Bob Cefail Talks About American Movies

If Hollywood producers think Americans want to see nudity in movies, it’s time to think again, says Bob Cefail, Chairman of In Touch Media Group, Inc. (www.intouchmediagroup.com), a full-service marketing company that specializes in market research and online public relations campaigns. Given the downtrend in box office figures, Hollywood producers should stand up and take notice. As evidence, Cefail cites a recently released national study of U.S. moviegoers ( National Research Study Reveals That Most Americans Don’t Want Nudity In The Movies They Watch, www.pressdirectinternational.org).

In that study, which was 200 percent larger than typical national polls, In Touch Media Group found that Americans clearly give a thumbs down to onscreen nudity. The public votes with its dollars, and the entertainment industry needs to take into account what the public wants, notes Cefail, He adds that this concern should extend beyond the big screen. Home entertainment systems and home multimedia systems are now competing with movie theaters for consumers’ time, attention, and money. Hollywood needs to get it right the first time, and provide moviegoers with the content they want.

In Touch Media Group’s national study - and Cefail’s recommendations - echo the findings of other surveys. The Dove Foundation, for example, found that 93 percent of respondents wanted to see more wholesome family entertainment and that 84 percent would make an effort to watch and support family entertainment. Further, 77 percent said that fully three-quarters of the entertainment available today does not reflect or reinforce the values that are important to them.

During In Touch Media Group’s study, which encompassed 22 questions that led respondents to design their own movies, a distaste for nudity in films became apparent. It’s important that our research be carefully considered by the entertainment industry, concludes Cefail. It appears that Americans are both averting their eyes and diverting their dollars when it comes to movies that incorporate nudity.

Kris Nickerson is the Editor-in-Chief of Press Direct International ( www.pressdirectinternational.org http://www.pressdirectinternational.org ), a global information website that provides reliable information tailored to professionals in financial, media, and corporate markets. His thorough knowledge of industries ranging from health care and travel to real estate and financial investing enables him to quickly grasp the nuances of emerging markets and technologies.

AP - The National Park Service’s advisory board on Tuesday recommended designating the world’s first full-scale nuclear reactor, which produced plutonium for one of two bombs dropped on Japan during World War II, as a national historic landmark.

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The Dominican Republic: Cigar Country

Cuba may seem like the country to which the cigar industry belongs, with citizens stopping just short of saluting a Havana Sun Grown instead of a flag. However, Cuba is not the only country with this distinction; it’s not the sole place on an atlas known for putting cigars on the map. Lying east of Cuba is another nation known to be smoking hot when it comes to the world of cigars: The Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic, fittingly discovered by Mr. Cigar himself, Christopher Columbus, is the largest producer of cigars in the entire world, making it known as Cigar Country and leaving stogie lovers everywhere to search for their passports, book their flights, and come to a place that captures the true culture and essence of tobacco.

Bent on a history of instable organization, ruled by military government and dictators, the Dominican Republic is a nation possessing the burdens of economic hardships. From recessions, to inflation, from trade deficits to fraud, the citizens of the Dominican Republic have seen more economic turmoil than most. Nonetheless, their tobacco industry has helped to keep them afloat, with cigars from the Dominican Republic rivaling Cubans for procurement of the title of “Best Cigar.”

Cuban Cigars may get all the mention, as if they are lit with a spotlight rather than a match. But, as cigars from the Dominican Republic stand in the corner, quietly ashing and giving Cuban Cigars a look of intellectual composure, the question about whether the elusiveness of the Cuban Cigar plays into some of its greatness must be posed. Does the difficulty of procuring Cuban Cigars make them a sweeter smoke, as if a reward for an accomplished challenge? But, even with this question and the mysterious mystique that Cuban Cigars possess, some cigar connoisseurs still believe that in the fight of Dominican Cigar versus Cuban Cigar, it is the Cubans that get burned.

However, because many Cubans fled their country during Castro’s rise to power, taking with them their knowledge and their tobacco seeds, many of the cigars produced in the Dominican Republic literally do have Cuban roots. This, undoubtedly, gives the cigars some commonalities, but, because they are grown in different soils and on different lands, the cigars also maintain some differences.

While Cuban Cigars may be more recognizable, overall, cigars from the Dominican Republic include a greater variety of flavors, aromas, and colors. This is largely due to the ideal growing environment the country possesses, giving cultivators the ability to be versatile in their creations. With more than 600,000 acres of tobacco plants nationwide, the Dominican Republic is able to produce a cigar that will fit just about anybody’s taste.

