing the mixing.

The album arrived on The Billboard 200 album chart in the No. 4 spot, marking the band's highest debut ever.

The disc helped Wilco nab its fourth Grammy nomination earlier this week, receiving a nod in the Best Rock Album category. The band, which has now received four Grammy nominations overall, scored two trophies with 2004's "A Ghost is Born," which took home wins for Alternative Rock Album and Best Recording Package.

Upcoming tour schedule (subject to change):

January 2008
26 - Chicago, IL - Vic Theatre

February 2008
15-16, 18-20 - Chicago, IL - The Riviera Theatre
22 - Cleveland, OH - Lakewood Civic Auditorium
23 - Philadelphia, PA - Tower Theatre
24 - New Haven, CT - Schubert Theater

March 2008
2 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium
3 - Mobile, AL - Mobile Civic Center
4, 5 - New Orleans, LA - Tipitina's
7 - Houston, TX - Verizon Theater
8 - Tulsa, OK - Cain's Ballroom
9 - Des Moines, IA - Val Air Ballroom

Source: LiveDaily

> Find Wilco Tickets

Red Sox Spring Training Tickets Go On Sale

2007-12-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

Lines are already forming for Boston Red Sox Spring Training tickets for next spring. Die-hard fans have been waiting in the rain for hours and the tickets don't even go on sale until Saturday.

There are dozens of dedicated fans waiting in line at the City of Palms Park box office. Many of them even came with tents.

When the rain hit, many abandoned their lawn chairs and waited across the street in their cars.

Regardless of where they wait, they are all determined to see the Red Sox play.

Many fans we spoke say they have been camped out since Thursday afternoon trying to get tickets because a number of games have been cut this year.

There are only 16 games scheduled in Lee County for Spring Training this year. The season is ending two weeks early because the Red Sox are going to Tokyo to play their 2008 opening series against he Oakland A's

"People think we are crazy, but we are no different than people waiting for Harry Potter the first day the book comes out. We are just Red Sox fans," said Derek Dearmond.

The games have been selling out since 2003 and ticket prices range from $6 to $46.

Source: NBC2News

> Find Red Sox Tickets

Refurbished Dyson DC14 Upright Vacuum, Great Deal

2007-12-15T03:11:00.000-07:00

Found this remanufactured Dyson DC14 FS Upright Vacuum Cleaner for just $299, brand new units run are normally priced around $499. Check it out and enjoy!

Dyson DC14FS Telescope Animal Bagless Lifetime HEPA Upright Vacuum Cleaner DC-14 Factory Serviced Good as New, 6Mo Wnty & Optional 3-5Yr Extended Wnty

- Optional 3 to 5 Year Extended Repair/Replacement Warranties. Root8Cyclone™ technology. Telescope reach. Instant stair cleaning. Wide channel for large pieces. Easy to carry ergonomic design. Hygienic and quick to empty. No loss of suction*. No extra costs, no bags or filters to buy. Approved for allergy sufferers by BAF: Retains microscopic particles. Lifetime HEPA filter: Highest levels of filtration for cleaner expelled air. Auto carpet-height adjustment. Clear bin™. Edge cleaning whiskers. Mini Turbine Head Cleans pet hair from confined spaces. Carpet care kit Keeps new carpets looking new. Low reach floor tool For easier cleaning under low furniture. Brush Control Brushbar turns off to protect rugs and delicate floors.*Dyson proves no loss of suction using the IEC 60312 Cl 2.9 test standard.

Dyson DC14FS Telescope Animal Bagless Lifetime HEPA Upright Vacuum Cleaner DC-14 Factory Serviced Good as New, 6Mo Wnty & Optional 3-5Yr Extended Wnty

Demented Uncooked Cards

2007-12-15T01:41:00.000-07:00

An easy way to vent a little frustration without actually going off the rails is to buy a demented greeting card or two from a company called Uncooked. There are Valentines that threaten homicide and thank you cards that inform the recipient he has been taken off the grateful sender’s “kill list.” (Don’t ask me why the cards involving murder seem to appeal to me most.) Uncooked is probably topping the Google charts right now because of people looking for their holiday cards. One features a yellow snowman and the hopeful thought: “Maybe all that yellow snow is just snow drenched in butter.” Another shows a steaming mug and states, “We hope your holidays are sweet and merry and you don’t burn your tongue on a cup of hot cocoa and then choke to death on your burnt off tongue skin.”

You can buy Uncooked’s cards at their Web site, uncookedland.com, or at select stores. (I found three retailers that carry them in Toronto.) Your friends and loved ones will, at the very least, be awfully surprised.

Source: NationalPost

Chef Rocco DiSpirito Tries For a Comeback

2007-12-14T23:46:00.000-07:00

Rocco DiSpirito presents a cautionary tale for all those would-be celebrity chefs.

Sometimes fame plays hard. And it won't hesitate to take you down, no matter how serious your kitchen cred. So it was with DiSpirito, who in a flash went from culinary superstar to reality TV burnout.

But DiSpirito's story is unfinished. And the moral may yet be that tenacity and talent can triumph.

"I've learned a couple important things along the way," he said recently while cooking from his new book, "Rocco's Real Life Recipes." "No. 1, don't bite off more than you can chew. That's been a pretty big lesson for me."

These days DiSpirito is chewing far less. His restaurants and television show are gone. His new cookbook got a quiet rollout. And he's spending time with family and friends, doing charity work and participating in triathlons.

It's an unlikely formula for a relaunch, and it might just work.

For years, DiSpirito was amazingly surefooted. In 1997, he opened New York's Union Pacific restaurant to acclaim. Food & Wine magazine named him Best New Chef in 1999. A year later, Gourmet magazine called him the nation's most exciting young chef.

In 2003, he agreed to star in an NBC reality show, "The Restaurant," which would chronicle the opening of a second eatery, Rocco's 22nd Street. A year later his cookbook, "Flavor," won a James Beard award.

