Global Warming Might be Real but is Global Flooding the Result

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Global warming may be a reality that we all have to face a day-to-day basis from this date on until the future for many hundreds of years.  However just because the globe is warming that does not necessarily indicate that the planet will flood or the shorelines will go up several feet over the next few years.  Please understand I'm not discounting the potential, however it's not an automatic result to assume and I am definitely not discounting many of the other tragic results that might stem from global warming.

What I am trying to say is that global warming doesn't necessarily mean that you or I need to give up on real estate marketing in areas such as the Gulf Coast or the coastlines.

In essence that's my roundabout way of introducing our sponsor customermagnetism.com they provide marketing real estate agents with search engine marketing results to help connect home shoppers with real estate agents.  The world may be going to heck in a handbasket but that doesn't mean that you don't need a place to live while he goes there and in the age of the Internet that also means that you need help in finding the right people to find you that home!

Britain Between Iraq and a Iran Place

The United States may be embroiled in a quagmire in Iraq, however Great Britain was the first to fall into that nasty place in between.  The capture of British soldiers on a boat in international waters creates an extremely ugly situation that will probably escalate into a much greater conflict in the Middle East.

I am not at all hopeful for a positive reconciliation in this situation.  As the soldiers were captured Iran was receiving the wrath of the United Nations with increases in the sanctions against them for their unwillingness to obey the rules set forth by the UN regarding nuclear proliferation.  Iran really didn't want to listen to anyone, and they have engaged repeatedly and rhetoric that shows an intent to escalate problems as opposed to reconcile and build better relationships.  Iran has been sponsoring terrorists and guerrillas in Iraq to great effect in essence copying the US strategy of funding guerrillas in Afghanistan which Russia might have referred to as terrorist 20 years ago.

From Iran's perspective no matter how irrational that is, they feel that an escalation only serves to help them improve their status and their wealth in the world.  They do not fully comprehend the structure that might come upon them if they wore were to break out.  They have had 27 years to reflect on their takeover of the country and they feel indestructible.  The price they paid for the takeover was extremely low and they are just now approaching the point where they might actually have to pay a long unpaid bill.  Ignorance of the true cost they are walking forward blindly charging up more expenses as they go.

Good Riddance to David Hicks

For good or for bad David Hicks is going home to Australia.  He's been locked up in Guantánamo Bay for a number of years held by US forces as a terrorist.  He's now going home to Australia where he'll serve an additional nine months term before he'll be able to walk free again.

Personally I'm happy to see the guy go.  I have a suspicion that he will probably be somewhat of a media sensation upon his release from prison.  However I don't doubt that is future will probably end up being rather bleak.

It strikes me that he was likely a terrorist, but holding him under the circumstances that the United States helped him has made him a bit of a pariah.  Personally I'm happy to remove that pariah status and send them packing.  He can now go home and live out his life as the loser he was before we picked them up.

More Bad News for the Bush Team

Tony Snow delivered more bad news to the nation today, however it wasn't in regards to the current administration. Snow, who believed he had successfully battled colon cancer two years ago, delivered the somber news that the cancer has spread to his liver and elsewhere.

President Bush made a brief statement to reporters at the White House that Snow is in good spirits and is optimistic he will be back reporting on the decisions of the administration. President Bush also sent a message to Snow, "Stay strong; a lot of people love you and care for you and will pray for you." The news of White House Spokesman Tony Snow comes days after primary candidate John Edward’s wife announced her cancer had spread.

Line Up the Candidates for Branding

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As we have almost 2 dozen presidential candidates are running for the highest office in this political season, it is almost appropriate to call them are herd and as such we might need to identify which of the candidates belong to each of the ranchers, the Democrats or the Republicans hence the need to line them up and brand them.

That may sound a little crazy but in reality, presidential candidates are working to brand themselves.  They are marketing themselves and pinching themselves their names and their images and everything about them from bumper stickers to throw a hat's poster boards online websites and more.  Our sponsor Brand identity Guru Inc. provides Branding Agency services according to their latest press release.  They don't use hot irons to sear the message into the hide but they use the modern-day equivalent of getting the message across to the intended recipients.

Troubled Waters

Tony Blair issued a statement earlier this week in response to the detainment of 15 British sailors by Iran. The Prime Minister Blair was stern and mentioned that Britain would pursue a "different phase" if the detainees were not released in a timely fashion. Blair would go on to say that they are currently attempting to resolve the issue by keeping all diplomatic channels open, and that Tehran needs to understand the sailors must be released and that there is no justification to their being held.

Today is the fourth day the sailors have been held captive by Iran. The abduction comes at a time of heightened tensions between the coalition and Iran, and also with Iranian President Ahmadinejad at the United Nations in New York.

Another Tangled Webb

In regards to the arrest of his top aide on weapons charges, Virginia Senator Jim Webb called the incident unfortunate. Phillip Thompson will be charged for one felony and two misdemeanors for the incident that took place just outside the Senate office building. Webb went on further to state that it is a shame what happened to Thompson, but that he had no idea how he managed to procure the firearm.

Senator Webb who has a concealed gun permit in Virginia, about to board a plane for New Orleans, left the weapon with aides. The Virginia Senator also mentioned that there was some confusion before the trip regarding transportation and that may've led to Thompson coming into possession of the weapon. The Senator when asked why he carried the weapon responded, "to be able to defend myself and my family."

Presidential Candidates Might Need New Web Marketing Services

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The presidential candidates had a bad week this week online.  Senator Edwards had his second life offices defaced, John McCain had is myspace page sabotaged while Hillary and Obama were both in turn put onto a commercial for 1984 on the YouTube site.