The majority of the tobacco grown in the Dominican Republic is cultivated in the northern part of the country, in close proximity to Santiago. Because of this, Santiago is known to many as the “Capitol of the Tobacco and Cigar Industry.” With climate full of warm weather, and the occasional tropical wind, it’s an ideal place for tobacco growers and cigar makers to establish roots.

Over the past two decades, the people of the Dominican Republic have spent a great deal of time improving the quality of their cigar tobacco. The tobacco plants are carefully managed and cared for, leaving no leaf unturned in the quest to produce cigars of the highest quality. The entire process is highly involved and highly evolved - a process that can take up to three years from beginning to end.

In keeping with its reputation as the “Cigar Country,” the Dominican Republic is the birthplace of cigars from some of the world’s most popular brands. Among these are Arturo Fuente, La Aurora, Leon Jimenes, Cojimar, and Montecristo. But, the Dominican Republic, relying heavily on tourism for economical increases, doesn’t simply produce cigars and send them on their way. Instead, they have a whole cigar world in their cigar country.

From gift shops specializing in souvenir cigars to famous cigar factory tours, from cigar shops to cigar museums, the Dominican Republic offers the cigar loving visitor an experience they won’t soon forget. With all the cigar-related activities, this country assures that the excitement and enjoyment won’t be extinguished.

For the true cigar lover, the Dominican Republic must be on the list of places to visit. A country that not only values the intricate details involved with cigar making, but also shares those details and experiences with the visiting public, this country is sure to add a flavorful experience to all that cross into it, carrying humidors and leaving cigarettes at the border.

Jennifer Jordan is an editor and staff writer for www.whatsknottolove.com http://www.whatsknottolove.com . At home in a design firm in Denver, Colorado, she writes articles specific to the finer things in life.

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Custom Pet Portrait - A Loving Gift Idea To Last A Lifetime

A custom pet portrait will hold a special place in the heart of the person who receives it. It is a loving gift that will create memories to last a lifetime. Whether it is of a current pet or of one who has passed away, a custom pet portrait can be given as a unique gift to commemorate any occasion.

Unique Gift Ideas

Commissioning a custom pet portrait is a great birthday gift idea and would make a unique Christmas gift. Something with the special meaning that is enclosed in a pet portrait would even work for smaller occasions such as a housewarming gift. If someone you care about have a much-loved pet in their lives, it may be worth the effort and expense to have an oil painting made from a photo of that pet.

Painting from a Photo

Almost any pet photo is able to be translated into an oil painting. A simple snapshot may be good enough, but be sure that it is clear and does not have a lot of background distractions. Another idea would be to have a professional photo taken and use that for the oil painting portrait.

While many artists are capable of rendering an oil painting from a photo, its important to choose an artist who is well-verse in painting pets. An oil painting on canvas is able to be produced by many artists; however, there are many artists who specialize specifically in custom pet portraits. A professional painter whose specialty is painting pets will be able to capture the true likeness, expressions and personality of a much-loved pet. This is important as a custom pet portrait will be cherished for many years by the person who receives it.

Add Spice to your Gift

As part of a great Christmas gift idea, an artist may be able to manipulate the background and include seasonal elements such as a tree or themed decorations or even add specialty items to the pet itself, such as a small hat. Before choosing a particular artist to render an oil painting from a photo of a pet, take a look at their portfolio of work to see what else they have done and how you feel it has turned out.

A canvas oil painting is a classy way to present a timeless gift that the received will always remember. Whether it is used as a birthday gift idea or for another occasion, the effort and expense will be worth being able to give a gift that will be cherished and loved by someone you care for. It will speak volumes about not only your feelings for them, but also show that you understand their love for their pet.

Allan Holder is the founder and owner of www.mypicturepainter.com http://www.mypicturepainter.com which is a site dedicated to the revival of the lost art of portrait painting. In today’s fast paced world, sitting for a portrait painting is simply not practical. We allows the user to submit a photo to our network of talented artists who will paint a personal oil painting from your photo.

National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Kobe Bryant, seen here in June 2008, who sparked the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Finals, smiled when asked about his summer plans following the playoffs.(AFP/File/Gabriel Bouys)AFP - National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Kobe Bryant, who sparked the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Finals, smiled when asked about his summer plans following the playoffs.

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Financial Predators: Vermin, Rodents and Other Insect Pests

While there are predators all around us, we generally do not think of our financial providers as predators. Typical providers we might use include banks, financial centers (the fancy name some banks call themselves today), credit unions, mortgage brokers, and mortgage bankers to name a few.

With thousands of people going online and starting home-based Internet Marketing businesses daily, many quickly develop a need for more capital to build their new part-time, second-income enterprise. Some inexperienced newcomers fail to budget properly and soon find themselves in over their head.