Then things crumbled. The show and new restaurant started strong, but soon were shuttered, thanks partly to infighting between DiSpirito and his business partner. Meanwhile, DiSpirito left Union Pacific, and a new cookbook was panned.

"I thought our differences could be overcome. In some ways, they were more true to themselves than I was," DiSpirito said of his business partners from that era. "I should have been honest with myself."

A few years of wound licking later, a newly buff DiSpirito is inching his way back. He's made guest appearances on Bravo's "Top Chef" and NBC's "Today" show, has a new cookbook and is in talks for a new television show.

"If Rocco genuinely gets back to wanting to cook, then he will have a comeback ahead of him," said Dana Cowin, editor-in-chief of Food & Wine magazine. "To me, that's where he shines. He is a great cook.

"But that requires focusing on a single project and putting his passion - and he has a lot of passion - into one project."

Informing DiSpirito's relaunch attempt is a new mission - returning people to the kitchen. And he sounds practically evangelical talking about the triumvirate of food, family and friends.

He praises America's growing focus on artisanal and quality ingredients but worries that it can border on obsession, which ultimately detracts from what he considers the real value of cooking and eating. "Which is being with people."

This isn't groundbreaking stuff, and DiSpirito acknowledges he is entering a crowded field. "There's definitely a lot of people out there trying to talk to the home cook," he said. "But there aren't a whole lot of professional chefs out there doing it."

He's using those skills - learned when he was 16 at the Culinary Institute of America and honed in restaurants from Paris to Boston - to show that everyday ingredients can produce at home the "lusty, big, powerful" flavours people expect from restaurant cooking. Which might make the new DiSpirito equal parts Rachael Ray and Gourmet magazine.

What remains to be seen is whether that's what people want. It's her everyman appeal that pushed Ray to the top. Americans associate culinary high rollers such as DiSpirito with fussiness and may not feel his tricks belong in their kitchens.

Perhaps anticipating this, DiSpirito opted for an intuitive approach for his new cookbook, one that simplifies shopping and meal planning and focuses on recipes that take 30 minutes or less to prepare.

He also favours prepared ingredients, often by brand name. This is where the realism slips a bit. Few of the shoppers DiSpirito is targeting are likely to hunt for his favoured brand of marinara.

Recipes run from a broiled salmon with miso marmalade to a chicken risotto drawn from instant rice and rotisserie chicken.

If that last item seems unlikely for a chef of DiSpirito's calibre, that's his point. DiSpirito is a chef without a restaurant, leaving him to cook like the rest of us. And he's finding he likes it.

"I'm pretty pleased with what it's like to not have to worry about the day-to-day of running a restaurant," he said. "I get to cook more than ever and I get to do it for the reason that matters, to enjoy other people."

Source: CanadianPress

Monster in Law, Funny, Romantic Comedy

2007-12-14T23:30:00.000-07:00

Monster-in-Law is a 2005 romantic comedy film, directed by Robert Luketic. It marks a return to cinema for Jane Fonda; her first film in 15 years. The screenplay is written by Anya Kochoff. The original music score is composed by David Newman and Rosey.

Charlie Cantilini (played by Jennifer Lopez) is a dogwalker from Venice Beach, California, who meets surgeon Kevin Fields (played by Michael Vartan). Kevin asks her out, and Charlie believes that she's finally found the right man.

Things start to go wrong when Kevin introduces Charlie to his mother, Viola Fields (played by Jane Fonda). Viola has recently been replaced as a newscaster for someone younger, and is in a meltdown. Loathing Charlie from the outset, and fearing that she'll lose her son the same way she lost her career, she decides to destroy her son's relationship. At first, she tries to annoy Charlie by repeatedly calling her. After this doesn't work, Viola moves in with them, much to the horror of Charlie. With her trusted assistant, Ruby (played by Wanda Sykes) who is secretly working against her, she tries everything possible to drive Charlie away but she does not succeed because Charlie decides to fight back - until Kevin and Charlie's wedding day. Viola turns up wearing a white dress instead of the dress specially made for her by Charlie. Then Viola's own dreadful mother-in-law, Gertrude (Elaine Stritch), appears and they have an argument. Gertrude's resentment of Viola bears a strong resemblance Viola's feelings toward Charlie. Charlie decides to back down as she witnesses Gertrude and Viola's relationship. "Nothing's going to change." she laments to Viola after Gertrude leaves the room, "In thirty years that will be us." Charlie exits to tell Kevin that the wedding is off and Ruby enters and talks with Viola. Viola is miffed that Charlie compared her to Gertrude; Ruby points out that Viola is actually worse than Gertrude. Ruby points out that Viola's efforts against Charlie, to make Kevin happy, are unwarranted. "Whatever made you think he wasn't [happy]?" is her final point. Viola has an epiphany and realizes that she wants Charlie to stay, and they reconcile. Charlie and Kevin then get married and when Charlie throws her flowers Viola catches them. The movie ends with Ruby imitating Viola's dreadful laugh.

Source: Wikipedia

> Get Monster In Law on DVD

The New Style, Kitty Wigs

2007-12-13T18:04:00.000-07:00

He's modeling the latest in pampered petware - a wig for your cat.

They're available in a range of colours to suit their owner from a new American website.

And are bound to be a hit with dippy owners who already spend thousands every year on gifts for their animals.

Cat-mad Julie Jackson came up with the designs to spice up her cat's wardrobe and give the animals a more exciting choice of outfit.

The designs - called The Kitty Wigs - are available in blue, silver, blonde and pink.

We recently told how a barking mad store had started flogging wigs for dogs on the web.

Cats probably prefer wearing them because they're arti-fish-ial.

Source: TheSun

Sheraton Cable Beach Resort Offers Airfare Incentives For Holidays

2007-12-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

Looking for a pre-holiday getaway in the Bahamas? The Wyndham Nassau Resort and Sheraton Cable Beach Resort are offering up to $300 in airfare credits to visitors who book by Dec. 21 for stays through Dec. 28.