Maybe they need to connect up with our sponsor Dallas Web services that provides dallas internet marketing . If they connect up with maybe some new Web marketing managers in my deal will avoid some of these problems in complex that are leaving it on their face.  Our sponsor provides full service web development, web design, and Web marketing for clients in the Dallas area and around the country according to their latest press release.

Hillary to Campaign In South Park

Hillary Clinton will be dropping into the fictional Colorado town of South Park Wednesday night to do a little campaigning with Stan, Eric, Kyle and Kenny. That's right, the primary hopeful will be featured on the popular cartoon South Park. Although Clinton did not give authorization to the producers to use her voice and likeness, that will not stop the controversial Trey Parker and Matt Stone.

Mrs. Clinton has been the subject of a number of attacks the past few weeks; the most notable was the Apple Computer 1984 knockoff that came courtesy of the Barack Obama camp.

United Nations Bomb Threat

Security at the United Nations headquarters in New York was stepped up this week due to reports of a bomb threat. According to an anonymous diplomat, the United States Customs and Immigration Service received a bomb threat via telephone this morning. The threat, which has been described as a car bombing, was to take place at approximately 10am and was to involve two backpacks full of grenades.

The 39 story building on First Avenue was not evacuated, however police activity in the area was excessive and patrols were clearly visible throughout the area. This isn't the first time the U.N. building has been threatened. After the WTC bombing in 1993 the building was labeled as a terrorist target, the building was subsequently evacuated in 2001 during and after the 9-11 attacks and once again shortly after in lieu of the anthrax attacks.

The Future Former Attorney General Should Take a Trip

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Maybe the best thing for this country this time might be for our future former Attorney General Gonzalez to take a nice all inclusive Mexico vacation and forget about all the trouble of these caused as our Attorney General.  That might be the best thing for the Republican Party to have they want to avoid future political fallout from a person has been extremely polarizing over the last seven years.

Fortunately our sponsor vacations.net provides vacation packages that would fit the bill perfectly.  They've recently launched a new online web system that can even save in dollars or taxpayers for that matter up to 50% off their trips according to a recent press release.  An all-inclusive trip would be very beneficial because we would have to worry about González cranking up a huge alcohol tab at taxpayers expense.  He could get some rest and come back all prepared to testify in front of Congress or a weight prosecution!

Getting the Geeks tools to Avoid Gridlock

Our website year as somewhat of a dual purpose.  We talk about gridlock here.  Typically we talk about the gridlock that we see in politics, and on occasion we talk about the physical gridlock that we experience in the world is rapidly filling up with too many people.  The two problems are somewhat related as bad politics leads to more physical congestion, and too much physical congestion leads to complicated politics.

I'd like to share with you a great list of Web 2.0 technology tools compiled for geeks to use, but built in such a way that anybody can really use them.  You don't have to be an Einstein to really use these great Web 2.0 tips.

You might wonder what Web 2.0 is?  It's basically a website designed to synthesize multiple sources of information in a way that emulates how your brain would work if it had all that information.  Or to put it differently, they attempt to answer the questions that you're going to ask before you ask them and then provide you that information.

A website called vroomvroomvroom.com put together this great list of 25 Web 2.0 tools that can make it easier for you to get around in the world.  They will help you with local travel as well as international travel, they help you avoid the bad restaurants that might kill you if you're traveling internationally and they help you avoid the traffic gridlock that might kill you from a heart attack or from a traffic accident.  And it sounds a little extreme they also does help you make your life little bit easier! 

Regardless there's that only some very useful tools here and some great examples of how technology is advancing to the point where it can make your life easier.  Technology can solve all of our problems and never will however they can simplify something to technology and that can help us focus on the more important things in life.

Delay and the Cleansing Process

Former House Majority Leader Tom Delay, in a recently released book, has accused leaders of the 1994 Republican leadership of squandering their victory through ineffective leadership. Delay would go on to hurl insults at other politicians such as Newt Gingrich and Dick Armey.

Bill Clinton was referred to as "slimy" and even President Bush caught the admiration of Delay. Being labeled as "compassionate, but certainly not conservative". Delay, who resigned last June in lieu of money laundering charges in Texas, has described his new book as a cleansing process.

Virginia Politics and Dental Care

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Anyone savvy about politics today is aware that politicians need to have a charismatic appearance.  They need to exude health and vitality.  Candidates that have hyped advantages, a full head of hair, and good teeth will attract more voters than candidates that do not.

Our sponsor Hayfield Dental Care recently provided a release describing their many years of service in the Virginia area.  They have operated in Alexandria since 1987 providing dental care both of a general nature, as well as family and cosmetic dentistry.  They provide services for both children, adults and for politicians.

If you are a politician preparing to run for office in 2008, you need every advantage that you can develop, and expressing a convincing smile with attractive looking teeth will definitely be a factor that may not be analyzed on CNN, but will make a difference. 

After all you don't want to scare that baby when you kiss it do you?

Gore Snarls Traffic with over half million letters - including mine!

On Wednesday, Al Gore called on congress to take action in regards to global climate change. Gore also pronounced that the framework has already been laid down and that all we need is to begin. The former vice-president, turned authority on environmental issues, suggested that the United States show "real leadership" and bring other developing nations into the solution such as China and India. Gore calls for an immediate freeze on greenhouse gas emissions, which have been intimately tied to climate change.

Al Gore, truly an enigmatic figure in politics, currently holds considerable support for a run at the Democratic nomination despite his announcement to refrain from the race.

Giving Politicians a 360 degree review

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Our sponsor Appraisal360.co.uk recently provided a press release describing their new innovative approach to providing 360° reviews.  The assembly taken a great idea often sold by high-priced consultants for or hundreds of thousands of dollars, and converted it into a simple web-based software solution.