Their next likely stop is to find a lender. I was stunned yesterday to get in my post office box one of those new, fancy, 6-by-9-inch oversized postcards with this screaming headline on the slicked up front side: Get $5,000 by tomorrow!

If I did not know better, I would have thought I was reading one of the exaggerated opportunities that pops up on my monitor every day, you know, the one that says Join Us Now And Collect Your $2,000,000 from one of the world’s most rewarding financial associations. Yeah, right. I could use an extra $2 million, and if I read through the entire sales pitch, I would probably find out that I really had to do very little to get it.

Sometimes it is easier to relate to the $5,000 you can get tomorrow (yes, you read right, tomorrow). You see, the lender in this case does not want a lot of legal paperwork and collateral to hold you up. Heck, they just need your signature!

This presents a wonderful opportunity to play Donald Trump. There was a time when The Donald could borrow millions by just signing his name on a dotted line. Sure, the $5,000 lender, called CashCall out of Fountain Valley, California, presumably does a credit check and, even if you rent or your credit is not perfect, the $5,000 will be in your bank account tomorrow (this delivery process is commonly known among the financial community and those who borrow such sums in such ways as a bank wire transfer). And, of course, your immediate money problems are solved! Viola! (as the French would say).

Turns out the source of the money received actually comes from First Bank & Trust of Milbank, South Dakota, a member of the FDIC, mind you (this important fact is used to apparently inspire confidence in the lender which is probably in good standing with your federal government as FDIC does stand for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, an independent agency of your federal government).

Words cannot express how choked up I am with compassion over the fact that a bank would lend someone $5,000 on their signature only, and deliver the money into their account the next day. Some banks are just too wonderful for words.

A lot of folks would be overjoyed at the bank’s generosity and understanding in their time of need. Then again, those same folks probably would be too excited about solving their problems to read the fine print in the same offer.

Did I just say fine print? Yes I did. That is the really small type on the bottom of the back of the life-saving postcard that has the catchy headline (get $5,000 by tomorrow!), and the prominent picture of ten $100 bills on the front, that says:

Example of loan terms: The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for a $5,075 loan is 59.90%, with 84 payments of $254.03. This is what I call a 7-year, fixed-rate loan that will bring the lender $21,338 in return. So, here is the deal: You get a $5,000 loan and the privilege of repaying the $5,000 you borrow plus another $16,338 in interest.

It caused me to wonder if they sell asbestos suits in Milbank, South Dakota, surmising that some folks may develop a need for them, depending, of course, on where they might be going.

The next time your lender is being so nice to you, remember the message of this postcard, and ask yourself, Why is this lender (or banker) being so nice to me? The answer, dear friend, is not that he or she has your best interest at heart.

Why should I even give this seemingly obscure offer even two cents of my time? Only to make this point: Since when is helping a financially desperate person made better by driving them deeper into debt, and then leaving them as ignorant as you found them?

H. L. Mencken (1880-1956), who became a U. S. journalist and literary and social critic, once said You can never underestimate the stupidity of the American people. Man, was he right.

Copyright (c) 2006 Ed Bagley

Ed Bagley is the author of Ed Bagley’s Blog, which he publishes daily with fresh, original writing intended to delight, inform, educate and motivate readers. Visit Ed at…

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Parenting with Values: Not Your Average Traits

Have you ever wondered, Am I a good parent? Am I doing the right things? Will my children grow into ethical adults? Raising kids with character can be a challenge.

Research tells us that every 7 minutes a child is arrested for a violent crime. Don’t let this be your child.

Having counseled parents and children over 22 years, I’ve seen the family pain when children act without values.

Recently, I visited the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado. I was drawn to their impressive mural about character. Here’s a quote from that mural: The most successful people achieve great successes in their lives because they live the highest standards of

Integrity,
Service and
Excellence.

The Air Force Academy teaches these traits. They apply to parenting too. Let’s change that quote to, The most successful parents achieve great successes in their parenting because they live the highest standards of

Integrity,
Service and
Excellence

Parents succeed with integrity when they do the right thing.

Children notice when their parents:

Speak truthfully to their spouse and family.
Avoid drug and alcohol abuse.
Do what they promise.

Children feel secure when their parents exhibit integrity.

Parents lead with service when they focus on parenting.

Children notice when their parents:

Attend their games.
Pick them up at the appointed time.
Attend parent/teacher conferences.
Help them with homework.
Protect them from harm.

Children feel confident when their parents exhibit service.

Parents achieve excellence when they care for their families.

Children notice how their parents:

Communicate with respect within the family.
Encourage successful attitudes in the family members.
Support the members physically and emotionally.