Under the "Fly on Us" promotion, the resorts -- both part of the Cable Beach Resorts & Crystal Palace complex -- will give guests $100 air credits for two-night stays, $200 air credits for three-night stays, and $300 air credits for stays of four nights or longer.

Only one air credit per room, and other restrictions apply. Room rates start at $189 nightly.

Source: About.com

Cloned Glow In The Dark Cats?

2007-12-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

Scientists have genetically modified three kittens so they appear fluorescent under ultra-violet light in a procedure which could help develop treatments for human genetic diseases.

Glow-in-the-dark cat could help cut disease

A team of scientists led by Kong Il-keun at Gyeongsang National University, South Korea, cloned the cats after manipulating a gene to change their skin colour.

The fluffy white Turkish Angora cats now glow red when exposed to ultraviolet light and the scientists believe the process could be used to develop treatments for a range of genetic illnesses. The technology can also help clone endangered animals like tigers, leopards and wildcats.

To clone the cats the team used skin cells of the mother cat and modified its genes to make them fluorescent by using a virus, which was transplanted into the ova. The ova were then implanted into the womb of the donor cat.

The three cats were born in January and February. One was stillborn while two others grew to become adult Turkish Angoras, weighing 3kg and 3.5kg.

Source: Telegraph.co.uk

Capital One Card Lab, Build Your Own Card

2007-12-13T11:39:00.000-07:00

Capital One Financial Corporation has launched the online tool Capital One Card Lab at: http://www.capitalone.com/cardlab

Card Lab is an interactive Web site where consumers can build their own Capital One credit cards. Card-builders can choose from a menu of introductory offers, interest rates, annual fees and rewards. Capital One also provides options for front-of-card designs.

“This whole concept is basically playing off the emerging trend of control shifting from company to consumer,” said Pam Girardo, spokesperson for Capital One. “Consumers want to be in the driver’s seat. This is a new level of control in the credit card space, and we believe it will drive loyalty and confidence in customers. The confidence they get from creating the card themselves will make us top-of-wallet.”

Capital One currently markets the Card Lab with online advertisements, but the company plans to roll out a direct mail campaign in the future. Girardo said the Card Lab will not replace Capital One’s direct mail and other card-marketing efforts.

Card Lab provides a glossary of account terms, defining options as the user rolls a mouse over a term. The site also grays out choices that don’t work together —a feature that prevents consumers from making unusable card while showing them the effects of their previous selections.

“Card Lab offers a whole new level in transparency, and consumers are getting an education in key credit card accounts terminology,” Girardo added. “It’s putting the trade-off decisions in the hands of consumers and giving a peek under the tent.”

Once a card is fully designed, site users fill out an online application, and, if approved, they receive their card in the mail within seven to 10 days. Applicants will be notified of approval within a few minutes of entering their information on the site. Application information is kept in the same secure database as all of Capital One’s online credit applications.

Enhancements will be added to Card Lab in the coming months. One new feature will be “image card,” which allows users to put an image of their choice — such as an uploaded photograph — on the front of their card.

Source: DMNews

Humane Society Charges Pets of Bel Air of Buying From Puppy Mills

2007-12-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

A Bel-Air pet boutique that has catered to the likes of Britney Spears and Denise Richards was shut down after the Humane Society accused it of selling dogs from puppy mills.

The city closed Pets of Bel Air for selling pets without a permit for three years but "this is largely symbolic," said Ed Boks, general manager of L.A. Animal Services, which runs the city's shelters.

"They can buy a permit and reopen," he said.

Puppy mills are operations that mass-breed dogs for sale, often keeping them in bare, wire cages. The practice is not illegal but many animal welfare groups consider it cruel.

The Humane Society of the United States reviewed the records of 28 breeders in Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma that supplied the pet store and its undercover investigators determined five were "large-scale breeding facilities—like factories" that house 100 to 300 dogs, society President and Chief Executive Wayne Pacelle said.

"Our undercover investigators found staffers (at Pets of Bel Air) were knowingly misrepresenting how the dogs were obtained" by telling customers they all came from private breeders, Pacelle said at a news conference.

"There is a trail of misery that precedes that animal getting to the pet store," Pacelle said.

Store owner Tom Dermick denied buying dogs from puppy mills.

"Not to our knowledge," he told the Los Angeles Times. "I've worked with pet stores in the past. I've seen the worst. I set this store up to do the best. We pride ourselves on our animal husbandry. We're all very compassionate about how we do it."

He called the failure to pay for a city permit an oversight and said he would rectify it.

Source: MercuryNews

Cranium Mega Fort Ideal For Toddlers

2007-12-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

"Great for big imaginations..."

The Cranium Mega Fort will have your child building, rebuilding, and customizing your very own big spaces and amazing places.

This is a creative way for your child to make their own special and secret places!

Keep the furniture in its place as you create hundreds of structures. Construct a castle, build a boat, or put together a playhouse -- with nearly 100 pieces (25 more than regular Super Fort), anything you can imagine comes to life!

The Magnaball magnetic connectors and foam tubes make building and rebuilding safe and easy for kids 4 and up. And clean-up is a snap!

What's in the box? It includes 22 yellow flexible foam tubes, 8 orange rigid foam tubes, 22 Magnaball connectors, 30 clips, 8 bases, 9 panels, and large and small storage bags.

Rated 4 stars by customers, here's what a mom recently said: "My now 4 year old got this for Christmas last year and he uses it almost every day. Not in the way it is intended, of course, but still. It's fun to build the forts.."

Enjoy and happy holidays!

> Find the Cranium Mega Fort

Navman N40i, Unique GPS

2007-12-12T09:40:00.000-07:00

The NavMan N40i NavPix 3.5" Touchscreen GPS is unique, with features you won't find on other GPS systems, including a digital camera, location photos, real time traffic and more.

The N40i's buttons for finding the nearest petrol station or car park. The N40i includes an integrated digital camera for taking NavPix to create an unmistakeable reminder of your chosen destination. So you can find your way there - no matter how far away it is – whenever you want.