With their new service small medium large organizations even government bodies can take advantage of the benefits of working with a 360 degree feedback and appraisal system.  This can be employed with individuals typically but in a governmental situation it could even be employed with contractors.

The concept is simple but basically hinges on the concept that you shouldn't put all your eggs in one reviewers basket.  One person is not going to have all the perspective necessary or all of the information available to make a complete review you need a sample that provides a better representation from all of the stakeholders and people that receive help assistance or work product from a person in an organization.

Al Gore's Message to Congress on March 21 - Send Your Message Along

I disagree with Al Gore on many issues and did not vote for him in 2000.  I happen to believe however that his view on cleaning up the environment (regardless of the potential peril) is the right one.  He is delivering a message to Congress this week and you can sign on to a message that he will deliver from 350,000 people around the country.

 

Dear Friends,

On March 21st, I will testify before Congress on the immediate action that needs to be taken to end the climate crisis. At the hearing, I will deliver the 294,374 messages you signed, demonstrating that hundreds of thousands of people share my sense of urgency.

If an additional 55,626 people sign our message, it will be as though 350,000 of us are there at the hearing expressing our determination to convince Congress to act. Having served in the House and Senate, I can tell you that members of these committees would find this to be a meaningful and impressive show of support.

There are only 5 days left before the hearings begin, so please do not pass up this opportunity to join in showing the broad public support we need in order to solve the climate crisis. I know you have friends or family who care deeply about this issue but have yet to sign our message to Congress.

Ask them to help fill that committee room with 350,000 messages by visiting:

http://www.algore.com/cards.html

The reason Congress has so far failed to act is not because there are no solutions to the problem. Nor is it because the majority doesn't believe that the climate crisis is real. They have failed to act, because they have not yet faced a sufficient expression of political will on the part of the American people demanding they confront our climate crisis head on. You and I know that political will is a renewable resource, and enough already exists to start solving this crisis. We just have to communicate that forcefully to the political leaders of our country.

In the last two weeks alone 101,673 people visited AlGore.com and signed our message to Congress. This is an incredible demonstration of the energy behind this issue.

In my testimony, of course, I will speak about the scientific evidence for global warming - just reiterated six weeks ago by the world's scientists in the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. But frankly, the debate on the science has long been over - except for a diminishing number of skeptics and deniers.

At this point, it is far more important to deliver your message about the urgency with which this crisis must be faced. Political leaders need to know that you intend to reward those who do the right thing and that you will work to replace those who do not.

That's why it's vital we fill up the hearing room with 350,000 messages.

Please ask your friends to sign our message to Congress today by visiting:

http://www.algore.com/cards.html

Together we are building a movement that has the potential to translate your strong feelings into effective change for our country. And we all know that when the United States changes - and offers leadership - the entire world will follow.

Thank you,

Al Gore

Senior Senator John McCain on the Stump in NH

Presidential hopeful John McCain was in the Granite State over the weekend campaigning on a grassroots level. Senator McCain, who was in high spirits, wasted no time in drawing a distinction between both he and contending Democrats. McCain, quite popular in New Hampshire, soundly defeated President Bush in this battleground state during the 2000 Republican primary with his patented "straight talk express" tour.

Senator McCain acknowledged his support for President Bush's plan, while making mention of the near dozen plans of Democrat's to "kill people then leave". McCain went on to suggest that the partisan politics should be brought to an end so that a consensus can be reached.

Senator McCain took the opportunity to draw a distinction between fellow primary contender Mitt Romney on the abortion issue. McCain was quick to mention that he has held a documented pro-life stance whereas Romney has flip-flopped over the issue of late. McCain did have a "Senior Moment" over the weekend when he stated the importance of keeping Massachusetts as first in the nation instead of New Hampshire.

Gifting Easter Baskets

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Mentioned in a recent press release, GourmetGiftBaskets.com offers not only a wide range of gourmet chocolate, candies and mints, but also the ability to fully customize any basket to meet any customer specifications. Offering a wide variety of gourmet products at affordable prices, give your loved ones a memory they'll cherish, give them an Easter basket from GourmetGiftBaskets.com.

MySpace Political Channel

With so many candidates joining the race digitally this year, Myspace the popular social networking site has created their own political channel. The website which already draws in over 60 million users will feature links to pages of ten primary contenders from both parties.

Candidates of late have pledged to make use of the internet to reach as many voters as possible. This primary season several candidates have made use of the internet by announcing their candidacy, running ads and even interactive forums creating a sort of cyber space town hall meeting.

Myspace's entry into the world of politics will give candidates face time that they would otherwise had to invest significant time and campaign dollars in. In addition to reaching the core constituency, this venture will undoubtedly help bring forward the "youth vote", which will prove invaluable to many candidates, Democrats in particular. It comes as no surprise that Democratic heavyweights Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards have used the internet to announce their candidacy as well as garner nationwide support.

Bush, "All I got for St Patrick's day was a bowl of Shamrocks." I picked the wrong time to give up Alcohol

President Bush met with Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern on St. Patrick’s Day at the White House. In a discussion that ranged from air transport to the middle-east conflict, Bush took the opportunity to push his guest worker program. Ahern echoed the President's beliefs in a guest worker program saying that there are approximately 50-70,000 illegal Irish immigrants in the country and that this program will take them from the shadows and allow the light of a great nation to shine down upon them.

President Bush said Saturday "Irish Americans remind us of our heritage as a nation of immigrants and our duty to remain a welcoming society". President Bush would go on to point out that the Irish have a proud history in America and that nine of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were Irish. In addition there are also over 34 million Americans who claim Irish ancestry.