Children thrive when their parents exhibit excellence.

The Air Force Academy promotes building character in our young people. It starts where parents leave off.

What can you do everyday to parent with values?

Practice integrity.
Practice service.
Practice excellence.

These are not your average traits. Be above average. Don’t let your children become statistics. When you raise your children with character, you achieve success.

Jean Tracy, MSS, Granny Jean, publishes Tips and Tools for Character Builders, her Free top-rated Parenting Newsletter. Subscribe at her web site www.KidsDiscusss.com http://www.KidsDiscusss.com and receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids.

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How to Observe Wildlife without Leaving Home

While lumbering herds of elephants and stalking Bengal tigers capture the imagination of most animal lovers, we often neglect the nature closest to us. Sometimes we need a reminder that we are part of a habitat, and that the miracle of life exists under our very noses. Educator and naturalist Carolyn Duckworth has said, “If you want to understand and become connected to your environment, keeping a field journal is one of the fastest ways to accomplish this goal.”

Studies have found that children today consider nature to be somewhere else-on TV, videos, in the National Geographic only. But in reality, a genuine connection to wildlife around the globe is only an extension of a connection to the earth right where you stand. Good naturalists don’t gain their knowledge from formal schooling, they get it in the field, by direct observation. And this observation can start right in your backyard or at the park down the street.

This article will offer pointers for keeping a nature journal. It draws heavily on the program laid out in the book Keeping a Nature Journal: Discover a Whole New Way of Seeing the World Around You by Clare Walker Leslie and Charles E. Roth.

The tools needed to start nature journaling are simple and inexpensive. One needs a notebook and something to write with. Experimentation will reveal your personal preferences for lined or clear paper, binding type, size, and lead or ink. As you gain experience you may add a small set of watercolor paints or colored pencils. If you use pencils you may need a sharpener, or you can use mechanical pencils, which yield more technical-looking drawings. You may also use a collecting bag for objects that you want to draw and study indoors. (Although you should collect only fallen objects, where permission is given).

There are no hard and fast rules for nature journaling, although entering observations using a heading is good practice. For your heading you may include your name, the date and time (it doesn’t have to be an accurate clock time), the place, weather conditions, your first impressions, wind direction (use a compass for this), and cloud patterns and cloud cover.

To get started you may find this sequence of observations helpful, as it gets you in the habit of observing all around you:

* Start by looking at the ground. Get a close up view of individual objects. Try to draw one or more in your journal, labeling each item. Take no more than five minutes per object, and give size measurements (you don’t need a ruler, just estimate.) For further learning, try writing at least one question about each object.

* Now stand up and draw what comes into view at eye level. Label the object and describe what it’s doing, or what it is part of.

* Look up from where you are standing. Record what you see above, and how it makes you feel.

Nature journals are not just for artists. Don’t worry if your renderings look like scribbles. The point is that you are connecting to your environment.

Some questions you may use to direct your journaling, and deepen your connection to the life around you are:

* What are the trees in my neighborhood? When do they bloom? What do their fruits and seeds look like? What insects use the trees? When do they shed their leaves? How do their seeds get to new sites to grow?

* What birds live in my neighborhood? What is their activity at various times of the day? How do different species of birds interact with each other?

* What kinds of insects gather around the light at my doorway each night throughout the year?

* When and where do mushroom species appear in my neighborhood?

Using questions like these you may find yourself discovering both the landscape you live on, and the landscape that lives in you. Those who keep a journal know that journaling is a form of journeying, and a well-kept journal can become a treasured record of where we have been, what we have seen, and what we have felt as we’ve interacted with the world.

You don’t have to visit the glaciers of Alaska, or India’s jungles, or the savannahs in Africa to connect to Mother Earth, although who of us wouldn’t jump at the chance? Start by putting roots down right where you stand.

“It seems only natural that we should value most what we are in contact with everyday…yet the reverse is often true. We appear to place a higher value on rare animals and plants and spectacular views and far-flung places. Of course both are important because they fulfill different needs. But the every day places desperately need our attention-partly because they are changing so fast, and not always for the better, and also because tremendous benefit is to be gained from a personal involvement with your own locality.”

~The Parish Maps Project, London, England, 1987

Emma Snow has always adored wild animals. Emma provides content for Wildlife Animals www.wildlife-animals.com http://www.wildlife-animals.com and Riding Stable www.riding-stable.com http://www.riding-stable.com .

InfoWorld - Ubuntu Linux Founder Mark Shuttleworth urged development of a Linux desktop to rival what Apple has done in this space and aired a vision of software changing the world.