The NavPix itself combines exact geographical information with an image, so whether it’s the Arc de Triumphe, Trajan’s Arch or the Cinquantenaire Arch, you’ll easily find your way back.

You can also download NavPix or share your own in the NavPix Library.

Reliable and accurate

The slim N40i brings together advanced software with ease of use and a finger-friendly, 3.5” touchscreen.

What’s more, that ease of use is carried over into the intuitive display and GPS navigation features.

So you can choose whether to use a NavPix or an address to find your way to a destination reliably and accurately every time.

Real-time traffic news

We also wanted to minimize any surprises as your explore further afield, so we’ve preinstalled safety camera data and added maps, making the N40i great value-for-money GPS navigation.

What’s more, there are nearest Fuel and Park buttons to help you find somewhere to park or fill up – as well as compatibility with the optional T1 Traffic Pack for real-time traffic updates where available.

Tech Specs:

Warranty: One year

Features:

* Large 3.5” touchscreen
* NavPix compatibility so you can download and then use NavPix to navigate
* Integrated 1.3 Mega Pixel NavPix camera
* Nearest Fuel and Park buttons to alert you to the nearest gas station or car park
* Reliable, accurate GPS navigation
* Advanced Motorway Navigation
* Journey View function
* Enhanced battery life, up to 5 hours depending on use
* Greatly improved finger friendly interface
* Pre-installed safety camera data
* POI import capability, so you can add your own points of interest, such as safety cameras
* Drive-Away™ so it’s ready to use out of the box
* Automatic re-routing with Back-on-Track™
* Memory: 2GB flash built in on US version, 2GB SD card included with Canadian version. Hardware is otherwise identical. Both versions come with US, Canada, Puerto Rico and Guam maps on CD. You'll receive one of these two versions.

Hardware

* Weight: 2.4 Lbs.
* Size: 9 1/2”81mm (H) x 6 1/4” (W) x 5 1/2”(D)
* Camera: Yes
* SD card slot
* Processor: Samsung 244-400MHz
* Battery: Rechargeable integrated Li ION – up to 5hrs life
* High-quality loudspeaker: Yes
* GPS Receiver: SiRFstarIII™ Generation 2
* GPS update rate: Typically every second once fix established
* GPS accuracy: Fix to 5 metres 95% of the time
* Screen: Anti-glare high resolution 3.5” (89mm) color touch-screen
* In-Car Suction Mount: Yes
* Power: 12V in-car power connector
* PC connection: USB 1.1

Software features

* NavPix™ navigation to pictures
* Journey View
* Drive-Away™
* Back-on-Track™
* POI (points of interest – transport-related POIs)
* Nearest POI/POI import
* Voice guided instructions
* Favorite destinations stored
* Multiple routing options, eg, shortest/fastest, nearest POI

Navigation views

* Turn-by-Turn™
* Next maneuver
* 3D Moving map (adjust 3D zoom mode downwards to achieve 2D moving map mode)
* 2D Mini map

Mapping

* Tele Atlas 2006
* SmartST™ 2006 SE navigation software
* US maps

> Find the Navman N40i

Mercury Milan Makes Major Strides

2007-12-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

Fuel prices are a factor when it comes to new vehicle purchasing decisions. So is safety, as well as styling, performance, comfort, technology and to a large degree, reliability.

On all fronts, the Big Three have made significant strides in producing cars that are capable of competing in the global market.

As I see it, the biggest challenge is getting people into the showroom to take a test drive. Like I mentioned earlier, driving is believing.

The 2008 five-passenger, mid-size Mercury Milan is no exception.

It has the look and feel of a $40,000-plus vehicle, but with a base price starting below $20,000.

The Milan also provides consumers with a number of options. For starters, it’s available in either front- or all-wheel drive.

You also have a choice of two pretty impressive powertrain options.

A 2.3-liter I-4 engine (160 horsepower/156 lbs.-ft. of torque) requiring regular unleaded gasoline is mated to either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. When coupled with the automatic, it has an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and is rated as a Low Emissions Vehicle. When coupled with the manual transmission, it has an EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway.

Buyers also have the option of a 3.0-liter V-6 engine (221 horsepower/205 lbs.-ft. torque) mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Also requiring regular unleaded gasoline, it has an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway (one mpg lower for AWD models) and is rated as a Low Emissions Vehicle.

Let’s talk safety for a minute. The 2008 Milan has received the highest individual ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for frontal and side impact crash test performance. It has also received the national Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s five-star rating for driver side-impact crash safety (the highest rating given).

Standard safety features include tire pressure monitoring system, Ford’s Personal Safety System which features dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, thorax side airbags for front seat occupants, side air curtains, rear door child safety locks, LATCH child restraint safety system and Belt-Minder, to name a few. It’s also loaded with convenience features, including Ford’s new Sync hands-free communication and entertainment system.

The 2008 Milan is a great mid-size vehicle. For those in the market for a new car, this is a terrific vehicle with an outstanding warranty that should be added to the test drive list.

Source: waxahachiedailylight.com

Castaways Travel For Adult Travel Fun

2007-12-11T20:14:00.000-07:00

Castaways Travel is a leading travel company specializing in Clothing Optional, Nude and Adult travel fun, since 1984.

The owners and staff of Castaways have personally visited virtually every destination featured in the website, especially those included in the Resort Report section and can provide you with SOLID TRAVEL ADVICE you won't find anywhere else. Why? Because we've been there!

When you decide when and where to go... please contact us for more adventure advice, skilled travel counselors and your one stop for all your travel arrangements.

Upcoming trips include:

Hidden Beach: December 2007
Hedonism and Desire Cancun: January 2008
Prague: Clothing optional cruise for couples only. July 2008

Source: Castaways.com

Suite Life's London Tipton Has a New Web Site

2007-12-11T20:09:00.001-07:00

The Suite Life of Zac and Cody’s London Tipton (Brenda Song) has a new website at Disney! The site features videos of her with friends from the Suite Life along with fashion games, fashion quizzes and a suite styler that creates a look just for you. Check out London Tipton’s Ya Me Site.