In a gesture of goodwill and warm relations, Prime Minister Ahern presented President Bush with a bowl of shamrocks.

The president has been plagued by extremely negative approval ratings, and it's likely that over the same patties Day holiday that he wish some of his recent political scandals could have just gone away, and absent that maybe could just take a few minutes to lose him self in a nice mode of green beer.

Up and Down the Credit Coaster

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Over the years I've been up and down the credit roller coaster.  In general I've always made positive progress towards building and refining my credit.  Some years I had very good credit when my income or revenue was down in some years I had credit that was stalling when my revenue or income was up.

Regardless of the scenarios I was tension and I was work to maintain that credit.  It's not something that I enjoy doing but I look at it as a necessity just like doing laundry or taking out the trash.  Maintaining good credit is a function very similar to keeping up with your bills.

Recently a great deal of attention has been brought politically towards the major credit card companies and banks in the United States and the United Kingdom.  Reform is in the air and it would appear that many legislators are finally starting to look at removing some of the problems that have led towards predatory lending.

One of the things that we all must do to ensure that we maintain good credit, is to get rid of Bad Credit Credit Cards. Matter how good your credit is it's likely that at some point in time or another you're going to end up with a credit card that goes bad on you.  Just like a sour grape, a credit card can go from being one of your favorites and most trusted cards with great deals and traffic rewards to being one of your highest interest rate cards with terrible looking penalties and no other benefits.  When that happens you need to make every effort to get rid of that credit card.

Tip!

For whatever reason that card is gone bad on the vine and you need to search out a better grape.  Go find yourself a better credit card with better rates and better rewards and start fresh again.  Beware that doesn't a surly mean that you should cancel your account that old credit card, as that could have a negative impact on your credit score.  It's usually best to keep that old credit card open which increases your available credit and decreases the percentage of your debt outstanding compared to your credit limit.  That's a positive indicator for your credit score.

Does General Pace's Comments Fail to Support Gay Brigade in Iraq?

The statement issued by Pace earlier this week regarding homosexual acts as immoral and unwelcome has brought down a firestorm of criticism. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) announced today that he supports the remarks of Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace.

Senator Brownback said that he doesn't believe being homosexual is immoral, however he does believe that the acts in themselves are. He went on to say that someone in General Pace's position should be expected to have strong views on many moral issues. Senator Brownback has been a favorite of the religious right for his opposition to the gay marriage issue.

Regardless of the general stance on moral issues, his comments raise the question of whether or not he can maintain the support of the troops underneath of him.  The current policy is "don't ask, don't tell."  That means that it's perfectly okay to be gay in the military, even to engage in physical acts of homosexuality.  His comments essentially alienate him from the gay troops serving in Iraq today and the troops that support those gay troops.

As a former soldier I don't know what those numbers might be today, however based on my experience in the military I would suspect that number is so more near to one in 40 soldiers.  That would be the equivalent of about 3000 soldiers serving in Iraq.

That number is about the size of a Brigade.  Plus that number does not include any of the outsourced soldiers, the private contractors serving in Iraq.  In essence General pace's remarks could diminish his support amongst a brigade sized element of gay troops in Iraq.

Regardless of his personal views about the morality of homosexual acts, General pace is first concern should have been to maintain the morale of the troops to serve beneath them.  His comments in essence has subverted the more I'll the troops, and run counter to current White House policy even if that policy was set under the former Commander in Chief.

Lip Products Applied in Layers offer more Protection

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Our sponsor DivaBeautyProducts.com has recently provide a release discussing their excellent Senegence products. They been providing senegence products since 2003 for almost four years now. They have developed a reputation for lip protection products that can be combined in multiple layers, establishing multiple layers of protection in multiple colors.

The ingredients in their senegence product line are FDA approved, and they offer many business opportunities to individuals, small businesses and other entrepreneurs.

The multi-layers provide extra depth of color, extra depth of protection, and an extra perception of gloss. These extra layers also increase the duration that the protection and beauty will last on lips.

Presidential Candidate Bill Richardson to Legalize Medicinal Marijuana

Democratic primary hopeful Bill Richardson announced today that he would sign legislation legalizing medicinal marijuana in New Mexico. Although Richardson acknowledged the signing of the bill could lead to issues during the presidential race, he said although it will be risky, it's the right thing to do.

Richardson who is trailing significantly in the primary hopes to do what he believes is right for people who are suffering. Being advised by the administration not to support the bill, Richardson said “My God, lets be reasonable." It is unclear whether Richardson will gain any ground in the primary with this controversial signing.

Featured above is Governor Bill Richardson with Virgin CEO and billionaire, Sir Richard Branson, who some people claim is a marijuana advocate.

Hillary on Homosexuality

In another instance of a politician sidestepping the issues, Hillary Clinton successfully deflected the issue of homosexuality in the armed services. In response to Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Peter Pace's remarks earlier this week stating that "homosexuality is immoral" and has no place in the military, Senator Clinton stated Wednesday evening that she would leave that for others to conclude.

Thus far in Hillary Clinton's campaign she has managed to sidestep many issues that would cause her to define her candidacy. Later on in the evening a representative from Clinton's campaign stated that Clinton "obviously" disagrees with Pace's statement however she doesn't with to "inject" her personal beliefs into the campaign.

 

Technorati tags: military, gays in military, don't ask don't tell Clinton v2.0, General Pace

Is Your Enterprise Protecting Your Passwords with more than a Paper Policy?

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The majority of the world runs on UNIX and Linux systems when it comes to go financial and human resources applications.  IT departments these days have to have complete programs and processes to deal with Password Management.  Their policies have to cover rights and processes to ensure that the appropriate people get access to the appropriate levels so they can get the job done without increasing the risk of violating controls.