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A Cruise Vacation That Can Include Airline Reservations

An air-sea cruise is when your cruise vacation has been booked with airline reservations to get you to the ship’s port and back home again. The cruise line buys its tickets in bulk from the airlines. They find out where you are coming from for your cruise travel and book you passage from a nearby airport to one close to the cruise ship’s home port. Each cruise line has its own policy on how they deal with the sale of airline tickets, so here are some cruise tips in that area.

What is the cost of the tickets if I book them with my cruise?

The amount will be quoted when you book and will be shown on your bill.

If I need to cancel, are the refund policies different for the plane tickets than for the cruise?

No, as long as you cancel before the penalty phase begins.

Is there a service fee charged to have the Cruise Line issue my Airline reservations?

Only if you use their air deviations plan. The fee is around $50.00 each.

Do I have any choice in which Airline is used?

Yes, if you use there air deviation plan.

Can I get credit for my frequent flyer mileage if the cruise lines books my airline reservations?

No. You can use your frequent flyers if you book on your own.

Can I fly nonstop or have any control over the route that is taken, or do I just get what ever they find?

Here again, use the air deviation plan.

How do I get from the Airport to the ship’s pier?

If you have booked an air/sea cruise vacation the cruise lines will supply you with a voucher for a shuttle bus. If you booked your own airline reservations it will be up to you to get to the port.

Is there a shuttle service available from the airport where you’ll be arriving? Is there a charge for this service or is it included? Is the service included if you don’t book your flight through the Cruise Line?

If you book your flights through the cruise lines, there will be a shuttle and you

use your transfer.

How and when do I meet up with Cruise Line personnel?

They will be standing in the baggage claim area and will hold a sign with the name of the ship. They will direct you to the shuttle.

How is my luggage handled, do I have to pick it up at the airport or is it automatically sent to the ship?

You will have to pick it up at the airport and then the shuttle will take it to the ship with you.

What accommodations, if any, are made if the Airline they use causes me to miss the ship?

If you have booked with the cruise lines they will accommodate you by getting a hotel room for the night and a flight to the next port.

There are many advantages to booking an air-sea package for your cruise travel. The cruise line takes care of the airline reservation. Since cruise lines buy in bulk and usually provide a discount package rate, the ticket price is generally lower than what can be found in the general market. The transfer of luggage is easier, and a free shuttle will take you from the airport to the docks for your cruise vacation.

The cruise line will have your flight information and will be able to track your flight in case of a delay. Others on the cruise might be on the same flight and they might just hold the ship waiting for you to board. The biggest advantage is that if anything goes wrong to delay you, the cruise line will generally become more involved in getting you to the ship.

There, of course, are disadvantages as well to booking an air-sea package. You might be able to find a better deal on your own, or you may have to fly an airline you don’t like. You will not get credit for frequent flyer miles by going through the cruise line, and you might not be able to fly non-stop. Finally, you might end up flying a longer route than you’d pick for yourself.

You could book your own airline tickets, but only do so if you can get a better deal. The strongest consideration should be how confident you are in being able to make it to the ship for your cruise vacation on your own. If you are already flying in a few days early, know you’ll be there on time and you can save over the air-sea on plane tickets and shuttle costs, then you might just consider going it alone. But, remember you are going it alone. In many cruise reviews it is recommended that you book your airline reservation with the cruise line.

The cruise lines will be more likely to make accommodations and work with the airline if their booking didn’t get you to the ship on time. They will be better able to track your late flight and might even delay the ship if they know you’ll only be slightly late. There have been many cruise vacations that have delayed the departure from port especially if there is a large group of cruise travelers on a late plane.

Depending on the circumstances, they might even rebate some of your cruise or give you a discount toward your next cruise vacation with them. However, the airlines are independent contractors. Most cruise conditions of carriage state that since the airlines are independent contractors the cruise line makes no warranty and assumes no responsibility for any failure or delay in their contractor’s services. This is another reason to purchase a strong trip insurance package.

When you book your own airline tickets for your cruise vacation, if the route you picked to make it to the ship fails, you are on your own. Don’t risk missing your cruise travel over a few frequent flyer miles. No matter how you get to your cruise vacation, try to avoid this situation by booking a flight that leaves you plenty of time to get you to and from the pier to the airport. It is recommended that your go on the internet and read the many cruise reviews on this subject.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseGold.com www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and www.CruisingTips.com http://www.CruisingTips.com

A cockroach is trapped on a sticky card after escaping from the race tracks during the Great Cockroach Derby in Singapore August 10, 2006. REUTERS/Kimitsu YogachiReuters - A New Jersey man trying toexterminate insects in his apartment blew it up instead, theNew York Daily News reported on Monday.