New Halo 3 Maps Arrive

2007-12-11T16:22:00.000-07:00

Well, it’s going to be a busy day on Xbox Live Marketplace. The first downloadable Halo 3 maps are here for multiplayer. And that’s a good thing. Even I am getting a little too familiar with the maps that came with the game. It costs you 800 points to download.

H3 DLC StandoffFirst “Halo 3” Downloadable Content Arrives as Heroic Map Pack Hits Xbox 360

Award-winning multiplayer experience evolves with three new maps now available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace

The international award-winning “Halo 3” gets even better as the “Halo 3” Heroic Map Pack launches today on Xbox 360’s Xbox LIVE Marketplace. After launching to incredible acclaim and fanaticism, more than five million “Halo 3” players worldwide can now enjoy a package of three all new multiplayer maps. The Heroic Map Pack is the first in a series of downloadable content from Bungie Studios.

H3 DLC FoundryAvailable for 800 Microsoft Points exclusively on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, each map offers a unique experience. Standoff’s symmetrical valley, with its entrenched bases and fields of boulders is ideal for mid-sized objective and Slayer game types, while Rat’s Nest’s vast, labyrinthine passages bring something new to the “Halo” multiplayer experience: an indoor vehicle paradise, strongly influenced by the Campaign mode, ideal for big team battles. Finally, Foundry is the ultimate Forge map – players can edit every single object in this voluminous industrial warehouse, place stairways, walls, bridges and tunnels to create an entirely new play space and build almost any kind of map they can think of.

As if the legions of “Halo 3″ players needed more reasons to stay logged on to Xbox LIVE and fragging, Forge also allows players to edit and customize all three maps, keeping “Halo 3’s” multiplayer experience fresh, exciting and evolving. In addition, ongoing updates to “Halo 3’s” matchmaking playlists ensure that ranked and social gameplay remains dynamic and competitive.

The maps of the Heroic Pack are available in matchmaking today to those who have purchased the download. All three maps will become available as a free download via Xbox LIVE Marketplace in Spring 2008, just prior to the next wave of all new “Halo 3” multiplayer maps.

Source: Mercurynews.com

The Bodybugg Counts Those Extra Calories

2007-12-11T16:15:00.000-07:00

It's impossible to watch what you eat during the holiday season when you constantly have food tempting you at every turn. The worst part is some of us really want to stay slim until the New Year's Eve party and possibly beyond, so how do we prevent any holiday weight gain?

There are plenty of gadgets to help you manage your weight, but the Bodybugg armband caught my eye because bloggers keep talking about, and gyms are now pushing it to customers. According to the site, this tiny device about the size of an MP3 player is supposed to be worn all day on your right arm to track calories you burn and give you an idea of the amount of calories you should consume. It's also been featured on NBC's "The Biggest Loser" as a tool the contestants use to manage their calorie consumption.

Reviews have been mixed, and from what I've read there are some things I'm not thrilled about. For one, the device is too expensive and requires a monthly subscription to an online program. It only runs on Windows, and the worst part is you have to input the type of food you eat every day so that it can track your calorie intake. That would probably be the hardest part for me, since I'm usually pressed for time.

Source: Yahoo

Market Drops on Fed Rate Cut Announcement

2007-12-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

The Federal Reserve cut its federal funds rate by one-quarter of a percentage point today, trying to keep the country out of recession. Wall Street had hoped for a more aggressive cut, and traders reacted to the news by sending the Dow Jones industrial average down almost 200 points within minutes of the announcement.

The reduction in the federal funds rate to 4.25 percent marked the third rate cut in the past three months. Fed officials signaled that further cuts were possible if a severe downturn in housing and a crisis in mortgage lending get worse, the Associated Press reports.

Commercial banks were expected to quickly match the latest reduction by trimming their prime lending rate, which would reduce this benchmark rate for millions of consumer and business loans to 7.25 percent.

The Fed started cutting rates in September with a bolder-than-expected half-point move and then reduced the funds rate by a quarter-point at its Oct. 31 meeting. The central bank was trying to make sure that a severe slump in housing, spreading mortgage defaults and financial market turbulence which hit with force in August did not derail the economy.

Source: NJ.com

Hythiam's Prometa Under Scrutiny

2007-12-10T01:44:00.000-07:00

CHICAGO | A costly drug cocktail touted as the first pharmacological treatment for cocaine and methamphetamine addiction is at the center of a raging national debate.

The treatment, called Prometa, is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration as an addiction therapy, nor has it undergone extensive scientific testing. But officials at Los Angeles-based Hythiam Inc., the company that sells the treatment protocol, say it can work miracles for people struggling to break their addiction.

As many as 3,000 people have tried Prometa, up from about 1,000 a year ago, a Hythiam spokesman said.

More than 70 physicians nationwide have been licensed by the company to treat patients. Hythiam promotes Prometa as a 30-day outpatient treatment for addiction to alcohol, cocaine, heroin and meth, also known as crystal meth.

Hythiam officials said the company’s attention-grabbing marketing shouldn’t be confused with its treatment.

“People are dying (from drug abuse), and this (treatment) seems to be making a dramatic difference,” said Matthew Torrington, medical director of the Prometa Center in Santa Monica, Calif., one of four such treatment centers.

Jim Pickett, chairman of the Chicago Crystal Meth Task Force, said Hythiam is pushing an untested treatment on people at their lowest point.

“They are preying on vulnerable people,” Pickett said. “People in the throes of crystal meth addiction — and their families — are extremely vulnerable, and they are taking advantage of it.”

The drug cocktail is being used “off label,” meaning that the medications have been approved by the FDA to treat other disorders, but not addiction.

Hythiam doesn’t own or manufacture the drugs but says it owns the treatment protocol.