Our sponsor Symark software recently provided a release detailing their new power broker and power password -- UME identity management and access control software solutions.  Their new software provides a robust enterprise class solution for enterprises running HP Integrity Servers and the HP -- UX space 11i v3 operating system.

President Bush’s Tour of Compassion

President Bush wrapped up his Latin American tour this week in Mexico with a visit to Mexican President Felipe Calderon. President Bush and Calderon discussed a variety of topics, however immigration reform and drug trafficking would be the central issues during the last stop of the tour.

President Bush used this opportunity to send a message to the Mexican people as well as those in Congress back home. The President pledged to Calderon and to the Mexican people that he will work as hard as possible to make comprehensive immigration reform a reality. Bush went on to say that not only would this policy strengthen ties with the Mexican people, but will also strengthen both countries security.

Sylvester Stallone Charged for Doping in Australia

Will Rocky's title fights be Disqualified?

Sylvester Stallone was charged with possession of human growth hormone drugs in Australia.  He flew into the country on his private jet, signed a document indicating that he was not bringing in any band or illegal substances, and x-rays promptly identified as luggage is holding several vials of an unknown substance.

Authorities allowed him to go to his hotel room while they conducted additional tests on the vials.  The vials were found to contain a drug known as Jintropin, the drug with an active ingredient is human growth hormone.  Authorities then what traveled to his hotel to charge the actor, and upon their root arrival they witnessed several members of his entourage tossing things out the windows that were not later identified and reports.

Stallone's attorney has requested an additional six weeks to prepare a defense for the actor.  He faces a fine of $22,000 if he's found guilty.  There were 48 vials of the substance in his luggage.

As people age their bodies stop producing human growth hormone, and human growth hormone drugs can provide the ability to put put on and and keep muscle mass.  It can give users the appearance of usefulness.  Side effects include enlarged hands feet and jaws.  Stallone has denied use of performance enhancing drugs over the years.

Uproar in Hollywood over Doping? - Not Likely Under Democrats

Congress spun a lot of wheels investigating allegations and charges of doping in professional sports including baseball.  Hollywood has had a much longer history of providing actors with performance-enhancing drugs.  Child actors of the 30s and 40s were routinely provided with amphetaminesIn other drugs to keep them working 20 hours a day.It would not be surprising if CongressUse this latest international charge to launch an investigationIn two doping in Hollywood.

However Democrats are very popular in Hollywood these days.Democrats also do not have the same goals that Republicans didA few years ago.  The RepublicansLaunched a number of investigations into dopingIn part to distract Americans from some of the larger global issuesIn the world including Osama bin Laden who still remained at large when President Bush made the cleanup of baseball a priority.

Democrats do not need that type of distraction nor do they want to ruffle any feathers amongst their friends, fundraisers  and potential donors in Hollywood.

So this particular issue will probably Sly--de under the radar.

Investing in Gold or Collecting Gold Coins

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Many people are often confused about how to invest in gold. Gold is a precious metal and can be traded on any open market. That does not mean that you can walk in the door caring a gold coin and and sell at market prices to a trader that just happens to walk by.

Our sponsor, the Monex deposit Company, once people to know the value of investing in gold. They offer many services relating to precious metals, from purchasing to storage trading and more. Any significant purchase or expenditures should always include investigation up front.

The best way to invest in gold is through a company that can hold him protect the gold for you as an asset providing you the ability to trade on the markets. If you want to collect gold coins for example, that's an entirely different thing. Collecting gold coins falls into several different categories and I'm only going to mention a couple. There are historical gold coins minted by an actual mint controedl by a government. And you can buy gold coin s minted by private companies that feature artistic renderings that sometimes look like gold coins minted by an actual government mint.

Gold coins with historical value, can develop extra value above and beyond the weight of the goal. If you own a gold coin from the ancient Roman Empire, it's going to have historical value in addition to the value of the actual goal. It would be unlikely for you to melt down that gold into a different form.

If you purchase a commemorative gold coin, say an artistic rendering of a coin from a recent event such as the Olympics or a space shuttle launch, or a presidential election, or some other historical event. In the near term this will not have much historical volume because it just happened. Several hundred years from now, it may have some historical value but that cannot be assured. 500 years from now goal they have no value at all if for example massive gold deposits are discovered on Mars. No one knows the future.

FCC Working to Censor Your Next 150 Channels of Nothing On Right away

The FCC cannot wait to start censoring your cable lineup.  Over the last two years the FCC has been on a rampage to censor TV.  After many years of turning a blind eye to the evolution of TV and language, the FCC started to jump in to the TV industry and has been doing a relatively poor job of it cents.

The problem is that for good or for bad the American public and the international TV industry has fundamentally changed since the 50s the 60s and the 70s.

The FCC has been losing several notorious battles regarding the public use of the F bomb on TV.  Now it's licking its wounds little bit and working to attack violence on cable.  The new attacks seem to be a bit of a waste of time and money as the FCC is unlikely to win the legal battles necessary to keep these types of regulations through a Supreme Court review.  The Supreme Court has been consistently against the idea of censorship due to indecency.

The problem that the Supreme Court always get stuck on is that indecent language to one party could be free-speech to another.  Add into this concept the idea that cable is a private enterprise as opposed to the public airwaves and the legal quagmire starts to look a lot more expensive for taxpayers that would have to foot the legal bills through all of the lawsuits and appeals all the way up to the Supreme Court.

It would appear that the head of the FCC is just using the bully pulpit of the FCC and these potential legal battles to make a bigger political name for itself.  He's basically getting free campaign financing through taxpayers money that will be used in lawsuits that will put his name in the headlines over and over and over again.