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Bin Laden Dead Or Alive? Since Nobody’s Sure, We Wrote Both Articles

Bin Laden Dead

Osama Bin Laden is dead.

We know this for certain, because, after five years of knowing only that he had access to a tape recorder, we were bound to know at least one thing about him that is certain.

We’re also as aware as we care to be that there have been previous rumors of his death. But, as we all know, when you want something to happen, at least three or four rumors seem required before one is actually true.

So how do we know this one is the real deal?

One of the world’s least likely sources of the news, President Jacques Chirac of France, noted that information contained in a French intelligence document, leaked to a newspaper and based on an uncorroborated report from Saudi secret services, indicated that OBS definitely died of an outbreak of typhoid fever in Pakistan in August.

Yes, at long last, Osama Bin Laden has kicked the turban.

Now, most of the world can do two things: be glad he’s gone where he can no longer plot like the very devil against us but be sorry we didn’t catch him so we could have played some role in helping him along to where he can no longer ply his villainous ways against us.

The remainder of the world, who somehow found merit in a man who not only killed thousands of innocent people and instigated the deaths of thousands more, but also found it necessary to operate in such a way that he had an unusually high mortality rate among his employees, may not mourn the passing of the man who salved, with his own hatred, theirs.

The truth of Bin Laden, as we all suspect, is that he was a spoiled rich kid who became compulsive about compensatory behavior and decided his role in life was to bomb sources of wealth, particularly, the great source he could excuse as being conducted by infidels, as emblazoned on the world’s consciousness as The World Trade Center.

Only trouble is, the tantrums of his disgruntled child within cost a lot of wonderful, innocent people their lives and traumatized their families beyond description.

The other truth is, he turned out to be a rat in every sense of the word, because when pursued he scurried into a hole where neither all the Pres’s men nor all the Pres’s allies could get him to come out again.

Now, the world can turn its justifiably vengeful attention to Ayman al-Zawahiri, his terrorist sidekick. Unfortunately, he’s a lapsed pediatrician, so he may remember enough about sanitary practices to avoid water that might contain typhus.

We can only be consoled that in each video he looks closer to falling over from old age and ill health, even while he’s maniacally recording yet more of his invocations to murder and mayhem.

But back to Bin Laden. He met his end, as most monsters do, because of how he chose to trouble us. If he had been sane and conducted his life proudly as a responsible member of the Bin Laden family, he would not have found himself in a place where typhoid fever was a likely intruder in his domicile and, if by some chance, it did intrude, he would have received the most exquisite medical care, probably as an out patient.

So, at long last, it’s time to say, “Bye-Bye, Binny!”

Bin Laden Alive

While for an instant most of the world lived in the hope that the world’s most detested man is dead, their leaping spirits were soon dashed on the hard rock of reality. The monster still breathes in his fetid cave.

We know this for certain, because after five years of knowing only that he owns a tape recorder, we were bound to know at least one thing about him that is certain.

We’re as aware as we care to be that there have been previous rumors of his death. But, as we all know, when you want something to happen, at least three or four rumors seem required before one is actually true.

So how do we know this rumor is just another piece of logos bogus?

One of the world’s least likely sources of the news, President Jacques Chirac of France, noted that information contained in a French intelligence document, leaked to a newspaper and based on an uncorroborated report from Saudi secret services, indicated he might have died in such a suspect way that leaders worldwide immediately doubted its veracity and, as it turned out, he definitely did not die of typhoid fever in Pakistan in August.

No, Osama Bin Laden has not yet kicked the turban.

Now, most of the world can only do two things: regret that he can still plot like the very devil against us but be glad he’s alive, so we still have a chance to play some role in helping him along to where he can no longer ply his villainous ways against us.

The rest of the world, who somehow finds merit in a man who not only killed thousands of innocent people and instigated the deaths of thousands more, but also finds it necessary to operate in such a way that he has an unusually high mortality rate among his employees, can continue to idolize the monster and be prepared to die for his perversely murderous mindset.

The truth of Bin Laden is that, as we all suspect, he is a spoiled rich kid we became compulsive about compensatory behavior and decided his role in life is to bomb sources of wealth, particularly, the great source he could excuse as being conducted by infidels, the USA, as emblazoned on the world’s consciousness as The World Trade Center. Only trouble is the tantrums of his disgruntled child within have cost a lot of wonderful, innocent people their lives and traumatized their families beyond description.

The other truth is he turned out to be a rat in every sense of the word, because when pursued he scurried into a hole where neither all the Pres’s men nor all the Pres’s allies can get him to come out again.

Now, the world need not turn its justifiably vengeful attention to Ayman al-Zawahiri, his terrorist sidekick.