Source: KansasCity.com

Polaroid T737, Versatile Digital Camera

2007-12-10T01:33:00.000-07:00

The Polaroid T737 is a digital camera that is very useful and offers great performance, this might be due to the camera being 7 megapixels. The Polaroid T737 is PictBridge capable and has an optical zoom of 3x, and 4 x digital add to this its image stabilization and you have a great recipe for a versatile digital camera.

There is a 3-inch LCD view screen, but the thing that makes the Polaroid T737 stand out is the red diamond patterns that appear on the front of this camera. There is internal memory of 16MB, the camera take the SD memory card format.

There are a range of special effect features, such as Black & White and Sepia also Red, Blue, Neutral, Vivid and Green. The maximum shutter speed is 1/1000 sec and a minimum of 2 sec.

The Polaroid T737 takes 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery, which is included.
The dimensions are: 4.1×2.3×0.9 in

Source: Product-Reviews.net

> Find deals on the Polaroid T737 Digital Camera

Review of the HP F2120 All In One Printer

2007-12-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

The HP F2120 All in One Printer is exactly what I was looking for. It prints in color and black, it scans to save to file and copies. This printer was less than what I wanted to pay, which is always a good thing. You can find this exact printer at Target for $39.00. Granted this printer is not for someone who would like to print off photos or high quality images but it's perfectly fine for printing documents. When you are scanning, it really doesn't matter how good of a quality it is as long as you can see the details when you save it to a file. Copying is just that, copying so you won't lose quality on that. For 39.00 you can't beat the versatility of this machine. The saying usually goes, you get what you pay for but in this case, I got more than what I paid.

Source: Associatedcontent.com

Red Sox Tickets Go On Sale

2007-12-08T17:21:00.000-07:00

> Find Red Sox Tickets

Red Sox Spring Schedule Released

Tickets for the Red Sox's 13 spring training games at City of Palms Park in Fort Myers, Fla., go on sale Dec. 15. Tickets range from $46 for home plate boxes to $10 for standing room and will be available at redsox.com, by calling 617-482-4769 or at the City of Palms box office.

The Red Sox open with a split doubleheader Feb. 28, hosting Boston College at 1:05 p.m. and Northeastern at 6:05 p.m. The team concludes its Grapefruit League schedule March 19 against Toronto at City of Palms before leaving for Tokyo to open the season against the A's March 25-26. The Red Sox face the Yankees in Tampa March 17.

The Red Sox will also host "Championship Night at City of Palms Park" Feb. 23, when fans can have pictures taken with the World Series trophy. ... The Red Sox announced the hiring of four minor league coaches, including former major leaguers Billy McMillon (hitting coach, Class A Greenville, S.C.) and Luis Lopez (hitting coach, Class A Lowell).

Source: Courant.com

> Find Red Sox Tickets

Amazon Delays Nokia N810 Tablet Delivery, Available Elsewhere

2007-12-07T19:36:00.000-07:00

If you've placed an order for the Nokia N810 Tablet through Amazon, you may have already received an email letting you know that supplier difficulties may delay your shipment. Ooops, maybe no Christmas presents this year! But a quick search found the Nokia N810 Tablet in stock at Buy.com. Here are some specs on the tablet:

	Size
	Volume: 128 cc
	Weight: 226 g
	Length: 72 mm
	Width: 128 mm
	Thickness: 14 mm
	Display
	High-resolution 4.13" WVGA display (800 x 480 pixels) with up to 65,000 colors
	Processor
	TI OMAP 2420, 400Mhz
	Memory
	DDR RAM 128MB
	Flash 256MB
	Storage
	Up to 2GB internal memory
	Support for compatible miniSD and microSD memory cards (with extender). Supports cards up to 8GB. (SD cards over 2GB must be SDHC compatible.)
	Operating times*
	Battery: Nokia Maps BP-4L
	Continuous usage (display on, wireless LAN active): up to 4 hours
	Music playback: up to 10 hours
	Always online time: up to 5 days
	Standby time: up to 14 days
	*Operating times may vary depending on the radio access technology used, configuration and usage. The availability of the product and its features depend on your area and service providers, so please contact them and your Nokia dealer for further information.
	Other characteristics
	Smooth slide with integrated QWERTY keyboard
	Built-in GPS receiver
	High quality stereo speakers and sensitive microphone
	High-resolution widescreen display
	Integrated desk stand
	Integrated VGA web camera
	HW key to lock touch screen and keys
	Ambient light sensor
	Connectivity
	WLAN standard: IEEE 802.11b/g
	Bluetooth specification v. 2.0 +EDR
	Profiles supported: HID, FTP, DUN, GAP, SPP, HSP, SAP and OPP
	USB 2.0 high speed
	3.5 mm stereo headphone plug (Nokia AV Connector)
	Language support
	HW keyboard variants: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish-Portuguese, Scandinavian and Russian
	User interface languages: British English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, American English, Brazilian Portuguese, Canadian French, Latin American Spanish, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Russian, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese
	User guide languages: British English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, American English, Brazilian Portuguese, Canadian French, Latin American Spanish, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Russian, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese, Arabic
	Internet Tablet OS: maemo Linux based OS2008
	General
	Easy install for new applications, applets, and personalization
	Operating system updates available over the Internet
	Web Browsing
	Browser based on Mozilla technology with state-of-the-art web standard support including AJAX
	Page navigation with scrolling, panning or using hardware buttons, zooming in and out of web sites.
	Full desktop Adobe Flash 9 plugin, including video and audio streaming
	Media
	In-built media player for viewing and listening to downloaded, transfered or streamed media content and easy-on-device management of media library
	Direct access to shared media over Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)
	Supported video formats: 3GP, AVI, WMV, MP4, H263, H.264, MPEG-1, MPEG-4, RV (RealVideo)
	Supported audio formats: MP3, WMA, AAC, AMR, AWB, M4A, MP2, RA (RealAudio), WAV
	Supported playlist formats: M3U, PLS, ASX, WAX, WVX, WPL
	Communications
	Internet messaging and calling with video
	Effortless and automated presence and contacts application for centralizing communication tasks
	SIP support and interoperability with industry standard services
	Map
	Map application with pre-loaded maps including points of interests
	Premium services available on purchase including Wayfinder navigation
	E-mail
	Browser access to familiar webmail services
	E-mail application for personal e-mail usage with IMAP, STMP, and POP3 support
	Images
	Full-screen image viewing and slideshow functionality
	Supported Image formats: BMP, GIF, ICI, JPE, JPEG, PNG, TIF/TIFF, SVG, Tiny, WBMP
	RSS Reader
	Reader for subscribing, managing and keeping up-to date with web feeds
	Support for RSS 1.0/2.0 and Atom 1.0
	Utilities
	File manager
	PDF reader
	Clock
	Games chess, blocks, mahjong and marbles
	Backup and restore
	Input Methods
	HW keyboard, full screen finger keyboard and on-screen keyboard
	Find out more about OS2008
	Package Contents
	Standard Sales Package Contents
	Nokia N810 Internet Tablet RX-44
	Nokia Battery BP-4L
	Nokia Stereo Headset HS-48
	Nokia Travel Charger AC-4
	Nokia Car Holder CR-89
	Pouch CP-223
	Nokia Connectivity Cable CA-101
	Get started guide
	Safety, warranty and other product information booklet