KPMG is a Terrible but Inevitable Idea - Corporations Running Governments Openly

I read a terrible article in Forbes this weekend by Eric Werker of Harvard Business School, titled KPMG for Mayor!

Mr. Werker writes that auditors know how the complex accounting rules work for local governments and small national governments, and therefore they should be put in charge of those governments.  It's a new twist on an old theme.  At one time much of the world was defined by city states, this is akin to a corporate city state.

It's not a new idea I first heard about it almost 16 years ago as I read a novel by futurist Neal Stephenson.  In his novels you, much of the planet is now subdivided into corporations and special interest groups that control specific pieces of the country.

The problem with the idea of putting KPMG and control of a city or in a country that KPMG on a bad day is as corrupt as most governments can be.  He cites that auditors might be a will to keep a handle on the rides and corruption that take place in local and second and third world national governments.  Unfortunately he's also blind to the fact that many auditing firms have been complicit in many of the same fiascoes over the last few years only to be pardoned after the demise of Arthur Anderson.

It was just a few weeks ago the Wall Street Journal ran an article about how KPMG itself was able to navigate through a legal quagmire of its own (see How a Chastened KPMG Got By Tax-Shelter Crisis)  almost as bad as Arthur Anderson's if not worse.  The primary reason why KPMG is still in business today is because politicians thought it would do more harm to shut down the company than to let it keep going.  Fortunately there was a time when the US government took a different view with criminals such as Al Capone, another income tax invader.

Mr. Werker seems to be ignorant to the fact that audit firms are often central to the crimes that are created or run by corporations or by individuals.  All too often auditors turned a blind eye to issues or just don't dig deep enough to ensure that the bribery and corruption is taking place.  As an accountant and former auditor I've seen it directly myself with one of the other big four accounting firms, and I've seen hints that KPMG itself has had similar issues.

Disclaimer: I turn the other accounting firm in to the government, but I didn't have enough evidence for KPMG.

The most obvious flaw in this potential solution, is that an auditor is supposed to be unbiased.  As soon as you put the auditor into a position of power they inherently receive a bias.  Giving them the control over the books and the control over the power bias will inherently provide even greater level of corruption in what we see today.  In the meantime this concept should remain in science fiction.

Sopranos Go to Disney

Hey Tony Soprano, you just finished up your final season of the Sopranos.  What are you going to do next?

"I'm taking my shrink to Disney World."

 

Well, that's what he might say if the show was on ABC and not HBO.

Regardless, our sponsor Orlandofuntickets.com has got a guy that can get you a great deal on some tickets. 

Actually, they just published a release about their website that can get you terrific deals on tickets matter who you are.  They can get you Discount Disney Tickets at prices that might even seem criminal.  But the truth of the matter is, all the best prices for Disney tickets are to be had outside the gates of Walt Disney.  And that also goes for all the theme parks in the Orlando area.  Our sponsors can get you the great prices on tickets to any of the 50+ theme parks in the Orlando area

Tony Soprano Gets his Way in Jersey

"I love New Jersey!" Can be heard echoing across the tri-state area this week as the Mayor of Bloomfield allows the filming of The Sopranos final scene. Earlier in the week the town's mayor stated that the mob drama carried negative stereotypes toward members of the Italian community. I for one am glad the Mayor found his senses and will allow the filming to proceed.

There was some confusion as to where the final scene would take place and whether or not there needs to be a waiver to reverse the earlier decision. This decision would restrict filming outside of the commercial district only. So upon review, their “check” of the waiver cleared, thus allowing production of the series finale.

Daylight Savings Another Y2K?

It might not be the next Y2K, but daylight savings promises to deliver more than usual this year. Computers are programmed to think that daylight savings begins the first week of April, however this year it will begin on March 11^th at 2am EST. The question; will the world still be here at 2:01?

Recently systems experts have been looking back on preparations that were made during the Y2K crisis and trying to manage the growing threat looming on the not so distant horizon. The motive behind shuffling daylight savings was to conserve energy, a sound policy developed by congress, however this time it would appear that perhaps a more laissez faire approach could have saved even more time and energy.

Escape From Comedy Central

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Well if I'm getting too old to handle the comedy on Comedy Central, maybe that's a sign that I need a vacation.  I'm definitely getting a little stir crazy from having to be inside all went along.  Down here in the freezing cold southern lands of Atlanta.  :)

Our sponsor, OrlandoVacation.com recently provided a press release, and they describe some excellent packages that they can offer to our readers to get discounts on Orlando hotels.  If you're looking to get a great rate on a hotel in Orlando with access to over 50 theme parks all just 30 to 40 minutes away, check out our sponsor and their terrific site.

Is there a Line South Park Won't Cross?

We are all familiar with those colorful little scamps from South Park; well in honor of the 11th season creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have crossed the line once again. The debut airing on Comedy Central will deliver the "N" word, not once, but instead a total of forty times. If there was ever an example of being over the top, this is clearly it.

In an episode several years ago, Parker and Stone pushed the limits using the word SH*t well over forty times. Today’s animated programs have gone well beyond their predecessors. I can't ever recall Homer Simpson hurling out the "N" word or even "Sh*t" for that matter. Where are we going as a culture? I am scared, but entertained.

Polarized Sun Glasses Help Filter Out Harm from Your Eyes

I've been wearing filter polarized sunglasses for close to seven years now.  I may warn them before that, but I'm not sure that I knew what they were.  In years past, these to take my eyes for granted.  I wore glasses from the age of about 10, until I was 27 or 28.  Then I had LASIK, corrective surgery on my eyes after they'd gotten so bad that I couldn't recognize a person's face and they're standing right in front of me.