Unfortunately, he’s a lapsed pediatrician, so apparently he remembers enough about sanitary practices to avoid water that might contain typhus. We can only be consoled that in each video he looks closer to falling over from old age and ill health, even while he’s recording his invocations to murder and mayhem.

But back to Bin Laden. He did not yet meet his end, but we can be certain that in time he, like most monsters, will run smack into it in a way that is consonant with how he chose to trouble us. If he were sane and conducted his life proudly as a responsible member of the Bin Laden family, he would not have found himself in a place where typhoid fever was a likely intruder in his domicile and, if by some chance, it did intrude, he would have received the most exquisite medical care, probably as an out patient.

But, as he has so far escaped capture by most of the world, he was somehow able, even when attacked by the typhoid germ, to evade arrest.

So, sadly enough, it’s not yet time to say, “Bye-bye, Binny!”

Tom Attea, humorist and creator of NewsLaugh.com http://NewsLaugh.com , has had six shows produced Off-Broadway. Critics have called his writing delightfully funny, witty, with great humor and ebullience and good, genuine laughs.

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Brand New State Of The Art Nokia Theatre L.A. Live

To celebrate the opening of the brand new, state of the art Nokia Theatre l.a. live, The Eagles and the Dixie Chicks are coming to Los Angeles .

With a new album out, The Eagles have a lot to celebrate. The Eagles are the best selling American group ever with the album, Eagles : Their Greatest Hits 1971 - 1975, and have established themselves as one of the greatest American rock bands of all time. With four number one albums and five number one singles and millions of albums sold, they have cemented themselves in rock history. With songs such as Take it Easy, Witchy Woman, Peaceful Easy Feeling, Hotel California, Desperado, One of These Nights, Lyin Eyes, they have shown they are a double edged sword - being able to create classic American rock and slower, timeless ballads.

Despite incredible success, the band experienced inner turmoil and broke up in 1980. Eagles members Joe Walsh, Glenn Frey, and Don Henley both went on to respective solo careers. However, thirteen years after the bands break up, they reunited with the album titled, ‘Hell Freezes Over’, which was in reference to the statement made by Don Henley that the band would only reunite when hell freezes over. The album debuted at # 1 with the singles ‘Get Over It’ and ‘Love Will Keep Us Alive’.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, the long awaited new Eagles album is expected to be released this year.

Fans have eagerly awaited another Eagles tour and this fall the Eagles will be performing for six nights at the newest concert venue in Los Angeles , the Nokia Theatre l.a. live.

As if the Eagles weren’t enough for eager fans, the Dixie Chicks will be opening for them all six nights.

Legendary in their own right, Dixie Chicks are the highest selling female band in any musical genre, having sold over 30 million albums. Formed in 1989 in Dallas , Texas the band endured years of struggle. The band was formed by sisters Martie and Emily Erwin (since married and names have been changed to Martie Maguire ans Emily Robinson, respectivley) and had a largely influenced bluegrass sound. They found some success opening for larger name bands but achieved no radio air time. The lead singer, Laura Lynch, was replaced with now lead singer Natalie Maines in 1995 and the Dixie Chicks found their stride. With the release of Wide Open Spaces in 1998 the Dixie Chicks found their long awaited success with such singles as ‘Cowboy Take Me Away’ and ‘Wide Open Spaces’. The three women trio instantly became known for their soaring ballads, varied instrumental talents, and unique fashion sense. With a mix of twangy country vocals, catchy pop beats created by a plethora of instruments such as the fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and dobro, the Chicks sold over 12 million copies of their debut album. Proving they were no one hit wonder, their second album, released in 1999, titled ‘Fly’, sold over 10 million copies. The Dixie Chicks have been accused of abandoning their country roots but the fans didn’t seem to mind. The Chicks have been able to cross all genres of sounds and fans.

However, the Dixie Chicks are no stranger to controversy. Natalie Maines famed comment about President Bush in 2003 was heard all around the world. The comment enraged many country music fans who started a boycott of all things Dixie Chicks. Albums were burned, death threats were made, and air time was taken away. The Dixie Chicks never backed down from their comments and tried explaining their feelings to the public by stating that one could be patriotic without supporting a war. After several years of huge financial loss and abandonment of fans, the Dixie Chicks did what they do best - speak their mind through their music. Sometimes dubbed a ‘comeback’ album, the Dixie Chicks released ‘Taking the Long Way’ which went number one on both pop and country charts and became a gold record in less that a week. Their politically infused single ‘Not Ready to Make Nice’ voiced their feelings of their political controversy and became an instant hit. Even though ticket sales for The Dixie Chicks have become noticeably less in several southern states, their international fame and respect has grown.