About The Navigon Pocket Loox N100

2007-12-07T11:55:00.000-07:00

One of the N100's most impressive features is its size. Measuring just 3.5 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches (L x W x H), it fits easily in the palm -- quite impressive when you consider how much is loaded into its diminutive package. The bright, 2.8-inch touchscreen offered great clarity indoors, but was quickly washed out in bright sunlight. A small slot on top accepts MicroSD media, and the included 2 GB card contains complete mapping and points of interest data for the U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii), Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Product Features

Brilliant, 2.8-inch QVGA display with a color-transmissive TFT LCD touch screen provides stunning 3D maps
Pre-loaded maps of the entire US and Canada, with predictive text, lane indications, speed information and brand icons
Includes a digital music player, photo viewer, video player and retro games for entertainment
Integrated SiRFstar III GPS receiver, built-in mini SD card slot, and rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Weighs 3.9 ounces, measures 3.5 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches (W x H x D), and is backed by a manufacturer's limited 2-year warranty

Technical Details

Model Number: 10000100
Operating system: Microsoft Windows CE 5.0 Core Version
Processor: Samsung 300 MHz
Memory: 64 MB RAM
Expansion slot: Mini SD card (up to 2 GB)
GPS receiver: SiRFstarIII
Display: 2.8-inch QVGA color transflective TFT touchscreen, 240 x 320 pixels, 64k colors
Navigation software: Navigon MobileNavigator|
Map coverage: US, Canada, Puerto Rico
Interfaces: 1 x speaker, 1 x 3.5-millimeter headphone jack, 1 x Mini USB 1.1 (USB cable included)
Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (exchangeable), AC adapter and car charger included
Power supply: 110 to 240 V
Audio file playback: MP3, AAC, WMA
Dimensions: 2.4 x 3.5 x 0.6 inches / 62 x 89 x 16 millimeters (W x H x D)
Weight: 3.9 ounces / 110 grams

Prices are all over on this model and it is not featured on the company web site. I found the best selection at eBay and you can also try Amazon as well.

> Find the best deal on the Navigon Pocket Loox N100

Sex and The City Wraps Filming, Movie Trailer Ready

2007-12-07T03:40:00.000-07:00

It's a wrap! New Line Cinema has confirmed that movie adaptation of the hit TV show 'Sex and The City' has finished filming in New York, with a release date penned in for next summer.

Cast and crew members celebrated the completion of the film by holding a party at the Royalton Hotel's Brasserie, according to the New York Post.

All four stars - Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Kim Cattrall and Cynthia Nixon - were in attendance.

Rumours about the film have been rife since filming began in September with pictures published from the film sets showing Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Carrie, in a wedding dress, and Charlotte (Kirsten Davis) sporting a pregnant bump.

Chris Noth, Mario Cantone and Willie Garson all reprised their roles in the adaptation, while 'Dreamgirls' star Jennifer Hudson joined the cast as Carrie's assistant.

Source: rte.ie

Watch the trailer here:

> Find Sex and The City on DVD

Mortgage Rate Freeze May Help Homeowners, But There's A Catch

2007-12-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

Just read about the proposed mortgage rate freeze that will be announced by President Bush today. Interesting plan, but watch out, it will only work if payments are made on time. Here's more on the proposal.

WASHINGTON — President Bush this afternoon will announce a plan to freeze interest rates for five years for thousands of strapped homeowners whose mortgages were scheduled to rise in the coming months.

The proposal would freeze introductory “teaser” rates on subprime mortgages, preventing them from resetting to higher rates for five years. A few details of the administration plan have been revealed:

-- The rate freeze will apply to loans made at the start of 2005 through July 30 of this year and will cover loans that had been scheduled to rise to higher rates between Jan. 1, 2008, and July 31, 2010.

-- Mortgage companies will offer to freeze the loans at the lower introductory rates as long as the borrowers did not miss any payments at the lower rate.

White House deputy press secretary Tony Fratto said the plan would help “potentially a little more than a million” people who can afford payments with their introductory rates, but not if they jump to higher rates.

Release of the plan will come after news earlier today that home foreclosures surged to an all-time high in the July-September period. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that the percentage of all mortgages that started the foreclosure process in the third quarter jumped to a record 0.78 percent, surpassing the previous record of 0.65 percent of all mortgages in the second quarter.

In Indiana, about 13,000 subprime home loans were in foreclosure in June, or nearly 9.4 percent of all subprime loans statewide, a rate exceeded throughout the country only by Michigan and Ohio. Payments were past due on another 21,000 subprime loans, reports the Mortgage Bankers Association.

While foreclosures and bankruptcies related to subprime loans continue to hobble the nine-county metro Indianapolis area, the troubles here are not expected to be more severe in 2008 than in 2007, market researcher Global Insight said after releasing a study last month.