Since then, I've always taken extra careful care of my eyes and I always ensure that I wear Polarized Sunglasses when I go outdoors.  I never did that when I was younger and my eyes continued to get worse, year after year.  I do think there was a correlation.

Our sponsor ADS Sports Eyewear focuses on polarized sunglasses.  They offer a number of choices with many different types of polarized sunglasses that can help you protect your eyes while looking your best.

If you're not wearing polarized sunglasses, and you're not concerned about protecting your eyesyou can also look at it from the perspective that polarized sunglasses helpfilter outlight that creates a glare whenever you look at objects.Removing this glare helps you to focus on the crisp edges of an object, and that increased clarity helps you see better.In addition to removing harmful raysit basically allows your eyes tofunction without having to work so hard.That reduction eyestrain is also very significant and helping your eyes stay strongand healthy.

I'm not an eye doctor, however, in my own personal experience.

LoudLaunch - Compensating bloggers for their unbiased opinions, reviews, and analysis. View the LoudLaunch campaign release this post was based on.

Congress Accepts Double Talk from Credit Card Companies

If I want hearings today on Capitol Hill regarding credit card companies.  The heads of many of the major credit card companies and banks were being questioned by a rational panel on their insane and predatory practices.  One man had spent $3200 on wedding expenses, and later received over 40 late penalty charges on his credit card totaling more than $10,000.  He was laid on his credit card payments, but only three times.  Not 40 times.  The head of Chase actually apologized to the man and promised to fix it after the fact.

Credit card companies however are out of control.  After successfully lobbying Congress, less than a year ago to tighten up the bankruptcy laws, such that no consumer can ever write off their debt again, yet the credit card companies can write off bad debt, which is direct paradox.  Congress pandering to the rest of the country today, grilled the heads of these banks looking for credit card reform.  That reform could have been put into the bankruptcy laws that tighten down the clamps on everyday citizens around the country, however Congress to want to help the everyday Americans last time around.

So, that has a critic or companies were able to go up and schmooze with their favorite members of Congress, and apologize for their mistakes, while they all went to a nice big expensive lunch after the fact paid with the extra fees that taxpayers around the country of them pain.  Since Congress threw the baby out with the bathwater.  Not so long ago.

Until Congress comes up with a nationwide law that limits interest charges, they just won't be serious with credit card companies.  Today banks and credit card companies can set up shop in Delaware and South Dakota in charge interest rates that exceed 30%.  In fact, the interest rates can go up to 50 or 60% even higher if they choose to.  There is no limit in those states.  In a few other states do limit interest, but if the credit card company or bank is headquartered in Delaware.  It doesn't matter.  That means that only the federal government can put curves and limits on credit card interest rates.  If Congress is so worried about the personal debt is accumulating in the accounts of everyday Americans.  A good place to start would be to limit the interest rate that credit card companies can charge.  Personally I'm sick of the hypocrisy.

Get A Discount Online More Often

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Ebates to set up a system where you can register with just your he no address, and when you shop for products such as digital cameras, you can go to their website don't get credit for the affiliate commission and provide a portion of that commission to you in the form of an Ebate.  Basically they are providing you with the cash they receive in the form of a commission after their paid.

This means that you can earn up to 25% discount in the form of a rebate whatever you shop online through over 800 different online retailers.  You don't have to go hunting for coupon or discount codes at the point you're check out, all you have to do is go through the Ebates site initially sets that they get credit for the sale and share that credit with you.  In essence you become your own salesperson.

Scooter Libby too Smart for his Own Good - Take the Fifth Next Time

Scooter Libby was convicted on four counts this week. He will not be sentenced until June 5, 2007 four months now. In the meantime his attorneys will seek a new trial in the case, and conservative supporters are pushing to ask President Bush to pardon Scooter Libby.

An interesting question recently raised by the Wall Street Journal points out that Scooter Libby's primary mistake from the legal perspective may have centered around his failure to plead the fifth. Pleading the Fifth Amendment is a legitimate defense for anyone that's under suspicion of a crime. The Constitution provides that no one is obliged to incriminate themselves. Ari Fleischer in the former White House Press Secretary pleaded the fifth and was later brought back into testify against Scooter Libby.

It might have looked bad for the administration if Libby had pleaded the fifth. It might have looked bad for Scooter Libby, however at the end of the day he would not be a convicted felon now. The Fifth Amendment in politics is a strange beast. Politicians and those that serve politicians often worry themselves about the implications of taking the fifth amendment and what it looks like to the public. Politicians often fail to realize that their power is not absolute. And so they often just like a bad villain in and B rated comic book start dialoging with investigators. Often times they might even trying to lead investigators astray or provide a half-truth to misdirect them. This misdirected loyalyty may take the heat off of whoever they are trying to protect, however, it is illegal. They may have done nothing wrong originally, but when they start trying to act devious or tricky or sometimes even just cooperative, their words come back to haunt them. Then they end up going to jail.

As my grandfather might have said, they got to smart for their own good.

Social Gaming Concept Cafe.com

I had a chance to try out an interesting game online the other day.  The game is at Cafe.com; It's not a complex game, however it does encourage players to cooperate with each other.

Games can be an idle way to pass the time, however, they can also be used to hone her skills at thinking, strategy, and in many other ways.  While I was playing the game and learning a little bit about the cooperation required to succeed in the game, I thought that it might be a useful tool to help politicians learn how to help and work with each other a little bit better.

I'm not saying that every politician should go out and play this game in order to become or be an effective leader.  I do think though that it provide some interesting insights into the human condition.

From a purely fun perspective it's also an interesting way to let off a little steam while you're surfing the Internet, and earned some points for a free gifts of various different types like an iPod shuffle or tickets to a movie.  It is a little bit addictive too, so I would have some concerns of politicians started playing it and got hooked and couldn't let it go.  The duty to get some work done!