With over 13 Grammy awards and 30 million albums sold, The Dixie Chicks have proven they are no where near ready to make nice. Along with The Eagles, The Dixie Chicks will be performing for six nights at the new Nokia Theatre l.a. live.

To house such headliners, only a state of the art venue will do - and that’s exactly what the new Nokia Theatre l.a. live has to offer. Part of a brand new entertainment destination in downtown Los Angeles , the Nokia Theatre will boast state of the art acoustics and will be able to house over 7,000 fans.The new Nokia theatre will also be the new home for the Grammy awards as well as the E.S.P.Y. awards.

There could be no better pair like The Dixie Chicks and The Eagles to open the brand new Nokia Theatre - guaranteed to be the concert event of the year.

For all you entertainment needs, Barrys Tickets can help. For over 25 years, Barrys Tickets has been the number one source for tickets in Los Angeles . Offering tickets for all sporting, theatre, and concert events, Barrys has the tickets you are looking for. For tickets to The Dixie Chicks/Eagles event at the new Nokia Theatre, visit Barrys Tickets to make sure you have the best tickets to the best concert event of the year.

Chris Cabrera works as web development for a ticket broker catering to all concert tickets including the new nokia theatre la www.barrystickets.com/los-angeles/nokia-theatrela/index.php http://www.barrystickets.com/los-angeles/nokia-theatrela/index.php for the eagles and the dixie chicks and all other concerts.

A man tapes the windows of his store ahead of Hurricane Dolly in Port Isabel, Texas. Hurricane Dolly churned over the Gulf of Mexico Wednesday toward the US-Mexican border, forcing thousands in Mexico to evacuate as US oil rigs put staff ashore and the US Navy sheltered aircraft.(AFP/Getty Images/Dave Einsel)AP - Rain started to fall along the Gulf Coast as Hurricane Dolly closed in on towns straddling the Texas-Mexico border, packing 85 mph winds that could strengthen when it hits land later Wednesday.

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Shih Tzu Dog Shows

Shih Tzu dog shows and Shih Tzu dog breeding attracts the interest of people from all walks of life ranging from royalty to the lady next door. Ordinary family folk attend dog shows and compete successfully with top-quality dogs they have bred themselves. A good dog show judge will disregard all but the dogs themselves when making a final decision. Who you are or where you come from does not matter in good show dog judging. The Shih Tzu dogs have to prove themselves, not the people. The dog game is simply a love of dogs.

Most of the people you will meet at a Shih Tzu dog show share an appreciation for their dogs. As with any hobby or profession, however, there are many different opinions as to what a dog show truly is. You might hear things like: “it’s a cult.” You will definitely hear about the politics and the enormous amounts of money people spend on the dogs and how much the dogs hate it.

Where the dog game takes each participant depends wholly upon the individual interests in the sport. There is a place for everything in the dog game - breeding, exhibiting, judging, training and teaching. The dog game is forever changing. To begin the Shih Tzu dog game journey, you will need a purebred Shih Tzu dog of course.

Where did it all begin? Dog showing actually began in England year of 1859. The first recorded formally organized dog show was held in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England. The Newcastle show was limited to Setters and Pointers.

Dog shows were originally organized as a place for breeders to gather to have their breeding stock evaluated by someone knowledgeable in their respective breed. The decisions were based upon the theory that superior dogs were the most likely to contribute their good qualities to their offspring. A written description of an ideal specimen of a breed was established. These descriptions are known as “breed standards.” Of all Shih Tzu dogs appearing before a knowledgeable judge or person, the dog that possessed most of the characteristics described in the standard won first place. The Shih Tzu dog closest in quality to the first-place dog was placed second, and so on. This same process continues today at dog shows.

If you live in the United States you will most likely be showing your Shih Tzu dogs under the American Kennel Club. The organization maintains offices in both New York City and Raleigh, North Carolina. The AKC is the largest purebred dog registry in the United States, but other domestic registries also exist.

The American Kennel Club is devoted to the advancement of purebred dogs and maintains a registry of recognized breeds. They adopt and enforce rules for dog events, dog shows, and obedience trials, field trails, hunting tests, lure coursing, herding, earth dog trials, agility and the Canine Good Citizen program.

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. Sign up at: www.stainglassshihtzus.com http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

A climate change protester unsuccessfully tried to superglue himself to British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, pictured in May 2008, at an event in the leader's residence, a government spokesman said Tuesday.(AFP/Pool/File/Sang Tan)AFP - A climate change protester unsuccessfully tried to superglue himself to British Prime Minister Gordon Brown at an event in the leader’s residence, a government spokesman said Tuesday.

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