The administration’s effort is aimed at stemming a further tidal wave of foreclosures in coming years as 2 million subprime mortgages — loans provided to borrowers with spotty credit histories — reset from their introductory rates of around 7 percent to 8 percent to levels as high as 11 percent, adding hundreds of dollars to the typical monthly payment.

Source: IndyStar.com

Gorilla Blocks, Fun, Educational for Toddlers

2007-12-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

Gorilla Blocks are large, new building blocks for highly curious and creative toddlers. Made for tiny hands and provide stimulation and logic development, Gorilla Blocks toys are large in size, but light in weight. Bright in color, durable, non-toxic, weatherproof and simple to use. Gorilla Blocks are the perfect introductory building blocks for young kids.

Gorilla Blocks huge colorful building blocks provide a world of gigantic fun as toddlers experience the fascination of building them up and knocking them down. With the interlock feature, toddlers not only begin to develop their logical sense of judgment, but giggle uncontrollably as mommy and daddy excitedly cheer them on as they connect each big piece. Vibrantly colored orange, blue, lime green and multi-colored blocks in all different sizes, shapes and themes will keep toddlers enthusiastically entertained for hours by building a variety of imaginative creations! With the nifty weatherproof factor, Gorilla Blocks building blocks can double the fun by allowing toddlers to play in the house, outside in the backyard, at the beach, or all year-round on family vacations. Because Gorilla Blocks toys are so durable and mindfully non-toxic, toddlers are completely safe to play alone or with their playmates, bumping into or throwing them at one another – to even gnawing on them as they go through the teething age without ever getting hurt. Physical exercise, coupled with mental exhilaration make Gorilla Blocks classic interactive building blocks for toddlers.

Read more...

Source: DrToy.org

Talking About The Motorola H555

2007-12-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

The Motorola H555 is creating a buzz, especially this holiday season. Here are some reasons why.

The Motorola Bluetooth® Headset H555 offers personal comfort and powerful performance. The H55 wireless headset has an ergonomic, lightweight design that includes interchangeable ear hooks for a secure fit. The elevated speaker rests comfortably close to the ear to deliver outstanding voice clarity in the latest Bluetooth wireless technology.

Features:

Comfortable even in extended use. Lightweight design to fit your ear
Outstanding audio quality. Elevated speaker rests close to your ear delivering loud audio
Up to 8 hours talk time or 8 days standby time. Up to 33 ft (10 meter) wireless range with your compatible Bluetooth enabled phone
Integrated power switch makes it easy to change between your compatible Bluetooth enabled phone and your headset

Source: Motorola

Find The Motorola H555

'Follow Your Heart' Charm Watch Jewelry By Dufonte

2007-12-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

The brilliant 'Follow Your Heart' women's charm watch is from Dufonte by Lucien Piccard. A popular holiday gift, here is a little more detail:

Women's timepiece is brass in silvertone
Dufonte watch has a round bezel
Heart shape charm watch with Swarovski crystal (74 pieces)
Stainless steel case back
Mineral crystal
Japanese movement
Silver dial with dots and markers
Silvertone hands
Curved bar with 10 Swarovski crystal as a center point
Design bracelet with fold over buckle
25 mm wide
Bracelet: 8 mm wide x 7.5 inches long

Here's what some had to say about the 'Follow Your Heart' Charm Watch recently:

Rich looks, cheap price, Nov 1, 2007 from Philadelphia, PA - 5 out of 5 Rating
I bought this item for my wife after reading positive revieiws about this item being stunning for the price you pay . Thanks to all those who reviewed the prodcut, I did not regret my purchase . If you want to surprise someone , this is certainly a MUST BUY

very pretty, Nov 12, 2007 from Anaheim, Ca - 5 out of 5 Rating

I got the watch for my sister's birthday. It was really beautiful, and my sister loved it.

It's currently available during the holiday 10% off jewelry and watch sale at Overstock and 91% off the regular price. Looks like a real bargain and a great holiday gift for the special women in your life. Happy holidays!

Perfect Gift For Zuners, Altec Lansing M604

2007-12-06T03:25:00.000-07:00

Recently featured on Woot and a popular gift for all those Zune users!

Altec Lansing M604

Built-in dock plays lets you play your Microsoft-Zune directly through speakers. Fill your living room with sound. Your Zune is ideal when you're on the go. But when you're hanging around the house, wouldn't it be great to fill the room - any room - with incredible sound? Introducing the Altec Lansing M604 powered audio system.

Features:

High-Definition Audio – Digital amplification delivers powerful sound from a compact system.
Clean, Crisp Sound – Four specially engineered full-range neodymium speakers smoothly deliver a full spectrum of pure, distinct sound.
Surprisingly Deep Bass – XdB bass-enhancement technology creates deep bass without a subwoofer.
Wireless Remote and Built-in Controls – Zune and speaker functions (play, forward, back, volume, bass, treble, and stand-by) are at your fingertips. Just sit back and enjoy!
Easy to Use – Built-in universal dock allows data transfer and recharges Zune.
Elegant, Wall-mountable Design – Looks great in your living room or mounted on wall.
Composite Video Output for Zune video – Enables you to play your Zune videos on most TVs (cable not included.)
Universal MP3 Cradle – Allows you to place other MP3 players front and center (cable included.)
Headphone Jack – For private listening.

Specifications:

Sound pressure level (SPL): 100 dB
Total continuous power: 60 Watts RMS
System response: 60 Hz – 20 kHz (-10 dB)
Signal to noise ratio: @ 1kHz input: > 70 dB
Drivers: Two 3” full-range drivers and two silkdome 1” tweeters.

Dimensions:

14” (W) x 5.4” (D) x 8.2” (H)
(354 mm (W) x 137 mm (D) x 208 mm (H))

In the box:

M604 Speaker System
Wireless remote
Universal MP3 cradle
3.5mm stereo cable
Power supply
User’s guide and quick connect