That said, I have a lot of experience and training in efficiency, and I know that if you take regular and creative mind relaxing breaks.  You will be more effective than anything that you do.  There's often talk about the productivity lost in the workplace when people surf the Internet.  I would counter that argument with the concept that many times that surfing activity is actually giving employees a break such that they can work at the very high level of demand that is required of the information worker these days.

So the next time your boss catches you playing a great game online just tell them that you're working on improving your efficiency and your ability to cooperate with your fellow coworkers.  Then put it into a PowerPoint presentation and offer to train the rest of the staff on it next month during the recurring training Day!

LoudLaunch - Compensating bloggers for their unbiased opinions, reviews, and analysis. View the LoudLaunch campaign release this post was based on.

The Scooter Fun is not Over Yet

Scooter Libby was found guilty, but don't let that fool you into thinking that the legal battles with scooter over.

1. Scooter's attorneys are going to appeal the verdict.
2. The Wilson's are likely going to bring a civil suit against multiple government officials, including Scooter and possibly Vice President Cheney.
3. The President might even pardon Scooter Libby. That didn't will bring up a significant amount of political talk and debate about whether or not Scooter Libby was prompted to do the Vice President's bidding. This could have then created the situation where Scooter Libby lied to a grand jury, was found guilty, and was subsequently pardoned benefiting the people that he lied for the grand jury.

 

So don't think that this roller coaster has come to an end.  I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more of it in the news as Time goes by the next couple of years.

Send Flowers to Libby

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Scooter Libby has taken the fall for the Bush administration.  It's now just remains to be seen if the Bush administration will do anything to make amends.

Maybe Vice President Cheney should visit our sponsor DotFlowers.com.  Pages provided a recent release describing their ability to provide Field fresh flowers you are in the United States, which might just include a federal penitentiary.

All the vice president's office of have to do would be to check out their website find the appropriate gift basket or flowers to send, and send flowers to Scooter Libby.  You can even attach a note saying, "that's too bad about your loss in court the other day, but never fear just stay the course and your partner will be on the way very soon!"

A Great Response to a Stupid Slur

I wouldn't say that I endorsed John Edwards, however he is very talented when it comes to responding to attacks and a positive tone.  If his ability to respond positively to attacks was any indication of his ability to be a successful leader, he might make great president.

 Regardless, this weekends attack on John Edwards by Ann Coulter, was very strange even for Ann Coulter's standards.  Ann delivered a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, DC.  She stated, "I was going to have a few comments on the other Democratic Presidential Candidate, John Edwards, but it turns out you have to go into rehab if you use the word 'faggot.'"

She was apparently trying to be funny.  The joke received a slow applause or acceptance initially.  Other conservative presidential candidates later took a stance against the comments.  The comments were captured on video and in a sense Ann as well as the rest of the audience will now look like bigots in that video.  Ann will look like a big it for saying the words and the audience will look like bigots for laughing and applauding at the words.  The incident harms the image of the conservative political action conference (CPAC) .  Coulter was responsible for speaking the words, the audience was responsible for accepting the words.

Edwards had a great response,

"I think its important that we not reward hateful, selfish, childish behavior with attention. . . .I also believe that is important for all of us to speak out against language of this kind; it is the place where hatred gets its foothold, and we cant stand silently by and allow this kind of language to be used."

Coulter was not apologetic at all.  She later told in the New York Times, "C'mon, it was a joke. I would never insult gays by suggesting that they are like John Edwards. That would be mean."

Tactics to Rile Edwards

it strikes me that this attack on Edwards seems to have been executed in to upset Edwards and attempt to draw him out for seeing them to join in a native response or at least acknowledge a negative attack.  Ann seems to have tried to bring him down to her level, and Edwards did not take the bait.

In addition Edwards stated that the comments were similar to racial slurs that he's heard in the South in the past.  When asked specifically about his opinion regarding Coulter, he stated that he didn't have one and left it at that.  All in all that seems to be a fairly dignified way of making what could have been a newsworthy issue into a nonissue a negative into a positive, and at the end of the day John Edwards stays clean.

The one possibly daring move that Edwards didn't make him was a change in his website that attempted to use this issue to raise hundred thousand dollars and Coulter cash.  His words did not acknowledge her negative statement, however his campaign website did.  Personally I like both moves to statements and the website tactic, however I don't think they work well together.  I think he should have chose one or the other and not both.  In today's election campaign scenarios I suspect he should've let some other political group raise the Coulter cash to run ads for his benefit without his direct intervention.

 

John Edwards Breaks Silence on Coulter's 'Faggot' Barb

Looking Your Best

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In addition to their information on various services and procedures they offer a 3-D tool that enables one to look at representations of female body to determine what various changes might look like before and after the fact.  Often times it's very difficult to visualize what a change will look like in this tool makes it easier to consider the implications and ramifications of different alterations on the human body.

There are 3D INAModel tool helps educate people about the various different sizes and shapes of bodies.  It allows potential patients to configure the model to represent appropriate shoulder sizes waist sizes waits raw sizes and more.  You can see a before and after a fact and you can rotate the model in three dimensions to look at profiles or frontal views top use bottom views etc..  The online tool is extremely flexible and offers many different configurations.

Anyone considering plastic surgery should definitely consider all the options and fully understand the ramifications of the changes that they're going to make.  This resource site and the three-dimensional tool that they provide definitely helps people consider all the options all the angles and all of the potential that may result from a augmentation or surgical procedure.

LoudLaunch - Compensating bloggers for their unbiased opinions, reviews, and analysis. View the LoudLaunch campaign release this post was based on.

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